Good drying is an essential part of a high-quality production process. If it does not work or only works inadequately, the entire process is blocked, not to mention increases in capacity. The Allgäu-based drying system manufacturer Harter has dedicated itself to the idea of preventing problems in this area.
Operators very often take smooth drying for granted when investing in systems. Recognising the importance of the drying process, improving it and thus optimising quality and efficiency - that was the basic idea of company founder Harter exactly 25 years ago. Today, Harter is a medium-sized company that has long played a leading role in drying in various markets. In the field of packaging, the Allgäu-based drying system manufacturer has made a name for itself with its alternative drying technology, the specially developed „Condensation drying based on heat pumps“ has also gained a foothold in the meantime.
Dry air in the right place
The „Condensation drying based on heat pumps“ is the solution to a variety of drying challenges. It combines seemingly contradictory attributes such as low temperatures and short drying times. With Harter's specially developed Airgenex® condensation drying and its system variants AIRGENEX ®med and AIRGENEX®food, goods made of metal, glass and plastic or organic products such as food are dried gently and stress-free at low temperatures between 20°C and 90°C.
This procedure is therefore also Suitable for all primary and secondary packaging, that are to be dried after cleaning, pasteurising or sterilising. The use of extremely dry air and an individually customised air flow ensures very short drying times with high-quality drying results. The integrated heat pump technology ensures maximum efficiency in the process. Drying always takes place in a closed system and is therefore completely independent of the climate. Clean room environments are not affected. This guarantees top quality and maximum process reliability.
Airgenex® condensation drying is a flexible system that Can be integrated into any process type is. Heat pump dehumidification can be used for all types of batch operations as well as for all continuous processes. Airgenex® drying systems fulfil GMP and GAMP requirements. With minor adjustments, this type of condensation drying can also be used for cooling if this is desired or required by the process.
Technical centre for specific test set-ups
Harter brings together a large number of specialised departments, as it is part of the company's philosophy to offer consulting, R&D, engineering and design from a single source. In the five production departments A very high level of vertical integration is realised in the areas of refrigeration plant engineering, plastics plant engineering, metalworking, control engineering and air conditioning technology. Qualification and validation are also part of the range of services. After-sales service rounds off the range of services. Customer products are tested for their drying properties in the company's own technical centre. Harter has always offered this service. Coherent concepts are derived and developed from the results. The innovative drying system manufacturer also draws on solutions from hundreds of projects.
Possible applications of the drying systems
Jochen Schumacher from the technical sales department of Harter Oberflächen- und Umwelttechnik GmbH, Stiefenhofen, provides pj-Interview Information about the possible applications of the drying systems and the advantages in this context.
pj: Mr Schumacher, which products for the packaging sector can be dried today using the technology developed by Harter?
Jochen Schumacher: In the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, these are mainly Primary packaging and Outer packaging after the sterilisation process. These can be plastic pouches, bottles and syringes, for example, but also ampoules or vials made of glass. Increasingly, the Cooling process a major role.
pj: Are other applications also possible in the packaging sector, e.g. in the production process of packaging materials?
Jochen Schumacher: Yes, even with the Film production must be dried - and as quickly and efficiently as possible. We still see some future application possibilities in this area.
pj: Why are drying tests so important?
Jochen Schumacher: Every customer has a different product with different properties. Drying tests are a sensible way to determine the parameters relevant for successful drying, such as temperature, time, humidity, air volume flow and air speed. These results, the customer's expertise and our many years of experience then form the basis for further conceptualisation.
pj: What makes your so-called condensation drying so efficient?
Jochen Schumacher: First and foremost, the use of our special heat pump technology. It makes it possible to dispense with external supply and exhaust air and thus ensure maximum heat recovery. The use of selected fans for targeted air routing also plays a very large part in the high efficiency.
pj: What are the advantages for the respective user?
Jochen Schumacher: The drying process is safe and fast, the Process is validatable and traceable. The user becomes independent of environmental influences and at the same time utilises energy-saving technology. Noise emissions are minimised as our dehumidification modules act like silencers. And (he laughs) „all-inclusive“, This means that the customer receives everything from a single source, from consultation to acceptance and maintenance.
