oven dryer

Types of oven dryers

An oven dryer is not just a baking appliance. It has a drier function that makes it useful for drying products in various industries. The cornerstone of every industrial facility is the production line. Every industrial oven dryer's production line has a unique feature depending on the sector in which it is utilized.

• Food oven dryer (Dehydrator)

• Rotary oven dryer

  A rotary oven dryer is a special design drying machine for food, a round shape dryer/cooker machine. It's very easy to install and use to dry food materials like grains, pulses, nuts, etc. Fire and hot air are the two main energy sources used in a rotary oven dryer. The electronic ignition system is mostly used for safety in food rotary oven dryers. The dried food is spread out inside the rotary oven dryer on trays, which are then rotated so that every part of the dried food gets equal exposure to the dryer's heating element. This helps dried food materials cook uniformly.

• Drum oven dryer

  A drum oven dryer is a large industrial-scale drying system that is cylindrical in shape. It produces hot air currents, rotating drums, and a large surface area for drier applications. In a drum oven dryer, the material to be dried is usually spread as a thin layer on the dryer's surface. The large surface area and the hot air coming out of the drum help materials dry up. Rotary and drum ovens both share a similar concept. The dryer's drum also rotates so that every part of the material gets equal exposure to the dryer's heating element and hot air.

• Tray conveyor oven dryer

  In tray conveyor oven dryers, materials are placed on trays or trolleys and moved through the dryer's heated section via a conveyor belt. Tray conveyor ovens are quite useful because they can be used to dry many small and odd-shaped items. Tray conveyor dryers can also be cleaned and maintained easily because of the tray system. Another plus point about tray conveyor dryers is that they can be easily adjusted to dry various materials by changing the drying temperature and time.

• Tunnel oven dryer

  A tunnel oven dryer is a long and narrow drying machine in which all materials moving ores, grains, coal, wood chips, and other items are spread out as a thin layer on a belt. The conveyor belt moves the materials through the tunnel's heat source, which is usually a hot air blast or radiation. Hygiene is one of the biggest concerns industries face. In a tunnel oven dryer, the material to be dried is placed as a thin layer on a belt that conveys it through the tunnel and over a heat source. Hygiene is not a problem here because the material does not come in contact with the material that provides the heating.

• Flash oven dryer

  A flash oven dryer is a machine mainly used to dry paper pulp and plastics. In this dryer's machine, the materials are dried by a high-velocity hot air stream. A flash oven dryer works at high speeds and can be used to dry various items. Its compact size also means a production line's floor space won't be taken up a lot.

Specification and maintenance of oven dryers

The oven dryer has many options and specifications to meet the different needs and applications of customers. This includes purpose-built industrial food dryer ovens and many customizable options to suit distinct production and processing requirements.

The most significant part of the oven dryer's maintenance is to keep it clean. Elementary food ovens can usually be cleaned with a damp cloth and a little soapy water. The same applies to filter drying ovens, but there may also be a need to change the filters on a regular basis, sometimes monthly, annually, or quarterly, depending on the type of filter used.

Modular oven dryers may need more specialized and advanced cleaning processes that may include: 

• Clean the exterior of the dryer: Wipe the outer surface with a clean, damp cloth to keep the surface shiny and free of dirt.
• CLEAN interior cabinets: Over time, dirt and dust may build up inside the cabinets and on the shelves. Using a vacuum cleaner, remove any dust and debris that may have settled inside the cavities.
• Clean the air filter: Many oven dryers are equipped with air filters that help prevent dust and dirt from entering the machine. Air filters may need to be removed and cleaned periodically to keep the oven dryer's airflow steady and normal.
• Clean the heating element: The heating element of the oven dryer (such as a heating lamp or a heating plate) may become dirty over time, affecting its heating efficiency. Use a dry cloth or a soft brush to gently wipe the surface of the heating element.
• CLEAN exhaust systems: Some oven dryers are equipped with exhaust systems (such as exhaust fans and pipes) that help discharge the moisture and gas generated during the drying process to the outside. The exhaust system may need to be cleaned to prevent the exhaust from being blocked.
• Clean the moisture sensor: The moisture sensor is used to detect the moisture content of materials to control the drying effect. Keeping the moisture sensor clean can help ensure the oven dryer's accuracy and stability. Use a soft brush to gently clean the surface of the moisture sensor.

Scenarios of oven dryers

An oven dryer can dry material quite rapidly and is helpful in various industries.

• Food industry

  In the food industry, an oven dryer is helpful for drying all kinds of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and herbs. It can make the dried food maintain its nutrients, flavors, and colors, which are also useful for storage.

• Ceramics and potteries

  In the ceramics and pottery industry, an oven drying machine can dry newly formed pottery artworks like vases, cups, dishes, and more. This avoids deformities while glazing or firing.

• Textiles and leather

  An oven dryer is popular in the textile and leather industries for drying textile materials like fabrics, cloth, and fibers. It also dries leather products after the tanning process and reduces the moisture content.

• Woodworking

  In the woodworking industry, the oven dryer can dry wood, such as timber and lumber, which removes excess moisture and prevents deformation or cracking.

• Chemicals and materials

  In the chemical and material industry, powdered materials and particles, such as chemicals, minerals, and construction materials, are dried with an oven dryer. The moisture content can be reduced to keep the stability of the properties.

• Automotive and machinery

  In the machinery industry, an oven dryer can dry parts and components made of rubber, plastic, and metal. It is also ideal for moisture removal from electrical components, such as PCBs, connectors, and resistors, to enhance their performance and reliability.

• Service industry

  Some service industries, like beauty and health, use oven dryers for dehydrating products. For example, the drying of essential oils and beauty product lines helps improve product concentration.

• Scientific research and laboratory

  In scientific research and laboratory scenarios, an oven dryer can dry biological samples, sediments, and other laboratory materials. It contributes to precise measurement and analysis. Furthermore, when conducting experiments, an oven dryer can help sterilize and eliminate contamination of tools, petri dishes, and culture media.

How to Choose an Oven Dryer

Both industrial and small-scale oven dryers have their advantages. When looking for an oven drying machine for sale, buyers should consider the production scale. For a large production scale, it'll be best to get a conveyor belt or large industrial dryer. Smaller models work for individual homes and small-scale food industries.

The energy consumption of an oven dryer is also an important factor when choosing a model. Solar dryers are cost-effective and don't add to a person's utility bills. However, the drying process may not be as fast as that of electric dryers. Electric dryers are usually faster, and the ventilation helps speed up the drying process. Electric dryers come in different capacities, so buyers will have to choose a model with a capacity that meets their production demands.

Automatic controls help regulate the temperature and humidity inside the oven drying machine. Some models also have automatic shutdown features to prevent overheating and damage to items in the oven. They can also be programmed to run for specific hours before shutting down. The more features a dryer has, the more convenient it is to use. When it comes to fast drying speed, an electric oven dryer beats solar dryers. However, solar dryers are more environmentally friendly because they don't consume electricity.

When choosing a dryer, examine the material of the item being dried. That will give a buyer an idea of the temperature and humidity needed to dry the item. Some dryers can generate very high temperatures, while others maintain a low temperature. Extremely high temperatures can damage the colour and nutritional value of food items like fruits and vegetables. For items that need to be dried at very high temperatures, a rotary dryer or an oven with direct fire heating will work better.

Maintenance will play a big role in how long an oven dryer lasts. Look for a model that's easy to clean. Removable trays will make it easier to clean the dryer. If possible, choose a drying oven with filters to prevent dust and debris from entering the machine. Another maintenance tip is to choose a machine with a service manual. It will highlight maintenance tips and guides on how to clean and take care of the machine.

Oven dryer Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between a rotary dryer and an oven?

A1: An oven is used to dry materials at high temperatures, while a rotary dryer can operate at high or low temperatures. The rotary dryer works by drying materials in the open air or in the presence of heated airflow. The dryer exposes the material to the heated air flowing around and through it. On the other hand, drum dryers or oven dryers expose the material to heat radiating from a hot surface.

Q2: What are the two main types of tray dryers?

A2: There are two main types of tray dryer: continuous tray dryer and batch tray dryer. The continuous tray dryer is suitable for large production, while the batch tray dryer is ideal for small production.

Q3: What is the principle of a conveyor belt dryer?

A3: A conveyor belt oven dryer operates based on the principle of heat transfer. The product is spread in thin layers on the cloth or net conveyer belt. The material comes into contact with the hot air flow and the hot surface when moving forward.

Q4: Why are industrial dryers crucial in an industry?

A4: Industrial dryers are valuable due to energy and global water constraints. Industrial dryers help reduce water consumption by recycling the drying air, thus lowering the need for fresh water within the company's boundaries. Also, industrial dryers improve the efficiency of valuable material recovery procedures.