A comprehensive investigation of the influence of vacuum conditions on the drying characteristics of textiles

Pulsed vacuum drying (PVD) is a novel drying technique that has gained attention in recent years. It is one of the techniques that has emerged to address the limitations of conventional drying methods. This study proposes a comprehensive investigation into the influence of vacuum conditions on the textile drying process. The research focuses on the utilization of both centrifugal vacuum pumps and pneumatic vacuum generators to create a controlled vacuum environment within a custom-designed vacuum drum. It also aims to examine the influence of PVD on textile drying characteristics. This will be achieved through a series of steps: first, a thorough analysis of the impact of the constant vacuum and pulsed vacuum process on the drying kinetics of textiles in a vacuum environment; second, identification and evaluation of optimal drying parameters, such as temperature, duration of the vacuum phase, and period of the atmospheric phase; and finally, development of a practical framework for simulating thermal and mass transfer during vacuum assisted drying. The accuracy of the simulations is confirmed through experimental results. The comparative study will extend to conventional dryers, with the aim of demonstrating the advantages and limitations of vacuum-assisted drying in terms of drying rate and total drying time. Through this investigation, the thesis aims to contribute valuable insights into the potential advancements in textile drying technology, with a focus on vacuum-assisted methods.