Multi-objective optimization of a steady-state rotary dryer

The multi-objective optimization of a direct current rotary dryer that operates with pozzolan in a Paraguayan company is detailed in this article. Three objective functions in steady state are minimized using a NSGA-II algorithm, these are: (1) moisture at the exit of the rotary dryer, (2) heat released to the environment through the dryer and (3) operating costs of the production process in the Paraguayan company. Furthermore, the optimum operating conditions of the drying process are obtained and compared with the real process. Experimental results prove the ability of the proposed algorithm to decrease the moisture content of pozzolana by 28%, the heat released to the environment by 38 % and the operating costs by 52%.