Industrial Biomass Belt Dryer | SWISS COMBI Schweiz

What Materials is the SWISS COMBI Industrial Biomass Dryer Suitable For?

Drying of Biomass

The SWISS COMBI belt dryer is suitable for the gentle drying of biomass and organic bulk materials that are low-odour and permeable to air. It dries the product using heated outside air at a maximum temperature of 115°C.

Drying Wood Shavings and Sawdust

Once dried with the SWISS COMBI belt dryer, wood shavings can be processed into chipboard. Sawdust can be dried using the SWISS COMBI belt dryer and then compressed into wood pellets.

Drying Bagasse (Sugar Cane) and Sugar Beet Pulp

In the sugar industry, the SWISS COMBI belt dryer is used to dry bagasse in order to increase its calorific value and utilise it as a fuel for the generation of steam or electricity. Sugar beet pulp is used as animal feed after being dried on the SWISS COMBI belt dryer.

Drying of Animal Feed

Feeds such as grass, lucerne or feed maize can be dried particularly gently using the SWISS COMBI belt dryer. This produces high-quality feed for ruminants, ensuring excellent-quality milk.

Drying Wood Chips or Forest Wood Chips

Wood chips and forest wood chips are by-products of wood processing. Using the SWISS COMBI belt dryer, they can be dried in an energy-efficient manner and subsequently used as fuel.

When it comes to drying, there are often more possibilities than you might think.

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Advantages of the SWISS COMBI Industrial Biomass Dryer

Water Evaporation per Drying System:

45 t/h

Max. Residual Moisture:

2%

Systems in Operation:

> 200

Efficient Use of Waste Heat
Gentle Drying of Products
Low Electricity Consumption
Available as a Compact Belt Dryer
Suitable for a Wide Range of Products
Low Maintenance Costs

Whether it’s biomass, wood chips, sawdust or animal feed: benefit from SWISS COMBI technology when drying organic bulk materials!

SWISS COMBI biomass belt dryers utilise waste heat for particularly efficient drying

Using Waste Heat to Power the SWISS COMBI Belt Dryer

SWISS COMBI belt dryers utilise existing waste heat in the form of hot water, condensate or saturated steam to heat the outside air. As they do not require an additional energy source for heat generation, our belt dryers are extremely energy-efficient.

SWISS COMBI belt dryers use heated outside air to dry items at temperatures of up to 115°C. This ensures particularly gentle drying.

Gentle Biomass Drying at Temperatures up to 115° C

The SWISS COMBI belt dryer uses heated outside air with a maximum temperature of 115°C. This minimises the thermal stress on the product being dried, ensuring it is dried particularly gently. At this temperature, the product generally retains its colour and odour. The effect of scorching the finest product fibres – which typically occurs when drying with flue gas – is avoided, thereby also eliminating the associated product loss.

SWISS COMBI industrial biomass dryers produce low levels of dust emissions.

Reduced Dust Emissions with the SWISS COMBI Belt Dryer

Most European countries follow the German TA Luft (Technical Guidelines on Air Quality). This stipulates a limit value for dust emissions of 10 mg/m³. SWISS COMBI’s belt dryers easily comply with this limit when drying many products. For more stringent requirements or in the case of particularly dust-intensive products, we can clean the exhaust air using filters or washing systems.

SWISS COMBI belt dryers are precisely tailored to the product being dried. This optimises electricity consumption.

Industrial Biomass Drying System with Low Power Consumption

Every SWISS COMBI belt dryer is custom-designed to meet our customers’ specific requirements. In addition to utilising waste heat, we use, for example, fans that are precisely calibrated to the optimum operating point for the products being dried. This enables us to optimise electricity consumption.

The SWISS COMBI belt dryer is also available as a 2-metre-wide compact system.

Compact Industrial Biomass Belt Dryer

The SWISS COMBI belt dryer is available in three standard widths: 7.2 metres, 6 metres and 2 metres. The 2-metre-wide version is the KBT compact belt dryer, which is designed as a single-layer belt dryer. The compact belt dryer was developed based on SWISS COMBI technology in collaboration with Rudnick&Enners and is manufactured by Rudnick&Enners. A KBT compact belt dryer can achieve water evaporation rates of 400 to 2,000 kg/h. Materials can be dried to a residual moisture content of up to 2 per cent.

The SWISS COMBI belt dryer is suitable for drying air-permeable, organic bulk materials such as wood shavings, sawdust, wood chips, bagasse, biomass or animal feed.

Drying a Wide Range of Biomass Products

The SWISS COMBI belt dryer can be used for many different raw materials, provided they are permeable to air. This is typically the case with biomass and organic bulk materials such as sawdust, wood chips or animal feed. Using a 5kg sample, we can test on our pilot belt dryer whether your product is also suitable for drying on our belt dryer.

Maintenance costs for the SWISS COMBI belt dryer are relatively low compared with other types of dryers.

Low-Maintenance Biomass Drying Plant

Due to the low temperature, there is virtually no thermal wear. Product transport on the polyester belt also results in very little wear. Furthermore, the mechanical stress is primarily confined to the inlet module, where the coating takes place. As a result of the lower overall wear, maintenance costs for the SWISS COMBI belt dryer are relatively low compared with other types of dryers.

Exclusive to SWISS COMBI: Energy-Efficient Drying with a Double-Layer Belt Dryer

We manufacture the SWISS COMBI belt dryer as a single-layer or double-layer drying system – depending on which variant offers the best solution for our customers. Depending on the available space, several systems can also be installed one above the other or side by side. Our experienced engineers develop tailor-made dryers for each customer, specifically designed to meet their requirements.

A Single-Layer Belt Dryer is Suitable for ‘Simpler’ Drying Tasks

If the residual moisture content of the product to be dried is to be 20 per cent or more and sufficient waste heat is available for the drying process, a single-layer belt dryer is generally the most efficient solution. The amount of heat required to achieve the desired residual moisture content depends on various factors, such as the type of product to be dried, its initial moisture content at the start of the drying process, and consequently, the amount of water that needs to be removed during drying.

In the SWISS COMBI single-layer belt dryer, the wet product is fed onto a product belt via the inlet module. During transport, it is dried with warm air and discharged at the end of the belt as the finished dry product.

A single-layer belt dryer is particularly suitable when the product’s moisture content is to be 20 per cent or more after drying

The SWISS COMBI Double-Layer Belt Dryer Dries Efficiently to a Residual Moisture Content of Town to 2 Per Cent

If the residual moisture content is to be less than 20 per cent after drying, the two-layer drying principle developed by SWISS COMBI is often the most efficient solution.

In a double-layer belt dryer, the wet product is fed in and conveyed through the dryer in the same way as in a single-layer belt dryer. However, in the double-layer belt dryer, the pre-dried product is mixed again using screw conveyors, returned at the side of the belt dryer and applied as a second layer on top of the first layer. The drying air is thus used more efficiently, as it first flows through the pre-dried product layer and then through the more moist, lower product layer. As a result, it absorbs more moisture and is therefore better saturated. This increases the efficiency of the dryer.

Furthermore, the double-layer concept has the advantage that the lower, moister layer of product binds dust more effectively, resulting in lower dust emissions than with a single-layer belt dryer. The end product also has a more uniform moisture content than when dried using a single-layer belt dryer.

The double-layer belt dryer is also suitable where heat is in short supply and efficient drying is particularly important.

If the residual moisture content of the dried product is to be below 20 per cent, a double-layer belt dryer is ideal. The product is passed through the dryer twice and can thus be dried down to a residual moisture content of 2 per cent.

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Economic Advantages of the SWISS COMBI Industrial Biomass Dryer

SWISS COMBI Belt Dryers are Custom-Made Systems

There are no charges for features you do not need.

Double-Layer Belt Dryers are Particularly Efficient

SWISS COMBI’s double-layer belt dryers are particularly efficient and very compact, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional single-layer belt dryers.

Fuels Have a Higher Calorific Value Once They Have Been Dried

Better combustion performance is achieved using less fuel.

Transport Costs are Lower Thanks to Drying

The drying process removes water, which means the end product weighs less.

SWISS COMBI Belt Dryers are Low-Wear

Maintenance costs are relatively low compared with other types of dryers.

Applications of Industrial Biomass Belt Dryers

Chipboard Industry

Drying wood shavings for the production of chipboard or OSB boards.

Pellet Industry

Sawdust from the production of wooden boards or other sources is processed into wood pellets once it has been dried.

Sugar Industry: Sugar Beet Pulp

After leaching, sugar beet pulp is pre-dried or fully dried on a belt dryer and processed into animal feed.

Sugar Industry: Bagasse

Bagasse is a by-product of sugarcane processing. Once dried, it can be used as a fuel to generate steam and electricity.

Animal Feed Industry

Belt dryers are used when drying grass or alfalfa for animal feed, particularly where product quality is of paramount importance.

Combustibles

Drying wet biomass so that it can subsequently be burnt in a power station or boiler, or as preparation for a pyrolysis process.

Our References: Successful Industrial Biomass Dryer Applications

Over the course of its more than 60-year history, SWISS COMBI has developed and built more than 200 belt dryers – in many countries around the world, for drying a wide variety of raw materials (such as biomass, wood chips, sawdust, alfalfa, sugar beet pulp, wood shavings or Refuse-Derived Fuel, or RDF for short) – and always with technology tailored to the specific needs of our customers. Every SWISS COMBI drying plant is unique; each has presented its own particular challenge. Discover how we have tackled these challenges in the following references.

Raw Material:

Drying Wood Chips and Sawdust

Country, Year:
Germany, 2018

Dimensions:

7.2m x 49m

Water Evaporation:

16 t/h

This SWISS COMBI belt dryer has been designed to dry two different products – wood chips and sawdust – with a high degree of efficiency.
Raw Material:

Drying of Wood Shavings

Country, Year:
France, 2022

Dimensions:

6m x 42m

Water Evaporation:

14 t/h

Drying of Wood Shavings This belt dryer from SWISS COMBI can be used to dry wood chips to a final moisture content of less than 2 per cent. Such demanding drying processes are required in the chipboard industry.
Raw Material:

Drying Wood Chips

Country, Year:
Croatia, 2019

Dimensions:

6m x 38m

Water Evaporation:

3.1 t/h

This SWISS COMBI belt dryer for drying wood chips allows the use of several heat sources with different temperatures and properties: hot water and steam can – in separate circuits – be used simultaneously to heat the drying air.
Raw Material:

Drying Sawdust

Country, Year:
Switzerland, 2019

Dimensions:

6m x 25m

Water Evaporation:

5.4 t/h

With this SWISS COMBI belt dryer, it is possible to use both warm process air and hot water as heat sources. This results in particularly significant energy savings.
Raw Material:

Drying Alfalfa

Country, Year:
France, 2014

Dimensions:

6m x 36m

Water Evaporation:

9.5 t/h

In this SWISS COMBI belt dryer for drying alfalfa, unsaturated exhaust air is channelled from the rear of the belt dryer to the front section via exhaust air recirculation. This optimises heat transfer and reduces operating costs.
Raw Material:

Drying Sugar Beet Pulp

Country, Year:
Austria, 2013

Dimensions:

3x (7.2m x 45.5m)

Water Evaporation:

45 t/h

This SWISS COMBI belt dryer, designed for drying sugar beet pulp, meets particularly stringent noise control requirements thanks to its ‘whisper-quiet’ design.
Raw Material:

Drying Sawdust

Country, Year:
Belgium, 2008

Dimensions:

2x (6m x 40m)

Water Evaporation:

2x 8.6 t/h

This SWISS COMBI belt dryer for drying sawdust was constructed as a two-storey belt dryer to make the most efficient use of the available space.

From Switzerland to the rest of the world: An overview of the countries to which SWISS COMBI has supplied belt dryers.

Dark blue: Countries to which belt dryers from SWISS COMBI were delivered.

Raw Materials Suitable for the Belt Dryer

We develop and manufacture systems for a wide variety of raw materials – see the list above. But we can do more. Do you have a new project for us? With a 5kg sample, we can test whether your product is suitable for drying on our belt dryer. We’d be happy to discuss the options with you to find the right drying solution for your needs.

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Frequently Asked About Industrial Biomass Dryers

Which products can be dried using a SWISS COMBI belt dryer?

The SWISS COMBI belt dryer is an industrial drying system designed for gently drying of biomass and air-permeable bulk materials. Typical applications include sawdust, wood shavings, wood chips, grass, alfalfa, feed maize, sugar beet pulp, bagasse and waste.

It is also suitable for selected waste recycling applications, including organic production residues, alternative fuels and RDF (refuse-derived fuel), provided that the material is sufficiently air-permeable.

We can test the drying behaviour of your product using a 5 kg sample and determine whether it is suitable for processing in a SWISS COMBI belt dryer. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

How much space do I need for a SWISS COMBI belt dryer?

SWISS COMBI belt dryers are available as standard in three belt widths: 7.2 metres, 6 metres or 2 metres (SWISS COMBI compact belt dryer).
Depending on the available space, several belt dryers can be installed one above the other or side by side.
The entire drying unit is usually between 10 m and 15 m wide and 15 m to 75 m long.

What heat sources does a SWISS COMBI belt dryer require?

For the SWISS COMBI belt dryer, it makes no difference whether the primary heat source is electric heating, natural gas heating, biomass heating or others.

SWISS COMBI biomass dryers utilise existing waste heat in the form of hot water, condensate, steam or hot gas to heat outside air. Therefore, they do not require an additional heat source.

Are SWISS COMBI belt dryers suitable for waste recycling?

Yes, as they are designed for drying air-permeable waste-derived materials, including organic production residues, alternative fuels and RDF (refuse-derived fuel). Drying reduces moisture content, thereby improving the material’s handling, storage and fuel properties.

The most suitable drying technology depends on the available heat source. Belt dryers are particularly well-suited to situations where hot water or low-temperature waste heat is available. However, where warm exhaust air can be used directly, such as cooler exhaust air in the cement industry, a SWISS COMBI KUVO dryer may be a better solution.

How much energy does a SWISS COMBI belt dryer require?

The amount of energy required may vary depending on the type of product to be dried and the desired residual moisture content of the end product.
On average, our belt dryers require between 0.75 kWh/kg and 1 kWh/kg of thermal energy for water evaporation, depending on the ambient temperature and the intended application (pre-drying or final drying). As the heat source is usually already available waste heat, there are no associated costs.
On average, SWISS COMBI belt dryers require between 0.02 kWh/kg and 0.04 kWh/kg of electrical energy per kg of water evaporated during operation. Depending on the industry or plant, the required electricity can be generated on-site.

What is the drying capacity of a SWISS COMBI belt dryer?

Depending on the model, SWISS COMBI belt dryers offer a drying capacity of between 1 metric tonne and 45 metric tonnes of water evaporation per hour per drying plant. A drying plant may consist of several belt dryers.

What is the suitable initial moisture content for drying with the SWISS COMBI belt dryer?

The SWISS COMBI belt dryer can be used to dry air-permeable, organic bulk materials with an initial moisture content of 75% down to a final moisture content of down to 2%. Within this range, our customers can choose the desired moisture content of the end product.

To what final moisture content can products be dried using the SWISS COMBI belt dryer?

SWISS COMBI’s belt dryers can achieve a residual moisture content of as low as 2 per cent. The initial moisture content of the products to be dried can be as high as 75 per cent. Within this range (75 per cent - 2 per cent), our customers can choose the desired moisture content of the product after drying.

What drying temperatures are possible with a SWISS COMBI belt dryer?

SWISS COMBI belt dryers operate at drying temperatures between 55°C and 115°C.

Which control options are available for the SWISS COMBI belt dryer?

The SWISS COMBI belt dryer is operated by a PLC control system and features control loops that enable automatic operation. It is important to understand that a belt dryer is an inert system and requires operation that is as continuous as possible. If conditions become unstable, an operator can intervene to assist.

What does SWISS COMBI mean by a custom-made drying system?

SWISS COMBI manufactures drying systems that are precisely tailored to each customer’s specific requirements. In doing so, we take into account, amongst other things, the product to be dried, the required residual moisture content, the heat sources that can be utilised, the available space, the limits that must be adhered to regarding noise and dust emissions, and much more. On request, we can also supply SWISS COMBI dryers in your company’s colours. Every SWISS COMBI drying system is unique.

SWISS COMBI Belt Dryer

Energy-Efficient Belt Dryer for Biomass and Other Organic Bulk Materials

SWISS COMBI Drying Systems are Individually Manufactured

SWISS COMBI Designs and Manufactures Industrial Drying Systems for a Wide Variety of Raw Materials