Safety considerations in mechanical drying

Important considerations have to be taken into account when doing a site-specific assessment on the potential of mechanical drying. Since most dryers use air heaters that use various types of fuels they constitute a considerable safety risk.

For safe operation of the burner the dryer needs to be equipped with:

• A flame control to turn off fuel supply in case of ignition failure (automatic burners in re-circulating batch dryers).
• In gravity-fed pot-type burners a safety device that turns off fuel supply when there is a power failure that shuts of the fan.
• High temperature limit switch or temperature control to prevent overheating.
• Proper electrical wiring of all electric components.
• Proper ventilation of the outlets in pressure systems to prevent the accumulation of carbon monoxide (CO) in the surroundings of the dryer.