Improved Wittmann Dryers

Plastics automation and materials handling supplier Wittmann has introduced the Drymax 100 portable dryer with SmartFlow valves and integrated microprocessor control on the dual hopper configuration for optimum drying efficiency.

Wittmann's dryers are used in all kinds of plastics processing operations; particularly for higher value blends of PET, ABS, Polycarbonate and other engineering resins.

The SmartFlow valves replace manually adjustable air flappers, automatically adjusting airflow and heat requirements to the integral hoppers based on the demand for dry air inside the hopper. Throughputs for the Drymax 100 series portable dryer with two hoppers range up to 71 kg/h (155 lbs/hr.) depending on the specific resin and its drying requirements.

The drying progress inside the dual hopper dryer is monitored individually for both hoppers by measuring the temperature differential between the incoming and outgoing air. If the rate of resin consumption within one hopper slows down, the corresponding SmartFlow valve automatically decreases airflow and a built-in Material Protection Function lowers the set temperature for this hopper to a safe level, to prevent over drying of the resin and minimize energy consumption. Should the temperature differential indicate an increase in resin consumption, the SmartFlow valve automatically responds by increasing airflow and heat to the hoppers to ensure efficient drying.

Drymax Series 100 dryers with the SmartFlow valve offer three distinct advantages for the user:

1) Airflow is automatically monitored and adjusted to match the specific drying requirements of each hopper for optimum drying efficiency, eliminating manual adjustment to match the individual conditions for each hopper and inefficient drying from less than optimum setting of the flappers.

2) Energy consumption is minimized as the heat requirements are automatically adjusted to varying material throughput conditions in each hopper.

3) Over drying of the resin is avoided by the Material Protection Function.

The dryers all feature double-wall, stainless-steel insulated first-in-first-out hoppers to minimize moisture absorption and reduce energy consumption. A single hopper configuration is available with manually adjusted flapper to control airflow and heat.

Wittmann is a global manufacturer offering a complete range of innovative, application specific auxiliary equipment solutions to plastic processors worldwide including robots and automation, fully integrated material handling systems, granulators, chillers and mould temperature controllers.

Further details from Wittmann UK. Tel. 01933 275 777