Drying Process
The technicians at General Polymer Services are dedicated to delivering high-quality polymer solutions to our customers. One of the services included in our projects is polymer drying. We use a wide range of techniques to ensure that the polymers from GPS do not contain excess moisture, which can affect the properties for which the polymer was originally developed. We also create solutions for polymers that absorb ambient water, which can be especially useful in humid regions.
At General Polymer Services, our team of experts will apply their knowledge of drying to develop the materials you need for your next project.
Why Polymer Drying is Important
Excessive moisture in polymers can have an adverse effect on product quality. While resin pellets may appear “dry” to the eye or the touch, many polymers, known as hygroscopic polymers, can attract water from the air.
These polymers can include commonly-used chemicals, such as PET, Polycarbonate, and Nylon, This moisture can damage the long-chain molecules that form inside the resin pellet. Such damage can include streaks, brittleness, or bubbles in the finished product.
Types of Polymer Dryers
General Polymer Services uses several types of dryers. Each dryer is designed to fulfill the needs of the specific product, from small batches to large projects.
Desiccant Dryers
A desiccant dryer works by exposing the pellets to hot, dry air. Much like how desert conditions can drain the water from plants and animals, a desiccant dryer drains moisture from resin pellets. A molecular sieve desiccant removes the moisture from the ambient air, then a heater raises the air temperature to over 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Desiccant dryers are often used for both primary and secondary drying tasks.
Hot Air Dryers
A hot air dryer works in much the same way as a household hair or clothes dryer. The dryer blows hot, dry air into the bottom of a drying hopper. The airflow within the dryer allows the moisture within the resin pellets to evaporate. Hot air dryers are often used to remove surface moisture from non-hygroscopic resins, as they are not as effective at removing internal moisture from hygroscopic materials. pellets. The lower pressure reduces the boiling point of water by nearly half, allowing the water trapped in the pellets to “boil off.”
Fluid Bed Dryers
Fluid bed dryers have a porous conveying surface set within an enclosed vibrating vessel. This proprietary technology directs heat transfer air or gas to pass up vertically through the product, creating the high degree of fluidization that promotes maximum air contact with the product surface for superior drying performance.
Compounding and Confidentiality
The specialists at General Polymer Services understand the sensitive nature of our customers' project information. We know that a specific polymer compound can give our clients the edge they need in a highly competitive business environment. Our team take every precaution to safeguard all communications with our clients, regardless of whether those communications are verbal, written, or electronic.
Contact Us
Let the team at General Polymer Services show you how we can work with you on your next polymer compounding project. Our techniques can help you boost your manufacturing capacity, without the high cost of capital investment or the inconvenience of long installation times.
To learn more about how we can help you with your next project, email us at info@generalpolymerservices.com or call us at (281) 424-4673.