Resin dryers.

PAUL O. ABBE

Manufactures vacuum and fluid-bed dryers including Rota-Cone tumble vacuum dryers, horizontal rotary vacuum dryers and Forberg-II fluidizing dryers. Specializes in packaged systems including heaters and vacuum pumps, and high temperature vacuum PET solid-stating equipment.

AEC/WHITLOCK

Manufactures hot-air and dehumidifying drying systems featuring microprocessor-based temperature controls. HA series hot-air dryers range from 30 to 2500 cfm for processing nonhygroscopic materials.

SB, WD and DB series dehumidifying dryers for hygroscopic materials range from 10 to 2500 cfm and feature twin stationary desiccant beds to ensure an uninterrupted flow of dehumidified air.

Also available are drying hoppers from 50- to 10,000-lb capacity. New large-capacity drying hoppers from 1000- to 10,000-lb capacity feature a tank and cone geometry that promotes true mass-flow of all materials, including sheet regrind. Specially designed air distribution system provides true cross-sectional temperature gradient with no channeling or air-flow bypass. Multiple styles include machine mount, floor mount and above-floor mount.

BRY-AIR SYSTEMS DIV. BRY-AIR, INC.

Manufactures resin dehumidifiers and hot-air dryers for extrusion, injection and blow molding applications. Desiccant-based dehumidifiers range in size from 20 to 5000 cfm and include from 2 to 28 desiccant beds. Options include digital dewpointers, diagnostics, central drying system, after-cooling coils and heaters mounted at the hopper for additional energy savings. Larger units include natural gas regeneration and heat recovery coils for energy efficiency. Dehumidifying powder drying systems also available in single- or multiple-batch capacities.

Also offered are mold dehumidification systems (MDS) designed to eliminate mold condensation during high humidity periods. Surrounding the mold enclosure with dry, dehumidified air, systems allow injection and blow molders to reduce cooling cycle times by as much as 30%.

CACTUS MACHINERY INC.

Offers Cactus Superdryers in four sizes for processing engineering resins to 75 lb/hr within 30 min of startup. An alternative to batch-type desiccant drying, Cactus system operates on a continuous basis. Small amounts of resin are heated quickly to force moisture to the pellet surface. A compressed air-powered venturi creates the air flow across the resin to transport the surface moisture from the resin. Low-wattage heater bands reportedly reduce the electrical consumption to 80% less than comparable desiccant dryers. Since there are no moving parts, maintenance is virtually eliminated. Microprocessor controls maintain accurate and constant temperature inside the dryer for consistent-quality parts. Predrying is not required.

CARRlER VIBRATING EQUIPMENT

For drying various sizes and types of pellets, company offers its 12-in. x 15-ft, 1-hp stainless-steel conveyor dryers with unit and hood insulation and low profile to fit together with in-line equipment. Air temperature and volume are controlled to maintain pellet quality.

For drying PET chips in a bottle recycling process, company offers two-zone, stainless-steel, 2 x 10 ft, 2-hp, fluid-bed dryers, which are furnished as a system with auxiliaries, including steam coils, noise attenuators, dust collectors, slide gates, valves and discharge-drum covers. Air temperatures and volumes are controlled to dry chips to specified levels and prevent melting or fusing.

CARTER-DAY INDUSTRIES (CANADA)

SpinAway Dryer is a centrifugal dryer for cost-effective drying of plastic flakes or pellets. Capacities range from 100 to 110,000 lb/hr, drying to moisture levels to less than 0.05%. Dryer has reinforced rotor-lifter-plate design for extended rotor life. Logarithmic lifter-blade spacing in the rotor design increases the pellet resident time, enhancing drying; and the horizontal air-flow forces water and air through the screen rather than out the pellet discharge. Unit requires minimal space, low horsepower, and is designed for continuous, uninterrupted production. Accessories include dewatering units, moist-air exhaust fans, air pre-heaters, internal washdown spray systems, hardened rotors, pellet-free rotors, and low-noise construction.

CINCINNATI MILACRON U.S. PLASTICS MACHINERY DIV.

Offers a comprehensive line of dehumidifying dryers that are machine mounted, portable, or floor mounted. Line has air-flow ratings of 25 to 2500 cfm. Modular, insulated stainless-steel hoppers are sized to the requirement and designed for balanced flow of dry air. Also included are an aluminum mounting casting at the throat and a slide gate. Microprocessor controls feature large digital display of set and actual temperature, alarm codes, and cam-cycle sequence codes. Units utilize a solid-bed design with low-watt-density Calrod heaters. Options include hi-temp package (300400 F), hopper-mounted process-air heater, and precooling coil. Hopper options include drawer magnet, vacuum take-off, and low-level alarm.

COMET AUTOMATION SYSTEMS INC.

Series SD dryers dry resins at a rate of 15-50 lb/hr. Dual desiccant beds provide a low dewpoint of -40 F with a completely automatic regeneration cycle. Space-saving construction permits on-machine or separate mounting. Solid-state temperature control enhances reliability.

CONAIR FRANKLIN THE CONAIR GROUP, INC.

Mini-dryers with drying capacities to 70 lb/hr of hygroscopic material feature "true closed-loop" design, which eliminates venting system for make-up air. Model CD-30 includes integrated drying hopper and is machine mounted, while Model CD-60 is floor-mounted with machine-mounted drying hopper.

New configuration for the Mini-Dryers is the MDC mobile dryer/conveyor system in four models. Included on the mobile frame is a microprocessor-controlled dehumidifying dryer, drying hopper, and material conveying loader and blower for transfer of dried materials to machines using dehumidified air for conveying.

Carousel CS and Plus series dehumidifying dryers are microprocessor-controlled and have multiple indexing desiccant cartridges, which eliminate dewpoint and temperature variations by controlled introduction of regenerated desiccant to the drying air stream, while saturated desiccant is moved into regeneration. Ambient air cannot affect drying performance.

CompuDry control package includes programmable delivery air temperatures, high and low temperature lockout, alarm-band settings, and an autostart timer.

Optional features include CompuDry II Axiometer R in-line resin moisture analyzer, which automatically adjusts dryer temperatures to the amount of moisture to be removed at the real-time rate of processing.

Full line of indirect, gas-heated dehumidifying dryers with capacities from 300 to 4000 lb/hr offers lower operating costs and simplified maintenance.

Crystallizer systems for injection and blow molders processing PET change virgin PET scrap (including post-consumer scrap) from amorphous state to crystalline state at rates of 3000 lb/hr. Applications include APET and CPET sheet extrusion and recycling.

DRI-AIR INDUSTRIES, INC.

Manufactures a complete line of desiccant dryers and drying systems for throughputs from 2 to 400 lb/hr. Arid-X line of dryers is a fully automatic dual-bed design, which produces -40 F dewpoint air. Units come in beside-the-press, portable, and hopper mount models.

Portable series features the Arid-X automatic regenerating dryer, drying hopper and closed-loop conveying system integrated on a compact castered floor frame. A small filterless receiver is all that mounts to machine feed throat, eliminating heavy machine-mounted hoppers. Material changes are simplified because drying components are located on the floor. Dual hopper models are available for on-the-fly material changes.

Both standard and microprocessor controls are available. New microprocessor control has multiple regeneration control, which allows for select regeneration based on dewpoint, temperature, or time basis. Standard features include a -40[degrees] F moisture monitor, seven-day timer, diagnostic functions, and RS232/SPI capability.

FLUID AIR INC.

Offers stainless-steel, batch fluid-bed dryers used for food, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Models range up to 1450-liter batch size. Pilot facilities for feasibility testing available.

FOREMOST MACHINE BUILDERS INC.

Offers dehumidifying hopper dryers in a wide range of drying capacities. The design reportedly uses less electricity than conventional units for equivalent throughput. Features include crossflow regeneration for extremely low dewpoints with no spikes. Standard high-heat/PET models also available.

GALA INDUSTRIES, INC.

Offers centrifugal dryer for up to 100,000 lb/hr of thermoplastics and elastomers. Drying process takes place in three phases. In the dewatering phase 90-95% of water is removed by impact and gravity. Vertical pre-dewatering screens provide a large screen area in a small space. In the impact phase product is forced spirally upward from the bottom to the top of the rotor area, reducing water content to between 0.5-1.0%. Final phase takes place in the upper part of the rotor area as dry air passes through the spiraling product. Surface moisture of nil to 0.5% can be reached on most smooth, warm products. Dryers feature stainless-steel construction, quick cleanup, low noise, and need only a small area for installation. Options include agglomerate catcher, exhaust blower, pellet-free rotor, inlet and outlet inspection window, wear-resistant coating and heavy-duty construction for abrasive polymers, air heaters, and pellet water tanks.

GRUENBERG OVEN

Granulate dryers up to 500 F, with a uniformity of [+ or -]9[degrees] F, available in truck-load or shelf-load design. Stainless-steel interiors, continuously welded liners, and HEPA filtration are standard to prevent contamination. Explosion-resistant design is optional. Custom-designed units can be built.

HAMILTON AVTEC INC.

Offers Accudry series of dehumidifying dryers for critical drying applications, and 2000 series of hot-air dryers for non-hygroscopic applications.

Ten models of automatic desiccant dryers are offered. These use a molecular-sieve desiccant to trap moisture within a closed drying system. Several desiccant cartridges are provided, which are periodically indexed to a regeneration cycle. Programmable microprocessor controls provide LCD messages for initial settings and provide performance information, as well as alarm conditions.

Hot-air dryers come with an integrated, stainless-steel-lined drying hopper that mounts on the processing machine. Floor-mounted models available. Seven models provide drying ranges from a few lb/hr to more than 1000 lb/hr, depending on material type. An air-flow regulator balances blower cfm for drying efficiency.

HYDRECLAIM CORP.

Hydra-Dry series of dehumidifying drying systems feature a single rotary, molecular-sieve desiccant honeycomb wheel offering lower energy consumption, smaller size, lower stable dewpoint capability, and efficient use of desiccant material. Elimination of desiccant dusting and controlled laminar airflow with minimal pressure drop through desiccant are claimed, as are lower maintenance with fewer moving parts, no temperature blips, no valves, easy trouble-shooting.

IMS CO.

Offers three styles of hopper dryers for use at the press. Model HAD751 is a low-cost, hot-air unit for use with nonhygroscopic materials that can serve more than one press. Model MD75050 is a refrigerant/hot-air dryer suitable for many hygroscopic materials. RD-Series desiccant dryers use four rotating desiccant beds to ensure consistently low dewpoint. A variety of convection, refrigerant/hot-air dehumidifying and desiccant-type drying ovens also available.

JEFFREY DIV. DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC.

Offers a full line of vibrating fluid-bed dryers and coolers. The vibrating fluid-bed system efficiently transfers heat and mass. The advantage of intimate contact between material and the air stream of the fluid bed are combined with the gentle handling and positive conveying action of a vibrating conveyor to create versatile equipment. Features include serf-cleaning design with stainless-steel contact surfaces, variable conveying speeds, automatic control, inspection doors, and multisection air plenum.

K-TRON NORTH AMERICA 

Offers full line of central dehumidifying dryers, as well as machine-dependent dryers. Colortronic dehumidified-air dryers dry granular thermoplastics to the lowest residual moisture content possible regardless of atmospheric conditions. Dryers are said to achieve good drying results with minimum energy requirement. Standard insulated drying hoppers further reduce energy costs. Continuous dewpoint sensing also saves energy by regenerating desiccant only when necessary. Dryers use stainless-steel heating elements for longer life and cast desiccant beds for efficient air flow.

LABOTEK INC.

Desiccant Dryer/Loaders (DDL) combine loading, desiccant drying, and automatic regeneration in one compact unit. Units have floor-mounted control panel with functions displayed by graphics and light signals. Residual moisture levels down to 0.02% are achieved. They operate on low power, have hopper-magnet shut-off slide valve, discharge valve for easy material change, and come in nine sizes. Also offers DDL-HT for drying PET bottle resins to moisture levels of 0.002%.

Mobile Desiccant Dryer/Loaders (DDM) combine in one mobile unit the dryer, desiccant, automatic regeneration, and automatic conveying of dried material to process machine using predried hot air. Special discharge fitting acts as level control on process machine hopper. DDM can feed two process machines at the same time. Unit available in three sizes and uses the Con-Evator three-phase hopper loader.

Desiccant Central Dryer (DCD) dries one or more granular materials to less than 0.02% moisture in one or more drying hoppers using a central power pack, which comes in six sizes. Hoppers have individual heaters and temperature controllers, making it possible to dry different materials at the same time.

LITTLEFORD DAY, INC.

Offers a choice of product dryers and drying systems for resin powders, pigments, pellets and other particulates in conjunction with mixing, blending, processing and reaction. Vertical conical Mark II processor/mixer drying systems can handle up to 1400 cu ft/batch. Jacketed, vacuum or pressure designs available.

LYDON BROTHERS CORP.

Offers three standard sizes of electrically heated, resin-tray drying ovens.

Model 1330-1-T3 is a 12-tray small lab size with average capacity of 100 lb; Model 1330-2-T3 is a medium 24-tray unit with 150-lb average capacity; and Model 1330-5-T3 is a 40-tray unit with capacity up to 600 lb.

Standard systems include indication of temperature to 350 F, timer, and high limit. Options available to customize ovens to the process, including desiccant systems, dewpoint instruments, recorders, chillers and filtration.

MATSUI AMERICA, INC.

DMZ series dehumidifying hopper dryers and central drying systems utilize a high-performance desiccant rotor system. Low and stable dewpoints of -40 F are said to be easily maintained. According to the company, the advanced desiccant motor design removes moisture from resin in half the time normally required for multitower drying systems, resulting in lower energy costs. The desiccant rotor continuously feeds fresh regenerated desiccant to the drying process. This constant rotation provides low and stable air dewpoints without the fluctuations of multitower systems that must "shift" from tower to tower. A polished stainless, steel drying hopper, stainless-steel after cooler, microprocessor control, alarm diagnostics with buzzer and 100 hr startup clock are standard. Desiccant rotor design allows for smaller components, which compacts the machine, taking up less floor space.

MOTAN, INC.

Dehumidifying dryers include capacities ranging from 15 to 1000 cfm. All units include simple design, employing positive-seating valves for air routing, alarm functions, and user-friendly controls. Larger models feature microprocessor controls and available dewpoint monitoring/control of dryer functions. Specializes in central drying systems.

NISSUI CORP.

Mach I microwave dryer dries plastic from within. Energy costs and drying time are reportedly reduced by 50% when compared with conventional methods. Dryer crystallizes PET in the drying process.

Dezat dryer does not use a desiccant bed and is easy to clean with less time lost for changeover.

NOVATEC INC.

Offers a range of standard dryer and hopper configurations and designs custom drying systems. Electromechanical controls with a solid-state PID temperature

controller are standard; a choice of microprocessor controllers available as options.

Machine-mounted or floor-stand mounted hopper/dryer packages with capacities from 15 to 50 lb/hr utilize a dual-tower process with fully automatic regeneration. Modular stainless-steel hoppers are standard in either insulated or noninsulated versions. Optional microprocessor controls available with a dual seven-segment LED display or 40-character alphanumeric vacuum-fluorescent display.

Floor-mounted drying systems with capacities from 50 to 4000 lb/hr and hopper capacities from 200 to over 10,000 lb may be equipped with an optional microprocessor controller which has an 80-character alphanumeric vacuum fluorescent display that monitors and controls 51 drying functions, displaying messages and corrective actions. Other features include a "help" key, pass-code access and a Quick-Set menu, which allows preprogramming of drying parameters for up to 10 different resins.

PLASTIC PROCESS EQUIPMENT INC.

Redesigned PPE P-161 dehumidifying hopper dryer offers an increased refrigeration unit rated at 5280 Btu/hr and is controlled by a PID digital temperature controller with dual LED readout that displays setpoint and actual discharge temperature reading. Other features include recessed control box built into unit, overheat safety switch that shuts off heat if temperature rises beyond 450 F, fuse-protected internal wiring, pressurized heating chamber with baffle to balance air flow over heating coil, washable intake filter, separate control switches so unit can be used without dehumidifier in dry weather, standard 2-in. hose outlet connection, 7.5-kw Nicrome heating element, 1-hp blower, 4-in. mineral wool insulation, and 1/2-hp dehumidifier.

PLASTICS ANCILLARIES CORP.

Offers line of dryers, all with dual regenerating desiccant beds and fully insulated hoppers.

PROCESS CONTROL CORP.

Manufactures line of dryers and crystallizers for processing hygroscopic, non-hygroscopic and amorphous materials. For drying hygroscopic materials, desiccant dryers include the following features:

* Closed-loop cooling of the regenerative cycle avoids depositing water from atmospheric air while cooling a bed after regeneration.

* Co-current (downward) flow of drying and regeneration air avoids the possibility of lifting or fluidizing desiccant pellets, which causes air bypass and pellet wear. Co-current design avoids dew-point blips that result from counter-current systems.

* Passing hot exhaust air from the regeneration circuit through a heat exchanger transfers up to half the otherwise wasted heat to the active circuit, thus reducing power requirements on the active heating circuit.

* Because of the hopper design, only 0.6 cfm per lb/hr of material is required.

* Heater-box design results in cool outer-shell temperatures and minimal heat loss. Mounting the drying-air heater directly on the dryer hopper reportedly saves energy and provides more accurate temperature control.

* Insulated desiccant towers are said to save energy and minimize time required for initial heat-up.

Also carries a line of single-stage, hot-air drying systems for processing non-hygroscopic materials. Often used as a low-cost, first-stage drying system for high-rate processing of hygroscopic materials.

For amorphous PET pellets or scrap, HC series crystallizers continuously agitate the material during crystallizing, thus preventing agglomeration of the resin.

REGENCY SALES, INC.

Offers a dehumidifying dryer that is said to streamline the drying procedure. Multi-drying beds of molecular sieves give a clean-drying low dewpoint (-40 F) without the aid of a chiller. Drying beds have a high void ratio and feature low pressure drop. Recirculating vacuum-type system accelerates drying to less than two hours on hygroscopic materials.

STOKES VACUUM INC.

Offers complete line of batch vacuum dryers and accessory equipment, which includes heating systems, vapor condensers, vacuum pumps, and controls. Conical vacuum dryers, used to dry materials and also to solid-state polyester chips from 0.6 to 1.1 I.V., available in standard sizes with working capacities from 3 to 500 cu ft.

TEW ELECTRIC HEATING EQUIPMENT (USA) INC.

Offers six models of hopper dryers with even heat distribution, accurate temperature controller, and capacities from 25 to 880 lb/hr. A dust-collector attachment is available.

Also offers a double-desiccant, regenerating dehumidifying dryer that reduces moisture to -40 F dewpoint. Unit comes complete with a snake cooler and 110-1b double-insulated hopper.

THORESON-MCCOSH INC.

Dri-Pak 12/24 compact hopper and dryer unit mounts on the feed throat of an injection molding machine. Dri-Pak is built in two sizes: a 12 cfm unit with drying capacity of 12-15 lb/hr and hop, per capacity of 48 lb at 35 cuff bulk density; and a 24 cfm unit with drying capacity of 24-30 lb/hr and hopper capacity of 100 lb.

Dryers feature a single-bed, single-blower system with high-pressure regenerative blower. System is "off-stream" for 11% of the total cycle time for regeneration. Airflow during the process cycle is increased so that average cfm is at least equal to the dryer rating. System has a microprocessor-controlled digital temperature display. Insulated hoppers for both sizes are optional.

Also provides a line of resin dryers matched to hoppers that uniformly expose resin to drying air. They include TD series of desiccant dryers available in 16 models with airflows from 12 to 2000 cfm. Units feature an indexing, three-bed design with closed process-air circuit. Design allows in-process cool-down of the regenerated bed with recovery of residual regeneration heat and cool-down with the dry process stream rather than with ambient air. Tech II microprocessor control is optional. Control includes a seven-day timer with battery back-up, display of dryer operating parameters, alarms and system-operating diagnostics.

Hot-air or "H" series dryers available in 11 sizes with airflows of 12 to 2000 cfm. Units heat and circulate air through the resin, removing any surface moisture, and are intended for use on non-hygroscopic materials. They are often used to remove condensation from materials brought into a warm plant from cold storage.

UNIVERSAL DYNAMICS CORP.

Manufactures DHD series dehumidifying hopper dryers with process airflow up to 3000 cfm and low dewpoint to -40 F. Unit has a minimum of moving parts; quick-access clamps provide easy access in minutes to the regeneration heater, process heater, and desiccant beds. Designed for safety and efficiency, heater packages utilize tubular elements, double wall construction and insulation. Tubular heaters with low-watt density increase heater life. Multiple elements allow the heater to operate when an individual heater fails. DHD series comes with Omni II-E microprocessor control. Three expanded versions of closed-loop microprocessors optionally available, all with SPI communications protocol capabilities. Hoppers range in capacity from 300 to 12,000 lb.

Also offers UDC series dehumidifying hopper dryers in four models ranging from 30 to 150 cfm. Standard features include microprocesSor controls, stainless-steel and aluminum internal components, mirror finish stainless exterior, digital dewpoint monitor, and SPI communications protocol. Standard configurations of UDC drying system include hopper mount, floor mount with process air heater located in dryer enclosure, or floor mount with process air heater mounted remotely on the hopper for optimum efficiency. UDC dryers complement company's modular hoppers and combine to create modular drying systems in a variety of configurations.

WALTON-STOUT, INC.

Manufactures dehumidifying desiccant dryers with microprocessor controller. Standard features include dewpoints of -40 F; electronic temperature control; process-air filter with cyclone and cartridge; cycle rates of 8, 12, and 16/hr; no moving parts except two four-way valves in the blowers; hopper clean-out door and large sight glass; 20 through 3000 cfm size range with hopper capacities to 12,000 lb; direct-drive fans; location of desiccant inside towers and heaters outside in separate boxes; and drawer-type process-air heaters mounted externally.

Microprocessor-based control panel is available with complete graphic presentation. The panel controls and monitors all dryer functions. Process-air temperature is selected manually and then precisely maintained with solid-state electronic temperature control.

Also offers hot-air dryers and pre-heater units for use with nonhygroscopic materials from 85 through 3000 cfm. Units have solid-state electronic temperature controls. Process heaters, mounted externally, are drawer-type that slide in and out. All units are compact, accessible from the exterior, and furnished with direct-drive fan.

WHITLOCK

See AEC/Whitlock.

THE WITTE CO., INC.

Continuous, vibrating fluid-bed dryer consists of a totally enclosed vessel with a porous conveying surface. The latter permits air or gas to pass up through the vibrating bed of material, which results in maximum air contact with particle surfaces for efficient drying, while still maintaining first-in/first-out retention. Other important features are ease of cleaning and gentle handling of the product so that there is zero to negligible particle degradation.

WYSSMONT CO., INC.

Turbo-Dryer has only two moving parts: tray/shelf assembly and fan assembly, both rotating independently in a fixed sealed housing.

Wet feed enters the Turbo-Dryer through a feed chute in the roof of the housing and flows onto the first shelf. Shelves are circular with cut-out center and radial slots. They are rigidly mounted on an inner supporting frame, forming a vertical stack, which rotates slowly as a unit. Material flows onto each shell from the one above, forming a pile. The rotation of the tray/shelf assembly carries the pile past a stationary blade set to level the pile to fill the tray at a uniform height. At the end of a revolution, the tray segment meets a second stationary blade set to wipe the tray clean of material. Material is held stationary by the wiper blade, while the tray continues its rotation. Material flows through the radial slot onto the shelf below, where the cycle is repeated. Material progresses downward from shelf to shelf through the dryer and is discharged through a chute in the housing bottom.

Air or other drying medium is fed to the Turbo-Dryer through a side-mounted vertical manifold with control dampers. Air movement inside the dryer is provided by centrifugal fans mounted on a single vertical shaft. Fan assembly fits in the center of the shelf assembly, rotating independently of the shelves. Drying medium leaves the dryer through a roof exhaust.

Turbo-Dryer housing, totally sealed, encloses and supports both tray/shelf and fan assemblies; supports stationary parts of the dryer, wipers and levellers; and consists of a metal frame and insulated side panels, roof, and bottom.