Gypsum

Experts in process design and material

processing for over 60 years.

DryingA Look at

Gypsum drying is a critical part of both

gypsum mining and gypsum

processing.

Gypsum drying is a critical part of both

gypsum mining and gypsum

processing.

Both in mining and processing, drying

gypsum helps to create a uniform,

premium product.

Drying

Mined Gypsum

Mined gypsum ore must meet certain

moisture levels before it can be further

processed.

Mined gypsum ore must meet certain

moisture levels before it can be further

processed.

Drying gypsum ore removes

problematic moisture, helping to

prevent the ore from congesting

equipment in subsequent processing

steps.

This is commonly carried out in a rotary

dryer, an industrial dryer valued for its robust

build, longevity, and ability to accept

variance in feedstock.

Drying

Pelletized Gypsum

Gypsum is commonly pelletized to

improve handling and use, particularly

when it will be used as a soil

amendment.

The pelletizing process works by tumbling

gypsum fines in the presence of a binder

(similar to rolling a snowball) on a disc

pelletizer. This creates uniform, round pellets

ideal for agricultural use.

However, because moisture is added during

this process, a drying step is required to cure

pellets into their final hardened form.

However, because moisture is added during

this process, a drying step is required to cure

pellets into their final hardened form.

This helps to prevent clumping issues during

storage and transportation, but still provides

a pellet that can break down quickly under

standard field conditions.

This can be carried out in a fluid bed

dryer, or a rotary dryer, with rotary

dryers being the more robust choice.

When carried out in a rotary dryer, the

drying step has the added advantage

of “polishing” the pellets; the tumbling

action further rounds the granules.

Choosing A Gypsum Dryer:

Rotary Dryer or

Fluid Bed Dryer?

In drying gypsum, the choice often

comes down to a fluid bed dryer or

rotary dryer.

Fluid bed dryers have a smaller footprint than rotary dryers,

making them a good choice for small

processing facilities. They are also modular,

allowing for easier operational growth.

However, they do not accept variance in

feedstock, which can be a problem.

Rotary dryers are heavy-duty, and valued for their

reliability, high throughput capacities, and

their ability to accept variability in

feedstock.

Many rotary dryer manufacturers also

offer a variety of customizations to

improve processing and increase

process efficiency:

- Abrasion resistant flights

- Heavy-duty linings to protect against abrasion

- Knocking systems to reduce and prevent build-up

- Special burners to limit pollutants

Conclusion: Drying gypsum offers many benefits and

plays a vital role in creating a quality

gypsum product, be it in the mining phase,

or the processing stage. Both rotary dryers

and fluid bed dryers are a suitable choice

for gypsum drying, with rotary dryers being a

more robust choice.

has been working with gypsum for over 60

years, providing testing, process design and

development, and manufacturing of gypsum

processing equipment, including custom,

heavy-duty rotary dryers.

vFEECO

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Gypsum Processing

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Gypsum Processing E-book

Processing Techniques

Challenges

Material Characteristics

Maintenance

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