Articles - Leather Technology Magazine Nš79
Assessment of leather finish film drying
using infrared radiation and convection
J. M. Calvillo*, S. Jöns, A. Obregón, S. Alonso
CIATEC A.C. Omega 201, Fraccionamiento Industrial Delta,
C.P. 37545.
León, Gto., Mexico.
* Responsible for the project
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Assessment of leather finish film drying
using infrared radiation and convection
ABSTRACT
In leather finishing, the use of infrared radiation as an alternative
to the traditional convection process is faster and more efficient
for finish film drying. Infrared radiation is very versatile: it
can be used to evaporate the aqueous vehicle only, preventing
a significant increase in the leather temperature. Therefore, an
innovative infrared dryer was designed and constructed, and
parameters such as infrared panel distance to substrate, number
and spacing of panels and leather transport speed were analyzed.
From an experimental array, it was found that spacing is not
significant, that is to say, it does not affect the efficiency of the
drying process. All other factors may be manipulated to improve
the dryer performance.
A mathematical-statistical model predicting the evaporation
percentage for any film width was developed through the response
surface model. The equation and nomograms can be used to
find operating conditions to optimize finish drying for specific
formulations when using roller, atomizer or curtain machines,
thus avoiding the equipment’s trial-and-error tuning.
Furthermore, the formation of the finish film through microscopic
techniques and physiochemical analysis for both drying systems
was assessed, which validated the parameters optimal levels,
achieving the prototype maximum performance.
This research may be useful in increasing the efficiency of finish
film drying, reducing leather manufacturing costs for the leather
tanning industry, since this design was found to reduce dryer
length by 50% and gas consumption by 25%. |