Dry-In-Place Tank Dryer (Patented)
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Sonic DRY-IN-PLACE® Tank Dryer System
Fast drying in tank, tote, blender, SS (Stainless Steel) IBC, hopper, barrel, and piping applications.
Our patented hot air DRY-IN-PLACE® Tank Dryer system is a true plug-and-play design for rapid and efficient drying of tanks, totes, drums, mixers, and piping without the use of any traditional air heating source. Supplying high volumes of pressurized air at air temperatures of 150°F to 275°F (66°C to 135°C), the system ensures forced convective drying while minimizing the total energy required. Ranging from 7.5 to 50 HP (5 to 37 kW), Sonic's DRY-IN-PLACE® system can be customized per application with motor controls, predictive maintenance monitoring, in-line HEPA filter, portable blower cart, and others.
The Smarter Alternative to Traditional Tank Dryer Systems
The DRY-IN-PLACE® Tank Dryer reimagines vessel drying by eliminating manual wiping, compressed air nozzles, blowers with in-line heaters, and the long wait time for natural evaporation. Engineered for process-critical environments, it delivers controlled, high-volume airflow where and when it’s needed most. Rather than adopting a general duty air mover, this purpose-built rapid dryer meets the demanding hygiene and performance standards of modern manufacturing. It’s especially valuable in facilities where moisture control directly impacts product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Common applications include post-CIP drying for stainless steel tanks, drying food-grade containers, sanitizing storage tanks before use, and most of the associated piping. It’s the fastest and most efficient replacement for traditional hopper, blender, pipe, tote, stainless steel IBC, and post-CIP dryers.
Customer Story: How New Century Snacks Reduced Tote Drying Time from 8+ Hours to Under 30 Minutes
New Century Snacks manufactures seasoned nuts, trail mixes, and private-label snack products for retailers across the country. In its production process, large stainless steel IBC totes are used to hold powdered ingredients before blending with candies, dried fruits, and nuts. To help prevent cross-contamination between product lines, the totes are washed at the end of every shift.
The challenge was drying time. Each 64 cubic foot tote took more than eight hours to fully dry, creating a major production bottleneck and delaying when equipment could be returned to service. By implementing Sonic Air’s patented DRY-IN-PLACE® Tank Dryer System with HEPA filtration, New Century Snacks was able to dramatically speed up the process using high-volume, heater-less hot air at approximately 160°F.
The result was a major improvement in production efficiency. Drying time dropped from 8+ hours to under 30 minutes, allowing for faster turnaround between production cycles and more consistent sanitation. To support that improvement, the company built a dedicated drying room equipped with multiple Sonic DRY-IN-PLACE® systems.
Experience the New Standard in Tank Drying
- Pressurized Hot Air Delivery: The tank dryer system delivers high-velocity, temperature-controlled 1 to 2 psig of air directly into tanks and vessels. This ensures thorough internal drying without requiring additional drying aids or prolonged downtime.
- Predictive Maintenance Monitoring: Built-in monitoring alerts operators of system irregularities. This helps maintenance teams stay ahead of wear and tear, reducing unexpected interruptions.
- In-line HEPA Filter Option: A Sonic in-line HEPA filter maintains intrinsically clean air at all times. This added layer of protection is ideal for industries with strict hygiene or purity standards.
- Portable Cart Design: Mounted on a wheeled frame, the Sonic Dry-In-Place® can be easily moved across production lines or departments. Its portability adds convenience for facilities that use multiple tanks in different areas.
- Minimizes Downtime and Labor: By rapidly drying tanks between cleaning cycles, the system keeps production moving. This leads to higher operational efficiency and reduced bottlenecks.
- Reduces Energy Use: Engineered for airflow efficiency, this system achieves powerful drying without relying on electric, gas, or steam heat with zero compressed air. Facilities can lower their energy costs while meeting hygiene standards.
- 160° HEPA Air Supports Compliance: By delivering clean, dry tanks every time, it helps companies meet stringent health and safety regulations. It's a valuable asset for facilities following GMP, FDA, or HACCP protocols.
- Adaptable to Applications: From dairy tanks to chemical mixers, the dryer adapts to various vessel types and industry needs. This versatility makes it a smart investment for multi-use facilities
How to Select the Right Industrial Diverter Valve
Determining the best valve for your system depends on balancing air volume, pressure, and material characteristics. When these factors align, you achieve smoother performance, higher efficiency, and long-term reliability. The ideal configuration not only maintains consistent airflow and minimizes pressure loss but also enhances energy efficiency across continuous production cycles.
Common Types of Diverter Valves
- Flap Type Diverter: Simple, cost-effective valve ideal for low- to medium-pressure systems handling powders, pellets, or airflows requiring gentle redirection.
- Plug (Rotor) Diverter: Designed for continuous-duty applications, offering smooth switching between lines with minimal leakage.
Slide or Slideflex Diverter: Provides fast, tight-sealing transitions for high-pressure or high-temperature processes where precision airflow management is essential.
Key Technical Considerations
When specifying an industrial air diverter valve, consider the following engineering factors to ensure long-term reliability:
- Material Compatibility: Choose materials suited to your process—aluminum for lightweight efficiency, stainless steel for hygienic or corrosive environments, or coated alloys for chemical resistance.
- Actuation & Automation: Sonic offers manual, pneumatic, or automated actuation to integrate with PLC or sensor-driven systems for instant airflow control.
Sealing & Maintenance: Valves are designed with precision-fit components and replaceable seals to maintain efficiency and reduce downtime during maintenance intervals.
Specification Sheets
Related Products
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Hydraulic Driven Blowers and Vacuums
Portable Air Blower Systems
Dry-In-Place Tank Dryer (Patented)
Industrial Hot Air Blower (Patented)
Cold Air Blower
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Sonic butterfly valves can operate in conjunction with a VFD for blower speed control; however, they can also function as the sole airflow control device. As a low-cost alternative to a VFD, the butterfly valve allows operators to manually fine-tune air velocity and pressure, setting the optimum airflow level during the initial system setup without relying on expensive electronic controls.
The Sonic Y-Verter™ is a mechanical alternative to Variable Frequency Drive motor controllers traditionally used in blower and air knife systems. It allows rapid, reliable airflow redirection between system branches without changing motor speed, reducing complexity and maintenance requirements compared to VFD-based systems.
A Y-Verter™ is particularly effective when using standard 3,600 RPM, 60 Hz motors where air control needs can be met through mechanical redirection rather than motor speed modulation. While certain high-speed blower motors (up to 20,000 RPM) may require VFDs with output frequencies up to 330 Hz, many air knife applications can achieve equal or better airflow management with the simpler, more durable Y-Verter™ system.
Yes. They can be integrated with most industrial blowers or pneumatic systems, and custom configurations are available for unique operating conditions.