Integral Flow Parameters and Material Characteristics Analysis in Through Air Drying: Part I.

The extension of the Darcy law (the Forchheimer flow equation) relating second-order nonlinear pressure drop with flow velocity is studied during fast transient through air drying of sheets of porous biobased materials such as paper. A range of the paper materials with open structure consistent with tissue and towel products (basis weights 25 and 50 g/m2) made using different production processes are analyzed for the factor-specific influences with regard to changes in the fluid resistance from the removal of moisture from the material interstices. A characteristic dimension suitable for the drying process is applied from viscous and inertial momentum transport analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]