Core Dryer R.P.M. Trial

Using a thermographic camera we verified that there was stratification of temperature in the core dryer outlet tube. We decided to run an R.P.M. test to see if it would change the outlet temperature profile. The increase in drum speed resulted in flake within the drum traveling higher in the rotation before it falls. This in turn, caused better distribution of flake and air, and enough distribution of the gas stream to mix it and reduce stratification. Further, changing drum speed changed the outlet temperature profile. Our drum speed trial proved very beneficial in ways that we did not foresee - reduction of GreCons (detected sparks) resulting in a subsequent reduction of raw material loss. I would like to give you a little background as to how this report came to be. I am employed as a reliability specialist (vibration analyst) for Louisiana Pacific Building Products in Dawson Creek, British Columbia Canada and have been employed by the company for the last 18 years. Dawson Creek is the Mile 0 city of the Alaska Highway which puts us about halfway between Vancouver B.C. and Fairbanks, Alaska.