Relaunched Chillers, Blenders, Dryers

AEC is introducing numerous new auxiliary equipment products for plastics processing at NPE 2024. New offerings include:

GPL Packaged Chillers: AEC has completely redesigned its line of packaged chillers with significant improvements for processors. The GPL packaged chillers are available with two refrigerant choices – R-410A or R-454B. R-454B is a “Low GWP” (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant that meets new environmental requirements of 12 U.S. states which went into effect Jan. 1, 2024. The GPL has a controller with a new color touchscreen for simple operator use. The new product design enables much easier access to components for regular maintenance. The GPL has a wide variety of option choices, but also many items are included as standard now, such as an audio/visual alarm. The new GPL is available as both air and water-cooled models for 5- to 60-ton cooling needs.

New GPL Small Packaged Chillers: These GPL chillers use R-513A refrigerant. R-513A is a “Low GWP” (Global Warming Potential) refrigerant which meets new environmental regulations. This refrigerant is also classified as nontoxic and nonflammable, similar to the R-134A and R-410A it replaces. The units use an air-cooled system and have many features included as standard such as an audio/visual alarm. The new GPL chillers are available in 1-, 2- and 3-ton cooling capacities.

Line of Desiccant Wheel Dryers: AEC’s new line of desiccant wheel dryers for the plastics industry will also be on display at NPE. These dryers provide high-performance moisture removal and have adjustable process air flow that prevents resin overdrying and reduces energy consumption. Available in three configurations — ADP, ADW and ADC — the AD Series is a direct replacement for AEC’s earlier NGX and RDX series dryers.

The new dryers are said to be well suited for most beside-the-press drying applications and small central drying systems, and are available with throughputs ranging from 50 to 2,500 lbs/hr. Options include an internal dew point sensor, level sensor, take-off boxes and integration with industry 4.0 equipment. For precision control, the AD series also utilizes a high-resolution HMI touchscreen and proprietary PLC. Key drying data is visible on a single screen: drying temperature, dew point, material throughput and total energy consumption.

BD-100 Gravimetric Batch Blenders: This new AEC blender is designed to meet the demands of applications with lower throughput rates. It features exceptional performance and versatility and is perfect for injection molding, extrusion, blow molding and other processes. With a throughput of up to 100 lbs/hr, the BD-100 has small batch capability with a one pound batch size and feeding accuracy of ±0.1% over time for each material fed into the batch.

The BD-100 also has a precision 0.01% span accurate load cell weigh system. It is the latest addition to AEC’s renowned line of gravimetric blenders, and expands the company's offerings to six models by joining the ranks of the BD-500, BD-900, BD-2500, BD-4000 and BD-6000.