New Berlin, Wis.-based Application Engineering Co. has launched a line of desiccant wheel dryers with improved energy efficiency for plastics processors needing precision moisture removal during material handling.
The new AD series of dehumidifying equipment features technology that monitors both the process and return air temperatures.
Available in three styles (ADP, ADW and ADC), the AD series is a direct replacement for AEC's earlier NGX and RDX series dryers, according to Mark Johansen, marketing and product management for AEC parent company ACS Group.
ACS Group will have an exhibit at the Injection Molding & Design Expo in Novi, Mich., Sept. 20-21, Booth 610.
The AD series is ideal for most beside-the-press drying applications and small central drying systems, Johansen said in a news release. The series will be available in sizes to handle material usage of 50-400 pounds per hour with larger models by request.
"We're going all-in on wheel drying technology because of its proven capabilities," Johansen said. "The performance of our new dryers, combined with the energy-saving advantage, makes them stand out clearly from the competition."
The dehumidifying equipment for material handling can be integrated into central loading systems or multiple hoppers.
"Airflow is automatically reduced once the temperatures are consistent and the material is completely dry. This results in energy savings, as well as protecting the resin from over-drying and degradation," Johansen said.
AEC offers individual drying stations for machine-mount and cart-mount systems. The product range and options allow for a modular, central drying system approach, Johansen said in an email.
Additional options include a weekly timer, integrated or external dew point sensor, integration with Industry 4.0 equipment and a biomaterial version for drying temperatures below 122° F (50° C).
"Many bioresins are heat-sensitive and require low drying process temperatures," Johansen said. "Our wheel dryer product line provides consistent and energy-efficient drying using low dew point air and consistent low process set point temperatures without temperature spikes."
The heat exchangers are compact and don't need a cooling water connection, he added.
For precision control, the AD series has a high-resolution HMI touchscreen with all drying data — temperature, dew point, material throughput and total energy consumption — visible on a single screen.
The new equipment reduces energy usage significantly and advances dryer technology, Johansen said.
"By providing energy savings up to 40 percent and more, while not requiring compressed air or cooling water, the AD series dryer will be a game-changer for the industry," he said. "And the precision control possible with our Smart Mode prevents the thermal, chemical and physical material degradation that can result from long drying times at high temperatures and high air flow."
With company roots dating back to 1957, AEC manufactures chillers and systems for blending, drying, conveying and size reduction for a wide range of processes.
ACS Group manufactures auxiliary products, such as size-reduction equipment like granulators and shredders, material conveying equipment, metering and blending devices, heat exchangers (mold temperature controls units and chillers), drying systems, and hydraulic presses.