Using Life Cycle Assessment methodology to minimize the environmental impact of dryers

Drying is known as a high energy consuming unit operation, representing between 12 to 25% of the global industrial energy consumption in developed countries. Consequently, drying contributes to several environmental impacts mainly associated to its heat or electricity requirements. One can cite global warming, emission of particles, acidification, photochemical ozone formation, … Based on a literature review and some dedicated case studies, this work will illustrate how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can be used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated to a drying operation. The results will be presended in a way to indicate some eco-design strategies for dryers. Keywords: drying; eco-design; Life cycle assessment; environmental impact.