Drying and Polishing Process for Wooden Products: Ice cream sticks, tongue depressor sticks, and similar items.
In production lines for wooden ice cream sticks, tongue depressors, and wooden cutlery, the shaped products from the carved cutting machine contain high moisture content. Upon exiting the punching process, the products must subsequently undergo drying and polishing within 2 hours.
Two drying methods are available: using a drying machine or using a system integrated with the PG-6-L3 Polishing Machine. This document focuses on the latter, detailing the drying process that utilizes the polishing machine alongside a steam boiler, heat exchanger, and draught fan.
The polishing machine itself does not have an integrated drying function. Instead, drying is achieved through an auxiliary system consisting of a steam boiler, a heat exchanger, and a draught fan, which are interconnected as follows:
The steam boiler generates steam, which is transported via tubing to the heat exchanger.
The polishing machine has two connection points: inlet tubes and outlet tubes.
The inlet tube is connected to the heat exchanger.
The outlet tub is connected to the draught fan.
Process Overview:
Drying Phase (first 4 to 5 hours)
When the draught fan operates, it draws fresh air into the heat exchanger.
If steam is simultaneously introduced into the exchanger, the fresh air is heated upon contact.
This resulting hot air enters the polishing machine through the inlet tubes and serves as the drying medium.
Throughout this stage, the draught fan continuously expels moisture from the system.
Polishing Phase:
Once the products are nearly dry, the steam valve is closed.
The draught fan continues to run, now drawing in fresh air only.
This air supports the polishing process, during which the fan removes dust and debris generated by the tumbling action.
