MATERIALS HANDLING | MACHINERY
Raising process efficiency: latest in materials handling
Advances in materials handling include AI-driven conveying technology, a mobile dryer with lower energy consumption and a quick-change screw feeder
Materials handling equipment encompasses several types of equipment that must – in various ways – dry, mix and convey a variety of raw materi- als. Any improvements in this area can have a huge effect on process efficiency. The Drymax Plus mobile dryer model from
Wittmann is now available with EcoDrive. This means that the dry air output is dynamically adjust- able to the precise quantity needed for the material – with helps cut energy consumption further. Wittmann says that EcoDrive helps boost energy
efficiency mainly by load-dependent regulation of pumps and blowers via frequency inverters. EcoDrive helps the granulate dryers in the Drymax Plus series achieve a higher level of efficiency. The basic models, available with nominal dry air outputs of 30 or 60 m³/h, already have several features to minimise their energy require- ments, such as a motorised changeover valve – al- lowing switchover of the drying and regeneration cycles free of compressed air for the two desiccant cartridges. The material protection function – in- cluded as standard – also helps to save energy, while preventing over-drying and thermal damage to the granulate. Once material consumption is reduced or stopped, the system automatically lowers the drying temperature.
EcoDrive also adjusts the dry air output dynami- cally to the precise material requirements. This is done by measuring each new amount of material
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being transported into the drying silo. When material consumption is very low – such as during a machine standstill – the material protection function and EcoDrive work together to reduce energy consumption. All Plus models of Wittmann ancillaries are equipped with an OPC UA interface as standard. They can be integrated into Wittmann 4.0 work cells via ‘plug and produce’ or connected via data exchange to any injection moulding machine model with OPC UA functionality.
Low throughput Dri-Air Industries introduced its Microdryer line at NPE. The range of compressed air dryers is designed for very low throughputs. It goes from the MD-1 – equipped with drying hoppers – with a capacity of 1-3 lbs, up to the MD-3 with the largest capacity of 15 lbs. Low dewpoints, -40F and below, are assured as the dryer is equipped with a membrane and compressed air prefilter. MD-1 was the first of the new Dri-Air dryers to be unveiled at NPE. Built as a matched dryer/ hopper combination, it is ideal for medical mould- ing with low throughputs, and high cost resins, says Dri-Air. An optional adjustable fill sensor can be used with the standard full length sight glass to vary the capacity of the hopper from 1 lb to 3 lbs. For ease of use, a 4in colour touchscreen guides
Winter 2024 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 19
Main image: Wittmann’s Drymax Plus mobile dryer is now available with EcoDrive, helping to cut energy use
IMAGE: WITTMANN
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