Larger low-pressure dryer sucks out the moisture. (Keeping up with Auxiliaries).

A new low-pressure dryer, one of the largest of its type on the market, is said to achieve energy savings, greater machine uptime, and improved quality through the use of a new, patented drying method. Model LPD 200 is the latest addition to the LPD line of low-pressure dryers from Maguire Products, Inc., Aston, Pa.

LPD dryers differ from conventional dehumidifying dryers in two ways. First, the LPD uses vacuum to literally pull moisture out of the pellets. Second, it performs heating and vacuum drying simultaneously in separate stations, transforming a batch process into a continuous one that keeps pace with the processing machine. Smaller LPD units have shown up to 87% energy savings relative to conventional dryers. They also reduce splay and other defects by imposing less heat on the resin.

Designed to accommodate maximum throughputs of 200 lb/hr, the LPD 200 measures 70 x 31 x 32 in. While it has double the capacity of the next-largest dryer in the series, it is only slightly taller and wider and also smaller than conventional dryers of equivalent capacity. The smaller batch size and shorter drying cycle of the LPD dryer reportedly make it possible to shorten cold start-ups to less than 1 hr. Also, the three-station indexing system permits color and material changes on the fly. Tel: [phone], www.maguire.com