Importance

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Abstract

A method for drying articles flowing through a drying chamber by introducing heated air into the drying chamber. In normal steady-state operation, the inlet and outlet temperatures of the air are monitored, and the inlet temperature is maintained at a normal operating inlet temperature. When the inlet and outlet temperatures approach each other, a stoppage or reduction of the normal steady-state flow of the articles is indicated, in response to which the inlet temperature is reduced to an energy saving temperature. After the inlet temperature is reduced to the energy saving temperature, monitoring of the inlet and outlet temperatures continues. When the difference between the energy saving inlet temperature and the outlet temperature increases, resumption of the normal steady-state flow of the articles is indicated, and in response thereto the inlet temperature is increased from the energy saving temperature to the normal operating inlet temperature. A drying apparatus that carries out the method of the invention has a drying chamber with an article inlet aperture, an article outlet aperture, an air inlet aperture, and air outlet aperture formed therein. The dryer apparatus further includes an inlet temperature sensor, an outlet temperature sensor, a blower, a heater, and an electronic controller.

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First Claim