Hydrodynamics of Filtration Drying of Crushed Oregano

The study presents the results of research into the hydrodynamics of gas flow filtration through a quasi-stationary layer during the filtration drying of crushed oregano, a pharmaceutical industry waste product remaining after the extraction of target components, as a raw material for the production of alternative solid fuel. The main geometric parameters of individual crushed oregano particles, as well as the physico-mechanical properties of the layer that settles under the influence of pressure drop, were determined experimentally. The experimental setup diagram is also provided. An analytical method was used to determine the influence of layer height settlement, changes in the equivalent diameter of channels between particles, and layer porosity on pressure losses during gas flow percolation. The results of the experimental studies are presented as functional dependencies: pressure loss ∆P = f(v₀), changes in the equivalent channel diameter dₑ = f(v₀), and layer porosity ɛ = f(v₀) as functions of the apparent gas filtration velocity. The feasibility of preparing crushed oregano for the production of feed yeast, alternative solid fuel, etc., is substantiated. The obtained results enable the prediction of energy consumption in the design of filtration drying equipment for crushed oregano.