Abstract: Seal member for a nozzle or an air bar, that is configured and can be positioned to block at least a portion of the flow of air (or gas) exiting or discharged from the nozzle or air bar into the interior of a housing such as a dryer or the like. Each seal member can be actuated externally of the housing interior, without requiring physical access to the housing interior, to move it into air flow blocking relation with a nozzle, and to move it out of air flow blocking relation with a nozzle. Each seal member can be actuated while the apparatus remains in an operating mode. Also disclosed is a method of controlling or regulating the amount of air emitted or discharged from one or more nozzles in a housing by blocking air flow discharged from the one or more nozzles with a seal member.

Abstract: A valve lift mechanism for actuating a valve in the vertical direction, and a regenerative thermal oxidizer including the valve and lift mechanism is disclosed. The valve is allowed to move vertically and oscillating rotary motion is possible. Vertical movement is achieved using the valve lift mechanism without the use of compressed air. In certain embodiments, the valve lift mechanism includes a torque motor. Preferably, a non self-locking screw jack is used to adjust the vertical height of the valve. Vertical movement can reduce the torque needed to rotate the valve, and also facilitates servicing of the valve. For example, if the valve experiences high temperature, and consequently expands, rotating the valve against the mating seal plate can be difficult, if not impossible. By lowering the valve slightly, the frictional forces between the valve and the mating seal plate are reduced, allowing freer rotational movement of the valve.

Abstract: A valve lift mechanism for actuating a valve in the vertical direction, and a regenerative thermal oxidizer including the valve and lift mechanism is disclosed. The valve is allowed to move vertically and oscillating rotary motion is possible. Vertical movement is achieved using the valve lift mechanism without the use of compressed air. In certain embodiments, the valve lift mechanism includes a torque motor. Preferably, a screw jack is used to adjust the vertical height of the valve. Vertical movement can reduce the torque needed to rotate the valve, and also facilitates servicing of the valve. For example, if the valve experiences high temperature, and consequently expands, rotating the valve against the mating seal plate can be difficult, if not impossible. By lowering the valve slightly, the frictional forces between the valve and the mating seal plate are reduced, allowing freer rotational movement of the valve.

Abstract: Electric drive for a switching valve, the switching valve having such a drive, and a regenerative thermal oxidizer including the switching valve and drive system. The electric drive system allows for the starting and stopping of the rotation of a rotary valve with accurate positioning. The stopping of the valve includes dissipation of the kinetic energy of the valve by electric means. The valve is allowed to move vertically and oscillating rotary motion is possible. The drive system preferably includes a gear, gearbox, variable speed drive and at least one positioning sensor. Valve acceleration and deceleration can be carried out in a controlled fashion and with repeatability, so that the final end position of the valve is consistent. The accommodation of vertical movement of the valve is also within the scope of the present invention.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for enhancing the effectiveness of a water spray (30) to cool and/or remoisten a web (12) of material. The apparatus includes a web dryer, preferably a flotation dryer (100), an electrostatic charge generating device (31) or devices, a water spray (30), an integrated power supply (20) to supply high voltage power to the charge device, and a drainage system (35) for handling excess liquid generated during the cooling and/or remoistening of the web. The cooling apparatus is capable of a modular arrangement to optimize spacing and facilitate the addition of cooling capacity where needed, such as with faster web speeds or heavier web weights. One or more temperature sensors can be used to optimize the amount of and rate of fluid fed to the spray nozzles. The spray nozzles and charge bars can be retractable with respect to the web to facilitate web-up procedures.

Abstract: Integrated web dryer and regenerative heat exchanger, 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 of air and the converting of VOCs 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: Integrated web dryer and regenerative heat exchanger, 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 of air and the converting of VOCs 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: Integrated web dryer and regenerative heat exchanger, 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 of air and the converting of VOCs 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: Integrated web dryer and regenerative heat exchanger, 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 of air and the converting of VOCs 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: 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: The present invention relates to one or more heat exchangers in communication with a combustion zone, each heat exchanger containing a matrix of heat exchange media, the matrix having a plurality of defined parallel or substantially parallel flow passages, the matrix being angled slightly above horizontal in the direction towards the combustion zone. The present invention is also directed to a regenerative thermal oxidizer including the one or more heat exchangers containing the angled matrix.

Abstract: Control system and method for regulating the air/fuel mix of a burner for a web dryer or a regenerative or recuperative oxidizer, for example. Differential air pressure is monitored between the air chamber of the burner and the enclosure into which the burner fires (such as a flotation dryer or the combustion chamber of a regenerative thermal oxidizer). Fuel flow is monitored by a differential pressure measurement between the fuel chamber of the burner and the enclosure into which the burner fires. These measurements are compared to predetermined values, and the fuel flow and/or air flow to the burner is regulated accordingly.

Abstract: Air flotation dryer for floatingly drying travelling webs. The dryer includes a housing having a web inlet and a web outlet spaced from the web inlet, and a plurality of elongated air nozzles arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the web and preferably located on opposite sides of the web, the nozzles being secured directly to, supported by and in air-receiving communication with longitudinally extending supply air ducts. An air supply fan is in communication with the supply air ducts to supply air to the nozzles. Heat is provided to the apparatus with a draw-through style burner, which fires into the dryer enclosure and the proper amount of air flow to be heated by the burner (e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the non-contact drying of a web of material. The apparatus includes air flotation nozzles for floating the web, and direct air impingement nozzles for enhanced drying of the web. A plurality of air flotation nozzles or air bars are mounted in one or more sections of a dryer enclosure in air-receiving communication with headers, preferably both above and below the web for the contactless convection drying of the web. In conjunction with these air flotation nozzles, one or more sections of the dryer also includes direct impingement nozzles such as hole-array bars or slot bars. The drying surface of the web is thus heated by both air issuing from the air flotation nozzles and from the direct impingement nozzles. As a result, the dryer has a high rate of drying in a small, enclosed space while maintaining a comfortable working environment.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the non-contact drying of a web of material. The apparatus includes air flotation nozzles for floating the web, and direct air impingement nozzles for enhanced drying of the web. A plurality of air flotation nozzles or air bars are mounted in one or more sections of a dryer enclosure in air-receiving communication with headers, preferably both above and below the web for the contactless convection drying of the web. In conjunction with these air flotation nozzles, one or more sections of the dryer also includes direct impingement nozzles such as hole-array bars or slot bars. The drying surface of the web is thus heated by both air issuing from the air flotation nozzles and from the direct impingement nozzles. As a result, the dryer has a high rate of drying in a small, enclosed space while maintaining a comfortable working environment.