Used Conoform Dryers
Conoform dryers are vacuum tumble dryers that rotate a sealed vessel to gently mix and dry bulk solids under vacuum. The category includes double-cone dryers, twin-shell (V-shape) dryers, rotacone dryers, and solids processors. All share the same operating principle: material tumbles inside a jacketed, rotating vessel, while heat transfers through the vessel wall, and a vacuum lowers the boiling point of the moisture or solvents.
Federal Equipment Company stocks used conoform dryers as part of our broader used dryers inventory. Our selection includes units from Patterson-Kelley, Gemco, Paul O. Abbe, De Dietrich, Pfaudler, and J.P. Devine, ranging from 0.75 cu ft lab-scale units to 165 cu ft production systems.
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Conoform dryers work by slowly rotating a jacketed vessel, typically at 5 to 25 RPM, while heating fluid (usually steam or hot water) circulates through the jacket. The vessel is held under vacuum, which lowers the boiling points of water and solvents, allowing drying at lower temperatures. As the vessel rotates, the material cascades and tumbles, exposing fresh surface area to the heated wall. This combination of gentle agitation, conductive heating, and vacuum results in uniform drying without mechanical shear.
The term “conoform” covers several vessel geometries. Double cone dryers use two conical sections joined at a central cylinder. Twin-shell (or V-shape) dryers, most commonly associated with Patterson-Kelley, use two cylindrical legs joined at an angle. Rotacone dryers, such as those from Paul O. Abbe, use a single conical vessel. Some units include high-speed intensifier bars that project into the vessel to break up lumps and improve heat transfer. Solids processors and formulators add liquid feed capability for coating or granulation in addition to drying.
Federal Equipment Company carries conoform dryers from Patterson-Kelley (our most frequently stocked manufacturer in this category), Gemco, Paul O. Abbe, De Dietrich, and Pfaudler. Materials of construction include 304 and 316 stainless steel, Hastelloy C22, glass-lined steel, and carbon steel. All equipment is available for inspection, and we provide rigging, logistics, and installation support.
Applications & Industries
- Drying pharmaceutical powders, granules, and active pharmaceutical ingredients under vacuum
- Solvent removal from chemical intermediates, fine chemicals, and specialty compounds
- Low-temperature drying of heat-sensitive biotechnology and nutraceutical materials
- Drying and blending of plastic powders and polymer compounds
- Vacuum drying of pigments, dyes, and inorganic chemicals
- Combined drying and blending operations where uniform mixing during drying is required
- Solids processing with liquid addition for coating or granulation, followed by drying
Specifications & Configurations
- Working capacities: 0.75 cu ft (lab-scale) to 165 cu ft (production-scale)
- Materials of construction: 304 stainless steel, 316/316L stainless steel, Hastelloy C22, glass-lined steel (De Dietrich, Pfaudler), carbon steel
- Vacuum ratings: Full vacuum at temperatures up to 350°F internal
- Jacket ratings: 14 to 100 PSI, depending on unit size and manufacturer
- Material density ratings: 40 to 300 lb/cu ft maximum, depending on vessel design and drive
- Drive systems: Fixed-speed and variable-speed motor drives, 1 to 7.5 HP, with brakes for positioning; explosion-proof motors available
- Vessel geometries: Double cone, twin shell (V-shape), rotacone (single cone)
- Optional features: High-speed intensifier bars, liquid feed systems, vacuum systems with pumps and receivers, automatic feed and discharge valves
Why Buy Used Conoform Dryers?
Used conoform dryers typically cost 40–70% less than comparable new equipment. These are mechanically straightforward machines with long service lives, which means used units often have significant remaining useful life. Lead times for new twin-shell and double-cone dryers can run several months, especially for Hastelloy or glass-lined construction, while used units are available for near-immediate shipment.
Federal Equipment Company inspects all conoform dryers before sale and can coordinate refurbishment, including vessel repolishing, seal replacement, drive overhaul, and vacuum system reconditioning to meet your process requirements.
