Inline Drying Rate (dM/dθ) SoftSensing & Control System
The drying rate (dM/dθ) for a product being dried can be sensed and controlled inline by relating it to the process variable (∆T). This relationship is obtained by taking the first derivative of MC with respect to time (θ) of the Delta T model (equation (1) to give the drying rate in a dryer, oven, kiln, or the like, in terms of (∆T) shown in equation (2).
MC = K1(ΔT)p – (K2/Sq) (1)
(dMC/dθ = K3(dΔT)/(dθ) (2)
Since drying rate is related to the rate of change in (∆T), with respect to time, it follows that the drying rate of a product being dried, baked, coated, etc., can be continuously sensed and controlled simply by use of the (∆T) process parameter. One possible use for the sensor is in the baking industry. For example, a 3-N-1 sensor combining MC, drying rate, and surface temperature could be monitored and controlled using one common process parameter (∆T). Other possible applications would be in coating, curing, and laminating various products.