Meech’s JetStream Air Knife System Cuts Drying Time for Boddingtons

02.11.07

While working on the development of a new fine mesh product, Jeremy Bond, Senior Project Engineer, examined Boddingtons’ unique thermoplastic extrusion process and realised that there was scope to improve the drying method used after the plastic mesh was cooled in water. As finer mesh was produced, the existing method was unable to remove all the water, resulting in quality issues for the actual product as well as causing a wet factory floor. Jeremy looked at other drying solutions and contacted Meech International to discuss how the company’s JetStream air knife drying system could help solve their problem.

“I was delighted to hear that it was a standard application for the Meech engineers.” says Jeremy. “Meech came back with a number of options and we found the perfect solution.”

The basis of operation of the JetStream system is that high-pressure air is generated at the blower unit and delivered to the air knives through ducting. The air is then discharged from the air knives at a velocity of approximately 100 metres per second, providing an energy efficient drying system.

At Boddingtons, two air knives are installed on the extrusion line, above and below the mesh, with the blower unit installed behind the extruder itself. This system provides a reliable and controlled way of completely drying the fine mesh. “We have been really pleased with the results from using JetStream. Not only does it produce a higher quality product than before, but as it is completely dry, we are also able to provide an accurate product weight. From a health and safety point of view, installation of the JetStream has meant no more wet floors therefore reducing the chance of slippage and its incredibly quiet blower unit means we have no noise regulation problems either.” concludes Jeremy.

JetStream is installed throughout the world to remove surface moisture in a wide range of industries including beverage, fresh produce and automotive.

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