LABOTEK DFD-DH SERIES
DESICCANT FLEXIBLE DRYERS AND DRYING HOPPER SYSTEMS
HIGH-CAPACITY, CENTRALIZED AND MODULAR DRYING SOLUTIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL PLASTIC PRODUCTION
In plastic processing operations, the quality of raw material drying is one of the most critical factors directly influencing final product performance. Especially hygroscopic polymers such as PA, PET, PC, PMMA, PBT, TPU and other engineering plastics must be dried under precisely controlled conditions before processing. If drying is performed at an incorrect dew point, unstable air volume or unsuitable temperature profile, defects such as surface imperfections, reduced mechanical strength, gas formation, color variation and process instability become inevitable. The Labotek DFD-DH Series has been developed to eliminate these risks by providing high-capacity, flexible and energy-efficient desiccant drying solutions.
DFD-DH systems cover a very wide application range, from standalone drying solutions serving a single processing machine to fully centralized drying systems supplying multiple machines simultaneously. Thanks to their modular design, system capacity can be scaled according to production requirements, while different raw materials can be dried safely and simultaneously.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE OF DESICCANT FLEXIBLE DRYING TECHNOLOGY
Labotek DFD systems utilize a closed-loop dehumidification concept based on dual desiccant beds filled with molecular sieve material. Drying air passes through the desiccant beds, reducing the dew point to levels between -40 °C and -50 °C. This extremely dry air efficiently absorbs moisture from plastic granules, allowing the material to be dried to very low residual moisture levels required for high-quality processing.
The dual desiccant bed architecture ensures continuous operation. While one bed is actively drying, the second bed is in regeneration or standby mode, ready to take over automatically. This configuration enables uninterrupted production and stable drying conditions. Labotek's unique moisture-dependent regeneration system adjusts desiccant regeneration based on the actual absorbed moisture level, ensuring that only the necessary regeneration energy is used and eliminating unnecessary energy consumption.
LABOTEK DFD SERIES
DESICCANT FLEXIBLE DRYER UNITS
The Labotek DFD Series offers a broad airflow capacity range from 200 m³/h up to 1700 m³/h. Higher capacities can be achieved by operating multiple identical units in parallel, making the system ideally suited for centralized drying applications with future expansion in mind.
DFD 200-450 SERIES - SMALL AND MEDIUM CAPACITY SYSTEMS
This series is designed for small to medium drying requirements and allows simultaneous drying of several hygroscopic plastic materials. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for installation close to processing machinery.
Key technical data:
• Airflow capacity: 200 / 300 / 450 m³/h
• Dew point: better than -40 °C
• Installed power: 7.3 - 16 kW
• Average power consumption: 5.5 - 10 kW
• Regeneration heater power: 1×3.5 kW - 3×3.5 kW
• Noise level: approximately 68 dBA
• Net weight: 215 - 350 kg
The DFD 300-450 models are equipped with a frequency inverter as standard, allowing dynamic airflow adjustment according to actual demand. This improves process stability while significantly reducing energy consumption.
DFD 600-1700 SERIES - HIGH-CAPACITY AND CENTRALIZED DRYING SYSTEMS
The DFD 600, 1000, 1500 and 1700 m³/h models are designed for large-scale production facilities and centralized drying installations. These systems can be combined with one or multiple drying hoppers depending on the application.
Technical and structural highlights:
• Airflow capacity: 600 - 1700 m³/h
• Dew point: down to -50 °C
• Installed power: 27 - 56 kW
• Average power consumption: 12 - 24 kW
• Regeneration heating power: 6×3.5 kW - 12×3.5 kW
• Noise level: approximately 73 - 74 dBA
• Net weight: 630 - 1160 kg
This series incorporates separate air-to-water heat exchangers for process air and regeneration air. A Siemens PLC with a 10-inch touch screen is standard. Optional frequency inverter control and an external heat recovery (EHR) system can reduce electrical energy consumption by up to 85 percent by utilizing available hot water from compressors or other plant processes.
LABOTEK DH SERIES
DRYING HOPPERS
Labotek DH drying hoppers are available in capacities ranging from 15 litres up to 12,000 litres. All hoppers feature interiors made of AISI 304 stainless steel, ensuring excellent corrosion resistance and hygienic material handling. High-performance insulation minimizes heat loss and ensures stable drying temperatures.
DH 15-800 SERIES
• Insulation thickness: 50 mm
• Temperature range: 60 - 140 °C (HT version up to 180 °C)
• Sight glass and clean-out door as standard
• Compatible with Labotek Energy Saving System (LESS)
DH 1200-12000 SERIES
• Heavy-duty 75 mm insulation
• Polished aluminium exterior finish
• Large clean-out doors
• Ideal for centralized drying systems
Each drying hopper is equipped with independent temperature control. Optional airflow regulation (AFRS) and gravimetric drying readiness allow optimization of air volume and drying time according to material consumption, further improving energy efficiency and process stability.
APPLICATION AREAS
• Injection moulding plants
• Extrusion and compounding lines
• Blow moulding and film production
• Automotive, medical and electronics plastics
• PET and engineering polymers
• Centralized raw material drying systems
ADVANTAGES OF LABOTEK DFD-DH SYSTEMS
• Extremely low and stable dew point levels
• Continuous and reliable drying performance
• Modular and scalable system architecture
• High energy efficiency
• Centralized and multi-machine feeding capability
• Industry 4.0-ready automation
• Three-year warranty excluding wear parts
