Drymax dryers complete with energy rating

Wittmann has introduced a comprehensive testing program to establish energy ratings for their Drymax dry air dryers. The familiar topic of energy efficiency and energy savings is commonly put forth by many suppliers as a sales argument but what are their claims really based on and can they be substantiated? After several years of research, Wittmann has developed a standardized rating method based on stringent test conditions that provide repeatable results for the actual energy use.

Optimizing and minimizing energy consumption is just one step towards preventing climate change. In terms of resin drying, energy represents a big portion of the cost. Although Drymax dryers are provided with many standard energy saving features like insulated stainless steel hoppers, SmartReg, 7-day timer and SmartFlow for multiple hopper units, the largest amount of energy is used to heat the resin and remove moisture. For this reason, one must begin by looking at the initial moisture content of the resin and the ambient conditions.

For test purposes, Wittmann specified an ambient temperature range of 80-100? F and an ambient dew point between 68-75? Fdp, both which are representative of actual production conditions that could exist anywhere in the world. It should be noted, that the ambient moisture is more important for energy consumption than ambient temperature. In order to compare between the different sizes of dryers, Wittmann needed to find one common property relative to the dryer size. Air flow was selected as it is based on the dryer size and was specifically determined by the measurement of the actual mass flow of air. Then, simply put, Wittmann defined the actual energy rating as the basic energy consumption per mass flow of air.

To further test the validity of their results, Wittmann compared actual test results with theoretical values. Once tested, every dryer model will be labeled with an Energy Sticker showing the measured test result in terms of kWh per unit weight of dry air. Processors buying a dryer based on energy efficiency or energy savings should ask the supplier for the actual test data and then have them explain how it was measured. If they can`t or are unwilling to provide this information then you must ask yourself about the value of the data in making any meaningful comparison.