INERT DRYERS​

Inert dryers are used when a process or other variable dictates that a web must be dried or cured within an atmosphere that contains little to no oxygen. In these situations, it is imperative that the web entrance and exit slots, as well as all doors, are air tight to maintain the required inert environment. To achieve this, the web entrance and exit slots of the dryer are designed with a nitrogen curtain "seal" that prevents the entry of oxygen into the dryer enclosure. The inert environment is further maintained by the use of a knife-edge seal on the doors to make them air tight. Oftentimes, a solvent recovery system that includes a condenser will accompany an inert dryer. 

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ASI works closely with all of our customers to deliver a drying solution and  results that our customers require.

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ASI's AirBars

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AirBar design is one of the most important aspects to dryer performance and choosing the correct AirBar is a critical step in every dryer design. ASI has designed and developed over two dozen AirBars that are tailored to specific drying environments, products, and criteria. AirBar selection is based on multiple process variables, including line tension, web porosity, web weight, temperature sensitivity, coating characteristics, and solvent volatility.

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Our AirBars include:

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• slot nozzles - impingement-style AirBars for high heat and mass transfer applications;

• hole bars - impingement-style AirBars that supply dilution air for slower drying applications;

• airfoils - flotation AirBars that can be mounted above or below the web to provide unparalleled lift or hold-down force and can be used:

  • with low web tensions without web flutter; and

  • for single sided web flotation;

• dual purpose AirBars - ASI's impingement-style slot nozzles combined with a moveable wing to convert to a dilution-style AirBar; and

• BW-style AirBars - flotation AirBars that can float the heaviest of webs and can be mounted above or below the web to provide high heat and mass transfer.