Vibration Research on Centrifugal Loop Dryer Machines Used in Plastic Recycling Processes

Abstract

This study investigates the vibrations of centrifugal loop dryer machines used in plastic recycling processes. These machines are characterized by large uncertainties, high vibration, and unmodeled dynamics, making the design and maintenance of real-time state estimators for their operational conditions difficult. The present study includes an analysis of the centrifugal loop dryer machines’ vibration characteristics and their influence on operation results based on vibration analysis, frequency response analysis, and expert advice. Two identical loop dryers installed and operated in parallel in a single recycling line were investigated. Measurements were performed using a two-sample measurement design and based on a one-sample statistical method for estimating uncertainty in repeated measurements of data processing. Additionally, a problem connected with incorrect machine operation during high vibration, resulting in insufficient drying of loaded material, was investigated. This was defined as a situation in which some melted plastic is still too wet after mechanical drying, caused by the incorrect installation of damper elements of the holding elements. Finaly, it is recommended that a correction of the machine installation and a control measurement are carried out to determine whether the vibration in the base of the machine still exists. A simplified theoretical vibration analysis of the rotating machine was also carried out in the present paper.