Tenter frame drying energy

Beard(Z.) has developed a useful mathematical model of a convection dryer for studying the use of energy in a tenter frame. The model is based on a set of simultaneous differential equations which can be solved numerically to obtain fabric temperature and macroscopic moisture contents along the length of the dryer. The model considers the fabric as a moist layer of fabric sandwiched between two dry layers of fabric. Thermal energy is convected from the dryer to the external surface of the dry layer and then from the exterior of the fabric to the interface between the wet and dry layers. At the interface, the water is evaporated and diffuses as vapor through the dry layer to the surrounding hot make-up air. Assumptions in the model include ... 

IR ovens are typically used to predry materials that are finally dried in tenter-frame convection ovens. They are also used to augment the existing ovens where additional production is needed and space is limited. IR ovens are not normally used to accomplish final drying because IR energy is absorbed by dry textiles and there is a danger of scorching or burning the product. 

---