Theory of FBD: The equipment works on a principle of fluidization of the feed materials. In fluidization process, hot air is introduced at high pressure through a perforated bed of moist solid particulate. The wet solids are lifted from the bottom and suspended in a stream of air (fluidized state). Heat transfer is accomplished by direct contact between the wet solid and hot gases. The vaporised liquid is carried away by the drying gasses.
construction of FBD:
In FBD, good contact between hot air and particles to be dried is obtained which cause rapid drying.
Two types of FBD are used in pharmaceutical industry. They are:
1. Vertical FBD
2. Horizontal FBD
The fluidising air stream is induced by a fan which is mounted in the upper part of dryer. The air is heated to the required temperature in air heaters and passed through the wet material contained in a drying chamber fitted with a wire mesh support at bottom. The air flow rate is adjusted by means of recirculation control and fabric filter bags are provided to prevent the passage of fine particles. This type of FBD is a batch type dryer and the drying chamber is removed from the unit for charging ad dumping. The FBD available in different capacities ranging from 5 kg to 200 kg with an average drying time of about 20-40 min.