University of Minnesota Duluth

Department of Chemical Engineering

ChE 3211/4211

Chemical Engineering Laboratory

Prof. Davis

Experimental Design Review1

TEAM MEMBERS: Mike Lund-Knill, Jacob Wieland, Connor Elsner
EXPERIMENT: Drying Curves Of A Non-Porous Solid

1. Establish clear objectives:

The objective of this experiment is to measure the evaporation rate by using the
drying curves of a non-porous solid (sand) obtained by initial mass, moisture content,
and time measurement.
2. Describe the instrumentation using a simple schematic or process flow diagram:

3. Establish the primary measured variables:

Time, Moisture Content, Wet Dry And Wet Bulb Temperature, Ambient Air
Temperature, Ambient Air Pressure, Weight of Sand
1Requiredtobeginusinglaboratoryequipment.Discuss data analysis, formal or memo report
requirements with the instructor.

4. Present data reduction equations or calculations using estimated values:

q=hAT where h=k/x , heat transfer coefficient
k = thermal conductivity of the fluid
x = thickness of the laminar film II
A = Area
T = Temperature
------------------------------------------------------------1
1
1
=
+
where KL=overall coefficient of liquid phase mass transfer
K L H kG k L
H = Henrys Law constant
kG = film coefficient of gas mass transfer
kL = film coefficient of liquid mass transfer
_____________________________________________________________________
_

Hr=

( e w APT )
ed

100

5. Present preliminary uncertainty analysis:

6. Identify primary variable ranges and number of measurements:
Our moisture content will range from greater than 10% to near 0%. Our relative
humidity will range from 0-100%. Our tray dryer will be set to power level 9. We will
be taking measurements every 5 minutes, or more frequently if need be. We need to
take enough measurements to make an accurate conclusion about our results.

7. Describe experimental control requirements:

We must maintain the same power level of the dryer throughout the entire
experiment. We must also keep the velocity of the air flowing through the dryer
constant.
8. Develop a data recording strategy:
The data will be recorded in a lab composition notebook using the following table:
Time (min)

Mass of

Product

Air

Air

Drying Rate

Evaporated

Moisture

Humidity

Humidity

(kg/min)

Water (kg)

Content (%)

Before Tray

After Tray

(%)

(%)

9. Present a work plan and schedule:

Work Plan:
1. Ensure all necessary equipment is operational and functioning correctly. (15min)
2. Distribute 2800 grams of wet sand between all four trays. (15min)
3. Run experiment, ensuring the fan speed is set to 5 and the power supply is set to 9.
(2hrs)
4. Analyze results. Are the results reasonable? (30min)
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 twice (5hrs)
6. Write and bind the report. (4d)
10. Describe any personal and environmental safety precautions:
Personal safety equipment will include safety glasses and thermal gloves (for the

removal of the trays after drying is complete). We must also take measures to prevent
short circuiting the device. This includes keeping liquids and wires away from the
power supply.