Web Dryers

A Web Dryer is a specialized RF Oven used in the processing of thin layers of materials.  These include paper, fabric and coated filaments of many varieties, films and certain food or snack products, among many others.

When materials become thin in cross-section, the conventional parallel plate electrode configuration can no longer develop sufficient voltage gradient to efficiently and effectively rotate available dipoles.  Here, fringe field or “stray” field type electrode systems are employed in various configurations.  The generic RF oven becomes specific to thin web materials and adopts the name “Web Dryer”.

Web Dryers require all of the inherent design subtleties and complexities of the conventional RF Oven along with several unique to themselves.  Fringe field electrode systems that optimize gradient parallel to the product surface must be carefully designed to provide optimum exposure, without inducing surface flashing of the product.  They are also carefully reviewed for conditions unique to oven environment as well as the needs of product transport.

Thermex, since the very early years of our existence, has designed and built Web Drying Systems, some exceeding 400 kW for a variety of products, most of which are listed in the applications section of this site.

Feel free to review select hardware.  For assistance in selecting the appropriate system for your needs, please contact one of our Application Engineers.

Read more about our RF Conveyorized Drying System.