INFRARED DRYERS

ASI also offers drying solutions that incorporate an infrared heat source. Infrared heat uses invisible electromagnetic waves to radiantly heat a web. Infrared heat offers a supplemental heating option that may be utilized to:​

• heat a heavy or saturated web quickly by utilizing high energy input;

• maintain a temperature in a cure zone;

• reduce the energy demand on the other heat source; and

• shorten the dryer length.

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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.​