RDF Dryer Manufacturer
See how we dry RDFAmong RDF dryers manufacturers and RDF drying plants manufacturers, STRONGA is a specialist – designing FlowDrya lines that lift the calorific value of shredded refuse-derived fuel. As a refuse derived fuel dryer manufacturer, we build each plant to order at our Hertfordshire works, matched to your waste stream and target moisture.
- FlowDrya continuous flow drying range — in production since 2012
- Engineered and built to order in the United Kingdom
- Custom-configured to your material, throughput and heat source
FlowDrya RDF (refuse derived fuel) dryers are manufactured by STRONGA LTD, built to order in the UK as part of the FlowDrya continuous flow drying range, in production since 2012.
FlowDrya conditions shredded RDF – which frequently arrives above 55% moisture – down to below 20%, raising net calorific value from typically under 10 MJ/kg to around 18 MJ/kg for cement plants and energy-from-waste operators.
Why RDF Needs Drying Before Use as Fuel
Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) is a heterogeneous mix of municipal solid waste with moisture content frequently exceeding 55%, depending on season and location. Excess moisture reduces combustion efficiency, lowers flame temperature in cement kiln burners and reduces net calorific value, since energy is consumed evaporating water rather than generating heat. FlowDrya dries RDF to below 20% moisture, raising typical calorific value from under 10 MJ/kg to around 18 MJ/kg – an increase of roughly 80% – while improving feed handling, fraction separation and combustion stability.
How a FlowDrya RDF Drying Plant Works
FlowDrya RDF drying equipment operates at 80–100°C, using residual heat where available, such as spare heat from cement kilns and pre-calciners. Material is dried on a deep-cycle bed (500–600mm) using PulseWave™ agitation, so dense, non-homogenous RDF is continuously mixed rather than sitting in a static layer. The dryer runs on a hydraulically-driven moving floor with no chains, belts or sprockets, and FlowDrya's intermittent stop-start operation uses 4–8X less electrical power than belt dryers that run continuously.
The Economic Case for Drying RDF
Drying RDF from 50% down to 20% moisture cuts the bulk density of the material from around 450 kg/m³ to 315 kg/m³, meaning a 28-tonne truck payload carries roughly 19.8 tonnes of dry RDF solids instead of 14 tonnes – increasing the calorific value delivered per truckload from around 280 GJ to 395 GJ. For waste recyclers, that means fewer truckloads per tonne of fuel energy delivered; for cement plants, it means a more consistent, higher thermal-substitution-rate alternative fuel.
RDF: Wet vs Dry (50% MC → 20% MC)
| Parameter | Wet RDF (50% MC) | Dry RDF (20% MC) |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk density | 450 kg/m³ | 315 kg/m³ |
| Dry solids per truck (28t payload) | 14 tonne | 19.8 tonne |
| Calorific value per truck | 280 GJ | 395 GJ |
RDF Dryer Manufacturer FAQs
Who manufactures RDF dryers?
FlowDrya RDF dryers are manufactured by STRONGA LTD (Companies House 03974884), engineered to order in the UK. The FlowDrya product line has been in production since 2012.
How does a FlowDrya RDF drying plant work?
FlowDrya RDF dryers operate at 80–100°C on a deep-cycle bed (500–600mm) using PulseWave™ agitation to continuously mix and tumble the material. The hydraulically-driven moving floor has no chains, belts or sprockets, and its stop-start operation uses 4–8X less electrical power than belt dryers.
What moisture content does FlowDrya achieve for RDF?
RDF often arrives above 55% moisture. FlowDrya is best-in-class at conditioning RDF to below 20% moisture, matched to the throughput requirements of each project.
How much does drying increase RDF's calorific value?
Before drying, RDF at around 55% moisture typically has a calorific value under 10 MJ/kg. After drying to below 20%, calorific value increases to approximately 18 MJ/kg – a rise of roughly 80%.
What is the difference between RDF and SRF dryers?
SRF is typically a more homogenous, consistent material and is classified as a subdivision of RDF, meeting EN ISO 21640 (NCV >20 MJ/kg, moisture <15%). RDF is a cruder, more heterogeneous feedstock shredded from municipal solid waste. FlowDrya can be configured to dry both RDF and SRF, since Stronga has experience building hydraulic flow dryers for a wide range of waste-derived alternative fuels.
What heat sources can supply a FlowDrya RDF dryer?
FlowDrya RDF dryers are commonly matched to surplus, high-grade, low-cost residual heat available from cement kilns and pre-calciners, transformed into drying-quality air for the dryer.
Do you install and commission RDF drying plants?
Yes. Every FlowDrya is fully assembled and factory-tested at Stronga's works before being disassembled for shipping. On-site installation is typically completed within days, followed by commissioning, operator training and a full 'hot test' before handover.