Continuous exhaust from drying lines

Textile stenters, printing presses, and coating/laminating lines run long drying tunnels that exhaust hot air almost continuously. That exhaust carries both sensible and often latent heat, plus solvent or particulate loads. Recovering it preheats combustion or make-up air and can offset the building’s heating demand.

Suitable exchanger types and how they work

High-temperature stainless plate exchangers handle the duty; the exhaust preheats incoming fresh air in a counterflow arrangement for maximum effectiveness. When supply and exhaust paths are remote, a run-around coil moves the energy between them. For lines where humidity control matters, an enthalpy wheel can also recover moisture.

Design considerations for textile and coating

Exhaust may contain fibers, ink solvents, or sizing dust. Use stainless plates with accessible, cleanable surfaces and condensate management, and keep surface temperatures above the solvent dew point where required by safety. Verify pressure drop against the existing exhaust fan, and confirm material compatibility with any solvent vapor present.