An industrial hot air pipe dryer, or thermal dryer, featuring stainless steel pipes on a green frame, used for drying plastic flakes in a recycling line.
Plastic Drying System

Thermal Dryer for Plastic Recycling

This drying solution is intended to reduce moisture, improve material handling, and prepare recycled plastics for stable downstream processing.

  • Configured according to material type, contamination condition, and throughput target.
  • Designed for stable industrial operation and practical maintenance access.
  • Available with project-based layout and support options.

Equipment Overview

Thermal Dryer for Plastic Recycling

Industrial Solution Overview

Our thermal dryer uses a 48 kW electric heating element and a 7.5 kW high-pressure blower to continuously push hot air through a 30-metre, 219 mm-diameter stainless steel duct. Washed plastic flakes travel with the airstream, shedding residual surface moisture along the way. A single pass is typically sufficient to bring moisture content below 3%—the threshold most extruders and pelletizers require for stable processing. For demanding applications that require moisture below 1%, two or three heater stages can be arranged in series. All parts in direct contact with material are made from SUS304 stainless steel, while the outer frame uses 60 × 60 × 3 mm carbon steel square tube for rigidity. Insulation cotton wrapping minimises heat loss and reduces operating energy costs.

Key Features

Effective Moisture Reduction

Designed to reduce residual moisture and improve downstream feeding conditions.

Stable Material Discharge

Helps improve bulk density, handling, and process continuity after washing.

Line Integration Ready

Suitable as part of washing, dewatering, drying, or pelletizing systems.

Maintenance-Friendly Structure

Built for practical servicing, reliable operation, and long-term industrial use.

Typical Applications

Washed Film Flakes

Prepared for squeezing, drying, or pelletizing.

Rigid Plastic Regrind

Reduced moisture before storage or downstream use.

Continuous Recycling Lines

Integrated with conveyors, silos, or pelletizing equipment.

Customized Drying Duty

Configured by material type, contamination, and output target.

Technical Specifications

ParameterSpecification
Processing Capacity400–500 kg/hr (customizable)
Outlet Moisture Content< 3% (single stage); < 1% with multi-stage configuration
Heating Power48 kW (customizable)
Fan Power7.5 kW (customizable)
Material-Contact PartsSUS304 stainless steel
ConfigurationProject-based; single or multi-stage

See It in Action

Thermal Dryer for Plastic Recycling video preview

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a thermal dryer needed after a dewatering machine?

A dewatering machine (like a centrifugal dryer) removes the bulk of surface water mechanically. However, to achieve the very low moisture content (under 3%) required for high-quality extrusion, a thermal dryer is essential to evaporate the remaining residual moisture using hot air.

What is the final moisture level I can expect?

A single thermal heater is generally sufficient to reduce moisture to below 3%. For operations that require ultra-low moisture levels (for example below 1%), we can configure a system with two or three thermal heaters positioned consecutively.

Can this dryer be used for materials other than plastic film and PET?

This system is specifically engineered and optimized for lightweight materials like plastic film and PET flakes. While it may be suitable for other similar materials, we recommend contacting our technical team to discuss your specific material and requirements.

How do I keep the thermal dryer operating at peak efficiency?

Schedule weekly inspections of blower filters, cyclone outlets, and duct unions. Keeping these components clean prevents pressure drops and preserves target air volume, ensuring consistent moisture removal.

Can the dryer integrate into my existing washing line?

Yes. We supply detailed interface drawings and adapter kits that let you connect to most centrifugal dryers and conveyance systems. Our engineers review your plant layout to match blower capacity and duct routing before shipment.

Related Equipment

Centrifugal Dewatering Machine

The mechanical pre-drying step upstream of the thermal dryer. Removes bulk surface water before hot-air drying brings moisture below 3%.

Learn more →

Complete Plastic Washing Lines

Full washing, dewatering, and drying system packages for PET bottles, PE film, and mixed rigid plastics.

Learn more →

Warranty & Installation

Warranty Coverage

Standard warranty coverage is available for supported machine components and manufacturing defects.

Installation & Support

We provide installation guidance, commissioning support, operator training, and spare parts service according to project scope.

Request a Customized Solution

Share your material details, capacity target, and project requirement. We will recommend a suitable configuration.

Contact Form

Author: Plastic Recycling Machine - Rumtoo

Rumtoo Plastic Recycling Machinery is a premier manufacturer specializing in high-performance solutions for PET bottle and PP/PE film recycling. With over 20 years of expertise, we offer an integrated range of equipment, including advanced Washing Systems, Pelletizing Lines, Plastic Shredders, and Crushers. Our technology is specifically engineered to transform challenging waste—such as soiled LDPE films and PP non-woven bags—into high-purity plastic granules. Today, Rumtoo supports hundreds of recycling facilities worldwide, processing thousands of tonnes of plastic monthly and driving global circular economy goals.