Fluidized Bed Drying of Yellow-Poplar Veneer

A cylindrical fluidized bed, 4 inches in diameter and 2 feet in length, was used to dry 0.10 by 2 by 6 inch samples of rotary-cut yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) veneer. Two kilograms of glass beads 3/32 inch in diameter were used as the fluidizing particles. Moisture content of the samples during drying was determined by weight loss. Sapwood samples were dried at 250?, 300?, and 350?F. and heartwood samples were dried at 300? and 350?F. at a bed pressure differential of 1.4 psi and a flow rate of 22 std. ft.3/min. and a superficial air velocity of 250 ft./min., with actual air velocities of 310, 330, and 350 ft./min. at 250?, 300?, and 350?F., respectively. The drying rates in the fluidized bed were twice as fast as those encountered in a jet dryer and five times those attainable in a parallel air-flow veneer dryer.

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