AEC HE Mass Flow Series Drying hoppers - Manual (Page 8)

HE
• CHE • BCHE Mass Flow Series Drying Hoppers
Page 7
1 General Information
1-1 Introduction
AEC/Whitlock HE (Heaters), CHE (Controls and Heaters), and BCHE (Blower, Controls and
Heaters) Mass Flow Series drying hopper packages offer a high efficiency alternative for drying
multiple materials when used with a single or multiple dryer(s).
1-2 Equipment Function
AEC/Whitlock HE, CHE, and BCHE Mass Flow Series drying hoppers are used in conjunction
with a dehumidifying dryer unit. This dryer/drying hopper system generates heated,
dehumidified air to dry hygroscopic materials, such as plastic pellets. As in standard drying
systems, this operation removes moisture from the process air via molecular sieve desiccant beds
in the dehumidifying dryer unit. The system then sends this dry air to the HE, CHE, or BCHE
drying hopper, where heating elements are located. Heating the air at the drying hopper cuts
energy waste otherwise caused by heated air flowing through the dryer hose. After the system
heats air at the inlet of the drying hopper, it passes through the column of plastic resin in the
hopper and then returns to the dehumidifying dryer unit.
The drying hopper is designed to promote even drying and uniform material flow by using a
unique air/material diffuser cone. It is of modular construction, and can be configured and
oriented in numerous ways. You can easily change diameters on the process air inlet and outlet
with hand tools.
Material moves through the hopper in a first in, first out flow pattern. Located in the cover, the
removable air trap prevents introduction of moist ambient air into the drying system. Other
features on your system include lifting lugs plus a sight glass to let you see the material level.
Various types of material take-off compartments and/or drawer magnets can be installed at the
discharge point of the hopper. Contact your AEC/Whitlock sales representative for selecting
companion equipment.
Drying hopper systems are sized to meet specific customer requirements. Sections on the
following few pages list the differences between HE, CHE, and BCHE drying hopper systems.