Impact of process parameters on drying of dolomite ore by microwave energy

الملخص EN

Microwave drying tests on dolomite ore were carried out in order to determine the effect of process parameters and variables on its drying mechanism.

Dolomite ore was crushed under 2 mm particle size with water to bring the moisture content to about 5% and then was fed into a microwave oven.

The time-dependent moisture removal rate and surface temperature changes were determined at different microwave oven powers (180, 600 and 800W).

The very low capacities of industrial microwave ovens are a handicap for activities requiring high capacities such as mining.

The rate of moisture removal was taken into consideration in evaluating the results.

The optimum experimental conditions for drying were carried out at 800W for 8 minutes.

This results in the removal of 33% of the moisture from the dolomite ore.