The new multi talent on the dryer market

The new RDX-Series from Blue Air Systems, based on the 3D-Principle technology provides high efficiency and performance in material

drying with compressed air.

Next step in technology: Compressed Air Dryer 3.0

Kundl (Austria), 22.08.2011: Blue Air Systems present a new series of dryers based on the 3D-compressed-air-principle at the Fakuma 2011 exhibition.  The new RDX-Series is built up completely modularized and offers the option to create 38 different hopper sizes.  This innovative modularity allows the processors to adapt the drying performance to the individual production requirements only with a few base modules. Therewith the processor is able toreact to different shot weights, and changes of material.  RDX replaced the former Xpert series and convinces with process technical advantages. The innovative RDX-generation is the first new development in compressed air dryers made by the „makers“ of the compressed air technology” – a strategic union of the enterprises Blue Air Systems and Industrial Systems, out of the Fasti succession. The two technical heads, Alexander Lintner and Bernhard Auer, comment the new direction in compressed air technology: „The RDX-System shows – we are the original and the drivers of this technology. We are convinced of our new 3D-compressed air-principle for better, more efficient and constant drying performance.”

The modular RDX-series consists of 4 main components: compressed air module, material hopper, dryer lid and hopper extension. This allows very quick changes of the hopper sizes and superior accessibility for maintenance. The RDX offers clean conditions for the material flow and excellent drying performance based on the compressed air principle. Fluctuations in drying batches caused by residual moisture are very well manageable with the RDX. According to the manufacturer and pilot customers, the new RDX dryer works more energy efficient and cares more for the drying material in relation to other comparable dryers on the market.  

3D-Compressed-Air-Principle
Procedurally seen, the RDX takes a new direction: All relevant process factors of the compressed air drying were optimized based on efficiency of a single resin corn.  According to the manufacturer the 3D-principle deals with three process parameters: isolation or contained conditions of material and environment through thermal decoupling, homogeneously temperature control through consistent air-distribution via a ring-jet system and an intelligent, sensor controlled compressed air flow. Target is to dehumidify every single resin particle profoundly. According to Alexander Lintner, the integral part of the new development is a ring jet system which allows a “multi radial air stream” for the resin. The stream in conventional compressed air dryers on the market runs mono-radial, with a radial decreasing drying performance.   

All-rounder in principle
The RDX-series has an intelligent compressed air module for the drying process with display and controlling function. This module provides an effective and considerate handling of the material during the whole process.  You can choose between two modes, normal and expert’s mode. The expert-mode is able to manage challenging materials like TPE, high-temperature thermoplastics like PEEK or filled materials better. Usage comfort and functionality were important targets for Blue Air. Significant improvement in ergonomics/user-friendliness could be achieved with new swiveling and removable display elements. Large displays which are readable from a 15m distance allow an efficient and secure process monitoring. This leads to short intervention times for the operating staff and a better overview.

The compressed air module is docked to the material hopper via a centralized compressed air coupling. Adjustable sensors inside the material hopper ensure exact process monitoring. With this feedback option the compressed air amount is optimal regulated to the actual material amount during the whole conveyor period. Through a multiport-I/O-interface the contact of the RDX compressed air module with its process environment is guaranteed.

Process room without any compromises – temperature barriers and intelligent compressed air circulation for optimal processes

Quality means the usage of high-quality components: all stainless steel and PTFE parts are produced in Germany. These components are also procurable for the clean room application. Therewith the RDX-series marks off from simpler solutions from third markets and relies on highest performance and price balance.

Perfect process area isolation is given by a new temperature barrier for thermal decoupling between interior and exterior side of the hopper. The material is so effectively decoupled from the environmental conditions. The homogeneous distribution and circulation of compressed air is one of the special attributes of the RDX-series. An integrated ring-jet system ensures the perfect process air distribution in the hopper and dehumidifies the particles from any residual moisture – effectively and fast. In contrast to comparable products the RDX-dryer doesn´t need any additional conveyor unit. The RDX-dryers can be equipped with an infinitely variable adjustable hopper sensor which is integrated in the control system of the dryer. Thereby the operator is given simplest handling and highest reliability combined with lower acquisition costs.

RDX-modularity as an economical solution for processor

Standardized basis hoppers and appropriate extension elements of the RDX-series offer the possibility to simply and economically realize different sizes and drying performances.  With this solution the processor is not forced to decide definitely on one size. At any time the operator is able to react on changing production conditions, different materials or shot weights. These individual adjustments are new and unique on the dryer market.  Concretely: With 5 basis sizes and 4 extension units – only 9 standard elements – 38 sizes with process volumes between 0.5 l and 82 l are feasible. This covers the complete performance range for small dryers which have a maximum technical process performance of 100 liters. The trick is an express-exchanging-system using an extender: It allows the quick and flexible change of material hoppers to adjust the volume of the hopper to the production. The volumes of the RDX-material hoppers consider production between 0.5 l (RDX 005) and 82 l (RDX 82). The processor can choose between 38 different hopper sizes – drying times and temperatures vary due to volume and material type. Standard data are programmed in the RDX-series which can be adjusted to individual requirements. The simple construction of the systems allows a reduction of necessary modules which help reduce error sources and allows accessibility for easier cleaning and maintenance. Additionally the RDX-series is compact and also looks really good.

Resume

The new RDX-series was consciously not built with main focus on “revolutionary new development”. Instead, the idea was to use the knowledge and experience with compressed air technology for drying for a targeted development. RDX is the consequent, technologically high-quality transformation of this idea in a product which is able to represent the technological leadership plausibly. Alexander Lintner sums up: “The processor should immediately see that this product is an honest solution to material drying problems and with its special execution, it is also capable of doing it.”

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