Performance evaluation of a desiccant dehumidifier using different desiccants

Abstract

This article reports an analysis of different empirical dehumidification effectiveness correlations for packed bed columns using two desiccant solutions viz. lithium chloride and calcium chloride. The analysis shows wide variations in effectiveness values ranging from 10% to 50% or more, with higher deviations occurring for lower ratios of liquid to gas flow rates. It is also reported that for same ratio of liquid to Gas flow rate, the dehumidification effectiveness is more for the desiccant system using LiCl. Design variables found to have the greatest impact on the performance of the dehumidifier, are desiccant concentration (slope = 2.7), desiccant temperature (slope = -1.4), air flow rate (slope = -0.9), and air humidity ratio (slope = 2.5).