AEC HE Mass Flow Series Drying hoppers - Manual (Page 22)

HE
• CHE • BCHE Mass Flow Series Drying Hoppers
Page 21
4 Startup, Shutdown, and Operation
4-1 Pre-Startup Checklist
; Verify that all dryer electrical connections and thermocouples are tight.
; Check blower and heater hose connections.
; Is the drying hopper mounted securely to and properly supported on the processing machine?
If the drying hopper is floor mounted, is the stand fixed to a stable, secured surface?
; Are the hose clamps securing the air diffuser inside the drying hopper tight? Is the air
diffuser plumb and centered in the conical drying hopper section?
; Has all rust inhibitor been removed from the drying hopper product contact surfaces? Is any
and all debris cleaned and removed from the area (especially around blower suction points)?
; Are all band clamps seated and tight?
; Are the access door and cleanout spout secure?
; Are the process and return hose connections secure?
; Is all companion equipment, such as the dryer, loading system and Aftercooler ready for
operation?
; Check blower connections on BCHE models.
4-2 Starting the Process
1. Close the slide gate on the drying hopper.
2. Fill the hopper until the material level is above the lower edge of the air trap cone in the
drying hopper cover.
3. Turn on (energize) the disconnect switch in your power drops, then turn on the power on
the dryer and drying hoppers. Refer to the dryer operation and installation manual for
further information on the desiccant dryer.
4. Make sure that the blowers turn in the right direction.
5. Set the process set point on the temperature controller to the desired temperature.
6. After the proper residence time for the initial hopper fill has elapsed, fully open the slide
gate at the drying hopper.
Note: To ensure proper residence time during continuous processing, the material level in the
hopper should be maintained at the midpoint in the air trap assembly.