Product User Manual
Page 6
EPRI Commercial Microwave Fabric Dryer
Gerling Applied Engineering, Inc.
Modesto, CA
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The EPRI Commercial Microwave Fabric Dryer (“CMFD”) is
designed for field trials of the microwave fabric drying process in
commercial establishments to dry fabric loads up to 12 pounds. It
combines microwave energy with conventional hot air to dry almost
any type of fabric load at faster rates and lower temperatures than
conventional dryers using hot air alone. A microprocessor control
system coordinates operation of the dryer by collecting data from a
variety of sensors to optimize performance and ensure safety.
The microwave energy is supplied by three separate 1.8 kW
generators for a total microwave power input of 5.4 kW. Hot air is
provided by three separate 1.5 kW duct heaters. Energy efficiency
is maximized by recycling the waste heat from the microwave
generators and other heat producing electronics, providing a total
hot air capacity of approximately 6.5 kW.
Selectable drying cycles include Regular and Delicate (the Dryness
selector has been disabled). The Regular drying cycle combines
microwave energy with hot air and cuts the drying time to 1/3 that of
conventional dryers. The Delicate cycle eliminates hot air altogether
and uses only microwave to provide the lowest temperature drying.
The CMFD includes state-of-the-art safety features to protect both
the dryer and operator from improper operation and use. A variety
of sensors are provided to detect the presence of improper
materials in the drying load and shut off the dryer. An indicator is
provided on the control panel to warn the operator to check the
load. Additional sensors are provided to monitor the dryer operation
and performance and shut off the dryer in the event of malfunction.
Facilities requirements for the CMFD are the same as those for
conventional commercial dryers. The input line power required is
208-220 VAC, single phase, 60 Amps, and the exhaust connection
is to a standard 4” diameter duct. No cooling or gas connections
are required.