Heat Recovery for Industrial Drying
Drying and curing are among the most energy-intensive industrial steps—exhaust often leaves at 60–120°C. Drying heat recovery captures that energy to preheat incoming make-up air, cutting fuel use and sometimes enabling heat-pump upgrade. The right exchanger depends on the product and its air-quality rules.
Product-Specific Guidance
| Product | Recommended | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Grain, flour, starch | Plate (sensible) | No recirculation of exhaust to product; sensible plate case |
| Fruit, vegetable, herb, seafood | Plate (sensible) | Keep supply air separate from exhaust |
| Tea, tobacco, wood, sludge | Plate or run-around | Condensate drain required |
| Pet food, mixed industrial | Run-around coil | For contaminated/odour exhaust |
Food and agricultural drying must use sensible plate recovery without exhaust recirculation—the product air stays clean. See the air-to-air guide for principles.
How Much Can You Save?
Preheating make-up air with recovered exhaust heat typically reduces dryer firing by 15–35%. Model it with the calculator using your exhaust temperature and run hours.
Design Considerations
- Condensate management—drying exhaust is humid; plate cores need a drain pan.
- Material—stainless or coated aluminium for corrosive/off-gassing loads.
- Fouling—allow access for cleaning.
- Flue/gas drying—condensing recovery recovers latent heat too.
FAQ
Can I recirculate dryer exhaust to the product?
For food and agriculture, no—use sensible plate recovery so supply air is never contaminated by exhaust. Recirculation is only for non-product or fully filtered loops.
Size Your Dryer Recovery
Send EN159 your dryer exhaust data. Call 15753355505 or request a quote.