Measurement of dryer condensing rates (batch method), Technical Information Paper TIP 0404-02 (2025)

This Technical Information Paper outlines a method to measure condensing rates and blow-through steam flows from a single dryer cylinder. Separate methods are provided for dryers operating above atmospheric pressure and those operating below atmospheric pressure (under vacuum). These methods require that discharge from the dryer be temporarily diverted and collected in a drum of water.

Other methods for measuring condensing rates are outlined in TIP 0404-18 (Measurement of dryer condensing rates (vertical separator method)) and in TIP 0404-03 (Measurement of dryer condensing rates (continuous method)).  The 0404-18 method is used most commonly for measurement in the field, but it measures the average condensing rate of all dryers discharging condensate into the separator tank and it does not provide a measurement of the blow-through flow rate.  The 0404-03 method provides measurement of both condensing rate and blow-through flow rates for a single dryer, but requires more equipment and instrumentation than this method requires, at least for dryers operating above atmospheric pressure.