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Bulk Processing Case Studies

 | Bulk Processing Case Studies

Case Study: Tobacco Drying

 by General Kinematics,

Challenge
Customer wanted to automate and optimize an old process that increases the leaf factor of tobacco. The new technology must be able to fit within the existing physical constraints of the plant structure without redesign of the facility.

Approach
General Kinematics was approached by the customer to qualify their process. Through the qualification, GK demonstrated that a properly designed vibratory fluid bed dryer would achieve the results they required, and improve the quality of their end product.

Solution
Within six months GK’s Engineered Products Group designed, built, and delivered a turn-key system incorporating a 600 square foot fluid bed processor which exceeded lab pilot test outcomes by 10%. Achieved near-optimal utilization of resources in re-designing one of the largest vibratory fluid bed systems in the industry.

Results
The resulting installation of General Kinematics Vibratory Fluid Bed Dryer increased plant capacity, reduced overhead costs by 66%, and increased profitability of the customer, all while maintaining a high standard of quality.

General Kinematics Corporation, incorporated in 1960, was established to market, design, and custom fabricate innovative vibratory equipment for the foundry, recycling, mining, and processing industries. Today the company continues as one of the world’s largest suppliers of vibratory processing equipment and has evolved into an industry-leading EPC firm. Headquartered in Crystal Lake, IL, General Kinematics has seven global locations providing engineering and support to a world-wide customer base. GK is a third generation, family-owned company and is ISO 9001 certified.