Infrared Predryers for Fabrics and Nonwovens Make Process Speed Gains Possible

Manufacturers of textiles and nonwovens can increase the speed of many heat-processing operations by adding infrared predryers to their production lines. Predrying technology can be applied profitably to processes where coatings, saturants, flockings, sizings or backings are dried after application. The predryers have been custom designed and manufactured by <%=company%> (Pattterson, NJ), using electric or gas-fired infrared heaters, depending upon the application. Glenro heaters are designed to provide intense, precisely controlled heat with high energy efficiency. While a custom unit can be specified for an application, electrically powered IR units can provide up to 4,800 W/ft² at temperatures to 1,500°F, and gas-powered units can deliver up to 3,200 W/ft² at temperatures to 1,500°F.

Infrared predryers are widely used in predrying dyed fabrics to set dyes and prevent dye migration. Many other textile or nonwoven drying operations can be enhanced by adding predrying capability. By raising the temperature of the fabric before it enters the main dryer or range, infrared predrying accelerates evaporation, allowing the line to be speeded up. Productivity is increased without sacrificing product quality, which also brings about rapid return on investment.

Glenro infrared predryers can also be used in conjunction with tenter frames. The predryers are designed to occupy minimal plant floor space, and include precise temperature control systems to maintain product quality and avoid fabric damage on line stops. Predryers can be designed in single- or multi-pass configurations as required by the application.

Glenro Inc. is a manufacturer of custom-designed and -built energy delivery systems, including a wide range of engineered air systems and infrared ovens. The company also makes fume oxidizers for elimination of VOCs, smoke and odor from manufacturing exhaust streams.

Edited by Nick Basta