Drying: Compressed Air Dryers Reuse Process Air to Boost Efficiency
Compressed air dryers capture dry blower air from extrusion blow molding process for greater efficiency.
FarragTech will feature its CARD (compressed air resin dryer) technology at K 2019, displaying three bulk material dryers, as well as two internal blow molding cooling units. The CARD E/S, CARD M and CARD L/XL dryers and Blow Molding Booster and Blow Air Chiller internal cooling units will be presented during the show. (Note: Farragtech became part of Wittmann Group in early 2020.)
FarragTech’s CARD dryer can be combined with systems for condensation water protection and for internal mold cooling.
The company noted that traditionally in the extrusion blow molding process, it was standard to vent the dry blower air at the end of each cycle. Seeing this as wasteful, Rainer Farrag, founder of the FarragTech GmbH developed CARD technology in 1991 to use the air for resin drying. Since that time, FarragTech says it has made improvements, including better process integration and new controls, including a sleep mode. With that the amount of air is reduced after reaching a set temperature in the upper range of the drying hopper. In addition, heat recovery from the air compressor has further boosted efficiency.
FarragTech notes it has combined the dehumidification of the resin with the internal cooling of the product, avoiding material stress due to the additional condensation water of the supplied exhaust air. As a result, it says production could be increased by 35% with greater quality and lower costs.
Related Content
-
A Cost Saving Modular Approach to Resin Drying Automation
Whether implementing a moisture-sensing closed-loop system for a single dryer, or automating an entire plant, technology is available to take the guesswork and worry out of resin drying. Using a modular approach allows processors to start simple and build more capabilities over time.
-
Moisture Monitor Provides Instant Readings to Confirm Drying Efficacy
Real-time monitor measures material moisture continually and set points can be configured so that an alert is issued when the specified moisture level drifts outside prescribed limits.
-
Compact, Mobile Dryer Has Unique Conveying Capabilities
Mobile dryer includes closed-loop conveying to minimize the use of ambient air for resin movement.