A dryer in plastic recycling refers to a machine that removes moisture from washed and processed plastic flakes or pellets before they are melted and made into new plastic products. Moisture in plastic can cause bubbles, surface defects, and other problems during the melting process, leading to lower-quality products.
Plastic dryers come in different types and designs, including hot air dryers, desiccant dryers, and vacuum dryers. Hot air dryers use hot air to evaporate moisture from the plastic flakes or pellets, while desiccant dryers use desiccant materials like silica gel or activated alumina to absorb moisture. Vacuum dryers remove moisture by subjecting the plastic flakes or pellets to low-pressure conditions, which lowers the boiling point of water, causing the moisture to evaporate quickly.
The choice of the type of dryer depends on factors such as the type of plastic being recycled, the amount of moisture present, and the desired output quality. Some plastic recycling machines come with integrated dryers, while others require a separate dryer as an additional component.
Plastic dryers typically have a hopper or tank where the plastic flakes or pellets are placed, a heater or blower to provide heat or airflow, and a control panel to regulate temperature and other operating conditions. They can also have sensors and monitoring systems to ensure that the moisture content is maintained at the desired level.
Overall, plastic dryers are essential equipment in plastic recycling as they improve the quality and consistency of recycled plastic products.