Howard Industries Inc., a trusted leader in custom chemical processing and manufacturing since 1964, has built a strong reputation for supporting companies with specialized “toll” processing services. Their expertise covers drying, blending, particle-size reduction, classification, repackaging, agglomeration, and a wide range of other service activities.

Recently, Howard was approached with a time-sensitive challenge: a client needed to dry a highly specialized agricultural material but lacked the necessary drying system, available space, and experience to complete the task within a tight deadline.

After evaluating the project’s scope and urgency, Howard determined that enhancing their drying capabilities with a twin-screw drying system was essential to meet the client’s volume requirements. Given the timeframe, the used equipment market was the most practical solution.

The selected unit, having been in storage for some time, required significant refurbishment before it could be put into service. The most significant issue was the heat transfer fluid circuit, which was heavily carbonized due to previous use, resulting in severely restricted flow throughout the system.

To address this, Howard reached out to Duratherm’s technical support team, who quickly responded with an on-site assessment and expert recommendations to restore the system’s performance. After a thorough evaluation, Duratherm suggested using DuraClean Ultra to rapidly remove carbon buildup, followed by a final flush to clear out loosened particulates.

Once the cleaning was complete, the team selected Duratherm 600 as the optimal heat transfer fluid, chosen for its ability to withstand the demanding conditions of an open drying system. This choice helped ensure the system would remain clean and efficient under ongoing operational stress.

Duratherm coordinated the expedited delivery of all required materials and provided detailed instructions, technical support, and complimentary fluid analysis to ensure a smooth startup.

In just a matter of days, Howard successfully commissioned the “new” dryer and prepared an existing system for the demanding process—all within a four-week window from the initial client request.

The result exceeded expectations, especially considering the client estimated that acquiring and installing a new drying system would have taken 10 to 12 months.

Reflecting on the experience, Rick Hulse of Howard Industries shared, “The key to delivering for our customer so quickly was partnering with a heat transfer fluid provider that could offer a complete package of service and support to restore an out-of-service dryer in just days.

Duratherm delivered exactly that. As a service provider myself, I truly value working with companies that go beyond just selling products—they provide comprehensive solutions, quickly. Duratherm’s specialized products and attentive support enabled us to meet our client’s needs swiftly, turning a challenge into a win for everyone involved.”