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The Infrared Rotary Dryer is a core device in industrial plastic recycling and high-end manufacturing, as its performance directly determines production efficiency, energy savings, and operational safety. For the Infrared Rotary Dryer to run reliably under both standard and extreme conditions, it must undergo systematic testing—this process verifies the Infrared Rotary Dryer’s performance compliance, identifies potential failure risks, and confirms it meets safety standards, laying a solid foundation for its long-term stable use.

The Key Goals of Infrared Rotary Dryer Testing

Validate Performance Compliance

The primary goal is to ensure the Infrared Rotary Dryer delivers core performance (drying speed, energy efficiency, moisture reduction rate) as designed. If the Infrared Rotary Dryer fails to meet performance targets, it will cause lower production efficiency, higher energy costs, or leave plastic resins with moisture exceeding acceptable limits—directly affecting downstream processes.

Identify Potential Failure Risks

Long-term use and extreme conditions may cause wear, seal failures, or structural fatigue in the Infrared Rotary Dryer. Testing the Infrared Rotary Dryer simulates these scenarios to identify weaknesses early.

This helps reduce maintenance costs, unplanned downtime, and production losses for the Infrared Rotary Dryer.

Ensure Safety and Compliance

The Infrared Rotary Dryer integrates electrical systems, heating elements, and rotating parts. Safety testing focuses on the Infrared Rotary Dryer’s insulation, grounding, overload protection, and structural strength, ensuring all safety features meet strict standards to protect operators and the working environment.

Essential Tests and Procedures for Infrared Rotary Dryer

(1) Basic Performance Testing

① Test Content

⦁ Run the infrared rotary dryer under standard conditions (rated voltage, ambient temperature, standard feed material, design throughput).

⦁ Measure power consumption, infrared heating output, temperature stability, outlet material temperature, and residual moisture content.

⦁ Evaluate drying time and specific energy consumption (SEC) for the Infrared Rotary Dryer..

② Test Method

⦁ Use infrared power meters, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, flow meters, and power analyzers for continuous monitoring of the Infrared Rotary Dryer..

⦁ Record drying time, outlet moisture, IR lamp power, and material temperature under different load conditions (full load, partial load).

⦁ Compare results with claimed specifications (e.g., ±3% or ±5% tolerance).

③ Acceptance Criteria

⦁ Dryer must maintain stable operation with minimal fluctuations in power, temperature, and load response.

⦁ Final moisture must meet target (e.g., ≤50 ppm or customer-defined value).

⦁ SEC and thermal efficiency should remain within the design range.

(2) Load and Limit Performance Testing

① Test Content

⦁ Gradually increase load on the Infrared Rotary Dryer from 50% → 100% → 110% → 120% of capacity.

⦁ Assess drying efficiency, power draw, heat balance, and control system stability.

⦁ Verify whether protective functions (overload, overheat, alarm shutdown) trigger reliably under extreme conditions.

② Test Method

⦁ Adjust feed rate, infrared lamp output, and auxiliary airflow to simulate varying throughput.

⦁ Continuously record current, voltage, outlet moisture, and chamber temperature.

⦁ Maintain each load stage for at least 30 minutes to observe long-term stability.

③ Key Indicators

⦁ At 110% load, the Infrared Rotary Dryer should operate stably.

⦁ At 120% load, protections of the Infrared Rotary Dryer must activate safely without structural damage.

⦁ Performance degradation (e.g., increased outlet moisture, higher SEC) should remain within ≤5% tolerance.

(3) Extreme Environment Adaptability Testing

① Thermal Cycling Test

⦁ Expose the Infrared Rotary Dryer to high (≈60 °C) and low (≈–20 °C) temperature cycles.

⦁ Check Infrared rotary dryer’s lamps, sensors, seals, and temperature control accuracy under thermal stress.

② Humidity / Corrosion Resistance

⦁ Operate the Infrared Rotary Dryer in ≥90% RH humidity for extended periods to test electrical insulation, sealing, and corrosion resistance.

⦁ Conduct salt spray / corrosive gas exposure tests if used in harsh environments.

⦁ Inspect for rust, seal degradation, or insulation failure.

③ Vibration & Shock / Transport Simulation

⦁ Simulate vibration (10–50 Hz) and mechanical shock loads (several g) during transport and installation.

⦁ Verify structural strength, fastening security, and sensor calibration stability.

⦁ Ensure no loosening, cracking, or functional drift occurs.

These tests can reference IEC 60068 environmental standards (temperature, humidity, salt mist, vibration, shock).

(4) Dedicated Safety Performance Testing

① Electrical Safety

⦁ Insulation Resistance Test: ≥10 MΩ between live parts and housing.

⦁ Ground Continuity Test: Earth resistance ≤4 Ω or per local regulations.

⦁ Leakage Current Test: Ensure leakage remains below safety thresholds.

② Overload / Over-Temperature Protection

⦁ Simulate overheating or excess power by restricting airflow or increasing load.

⦁ Verify thermal cut-offs, fuses, or circuit breakers trigger promptly.

⦁ After protection, the dryer should return to normal without permanent damage.

③ Mechanical / Structural Safety

⦁ Apply 1.5× design static and dynamic loads on key parts (rotor, bearings, housing, locks).

⦁ Confirm no permanent deformation or structural failure.

l Check dust-proofing and protective covers for safe operation of rotating elements.

Infrared Rotary Dryer Testing Process and Specifications

Pre-test Preparations

⦁ Inspect the initial state of the Infrared Rotary Dryer (e.g., exterior condition, component installation), and calibrate all test instruments (ensuring accuracy meets requirements).

⦁ Set up the simulated test environment (e.g., sealed chamber, temperature-controlled room) and establish safety protocols (e.g., emergency stop buttons, fire suppression equipment) for the Infrared Rotary Dryer.

Test Execution Steps

⦁ Conduct testing in sequence: basic performance → load testing → environmental adaptability → safety verification. Each step must include data logging and equipment inspection before moving on.

⦁ For critical safety-related tests (such as electrical insulation and overload protection), repeat the procedures at least three times to confirm consistency and avoid random errors.

Data Recording and Analysis

⦁ Record all Infrared Rotary Dryer’s testing conditions, including time, environmental parameters, load levels, drying performance results, and any abnormal events (e.g., temperature spikes, unusual noise, or vibrations).

⦁ Analyze results using visual tools such as performance degradation curves, efficiency charts, or failure frequency statistics, helping identify weak points like reduced drying efficiency at high humidity or unstable performance under voltage fluctuations.

Evaluation and Rectification of Test Results

⦁ Core Performance Indicators – At least 95% of performance benchmarks (such as drying speed, energy efficiency, and final moisture content) must meet the specified standards during testing.

⦁ Safety Verification – Safety tests should reveal no hazardous issues, including electrical leakage, overheating of heating elements, or structural deformation of the rotating drum. These standards ensure the Infrared Rotary Dryer can operate safely under real production conditions.

⦁ Extreme Environment Adaptability – During high/low temperature, humidity, and vibration tests, the performance decline must remain within acceptable limits (e.g., efficiency loss ≤5%). The dryer should still maintain stable operation and meet essential drying requirements.

Infrared Rotary Dryer Testing Considerations and Industry Standards

Operating Specifications

Testing of the Infrared Rotary Dryer must be carried out by certified personnel familiar with the machine’s principles and emergency steps.

When working with the Infrared Rotary Dryer, operators should wear protective gear.

Industry Standard Reference

Testing the Infrared Rotary Dryer must comply with relevant international and domestic standards, including:

⦁ ISO 9001 quality management system

⦁ CE certification for electrical and mechanical safety

⦁ GB 50150 electrical installation testing guidelines

For traceability, test reports must include environmental conditions, calibration records, dryer identification, and operator details.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

When testing an Infrared Rotary Dryer, never rely on short-term runs. At least 24 hours of continuous testing of the Infrared Rotary Dryer is necessary to verify stability.

Do not ignore edge conditions for the Infrared Rotary Dryer, like voltage fluctuations or load changes.

Conclusion

Testing the Infrared Rotary Dryer is a critical procedure that validates its efficient, safe, and reliable performance in industrial conditions. Thorough performance, load, environmental, and safety tests provide buyers and manufacturers with confidence in the Infrared Rotary Dryer‘s readiness for long-term, stable operation.

For procurement teams, partnering with suppliers who adhere to Infrared Rotary Dryer testing standards mitigates risk. For manufacturers, this rigorous testing offers vital data for continuous improvement. Ultimately, a comprehensively tested Infrared Rotary Dryer is key to delivering the safe, efficient, and cost-effective performance demanded by today’s plastic recycling and production industries.