drying | Materials preparation
configurations, like the ResinWorks central drying systems, and includes a range of communication options. Conair says that energy efficiency
remains the primary focus for its customers. “When you look at where energy is being consumed in plastics processing – outside of the moulding machine or extruder – you have to
look at drying,” says Jamison. “Thanks to tools like the Conair Drying Monitor and today’s advanced controls, such as our TouchView dryer controls that can gather data and chart
Above: The DC-A dryer control is now available on mid-sized Conair dryers and MDCW mobile drying/ conveying systems. It has been further enhanced with remote access capabilities
trends, we know a lot more about what goes on in the drying hopper. When you know, with confidence, what is going on, you can make changes to save energy
without compromising part quality. For instance, if the control detects a change in operating conditions – like when material throughput slows because a moulding machine goes down – a temperature-setback feature automatically reduces the drying-air temperature. This not only saves energy but also prevents over-drying.” He says that communications and connectivity on
the production floor are becoming increasingly important as a skilled labour shortage means fewer people are available to monitor operations and troubleshoot any problems that may arise. A solution is provided by Virtual Network Computing (VNC) built into the dryer control, which allows any Internet-connected device to link into the control and become, essentially, a remote HMI. “You can easily change settings, respond to alarms, troubleshoot or download process data from just about anywhere you have an Internet connection,” says Jamison.
Right: The
Maguire VBD vacuum dryer
42
Costs and efficiency According to Chris Crittenden, Sales Manager at Maguire Europe, current key drivers for drying requirements from many injection moulders include increasing production flexibility and reducing the complete cost of ownership of a system versus just the initial capital investment. Maguire’s VBD and LBD dryers use low-pressure vacuum technology which the company says has advantages over other established technologies such as dehumidifying desiccant dryers.
INJECTION WORLD | March/April 2017 “For users of our vacuum dryers for materials this
translates into significant savings and return on investment because of their much more rapid drying times – typically drying material in less than 80% of the time of conventional dryers,” he says. “In turn this means more ease of processing, more flexibility for shorter production runs, and cost savings from reduced scrap rates, improved production flexibility and scheduling, and better machine up-time rates.” Drying requirements can become more complex as
materials technology progresses. Maguire suggests there are limitations in conventional dryers installed at many processors’ facilities, and it believes its vacuum drying technology can offer new solutions for new materials in terms of drying efficiently and effectively. Costs, though, are still paramount for moulders.
Crittenden says: “Running cost and cost of ownership continue to dominate the selection of new dryer hardware. Many companies are now examining the real cost of ownership over the life cycle of the equipment they invest in, the amount of maintenance required, energy usage, and ease of operation. The Maguire VBD vacuum dryer offers some answers to these questions in terms of speed of operation, reduced amount of heat exposure to materials, minimal maintenance, and data on process, as well as a five-year warranty program.” With desiccant dryers, operators need to monitor the dew point as this indicates how dry the process air is. In vacuum drying the boiling temperature of water falls to 56°C, and in Maguire’s products this is monitored in real-time by precise vacuum sensors. If the vacuum dryer does not meet the required level of vacuum, an alarm immediately notifies the operator so he can see immediately that the drying process is not being met. “Conventional desiccant dryers,
conversely, need to have a dew point meter installed, which requires additional cost and often requires periodic calibration,” Crittenden says. “Nor would the drying process stop in the event that the original specified dew point has not been met. As with any system that uses desiccant to remove moisture, the desiccant has to be frequently regenerated by heating up to a high temperature. This mechanically breaks down the desiccant and its effectiveness at moisture absorption, so that it needs
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