An air-slide inlet tray innovation helps keep sticky materials from clumping at the entry of vibrating fluid-bed dryers and coolers.

The air-slide inlet tray, developed by Witte Co., Washington, N.J., is installed in the infeed section where material enters the drying system. The tray directs the heated airstream through a series of small openings in a stainless steel plate that face downstream and parallel to the infeed deck. According to Witte, incoming products begin drying immediately and advance gently and consistently to the primary drying zone, nearly eliminating the potential for sticky products to block up the infeed.

The air-slide inlet tray is suited for drying and cooling of sugar, salt, flour, spices, powdered milk, algae, wood pulp, sludge, paper, manure and other sticky products.