Write Down Your Serial Numbers Here For Future Reference:
_________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
We are committed to a continuing program of product improvement.
Specifications, appearance, and dimensions described in this manual are subject to change without notice.
You should inspect the large dehumidifying dryer for possible shipping damage.
Thoroughly check the equipment for any damage that might have occurred in transit, such as
broken or loose wiring and components, loose hardware and mounting screws, etc.
In the Event of Shipping Damage
According to the contract terms and conditions of the Carrier, the responsibility of the
Shipper ends at the time and place of shipment.
Notify the transportation company’s local agent if you discover damage.
Hold the damaged goods and packing material for the examining agent’s inspection. Do not
return any goods before the transportation company’s inspection and authorization.
File a claim with the transportation company. Substantiate the claim by referring to the
agent’s report. A certified copy of our invoice is available upon request. The original Bill of
Lading is attached to our original invoice. If the shipment was prepaid, write us for a
receipted transportation bill.
Advise customer service regarding your wish for assistance and to obtain an RMA (return
material authorization) number.
If the Shipment is Not Complete
Check the packing list as back-ordered items are noted on the packing list. You should have:
; Large Dehumidifying Dryer
; Bill of lading
; Packing list
; Operating and Installation packet
; Electrical schematic and panel layout drawings
; Component instruction manuals
Re-inspect the container and packing material to see if you missed any smaller items during
unpacking.
If the Shipment is Not Correct
If the shipment is not what you ordered, contact the parts and services department
immediately at [262] 641-8610. Have the item and order numbers ready. Hold the items
until you receive shipping instructions.
Large Dehumidifying Dryers ii
Returns
Do not return any damaged or incorrect items until you receive shipping instructions from the
shipping department.
Credit Returns
Prior
to the return of any material authorization must be given by the manufacturer. A
RMA number will be assigned for the equipment to be returned.
Reason for requesting the return must be given.
returned material purchased from the manufacturer returned is subject to 15% ($75.00
ALL
minimum) restocking charge.
returns are to be shipped prepaid.
ALL
The invoice number and date or purchase order number and date must be supplied.
No credit will be issued for material that is not within the manufacturer’s warranty period
and/or in new and unused condition, suitable for resale.
Warranty Returns
to the return of any material, authorization must be given by the manufacturer. A
Prior
RMA number will be assigned for the equipment to be returned.
Reason for requesting the return must be given.
returns are to be shipped prepaid.
All
The invoice number and date or purchase order number and date must be supplied.
After inspecting the material, a replacement or credit will be given, at the manufacturer’s
discretion. If
manufactured by our company, purchased components are covered under their specific
warranty terms.
the item is found to be defective in materials or workmanship, and it was
Use this manual as a guide and reference for installing, operating, and maintaining the large
dehumidifying dryer. The purpose is to assist you in applying efficient, proven techniques
that enhance equipment productivity.
This manual covers only light corrective maintenance. No other maintenance should be
undertaken without first contacting a service engineer.
The Functional Description section outlines models covered, standard features, and safety
features. Additional sections within the manual provide instructions for installation, preoperational procedures, operation, preventive maintenance, and corrective maintenance.
The Installation chapter includes required data for receiving, unpacking, inspecting, and setup
of the large dehumidifying dryer. We can also provide the assistance of a factory-trained
technician to help train your operator(s) for a nominal charge. This section includes
instructions, checks, and adjustments that should be followed before commencing with
operation of the dryer. These instructions are intended to supplement standard shop
procedures performed at shift, daily, and weekly intervals.
The Operation chapter includes a description of electrical and mechanical controls, in
addition to information for operating the dryer safely and efficiently.
The Maintenance chapter is intended to serve as a source of detailed assembly and
disassembly instructions for those areas of the equipment requiring service. Preventive
maintenance sections are included to ensure that the dehumidifying dryer provides excellent,
long service.
The Troubleshooting chapter serves as a guide for identification of most common problems.
Potential problems are listed, along with possible causes and related solutions.
The Appendix contains technical specifications, drawings, schematics, parts lists, and
available options. A spare parts list with part numbers specific to your machine is provided
with your shipping paperwork package. Refer to this section for a listing of spare parts for
purchase. Have your serial number and model number ready when ordering.
Safety Symbols Used in this Manual
The following safety alert symbols are used to alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow these symbols to avoid possible injury or death.
DANGER! DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING! WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation or practice that, if
not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Caution! CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation or practice that, if
not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury or in property damage.
Large Dehumidifying Dryers Safety 7
Dryer Safety Tags
Tag Description Tag Description
Read Operation &
Installation Manual
PE
Hot!
Protected Earth
Ground
1-2 Warnings and Precautions
Our equipment is designed to provide safe and reliable operation when installed and operated
within design specifications, following national and local safety codes. This may include, but
is not limited to OSHA, NEC, CSA, SPI, and any other local, national and international
regulations.
To avoid possible personal injury or equipment damage when installing, operating, or
maintaining this equipment, use good judgment and follow these safe practices:
; Read and follow these operation and installation instructions when installing,
operating, and maintaining this equipment. If these instructions become
damaged or unreadable, additional copies are available from the manufacturer.
High Voltage Inside
Enclosure
Lifting Point
Earth Ground
; Follow all SAFETY CODES.
; Wear SAFETY GLASSES and WORK GLOVES.
; Work only with approved tools and devices.
; Disconnect and/or lock out power before servicing or maintaining the equipment.
; Use care when LOADING, UNLOADING, RIGGING, or MOVING this
equipment.
; Operate this equipment within design specifications.
; OPEN, TAG, and LOCK ALL DISCONNECTS before working on equipment.
You should remove the fuses and carry them with you.
; Make sure the equipment and components are properly GROUNDED before you
switch on power.
; When welding or brazing in or around this equipment, make sure VENTILATION is
ADEQUATE. PROTECT adjacent materials from flame or sparks by shielding with
sheet metal. An approved FIRE EXTINGUISHER should be nearby and ready for
use if needed.
; Do not restore power until you remove all tools, test equipment, etc., and the
equipment and related components are fully reassembled.
Large Dehumidifying Dryers Safety 8
; Only PROPERLY TRAINED personnel familiar with the information in this
manual should work on this equipment.
We have long recognized the importance of safety and have designed and manufactured our
equipment with operator safety as a prime consideration. We expect you, as a user, to abide
by the foregoing recommendations in order to make operator safety a reality.
1-3 Responsibility
These machines are constructed for maximum operator safety when used under standard
operating conditions and when recommended instructions are followed in the maintenance
and operation of the machine.
All personnel engaged in the use of the machines should become familiar with their operation
as described in this manual.
Proper operation of the machine promotes safety for the operator and all workers in its
vicinity.
Each individual must take responsibility for observing the prescribed safety rules as outlined.
All warning and danger signs must be observed and obeyed. All actual or potential danger
areas must be reported to your immediate supervisor.
General Responsibility
No mater who you are, safety is important. Owners, operators and maintenance personnel
must realize that every day, safety is a vital part of their jobs.
If your main concern is loss of productivity, remember that production is always affected in a
negative way following an accident. The following are some of the ways that accidents can
affect your production:
• Loss of a skilled operator (temporarily or permanently)
• Breakdown of shop morale
• Costly damage to equipment
• Downtime
An effective safety program is responsible and economically sound.
Organize a safety committee or group, and hold regular meetings. Promote this group from
the management level. Through this group, the safety program can be continually reviewed,
maintained, and improved. Keep minutes or a record of the meetings.
Hold daily equipment inspections in addition to regular maintenance checks. You will keep
your equipment safe for production and exhibit your commitment to safety.
Please read and use this manual as a guide to equipment safety. This manual contains safety
warnings throughout, specific to each function and point of operation.
Operator Responsibility
The operator’s responsibility does not end with efficient production. The operator usually has
the most daily contact with the equipment and intimately knows its capabilities and
limitations.
Plant and personnel safety is sometimes forgotten in the desire to meet incentive rates, or
through a casual attitude toward machinery formed over a period of months or years. Your
Large Dehumidifying Dryers Safety 9
employer probably has established a set of safety rules in your workplace. Those rules, this
manual, or any other safety information will not keep you from being injured while operating
your equipment.
Learn and always use safe operation. Cooperate with co-workers to promote safe practices.
Immediately report any potentially dangerous situation to your supervisor.
; NEVER place your hands or any part of your body in any dangerous location.
; NEVER operate, service, or adjust the dryer without appropriate training and first
reading and understanding this manual.
; NEVER try to pull material out of the dryer with your hands while it is running!
; Before you start the dehumidifying dryer, check the following:
• Remove all tools from the dryer;
• Be sure no objects (tools, nuts, bolts, clamps, bars) are laying in the
area;
; If your dryer has been inoperative or unattended, check all settings before starting.
; At the beginning of your shift and after breaks, verify that the controls and other
auxiliary equipment are functioning properly.
; Keep all safety guards in place and in good repair. NEVER attempt to bypass,
modify, or remove safety guards. Such alteration is not only unsafe, but will void the
warranty on your equipment.
; When changing control settings to perform a different mode of operation, be sure
selector switches are correctly positioned. Locking selector switches should only be
adjusted by authorized personnel and the keys removed after setting.
; Report the following occurrences IMMEDIATELY:
• unsafe operation or condition
• unusual dryer action
• leakage
• improper maintenance
• NEVER stand or sit where you could slip or stumble into the
dehumidifying dryer while working on it.
; DO NOT wear loose clothing or jewelry, which can be caught while working on the
dryer. In addition, cover or tie back long hair.
; Clean the dehumidifying dryer and surrounding area DAILY, and inspect the
machine for loose, missing or broken parts.
; Shut off power to the dryer when it is not in use. Turn the switch to the OFF
position, or unplug it from the power source.
Maintenance Responsibility
Proper maintenance is essential to safety. If you are a maintenance worker, you must make
safety a priority to effectively repair and maintain equipment.
Before removing, adjusting, or replacing parts on a machine, remember to turn off all electric
supplies and all accessory equipment at the machine, and disconnect and lockout electrical
and pneumatic power. Attach warning tags to the disconnect switch and air shutoff valve.
Large Dehumidifying Dryers Safety 10
When you need to perform maintenance or repair work on a dehumidifying dryer above floor
level, use a solid platform or a hydraulic elevator. If there is a permanently installed catwalk
on your dryer, use it. The work platform should have secure footing and a place for tools and
parts. DO NOT climb on the dehumidifying dryer, machines, or work from ladders.
If you need to repair a large component, use appropriate handling equipment. Before you use
handling equipment (portable “A” frames, electric boom trucks, fork trucks, overhead cranes)
be sure the load does not exceed the capacity of the handling equipment or cause it to become
unstable.
Carefully test the condition of lifting cables, chains, ropes, slings, and hooks before using
them to lift a load.
Be sure that all non-current carrying parts are correctly connected to earth ground with an
electrical conductor that complies with current codes. Install in accordance with national and
local codes.
When you have completed the repair or maintenance procedure, check your work and remove
your tools, rigging, and handling equipment.
Do not restore power to the dehumidifying dryer until all persons are clear of the area. DO NOT start and run the dryer until you are sure all parts are functioning correctly.
BEFORE you turn the dehumidifying dryer over to the operator for production, verify all
enclosure panels, guards and safety devices are in place and functioning properly.
Reporting a Safety Defect
If you believe that your equipment has a defect that could cause injury, you should
immediately discontinue its use and inform the manufacturer.
The principle factors that can result in injury are failure to follow proper operating procedures
(i.e. lockout/tagout), or failure to maintain a clean and safe working environment.
Large Dehumidifying Dryers Safety 11
Chapter 2: Functional Description
2-1 Models Covered in This Manual
This manual provides operation, installation, and maintenance instructions for 600-3000 cfm
Large Dehumidifying Dryers with AP0 control. These dryers are available with electric
heaters or gas burners. Gas dryers are indicated with a “G” in the model number. Model
numbers are listed on the serial tag. Make sure you know the model and serial number of
your equipment before contacting the manufacturer for parts or service.
Our dehumidifying dryers are designed to generate heated, dehumidified air at carefully
controlled temperatures for use in closed-loop plastic drying systems. Dehumidifying dryers
are sized to meet the specific requirements stated by the Customer at the time of purchase.
2-2 General Description
Moisture removal from hygroscopic (moisture attracting) plastic pellets is an essential step in
the manufacture of high-quality plastic products.
Our Dehumidifying Dryers are used by the plastics industry to generate very low dewpoint
air that is heated to a controlled temperature for drying plastic pellets and regrind.
The drying system consists of a dry air source and drying hoppers with process heating
controls. The dry air source controls two primary sub-systems, the process air and the
regeneration circuit. Each dryer has a left and a right desiccant bed so that one bed can
regenerate while the other is in use. 2000-3000 cfm dryers feature two sets of desiccant beds,
for a total of four desiccant beds.
The drying system can be configured for one drying hopper or for as many as 20 hoppers.
The process air heater can be located on the dryer or on each individual drying hopper.
Heaters that are located on the drying hoppers can be set up with their own independent
controls or can be controlled centrally using the main dryer controller.
Specifying a Drying System
There were many variables considered in the selection of your drying system, including: type
of materials, residence time, throughput of the extruder or injection molding machine,
ambient air moisture and temperature, and the altitude at the processing site. Should your
operating environment change, we can advise you on necessary equipment, process time and
temperature modifications.
What is Desiccant?
Desiccant is a material that attracts and holds (absorbs) water from the air. The desiccant our
dryers use is a synthetic crystalline metal aluminosilicate that is blended with a clay binder
and formed into beads.
Absorbed water is driven from saturated desiccant by heating it to a high temperature
(reducing the desiccant's capacity to hold water) and forcing air through it. This moisture
removal process is called "regeneration".
The Closed Loop Drying System
These dehumidifying dryers force hot, dry air through the resin in the drying hopper, where
the air picks up moisture from the material and is drawn back to the dryer. In the dryer,
Large Dehumidifying Dryers Functional Description 12
moisture is stripped from the air by a desiccant bed. The dried process air is then re-heated
and delivered back into the drying hopper to dry material again.
This system is a "closed loop", because ambient (outside) air is never introduced into the
process air. The closed loop system is used by the manufacturer because the process air is
typically much drier than ambient air, even after carrying moisture out of the plastic resin.
Recycling process air maintains drying efficiency at a consistently high level.
The Process/Regeneration Cycle
There are two desiccant beds in a dryer up to 1500 cfm. Larger dryers have two beds each
for right and left beds. While one desiccant bed is on-line in the process air loop, the other is
off-line being regenerated (see Figure 1).
When a desiccant bed is on-line, it absorbs moisture from the process air. The desiccant will
become saturated with moisture and need to be regenerated. The dryer automatically redirects
the process airflow to the second bed and starts regenerating the first bed.
During regeneration, air is heated to approximately 550°F and forced through the saturated
desiccant. The moisture driven off the desiccant is bled to the atmosphere. The regeneration
heater is then turned off while the regeneration blower continues to blow air through the
desiccant bed until it is cooled.
Figure 1: Regeneration Cycle
AD600-AD1500
Dryer Flow Schematic
Right Desiccant in
Regeneration
Dryer Valve
Regeneration
Blower
Regeneration
Filter
Insulated
Drying
Hopper
Regeneration
Heaters
Left Desiccant
Regeneration
Exhaust
Right Desiccant
Process
Heater
Process
Filter
Process
Blower
Large Dehumidifying Dryers Functional Description 13
AD600-AD1500
Dryer Flow Schematic
Left Desiccant in
Regeneration
Dryer Valve
Regeneration
Heaters
Regeneration
Blower
Regeneration
Filter
Process
Heater
Insulated
Drying
Hopper
Left Desiccant
Regeneration
Exhaust
Right Desiccant
Process
Filter
Process
Blower
Sequence of Operation
When the dryer is started, the main air valve rotates 360º and then moves to place the last
successfully regenerated desiccant bed online. If the dryer was powered off using the main
power disconnect or E-stopped, then the regenerating bed is placed back into regeneration,
and the regeneration cycle is started over. The main air valve is allowed a period of time to
move from one position to the other. If the main air valve does not complete positioning
within the allotted time, then a “Main Air Valve Fail” alarm is generated and the dryer stops
the process air blower and disables the drying hoppers and regeneration circuit.
If the closed loop regeneration option is enabled, the regeneration closed loop valve moves to
the open loop position. The system always begins the cooling phase for a regeneration cycle
using ambient (open loop) air. The closed loop regeneration valve is allowed a period of time
to move from the closed to the open loop position and a “Closed Loop Valve” alarm is
generated if the valve fails to reach the commanded position within this time. This alarm will
disable the regeneration circuit but does not stop the process air system or drying hoppers.
Once the main air valve and closed loop regeneration valve are in place, the process air
blower starts. The system monitors the process air blower’s overload, starter auxiliary contact
feedback and air pressure. Loss of any of these items when the process air blower is running
will cause the process air blower and the drying hopper’s process heaters to shut down.
The process air heaters will turn on after a delay to allow the process air blower to accelerate
the operating speed.
During normal operation, one set of desiccant beds is connected to the process air circuit
while the other set is being regenerated. When the offline beds are done regenerating, they
will be switched into the process air circuit and the other beds will be regenerated. The
default bed switch setting is based on time. If the Dewpoint Switch option is enabled, the
beds will switch when the process air dewpoint reaches the dewpoint switch point. The
dewpoint option will automatically disable itself and an alarm will be generated if the
dewpoint sensor or related electronics fail.
Large Dehumidifying Dryers Functional Description 14
2-3 Controller Description
The AP0 control package uses a relay logic controller to control the operation of the dryer.
See below for descriptions of each screen.
Figure 2: Controller Screen Descriptions
Regen Set Screen. Displays heating and cooling times for regeneration. Also used to
change times if necessary.
Material Miser OFF Screen. Used to enable material miser valve.
Material Miser ON Screen. Used to disable material miser valve.
Closed Loop Regen OFF Screen: Used to enable closed loop cooling on
regeneration.
Closed Loop Regen ON Screen: Used to disable closed loop cooling on
regeneration.
I/O Status Screen. Used to view the status of inputs and outputs for the dryer.
Alarm Screen. Shows which alarm the dryer gets.
Large Dehumidifying Dryers Functional Description 15
2-4 Standard Features
Mechanical Features
; 180ºF – 250ºF Drying temperature range
; High regeneration temperature control safeties
; 13X desiccant (molecular sieve)
; Easy to access process and regeneration
; High pressure centrifugal blower
; Dew point +15º F to –40º F
Electrical Features
; Electrically-actuated air valve
; NFPA79, UL & CUL machinery electrical standards (Electric Dryers) includes:
• NEMA 12 controls, components & enclosure
• Non-fused electrical disconnect
• Solid state relays for heater control
• Branch fusing
• Lockable power disconnects
• Regeneration temperature control
• “Process high temp” indication light and audible alarm
• Sequence shutdown switch
; NFPA86, UL, AGA & CGA machinery electrical standards (Gas Dryers)
; Available supply voltages of 208, 230, 460, 575/3/60 and 400/3/50
Large Dehumidifying Dryers Functional Description 16
2-5 Options
Closed-Loop Regeneration
An optional regeneration closed-loop valve and heat exchanger can be used to close the
regeneration loop during the cooling portion of the regeneration cycle. If this option is
enabled on the dryer, air will be bled to the atmosphere until the heating portion of the
regeneration cycle is finished. Then, the regeneration closed loop valve will direct air through
a water-cooled heat exchanger and back into the regeneration loop (see Figure 3 and Section 3-6: Connecting Aftercooler/Precooler Cooling Water).
AD600-AD1500
Dryer Flow Schematic
Regeneration Closed Loop
Cooling is Activated
Regeneration
Heaters
Left Desiccant
Figure 3: Closed Loop Regeneration
Regeneration
Blower
AD600-AD1500
Dryer Valve
Optional
Regeneration
Closed Loop
Cooler
Regeneration
Regenerarion
Exhaust
Optional
Regeneration
Closed Loop
Valve
Filter
Dryer Flow Schematic
Regeneration Heating is
Activated
Regeneration
Heaters
Left Desiccant
Dryer Valve
Optional
Regeneration
Closed Loop
Cooler
Regeneration
Blower
Regeneration
Exhaust
Optional
Regeneration
Closed Loop
Valve
Regeneration
Filter
Process Aftercooler
The optional aftercooler cools the moist air returning to the dryer from the drying hopper.
The aftercooler can cool the return air from 250ºF to about 150ºF. This maintains the dryer’s
efficiency and condenses the unwanted plasticizer from the air stream. The aftercooler
requires a cooling water connection (see Figure 4).
Figure 4: Process Aftercooler
Mounting
Brackets
Mounting Brackets
Cooling Coil
Cover Plate
High
Temperature
Gasket
Stainless Steel Cooler
Housing
Stainless Steel
Cooler Housing
Cooling Coil
Cooling Coil
Cover Plate
High
Temperature
Gasket
Cooling Coil
Pipe Gasket
Cooling Coil
Pipe Gasket
Cooling Coil
Large Dehumidifying Dryers Functional Description 17
Process Air Dust Collector
The optional process air dust collector consists of a filter, dust can, pressure gauge, and
optional pressure switch (see Figure 5). The gauge will let you know whether it is time to
clean out your filters. The optional dirty filter alarm will be activated if the filter is dirty.
Figure 5: Process Air Dust Collector
Filter Check
Gage
Differential
Pressure
Switch
PS
Thumb Screws
Cartridge Filter
Dust Shroud
Filter Retainer
F
Slide Gate
Clamp
Dust Pan
Dust Level
Indicator
E
Material Overdrying Protection
Material Overdrying Protection is an automatic system used to reduce the chance of overdrying, and possibly melting, the resin in the drying hopper. Material Overdrying Protection
activates when the return temperature is above a set value, indicating that all the resin in the
hopper is dry.
The control system monitors the return air temperature and automatically changes the process
air setpoint to the SET BACK SETPOINT value when the return air temperature rises above
the set back temperature. The process air setpoint returns to normal when the return air
temperature falls below the SETUP TEMPERATURE value. The target values for
changing the process air setpoint can be adjusted on the Mat Protect screen.