Induction dryer

A method of heating air and moving the heated air through a tube in an induction heating apparatus for heating workpieces that move through the tube, the tube being located in an enclosure with an induction heating coil extending around the tube in the enclosure, said method comprising the steps of:

• preheating air by moving it past power and control circuitry at a first location that provides power for the induction coil;
• moving the preheated air from the first location to the interior of the enclosure;
• moving the air from the enclosure into the interior of the tube;
• moving the air through the tube to a tube outlet past workpieces that are in the tube to pick up moisture that is driven off from the workpieces by induction heating;
• moving the air out of the tube through the tube outlet;
• and
• exhausting the air from the enclosure.

A method of heating air and moving the heated air through a tube in an induction heating apparatus for heating workpieces that move through the tube, the tube being located in an enclosure with an induction heating coil extending around the tube in the enclosure, said method comprising the steps of:

• heating air at a location spaced apart from the workpieces in the tube;
• and
• moving the heated air into the interior of the tube and through the tube to a tube outlet past workpieces that are in the tube to pick up moisture that is driven off from the workpieces by induction heating;
• said step of moving the heated air into and through the tube including drawing the air into the tube by a suction fan that is connected with the tube outlet.