Drying is one of the most delicate phases in the leather finishing process: this is why Gemata has perfected the development of different drying technologies capable of guaranteeing uniform and efficient drying. In recent years, the Trissino-based company has expanded the concept of ‘efficiency’, extending it beyond result performance to achieve important goals also in terms of energy consumption and environmental impact. The product portfolio, which already included steam and gas dryers, has been expanded by offering drying tunnels with infrared lamps with extremely advanced technology. Drying systems with infrared heating STARDRIER-IR, with particular reference to the aspirated model, represent the ideal solution for achieving greater energy efficiency: these combine irradiation technology with hot air ventilation technology, guaranteeing better drying performance in terms of drying time and environmental sustainability. The tunnels are available with working widths of 1800, 2200, 2600, 3000, 3400, and 3800 mm.
IR TECHNOLOGY
The modular design of the aspirated STARDRIER-IR allows the installation of thermal insulation panels and sets of medium-wave radiant lamps with independent regulation via software: in this way, stainless steel sheet metal panels above the lamps direct the radiant effect downwards, accelerating the drying phase, while the independent regulation of the lamps allows the various modules to be operated with differentiated temperatures. Compared to steam and gas dryers, hot air STARDRIER-IR tunnels come up to temperature much faster: this ensures lower consumption, which translates into ecological and economic savings. Consequently, temperature changes during operations are also facilitated and optimised. In addition, the tunnels are equipped with a control system that detects the presence of leathers in the module: in the absence of leathers, the sensors automatically activate the “Energy Saving” mode, progressively switching off the lamps. The combined heating, achieved through radiation and convection, increases drying performance by significantly decreasing drying times. Finally, IR dryers are particularly environmentally friendly for two other reasons: firstly, their technology does not use fossil fuels and, secondly, they can be connected to renewable energy resource plants, further minimising their environmental impact. In conclusion, with the adoption of Gemata drying systems it is possible to manage numerous variables during the processing phases, maximise drying quality and time, and finally achieve excellent eco- sustainability performance thanks to the drastic reduction in energy consumption.
