![[Translate to FR:]](/fileadmin/_processed_/4/4/csm_Branche_Lebensmittel_Industrie_Titelbild__Gross__8f26b84955.jpg "[Translate to FR:]")
Gentle drying process for plastic pellet dryers
Customer of the plastics industry, Austria
Sector: Plastics industry
Challenge: The challenge in drying plastic granulate lies in its nature: Plastic granulate is an extremely abrasive product that must be handled with special care during the drying process. There is also a risk that the granulate could become deformed or even destroyed at high temperatures, as it is still warm inside after extrusion. To guarantee a high degree of purity, the system must be cleaned regularly and thoroughly with every product change. The cramped conditions in the hall would also present an additional challenge for the installation of a dryer.
Solution: Compact drying solution with low drying temperatures and easy cleaning
Dryer used: belt dryer type BTL 1/2000-4
Product to be dried: plastic granulate
Challenge
Efficient and gentle drying: Custom STELA solution for polymer granulate processing
A leading global manufacturer of polymer additives from Austria was presented with the challenge of drying plastic granulate efficiently and gently in a water bath after extrusion. The granulate must be dried before bagging so that it can be transported and stored. A key aspect here is that, although plastic granulate is cooled on the outside, it often remains warm on the inside. This issue poses a considerable risk of deformation or even breakage of the granulate during the drying process. Not only that, but plastic granulate is an extremely abrasive material that must be moved with particular gentleness to prevent damage. The drying system would also have to be cleaned regularly, as a high degree of purity is critical when changing products.
Another important element was the integration of large cleaning openings into both the feed and discharge stations, as well as the dryer tunnel itself. These openings would make cleaning the system much easier and ensure that type changes could be carried out quickly and efficiently without cross-contamination between different polymer additives.
Solution
Together with our customer, we analysed the requirements and decided on the STELA belt dryer type BTL 1/2000-4. With a length of only four metres, is compact enough to be installed in the existing confined spatial conditions. A crucial point was the use of low drying temperatures to prevent the granulate from heating up, thereby avoiding the deformation or destruction of the material. The belt dryer proved to be particularly gentle on the material to be dried and was perfectly suited to the requirements of the plastic granulate.
Manufacturing and assembly
The decision for the compact STELA belt dryer was significantly influenced by the limited spatial conditions in the customer's production facility. The dryer was mounted on a prepared steel structure within the production facility, whereby the tight spatial conditions required precise planning and installation. Despite this challenge, the drying system was positioned with millimetre precision and commissioned.
The energy source used was hot water, which is generated as waste heat at the site. As a result, the drying process was not only gentle, but also extremely energy-efficient.
Conclusion and outlook
The STELA drying system meets all of the customer's expectations and proves to be extremely reliable in daily operation. With an output that efficiently dries a wide range of plastic additives, the system makes a consideration contribution to the manufacturer's process optimisation efforts. The granulate is gently dried from the inside and outside, minimising deformation and breakage. Due to the numerous cleaning openings, the system is also quick and easy to clean, guaranteeing high product quality when changing types.
According to our customer, they are extremely satisfied with the performance of the drying system and the ease of operation. Maintenance and cleaning can also be performed with ease, which means that the drying system makes an important contribution to the company's production chain in the long term.
Downloads
Find out more about the belt drying system type BTL:
Get in touch with us
Contact person
Low temperature, continuous dryer, circulating dryer – not sure what’s the best choice for you? Our experienced colleagues will be happy to help you find the best solution for your product. Please feel free to contact us without obligation.
Telephone +49 8724 899-10
Email sales[at]stela.de
