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When it comes to consumer goods, the methods that are generally used to
determine energy consumption are standardized and understandable.
However, this isn’t the case for the plastics processing industry,
where establishing the energy consumption for many products means using
internal company measuring methods that naturally differ from each
other and, are rather tolerant when it comes to interpreting the data.
The sales argument of energy efficiency and energy savings – which is
sometimes overemphasized and raises the question very quickly as to
what the respective data is referring to and how it can be verified.
WITTMANN
has introduced a comprehensive testing program to establish energy
ratings for their DRYMAX dry air dryers. After several years of
research, WITTMANN has developed a standardized rating method based on
stringent test conditions that provide repeatable results for the
actual energy use.
Optimizing and minimizing energy consumption
is just one step towards preventing climate change. In terms of resin
drying, energy represents a big portion of the cost. Although DRYMAX
dryers are provided with many standard energy saving features like
insulated stainless steel hoppers, SmartReg™, 7-day timer and SmartFlow
for multiple hopper units, the largest amount of energy is used to heat
the resin and remove moisture. For this reason, one must begin by
looking at the initial moisture content of the resin and the ambient
conditions.
For test purposes, WITTMANN specified an ambient
temperature range of 80–100 ºF and an ambient dew point between 68–75
ºFdp, both which are representative of actual production conditions
that could exist anywhere in the world. It should be noted, that the
ambient moisture is more important for energy consumption than ambient
temperature. In order to compare between the different sizes of dryers,
WITTMANN needed to find one common property relative to the dryer size.
Air flow was selected as it is based on the dryer size and was
specifically determined by the measurement of the actual mass flow of
air. Then, simply put, WITTMANN defined the actual energy rating as the
basic energy consumption per mass flow of air. To further test the
validity of their results, WITTMANN compared actual test results with
theoretical values. Once tested, every dryer model will be labeled with
an Energy Sticker showing the measured test result in terms of kWh per
unit weight of dry air. Processors buying a dryer based on energy
efficiency or energy savings should ask the supplier for the actual
test data and then have them explain how it was measured. If they can’t
or are unwilling to provide this information then you must ask yourself
about the value of the data in making any meaningful comparison. |
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 DRYMAX Energy Rating Label |
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 Energy Consumption Chart |
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 DRYMAX with Label |
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