Agree on the basis first
Comparing running costs means looking at how much heat is needed per kilogram of water evaporated and multiplying by the local electricity or steam price, rather than comparing machine prices directly. A cheaper machine that uses more energy is not necessarily cheaper over time.
Steam heating
Plants that already have a boiler usually find steam more economical: the unit cost of heat is lower and it suits long continuous production. The downside is the boiler, piping and the associated operating management.
Electric / electromagnetic heating
No boiler or steam piping is needed, deployment and start-up are fast, and temperature control is relatively precise. It suits sites without steam. The electromagnetic series handles roughly 200–5000 kg/h.
How to choose
Check whether a boiler exists, whether electrical capacity is sufficient, and the local electricity and steam prices. With steam available for long continuous production, steam is usually cheaper; without steam and with adequate power, electric heating is simpler.
References and Standards
- Mujumdar A S. Energy aspects in drying[M]//Mujumdar A S. Handbook of Industrial Drying. 4th ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2014.
- Shen W D, Tong J G. Engineering Thermodynamics[M]. 5th ed. Beijing: Higher Education Press, 2016. (in Chinese)
- Chen M H, Cong D Z, Qi M Z, et al. Principles of Chemical Engineering[M]. 5th ed. Beijing: Chemical Industry Press, 2020. (in Chinese)
- Liu X D, Li Z Y. Modern Drying Technology[M]. 3rd ed. Beijing: Chemical Industry Press, 2022. (in Chinese)
- Liu G W. Design Handbook of Drying Equipment[M]. Beijing: China Machine Press, 2009. (in Chinese)