Abstract: Integrated web dryer (10) and regenerative heat exchanger (20), as well as a method of drying a web of material using the same. The apparatus and method of the present invention provides for the heating (22) of air and the converting of VOC's to harmless gases in a fully integrated manner via the inclusion of a regenerative combustion device as an integral element of the drying apparatus.

Abstract: A drying apparatus for a strip of material or web, including a conditioning zone immediately following but fully integrated with the dryer, to lower the bulk temperature of web. The web of material can be introduced to conditioned air which is substantially free of contaminants being evolved from the coating on the web. The temperature of the conditioned air is low enough to absorb heat from the web, effectively lowering the solvent evaporation rate, and can be controlled such that it is greater than the dew point of the contaminants being evolved from the web, thereby mitigating condensation that normally forms and visible vapors that form outside of the dryer enclosure. Pressure control is provided in the conditioning zone so that solvent vapors will not escape and so that ambient make-up air can be regulated as required. Gas seal between the conditioning zone and the dryer prevents hot, solvent vapor laden air from the dryer from escaping into the conditioning zone.

Abstract: A method of drying [apparatus for ] a strip of material or web, which may advantageously be performed by providing a drying apparatus including a conditioning zone immediately following but fully integrated with the [dryer] drying zone, to lower the bulk temperature of web. The web of material can be introduced to conditioned air which is substantially free of contaminants being evolved from the coating on the web. The temperature of the conditioned air is low enough to absorb heat from the web, effectively lowering the solvent evaporation rate, and can be controlled such that it is greater than the dew point of the contaminants being evolved from the web, thereby mitigating condensation that normally forms and visible vapors that form outside of the dryer enclosure. Pressure control is provided in the conditioning zone so that solvent vapors will not escape and so that ambient make-up air can be regulated as required.

Abstract: A seal for a dryer having split enclosure drying hoods is disclosed. The hoods are retractable with respect to each other at at least one separation joint. A gasket capable of conforming to the contour of the joint is positioned in the joint. Preferably the gasket is of an inflatable type. The portions of the upper and lower hoods which terminate at the separation joint comprise a bellows, which provide a non-linear path for heat conduction and in which the gasket is positioned.

Abstract: A directional diffusion nozzle air bar for utilizing an arrangement of holes to discharge air from a partial round member in the form of circular jets. The direction of discharge of the air is adjustable by a rotatable baffle rotatably mounted within the partial round member. The partial round member includes a plurality of holes along the length of the diffusion nozzle. The air bar provides the ability to adjust the angle of impingement of air on a web by alternating the direction of the circular jets without changing out the air bar. The air bar also provides the ability to profile the drying rate within a specific zone by directing the impingement air from each air bar.

Abstract: A rotatable slot nozzle air bar utilizing a rotatable baffle assembly to directionally discharge air through an attached slot. The direction of discharge of the air is adjustable by a rotatable baffle assembly rotatably mounted within a surrounding outer housing. The rotatable slot nozzle air bar provides the ability to adjust the direction of impingement air on a web by controlling the rotation of the rotatable baffle assembly in the outer housing without changing out the air bar. The rotatable slot nozzle air bar provides the ability to profile the drying rate within the zone by directing the impingement air from the slot nozzle. The rotatable slot nozzle assembly is rotated to change direction of impingement air, thus allowing for operation using direct impingement, induced diffusional flow or a varying combination of either.

Abstract: A control system for an industrial dryer used to remove a flammable solvent or vapors from a traveling web of material or the dryer. The dryer consists of a chamber which is preferably a large metallic cylinder through which the web of material moves longitudinally. Seals in the metallic cylinder at the points of entry and exit of the traveling web permit the control system to maintain the desired environment under controlled pressure within the metallic cylinder. The web of material travels successively through one or more zones within the metallic cylinder. At each zone, the web of material is exposed to a pressurized atmosphere which may be at increasingly higher temperatures. The solvent is recovered from the pressurized atmosphere by rapid cooling, membrane separation or absorption. Sensors within each zone measure the oxygen content of the pressurized atmosphere. If the oxygen content exceeds a given threshold, pressurized nitrogen or other inert gas is added.