Cost and Quality Benefits of Membrane Resin Dryer are Now Available in Models Designed for Medical Molders


ANAHEIM, February 13, 2007: The advantages of the world's only membrane resin dryer are now available in models designed especially for injection molders of micro and precision components for medical devices, it was announced today at MD&M West by NOVATEC, Inc. (Booth 3939).

The company's NovaDrier(TM) system dries virtually any type of resin, and thousands of the system have been sold. Throughput capacities of 7 to 150 lb. (3 to 68 kg) per hour are standard sizes, but recently there have been requests for even smaller membrane dryers for the short part runs, small specialized components, and clean-room environments often encountered in the medical device industry. In response, NOVATEC now offers processors these options:

o Custom 'mini' models with throughputs ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 lb. (0.23 to 2.27 kg) per hour.

o Electro-polished, all-stainless steel standard model, the NovaDrier ND-7-SS, for throughputs up to 7 lb. (3.2 kg) per hour.

o Standard models as portable convey/dry systems capable of drying exotic resins in multiple custom hoppers with capacities as low as 0.5 lb. (0.23 kg) of material.

What makes the NovaDrier unique is that it bypasses traditional moisture-removal techniques, such as the use of desiccants, in favor of flowing compressed air through an adsorption membrane designed specifically for the NovaDrier.

"The moisture-removing efficiency of our proprietary membrane is so great that process air at -40°C dew point is flowing through the system in less than four minutes after startup," said Mark Haynie, dryer product sales manager, "and the membrane has been shown to last up to 20 years under demanding end-use conditions."

The compressed air can come from any source and need not be refrigerated or pre-dried. Moving parts that are standard in desiccant dryers (process motor, regeneration heater and motor, and valves) are eliminated. Other than normal hopper cleanout, the only maintenance typically required is to change two filter elements every twelve months. The primary control is a simple "On/Off" switch.

"Because of the simplicity of the NovaDrier system, the initial investment is very economical, and its quick startup, drying efficiency, and low maintenance substantially increase productivity compared with desiccant systems," Haynie said. "At the same time, substantial energy savings are possible through elimination of the heating and cooling cycles required for regenerating desiccant beds. Still another key benefit is enhanced part quality, which results from consistency of process temperature and continual purging of volatiles from the process."

NOVATEC, INC. is a leading supplier of resin drying, blending, and pneumatic conveying systems to plastics processors. The ISO 9001-certified company specializes in custom-engineered material handling systems that meet specific process and production requirements. Its range of dryers is the broadest in the industry, including desiccant, hot air, compressed air, and infrared systems, as well as the patented NovaDrier(TM) compressed air / membrane dryer and the NovaVac II(TM) vacuum dryer. NOVATEC, Inc. is headquartered at 222 East Thomas Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21225 U.S.A. Tel: 410-789-4811. Fax: 410-789-4638. Email: sales@novatec.com.

Robert J. Martino

Martino Communications Inc.

8 Main Street / P.O. Box 379

Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706 USA

Tel: 1-914-478-0754

Fax: 1-914-478-0959

bob@martinocommunications.com

Visit www.martinocommunications.com

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