Performance Evaluation of a Desiccant Dehumidifier using Different Desiccants

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