What is an industrial dryer for, and what are its fields of application? In production processes, moisture control allows ensuring the quality of processed materials, production efficiency and a successful final outcome. 

Therefore, in many sectors, a proper drying dehumidification prevents defects, reduces processing times, and preserves the longevity of products durability. We are going to talk about it in this piece, explaining the operation and purpose of an industrial dryer, with a focus on the plastics sector and on the cutting edge solutions offered by Vismec.

What is an industrial dryer for?

An industrial dryer is a device designed to remove moisture from the air or materials used in production processes. It works by reducing the water vapour and ensuring that materials are dry and ready to be processed, avoiding moisture negatively impact the process or the final product. This type of machinery is used in various situations where a controlled working environment is essential for successful production.

The operation of an industrial dryer is based on several technologies, some of which are more obsolete and others decidedly more advanced. The choice of the method to reach the best result depends on various factors, such as the type of material, its shape and density, and the expected performance of the process. Here are some of the most used dehumidification methods in industry.

  • Drying ovens: a discontinuous and obsolete method that exposes the object or material to be dried to the agents of the surrounding environment, with potential risks of contamination and deterioration.
  • Hot air drying: continuous drying system with high energy consumption. Furthermore, environmental conditions significantly influence the process.
  • Compressed air drying: a method that uses clean, dry compressed air but requires high consumption and costs, making it suitable only for productions.
  • Infrared rays: a fast, continuous process suitable only for large volumes of material, with high costs both in technology acquisition and in energy consumption.
  • Dryers with vacuum technology: a method that uses pressure variations to lower the boiling point of water and decrease moisture, reducing drying times and energy consumption.
  • Molecular sieve dehumidification: a continuous process with high energy consumption. However, as it is a closed-loop technology, the dehumidification is not affected by environmental conditions.
  • Honeycomb sieve wheel dryers: a new generation of dehumidifiers which are more efficient and require a lower maintenance than traditional molecular sieves. These are the industrial dryers designed and manufactured by Vismec.

The question, “What is an industrial dehumidifier for?” does not have a single answer, as its fields of application are numerous. In the food industry, for example, moisture control prevents the growth of mould and bacteria, maintaining products’ suitability to be consumed. In the pharmaceutical industry, it helps to preserve the stability of active ingredients and the safety of medicines.

In the electronics industry, drying protects sensitive components from moisture, preventing malfunctions or short circuits. In the metallurgy sector, excessive moisture can lead to rust and compromise the quality of finished products. So, a good drying is definitely necessary.

In the plastics processing industry, the use of dryers is particularly important. So, in the next section we will outline why, and we will focus on the characteristics and operation of Vismec’s wheel dryers dehumidifiers for plastic granules.

Focus on the plastics industry: Vismec dryers

Even in the plastics industry, the granules drying is crucial to ensure the quality of the finished product. Polymers, indeed, tend to absorb moisture from the environment; inadequate drying can compromise subsequent production processes, causing defects such as bubbles, opacity, colour differences or brittleness.

A proper moisture removal, on the other hand, preserves the mechanical and aesthetic properties of materials, improving production yield and reducing waste. We have discussed this extensively in other articles, such as the one dedicated to dew point or the one explaining how to properly choose a plastic industrial dryer.

Aware of the importance of this process, Vismec offers a range of energy-efficient, high-performance industrial wheel dryers. These machines use honeycomb sieve technology, compact structures that allow for optimal moisture removal.

Our industrial dehumidifier’s operation is based on the use of a sieve on a moving wheel that absorbs moisture from the granules and releases it later during the regeneration phase. This system ensures a continuous and effective drying cycle without the need for compressed air or cooling water. 

One of the main advantages of Vismec’s wheel dryers is the reduction in energy consumption, with savings up to 40% compared to traditional systems. Additionally, automatic air flow control and the MPM (Material Protection Management) system protect the granules from the risk of over-drying and material degradation.

Among our wheel dryers:

  • Dryplus is ideal for those seeking a reliable and precise process, with a drying temperature up to 180°C and a constant dew point up to -50°C;
  • Drywell, thanks to its modular structure, it stands out for its energy efficiency and adaptability to production needs;
  • DryCube, finally, represents a compact and versatile solution, perfect for installations in small spaces without compromising performance.

Now that you better know what dehumidifiers are used for in the industrial sector, you are ready to choose the most suitable one for your company’s needs. Contact our team!