March 27, 2006

Geelen Counterflow analyses dryer optimisation

Press release

Geelen Counterflow recently performed a complete analysis of all dryers installed at a major European private label pet food producer. Engineers from the commissioning team visited six plants in four countries and analysed eight dryers (both horizontal and vertical) from four different suppliers.

They performed a review of the mechanical condition of the dryers, which were in some cases over 10 years old. Energy efficiency and moisture uniformity were measured, as well as air exhaust volumes.

At the end of the tests, a detailed report was presented to the group's directors. Opportunities for improvement were identified and discussed. In total, the potential savings in energy efficiency and moisture uniformity were calculated as in excess of EUR1 million per annum. That excluded the financial impact of better product quality and lower cleaning and maintenance costs.

A short list was prepared with a number of relatively small mechanical improvements to the dryers.

As a follow up, the Geelen Counterflow team will be organising a set of seminars for the group's plant managers and operators to improve their understanding of the drying process.

For more information, contact Sander Geelen at sander.geelen@geelencounterflow.com or call him on +31-475-592315.