Dryer for plastic granules with top loading and bottom exit from the company PGV model GL3; maximum temperature 200 degrees. 

A **plastic grain dryer** is an essential piece of machinery in the plastic processing process, used to remove moisture from granules prior to processing. Residual moisture in plastic grains can compromise the quality of finished products, causing defects such as bubbles, streaks or brittleness. Purchasing a used dryer can be a beneficial option for businesses looking to reduce costs without compromising efficiency. Here is an overview of how it works, how to use it, the types available, the materials that can be worked with, the alternatives and the reasons why it is better to buy a used dryer.

### 1. **How ​​It Works**
A plastic grain dryer removes moisture from the grains using a stream of hot, dry air. The granules are loaded into a hopper, where hot air circulates through the material, absorbing moisture. This air is then recirculated or expelled, while the extracted humidity is eliminated. The dryer continues to run until the granules reach the desired moisture level.

### 2. **How ​​to Use**
- **Loading**: The plastic granules are loaded into the dryer hopper.
- **Parameter Setting**: The air temperature and drying time are set based on the type of plastic material.
- **Start**: The drying process starts. Warm air is circulated through the granules, removing moisture.
- **Process Control**: During drying, parameters are monitored to ensure that the material is dried correctly.
- **Unloading**: Once the process is completed, the dried granules are unloaded and ready for subsequent processing (molding, extrusion, etc.).

### 3. **Types of Dryers**
- **Warm Air Dryers**: Use heated air to remove moisture. They are simple and suitable for less hygroscopic plastic materials.
- **Closed Circuit Dryers**: They recirculate the dried air, improving energy efficiency and reducing consumption.
- **Desiccant Dryers**: Use desiccant materials to absorb moisture from the air before it comes into contact with the granules. Ideal for highly hygroscopic plastic materials such as nylon or PET.
- **Vacuum Dryers**: They remove moisture by reducing atmospheric pressure, speeding up the drying process.

### 4. **Machinable Materials**
- **Polyethylene (PE)**: Low moisture absorption, but may require drying to eliminate condensation.
- **Polypropylene (PP)**: Similar to PE, with low drying requirements.
- **Nylon (PA)**: Highly hygroscopic, requires rigorous drying.
- **Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)**: Requires thorough drying to avoid crystallization defects.
- **Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)**: Requires drying to prevent blistering and streaking.
- **Polycarbonate (PC)**: Extremely sensitive to humidity, requires efficient drying.

### 5. **Reciprocating Machinery**
- **Industrial Dehumidifiers**: Used in some cases to reduce ambient humidity, but not specifically for removing moisture from plastic granules.
- **Convection Ovens**: Sometimes used to dry granules, but less efficient and with a greater risk of material degradation.
- **Rotary Dryers**: Used to dry coarse grained materials or special materials, but not specific for plastic granules.

### 6. **Why it is better to buy a used dryer for plastic grains**
- **Cost savings**: Purchasing a used dryer involves a lower initial investment than a new model, making it an economical choice for small and medium-sized businesses.
- **Proven Reliability**: A used dryer has already proven its operational capabilities. If well maintained, it can offer performance equivalent to that of a new car.
- **Reduced Depreciation**: The value of a new dryer depreciates rapidly. By purchasing a used model, this depreciation has already occurred, reducing the risk of loss of value.
- **Immediate Availability**: Used models are often immediately available, eliminating the waiting times associated with the production and delivery of new machinery.
- **Eco-sustainability**: Purchasing used machinery is a more ecological choice, as industrial waste and the environmental impact linked to the production of new machinery are reduced.
- **Variety of Choice**: On the used market, it is possible to find a wide range of models, from the simplest to the most advanced ones, depending on your specific needs.

### Conclusion
Purchasing a used plastic grain dryer can be a beneficial option for those who want to reduce operating costs without compromising the quality of the production process. Used dryers, if well maintained, offer reliability, efficiency and ready availability, making them a smart choice for companies operating in the plastic processing sector.