Cable drying systems improves efficiency for Prysmian 30 March 2012

Prysmian Group's Aberdare facility is reporting improved drying and greater production efficiency, as well as reduced maintenance and operating costs since installing a new blower-powered Line-Dry system from Air Control Industries.

Previously, the plant used compressed air-based systems but project engineer Sam Donnelly says these were failing to remove excess carry-over water adhering to the wire after leaving the cooling troughs.

That was resulting in slippage, causing the length/speed monitoring encoder to give incorrect readings, which in turn impacted on line speeds.

Additionally, water dispersal was causing corrosion, increasing maintenance requirements and shortening equipment life.

Having installed one Line-Dry system on loan for a six-month trial, the firm went on to purchase of a further two systems.

"The equipment proved its ability to meet all our needs, as shown by the fact we have installed two more units," states Donnelly.

"It dries cables up to 35mm efficiently at speeds up to 400m/min, and has eliminated all the problems associated with water carry-over," he explains.

Since installation of the first Line-Dry, he says that operating cost figures show the unit is exhibiting lower running costs than the earlier system. Also, cable drying is more efficient, because the air is from a dedicated source, he adds. Previously, variations of load-demand on the compressor impacted both the drying line and packing operations.

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Air Control Industries Ltd

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