kontaktikuivaus

Kontaktikuivaus is a Finnish term that translates to "contact drying" in English. It refers to a method of drying where a solid material is dried by direct contact with a hot surface. This is a common industrial process used for a variety of applications, including the drying of powders, granules, slurries, and pastes.

The principle behind contact drying involves heat transfer from a heated surface to the material being dried. The moisture within the material evaporates and is then removed, typically by convection or by a vacuum. The hot surface can be a rotating drum, a heated belt, or a stationary plate. The temperature and residence time of the material on the hot surface are crucial parameters that need to be carefully controlled to ensure efficient drying without damaging the product.

Contact drying offers several advantages. It is generally an energy-efficient method as heat is applied directly to the material. It can also be a relatively fast drying process. However, it is not suitable for all materials. Materials that are highly sensitive to heat or those that tend to adhere strongly to surfaces may not be ideal candidates for contact drying. Furthermore, it can be challenging to achieve uniform drying for materials with a wide particle size distribution. Examples of equipment utilizing contact drying include drum dryers, belt dryers, and rotary evaporators. The specific design and operation vary depending on the properties of the material being dried and the desired outcome.