(19)
(11) EP 0 276 145 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
25.01.1989 Bulletin 1989/04

(43) Date of publication A2:
27.07.1988 Bulletin 1988/30

(21) Application number: 88300465.7

(22) Date of filing: 20.01.1988
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)4C10F 5/00, F26B 21/06
(84) Designated Contracting States:
DE GB GR SE

(30) Priority: 21.01.1987 IE 15487

(71) Applicant: BORD NA MONA
Dublin 2 (IE)

(72) Inventors:
  • Hughes, Joseph
    Monkstown Co. Dublin (IE)
  • Gates, John
    Dalkey Co. Dublin (IE)
  • Egar, Kieran
    Blackrock§Co.Dublin (IE)
  • O'Gogain, Colm
    Newbridge§Co. Kildare (IE)

(74) Representative: Foster, David Martyn et al
MATHISEN MACARA & CO. The Coach House 6-8 Swakeleys Road
Ickenham Uxbridge UB10 8BZ
Ickenham Uxbridge UB10 8BZ (GB)


(56) References cited: : 
   
       


    (54) Peat drying apparatus and method


    (57) In drying apparatus for removing moisture from peat, hot gases generated by a furnace 4 are sucked through a rotary drum drier 1 by a downstream blower 16. Peat is fed into the drum drier 1 by a conveyor 3 and entrained with the gas flow for direct contact heat exchange and intensive drying action during its passage through the drier. Downstream of the drier 1, the peat and hot gases are separated by cyclone units 8 and 14. A substantial proportion of the hot gases separated from the gas and peat mixture are returned by duct 17 to the upstream end of the drying system for recycling through the drying stage. The returned gases are input to the furnace 4 by blower 6, where they are mixed with fresh combustion gas and reheated. Oxygen content in the hot gases leaving the system is monitored by sensor 58 and peat input to the drier 1 is only allowed when the oxygen content is less than 12%. Temperature within the drier is also monitored by sensor 55 and peat input only takes place when enabled by oxygen content and also when appropriate temperature conditions prevail in the drier. A water input 52 to the drying system is also enabled and disabled by the oxygen sensor 58, and water injection takes place, when enabled, if drier temperature rises to an excessive level.







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