Spiral dryer fabric screen

Types of spiral dryer fabric screen

An important component of the papermaking machine is the spiral dryer fabric screen, which allows wet paper to be dried while the wet paper is present. Most screens for spiral dryers are made of synthetic fibers with a considerable opening area to allow dried air to pass through them. Their permeability to water is aided by this feature, which also quickens the dehydration of wet paper.

Industrial dryers are frequently supported by drying linens that strengthen the paper and produce polished surfaces. In any industry, dryer screens come in different styles to fit various specifications and may generally be categorized into the following:

• Spiral Dryer Fabrics: The staple designs include double- and single-spiral-dryer-fabric screens. They are employed primarily in the paper-making, multi-layer, and single-layer drying machine industries.
• Spiral run dryer fabric: They primarily utilize in the wood fiber board industry and can be used to reduce the moisture content of the wet fiber suspension. The final product will be a wood fiber board.
• Vacuum spiral dryer fabric: They are used as a dewatering element in vacuum filtrations and make quality and efficient paper dewatering. Vacuum spiral dryer fabrics can be single-spiral, double, or even custom designs according to machine specifications.
• Double spiral dryer fabric screen: They improve stability, adaptability, and even dehydration and are appropriate for high-speed paper-drying machines. Compared to single-spiral dryer fabrics, double spiral dryer fabric screens have a considerable symmetrical structure that holds multiple axes.
• Single spiral dryer fabric screen: Their symmetrical structure is right for high-speed paper-making machines, which has considerable strength. Single spiral dryer fabrics can be design according to customer requirements.
• Polyester spiral dryer fabric screens: They are the most widely used paper-drying screens because of their perfect balance of all essential factors and outstanding performance. Additionally, they have the capabilities of smoothness, strength, and air permeability.
• Double scrapers spiral dryer fabric screens: They can utilize scrapers and suctions to scrape the wet particles off the fabric surface, are cleaning the fabric surface, and are used primarily in high-sharp production lines to improve the reaping efficiency and the fabric life.

Specification & Maintenance

Drying fabrics for spiral dryers typically come in various specifications to cater to different industries and applications. Here are some key dryer fabric screen specifications with maintenance tips:

• Materials

  Spiral dryer fabric screens may come in polyester, nylon, or other material options. Different materials need to be maintained differently. For instance, due to the good chemical resistance and high strength, polyester is the most widely used material. Therefore, users should apply proper maintenance to avoid fabric damage or accelerated fabric aging. For instance, they should avoid exposing themselves to harsh chemicals, strong UV lights, or high temperatures, which may require greater levels of fabric degradation and deterioration.

• Mesh Size

  The mesh size determines the size of the openings in the fabric, which affects the airflow and moisture removal. Maintaining the appropriate mesh size is crucial for the desired dryer fabric functionality. Consequently, users should regularly monitor and adjust the mesh size for optimum performance based on production goals. They should also avoid over-stretching or over-tightening the fabric, which can damage the mesh openings, leading to reduced airflow and moisture extraction efficiency.

• Surface Treatment

  Some spiral dryer fabrics have surface treatments or coatings to enhance performance or durability. Users should consider the surface treatment when maintaining the fabric. For instance, users should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods that degrade the surface treatment. They should also follow the recommended cleaning and maintenance procedures for their specific surface treatment type.

• Operating Conditions

  The operating temperature, humidity, and pressure in a spiral dryer fabric can affect the fabric's performance and lifespan. Therefore, users should regularly monitor operating conditions and not exceed the recommended parameters for fabric material and design. Otherwise, they may accelerate fabric wear and damage. Besides, they should insulate and protect the fabric from sources of heat or chemical degradation.

• Accessories

  Spiral dryer fabrics may require some accessories, like tensioning devices or fasteners, for proper installation and operation. Users should regularly check and maintain the accessories to ensure they are in good condition. They should also adjust and tighten them appropriately to avoid fabric sagging, excessive tension, or misalignment.

Applications of spiral dryer fabrics

Spiral dryer fabrics are the backbone of various essential industries. Without them, the industries mentioned below would probably grind to a halt.

• Paper and Pulp Industry: Spiral dryer fabrics are used widely in the paper industry as they serve as a drying surface for the paper to dry during the last stage of paper production. The fabrics also play a big role in the de-watering of pulp. Furthermore, the spiral dryer fabrics are suitable for filtration, separation, and drying processes of different paper grades. This includes corrugated paper, writing paper, wrapping paper, special paper, newspaper, and more. The good things about spiral dryer fabrics are their resistance to chemicals, abrasion, heat, and moisture, as well as their easy cleaning and maintenance. The combination of all these factors leads to the production of efficient and smooth paper drying.
• Food Industry: Food processing companies use spiral dryer fabrics to dry food products in the following ways: They act as conveyor belts in food production lines, transporting and drying food products. They also help de-watering fruits, vegetables, and meat products, which reduces spoilage and extends shelf life. Additionally, spiral dryer fabrics are used in the production of snack foods, such as potato chips and extrusion products, to remove excess moisture before frying or baking.
• Textile Industry: In the textile industry, spiral dryer fabrics are often used in the final drying processes for woven and non-woven fabrics. The moisture evaporates quickly from the textile material, speeding up the production process thanks to the excellent air permeability of the dryer fabric. This, in turn, helps to increase productivity. Besides, spiral dryer fabrics help to produce high-quality and durable textile products with excessive moisture removed. Meanwhile, the abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and durability of spiral dryers help extend the service lives of textile manufacturing equipment.
• Plastics and Polymer Industry: The plastics and polymer industry extensively uses spiral dryer fabrics. The fabrics de-water and dry plastic resins, polymers, and pellets by using heat and airflow. Excess moisture is removed from plastic sheets and films using the fabrics as they serve as drying conveyors. The majority of spiral dryer fabrics are made of high-quality polyester or nylon, which are the perfect materials suitable for drying and processing. Their good tolerance to heat and chemicals makes them ideal for the plastics and polymer industry.

How to choose spiral dryer fabric screen

The following factors can affect the purchasing decision of a spiral drying fabric:

• Mesh Size and Openness

  Consider the mesh size and openness of the fabric. A larger mesh size may allow faster airflow and drying but can also impact product quality and control. Balance the need for throughput with the required product parameters.

• Durability and Strength

  Evaluate the durability and strength of the fabric. Select a material that can withstand the specific operating conditions of the drying process, including temperature, humidity, and any chemical exposure.

• Cleaning and Maintenance

  Consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance of the fabric. Choose a material and design that can be easily cleaned to maintain the hygienic and efficient operation of the drying system.

• Cost-effectiveness

  Consider the cost-effectiveness of the fabric. While the initial cost may be a factor, also consider the long-term performance, durability, and maintenance requirements to determine the overall cost-effectiveness of the material.

• Supplier reputation and support

  Finally, consider the supplier's reputation and support. Research potential suppliers and read reviews from other customers to ensure that the chosen supplier has a good track record of providing high-quality fabrics and responsive customer support.

Spiral dryer fabric screen Q&A

Q1 What material is spiral dryer fabric made from?

A1 Spiral dryer fabric is made from polyester, pps, or a combination of both. They are suitable for high-temperature, high-pressure, and high-absorption scenarios. The most common material is polyester.

Q2 How do spiral dryer belts impact energy consumption?

A2 Spiral dryer belts are designed to reduce resistance and energy consumption. Their lightweight materials and optimized design allow for lower energy usage during operation, contributing to overall energy efficiency and cost savings in the drying process.

Q3 Can spiral dryer fabrics be repaired if damaged?

A3 Spiral dryer fabrics can be repaired if damaged, to a limited extent. Minor damages, such as small cuts or frayed edges, can be repaired through patching or stitching. However, addressing significant damages or structural issues is crucial, such as widespread wear or broken links, by replacing the fabric entirely to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential hazards.

Q4 Do spiral dryer fabrics have a noise reduction feature?

A4 Spiral dryer fabrics inherently possess noise reduction features due to their design and materials. They can absorb and dampen the noise generated during drying processes, such as vibrating, tapping, or rubbing, thereby reducing the noise pollution impact on workplaces or surrounding environments.