New Type of Resin Dryer Eliminates Moving Parts and Desciccant, Cuts Maintenance and Operating Cost, Enhances Part Quality


Unique, Commercially Proven Maguire® NovaDrier(TM) Compressed Air / Membrane System Will Make European Debut at Maguire Europe Exhibit during K-2007

TAMWORTH, STAFFORDSHIRE, UK, June 27, 2007: Highlighting the Maguire Europe exhibit at K-2007 will the introduction to the European marketplace of the world's only compressed air / membrane resin dryer, a system so simple and efficient that it may increase productivity, save energy, and reduce costs for processors of virtually any thermoplastic at throughputs up to 68 kg per hour, according to the company (Stand 10 / A26). In addition, one user in the Americas cites a "drastic" reduction in product defects.

Called the Maguire® NovaDrier(TM), the system is already used in thousands of commercial installations in the Americas, according to Paul Edmondson, general manager of Maguire Europe. Maguire will warehouse, sell, and service the equipment, which will be built by U.S.-based NOVATEC, Inc.

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 Edmondson, "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 economical, and its quick startup, drying efficiency, and low maintenance substantially increase productivity compared with desiccant systems," Edmondson 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."

One large processing company attests to these advantages. "We currently have over 150 NovaDrier systems in our facilities," said Don Hall, general foreman of North American Lighting Inc., a manufacturer of automotive lighting systems. "In the past, most of our splay defects have resulted from improperly dried material. Since we've switched from traditional desiccant dryers, we have drastically reduced the rate of defects. The dryers run at peak performance with absolutely minimal maintenance."

Maguire NovaDrier systems are available in six models with throughput capacities ranging from 3.2 to 68 kg/hr. and are mountable on processing machines or floor stands. Standard process temperatures are 177 °C. (150 °C for the 68 kg/hr model). No cooling coils are required for high-heat applications.

Hoppers have capacities from 14 to 490 kg. Most models have elongated doors with full-length glass panels for easy viewing and access for cleanout.

MAGUIRE EUROPE supports a network of distributors throughout Europe, as well as in Africa and the Middle East, with sales and technical support, customer service, and an extensive inventory of Maguire® equipment systems and parts. Maguire Italy, a Padova-based Maguire Europe business unit serving customers through sales agents in five regions of Italy, can be contacted by telephone at 39-049-970-5429 and by email at Robert@Maguire-Europe.com. Maguire Europe is headquartered at Vanguard, Tame Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire B77 5DY, United Kingdom. Tel: 44-1827-265-850. Fax: -855. Email: Paul@maguire-europe.com.

MAGUIRE PRODUCTS, INC., headquartered in Aston, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., is the world's largest supplier of gravimetric blenders and liquid color pumps and also manufactures loading systems, granulators, dryers, auger feeders, and related equipment and software. Its customers include injection, blow, and rotational molders, extrusion processors, and compounders. Founded in 1977, Maguire operates five manufacturing facilities in Aston and Smithfield, Rhode Island, U.S.A. The company maintains a network of distributors in the Americas and overseas and has two sales and service subsidiaries: Maguire Europe, which supports customers throughout Europe and operates a distribution center in Tamworth, Staffordshire, United Kingdom; and Singapore-based Maguire Asia, serves customers throughout South Asia and the Pacific Rim. Visit the Maguire Products web site: www.maguire.com

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