Low-temperature drier for pulp drying in Südzucker’s Offenau factory: Why a low-temperature drier? And why not?

In the context of an increase in slicing capacity from 8,800 t/d to 10,000 t/d, the reorganization of the cooling water circuits and condensers, as well as the introduction of thick juice storage, Südzucker’s Offenau factory decided to install a low-temperature drying plant for the 1998/97 campaign. After comparing technical data and designs, Südzucker chose a two-storey Global drier with a 50,000 m2 heat transfer area. The drier came on stream in the 1996/97 campaign, but was only about 65% usable. The operating results at that point were: 440 t/h beet slice; 17.5% pressed pulp on beets; 31.5% dry substance in pressed pulp before drying; 76 t/h pressed pulp throughput; 40% dry substance in pressed pulp after drying; 1,200 kW/h power consumption. Design, construction and startup of the drier are described. In addition to the operating results, the alterations made for the 1997/98 campaign are presented.