Industrial dryer produces energy saving costs

Secomak and the University of Hertfordshire have produced a drying machine for the food and drink manufacturing industry that mirrors the way in which hybrid cars save energy.

The Powerstrip is equipped with sensors that can detect when a product needs to be dried.

The machine engages stainless steel nozzles that, among other things, shoot compressed air underneath the bottle crowns to dry them.

Alternatively blown air can be released through slots on the side of the machine and driven across the surface of the bottles to dry them for labelling.

This product is the result of a government funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership to which University of Hertfordshire graduate in aerospace systems David Palmer has brought his skills in computational fluid dynamics, project management and project planning.

Secomak product development manager, David Dell, said: 'The theory behind our machines is identical to the engineering philosophies applied in the hybrid Car.

'Supply on demand on a production line is identical to the stopping of a hybrid car's engine when stationary.

'The car runs on petrol and electricity, whilst our machines run on both blower-driven air and compressed air.

'With the package able to control noise and energy savings on all of our systems, industrial dryers will now be able to make a real difference to our environment.'.

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