SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MIXING DISTINCT AIR STREAMS

摘要

Novel dryer systems incorporate two-stage processes for heating air for drying a traveling web. The dryer operates within a drying system having a drying hood containing a dryer. The drying hood receives heated air through an intake and expels system air through an exhaust, a portion of which is directed into the atmosphere. The portion of system air that is maintained in the system is divided into two portions and directed into separate parallel conduits for two-stage heating that results in greater temperature uniformity and efficiency within the system. One loop initially mixes system air with the combustion products of a burner. A second loop receives the initially mixed air and injects it into the other portion of the system air, resulting in greater temperature uniformity within the drying hood and increased operating efficiency for the entire system. The dryer efficiently uses supplemental heat.