“Drying Options for Types of Drying Systems

Extrusion”
 Hot Air Dryers & Crystallizing Dryers
by  Vacuum Dryers
Dana Darley
Extrusion Auxiliary Serv ices  IR Dryers
Dacula, GA
 De-humidifying Dryers
(678) 714-5218
www .extrusionauxiliary.com – Desiccant - Dual Bed
– Desiccant – Cartridge
– Compressed Air Systems

Hot Air Dryers - Strengths Hot Air Dryers - Weaknesses

 Low Cost  Surface drying only

 Pre-heat materials
 High heating c ost
 Crystallize with agitation
 Large foot print
 Higher product quality
 Can create dusting
 Higher throughputs

Vacuum Drying Syste ms - Strengths Vacuum Drying Systems - Weaknesses

 Heat sens itive materials  High cost

 Crystallizing capabilities  Maintenance intensive

 Batch drying
 Low oxygen drying
 High energy cost
 De-volitization

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Infrared Dryers - Strengths Infrared Dryers - Weaknesses

 Energy efficient  Higher capital cost

 Low dust levels  Maintenance intensive

 Requires finish drying below

 Crystallizes PET
100 ppm
 Short residence tim e
 New/unproven technology

De-humidifying Dryers - Strengths De-humidifying Dryers - Weaknesses

 Very low moisture  High capital cost

 Energy efficient heating  Can be maintenance

intensive
 Closed loop system
 Less than 1% incoming
 Numerous suppliers
moisture
 Compressed air versions
 Large footprint

Hot Air/Crystallizing Dryers Vacuum Drying Systems

 Non-Hydroscopic Resins  Not typical for extrusion

 PE, PP, PS, PVC  Will not be covered in this presentation
 Moisture on outside of pellet  Request further information
 Condensation during winter months
 Both dry and pre-heat prior to extrusion
 PE @ 175 degrees F…5 – 10% higher output
 Agitated hoppers for crystallization of PET

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Infrared Drying Systems Continuous IR Dryers

 Both batch and continuous systems

 Batch - turning material in a mixer/blender
 Continuous - conveys and meters material
 Vibratory feeder into a fluted drum
 Continuous most suitable for extrusion
 Fast crystallizing and preheating of resin

IR System Operation Per the Manufacturer:

De-humidifying/Desiccant Dryers Desiccant Dryer Basics

 For Hygroscopic Resins

 Nylon, ABS, Acrylic, PU, PC, PET, PBT
 Strong affinity for moisture
 Absorb onto their molecular structure
 Absorption to equilibrium with surroundings
 Drying to equilibrium

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Desiccant Dryer Basics Desiccant Dryer Basics

Desiccant Dryer Basics Desiccant Dryer Basics

Desiccant Dryer Basics Desiccant Dryer Basics

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Desiccant Dryer Basics Desiccant Dryer Basics

Desiccant Dryer Basics Desiccant Dryer Basics

Additional Considerations Additional Considerations

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Additional Considerations Additional Considerations

Air Flow/Distribution:

Additional Considerations Compressed Air Dryers

Insulated Hoppers:  Desiccant free drying for most resins

 No moving parts – less maintenance
 Works with any compressed air source
 Limited suppliers – new technology
 Low throughputs – 150 to 200 PPH
 Suitable for hydroscopic additives

Compressed Air Dryers Summary

 Hot air dryers for surface moisture/preheat

 Agitated hopper for crystallizing
 IR dryers in the near future
 Desiccant dryers for hygroscopic materials
 Consistent dew point, efficient regeneration
 Hopper design is critical
– Mass flow - even heating
 Compressed air systems for low throughput

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Suppliers

Company Resin Drying Products Location

The Conair Group Hot Air and Dehumidify ing Dryers and Cry stallizers Pittsburgh, PA

Foremost Machine Builders Hot Air and Dehumidify ing Dryers Fairfield, New Jersey

Universal Dy namics Hot Air and Dehumidify ing Dryers and Cry stallizers Virginia

Process Control Corporation Hot Air and Dehumidify ing Dryers Atlanta, Georgia
Kreyenborg GmbH IR Dry ing Sy stems Atlanta, GA/Germany
L-R Sy stems Hot Air and Dehumidify ing Dryers New Lenox, IL

Maguire Hot Air and Dehumidify ing Dryers Aston, PA

Novatec, Inc. Hot Air and Dehumidify ing Dryers and Cry stallizers Baltimore, MD

Thoreson McCosh Hot Air and Dehumidify ing Dryers Troy , MI