Electric infrared dryers: OPTI THERM modell

Electric infrared radiators

The electric infrared radiators are installed inside the dryer. The radiators consist essentially of an extremely heat-resistant insulation material and a specially developed metal foil. When an electric current flows through the metal foils, they heat up to the leather temperature required.

Benefits at a glance:

• 20 – 30% lower energy consumption compared to infrared quartz glass lamps 
• Long to medium-wave infrared radiation (2.6 – 9.6 µm) with high radiation intensity
• Short reaction times
• 92% of the energy used is radiated directly onto the leather being treated because the insulation materials prevent energy loss from the back of the radiators
• No reflectors required in the drying chamber
• No cooling required → no unnecessary energy loss as a result
• Corrugated resistance material (metal foils) provide a large radiation surface
• Protective gratings prevent mechanical damage and contact
• etc.

Temperature measuring device: 
OPTI THERM model

With the OPTI THERM temperature measuring device, the temperature of the leather is measured directly in each zone of the dryer and controlled according to a preselected value via the process automation system. This allows the dryer to be set precisely. It guarantees the best dryer values and ensures the best possible interaction of the chemicals released.

Measuring and regulating the leather temperature in each zone, instead of measuring the air temperature or temperature of the radiators, avoids putting energy into the leather unnecessarily and drastically reduces energy consumption. “Shrinkage” is also reduced if the leather is treated with less heat energy. 

Pyrometers

Pyrometers are installed at the exit to each zone. The pyrometers are infrared temperature sensors that work without contact. They measure the infrared radiation emitted by the leather as it passes through and calculate the surface temperature on that basis. In order to keep the lens on the pyrometer clean, it is flushed with a constant air flow of 0.2 bar. This air flow keeps the lens free of any dust particles, precipitation, dew and condensation. 

Waste air volume control: ECO VAC model

When the electric infrared radiators in the dryer are in operation, a certain volume of waste air is required to take away the vaporised water (H2O) that forms during drying. In the waste air duct, a sensor measures the relative humidity of the waste air. Frequency-controlled waste air fans regulate the waste air volume to keep it in the optimal range according to the preselected relative humidity. 

Residual moisture measurement: Moisture Matic model

On leaving the drying tunnel and the cooling system, the sensor measures the residual moisture in the leather at various points along a conveyor belt. The current residual moisture measurement and the average residual moisture of the piece of leather can be seen on the display. 

Process automation: YIELD COMMAND

The YIELD COMMAND process automation system is used primarily for optimal guidance of the drying process. This saves a lot of energy and there is less shrinkage. In addition to pure temperature measurement, other features can be implemented for better operation and data archiving. The process data recorded can be stored either locally or on the web (Azure or AWS). 

In future, all GloboCord software versions will be equipped with an interface with our partner VISIDAT. In this way, the customer can see the current process data at any time and optimise and adjust the drying process as necessary. This means better profitability and energy savings of up to 50%. 

Working width/length

Width: 1,800 to 3,400 mm (customised widths on request)
Length: 2,000 mm per zone (number of zones on request)