a self - cleaning centrifugal dryer system and method for removing surface moisture allow complete removal of plastic pellets , flakes and particles from the dryer and water - conveying or water processing system during or after each drying cycle . by eliminating plastic particulate retention in the dryer and throughout the water conveyance and processing systems whereby contamination of different type materials dried during a subsequent drying cycle is avoided . air and water alone or in combination under pressure are discharged toward various accumulation or occlusion points in the dryer and throughout the water - conveying or processing system to remove retained plastic pellets , flakes and particles .