Keep Your Plastics Dryers Cool This Summer: Essential Maintenance Tips from Dri-Air
As temperatures rise—and in many areas this year, really rise—your equipment feels the heat, too. Summertime can wreak havoc on your production if you’re not paying attention to one critical area: your plastics dryer.
These machines are the unsung heroes of maintaining resin quality, keeping scrap rates down and production levels high. But hot, humid weather adds stress to both sides of the dryer system: process (drying the resin) and regeneration (refreshing the desiccant beds). To stay efficient and avoid costly downtime, here’s what you need to know.
Process Side: Don’t Let Moisture Sneak In
Dry air must move freely and cleanly to the drying hopper—but summer humidity is relentless. Here’s what to check:
- Hoses: Replace any cracked or crushed ones.
- Hopper Covers & Gaskets: These should be intact and sealed tight to block ambient moisture.
- Filters: Clogged filters choke airflow, slowing resin drying and preventing proper temperatures. Clean filters = better product.
Regeneration Side: Make Clean Air Count
The regeneration cycle is key to keeping desiccant beds effective. Summer heat can limit performance unless:
- Filters are kept clean—dust, fines, or plasticizer buildup restrict airflow even if they “look” clean.
- Plasticizer traps and aftercoolers are installed and functioning, especially if you’re seeing oil or residue in housings.
- Filter Schedules are followed:
- Virgin resins: every 6 months
- Regrind/glass-filled: check by condition
- Drying temps are accurate—just a few degrees too high can release excessive plasticizer.
Don’t forget to inspect the filter housing itself: missing gaskets or worn lids can cause air leaks that invite humidity right back in.
Airflow Blockers: Heat Exchanger Health
If your dryer uses a return air heat exchanger or aftercooler, summer’s the time to inspect it:
- Disconnect hoses
- Check inside tubes for dust, long glass fibers, or other blockages
- If build-up is routine, consider a cyclone separator to protect long-term airflow
Resin Storage: The Forgotten Factor
Even the best dryer can’t fight an open resin bag. Here’s how to help:
- Keep bags sealed until ready
- Store unused resin in airtight containers
- Use Gaylord covers to prevent moisture and dirt intrusion
- Resins like glass-filled nylons can need up to 16 hours of drying if exposed!
Stay Ahead of the Heat
A little preventive maintenance now can save hours of rework and thousands in wasted material.
To learn how Dri-Air can support your operation through the summer and beyond, call us at 860-627-5110 or email sales@dri-air.com.
Dry smarter. Run cleaner. Stay cool.