Abstract: The present invention concerns processes for reducing water in never-dried fiber comprising copolymer derived from the copolymerization of para-phenylenediamine, 5(6)-amino-2-(p-aminophenyl)benzimidazole; and terephthaloyl dichloride, the process having the following steps in a continuous process, (a) a step of drying a never-dried fiber having at least 0.1% sulfur at less than 150° C. until the moisture content of the fiber is less than 60 weight percent; and (b) a step of further drying the fiber above 150° C. while the moisture content of the fiber is no more than 60 weight percent; and the fiber being further heated to at least 350° C. in either an additional continuous or separate step.

Abstract: This application discloses an improved dryer-cleaning apparatus for use in a cotton gin. It includes a dryer having rotating paddle cylinders for moving the cotton through the dryer and then discharging the cotton directly into the cleaner without compaction or entrapment of the trash within the raw cotton.