The Komline-Sanderson Paddle Dryer / Processor is a highly efficient, mechanically agitated, indirect heat transfer device for adding or removing heat from a process mass. Dual counter-rotating shafts with unique intermeshing wedge-shaped paddles produce intimate mixing, uniform heat transfer, a high heat transfer rate, and a self-cleaning effect. No stator bars (breaker bars) are needed.
A metal wall separates the process mass from the heat transfer medium. High thermal efficiency is obtained because the heat transfer is by conduction. Very little heat is lost with an insulated dryer.
The K-S Paddle Dryer transports material, regardless of its handling characteristics. Sticky, pasty materials can be transported. Pre-conditioning the feed by mixing with recycled dried product, to make it conveyable, is not required. This results in lower capital, operating, and maintenance cost.
Material is conveyed through the K-S Paddle Dryer by displacement (“piston flow”). As material is added to the feed end, it is assimilated into the bed by the mixing action of the agitators. Hydraulic head pressure, combined with the action of the wedge-shaped paddles, pushes material around the paddles. Since the product moves by displacement, residence time is controlled by the feed rate and the overflow weir height.
The K-S Paddle Dryer is designed with high torque capabilities to increase its process flexibility. Extra torque keeps you on-line, when upset conditions develop.
Because the K-S Paddle Dryer is indirectly heated the amount of off-gas is minimal. Inerting with nitrogen is easily accomplished when required. Typically no external sweep gas is required. For certain applications sweep gas is used to increase the drying rate or to prevent condensation in the vapor outlet of a dryer. Heat tracing the cover can also be done to prevent condensation from occurring.
In the K-S Paddle Cooler indirect cooling can be done in a controlled environment. Sweep gas is used to prevent condensation from occurring. K-S process and project engineers provide assistance at all phases of the project. Depending on your specific requirements, K-S can provide you with a dryer/processor, or a complete system.