Non-thermal Removal of Moisture for Laundry Drying Applications

SunBrine Inc. (www.sunbrine.com) was established to develop and market technologies to de-carbonize commercial and industrial processes that utilize hydrocarbon fuels. SunBrine’s primary technology entails the use of a process cycle in which concentrated salt brine solutions, via their hygroscopic nature, absorb water vapour. Through this mechanism, water is removed from the commercial or industrial process applications, such as the drying of hotel laundry. The resultant dilute salt brine solution is pumped to a regeneration component which releases moisture using heat, thereby concentrating the salt brine solution for the next cycle. However, unlike conventional laundry drying processes, low temperature heat can be utilized for this purpose. Solar thermal energy would satisfy the energy needs for solution regeneration and provide the benefit of no greenhouse gas emissions from the laundry drying process. A partnership between SunBrine Inc. and St. Lawrence College has been formed to help define the properties of brine solutions as they relate to the moisture removal process. At present there is little data associated with the use of brine solutions in drying applications and this study aims to characterize these properties.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gordon McAlary;Steve White

Student:

Partner:

SunBrine Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

St. Lawrence College

Program: