Drying apparatus and method for drying raw materials

Abstract

Disclosed is a drying apparatus including a molding unit configured to mold a raw material to be molded; a pre-drying unit in which a pre-drying convey path is formed to introduce and convey the raw material discharged from the molding unit, and the pre-drying unit heats the raw material moving along the pre-drying convey path so that the raw material is dried; and a main drying unit to further heat the raw material discharged from the pre-drying unit so that the raw material is further dried.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent No. 10-2023-0157673, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to drying equipment and methods for drying raw materials. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, the method for drying raw materials involves the following steps: storing the raw materials in a tank, washing the raw materials to remove foreign matter, cutting the raw materials to a predetermined size using a cutting machine, mixing the raw materials with water, and then shaping the raw materials by spreading a thin layer of the raw materials onto a seaweed drying screen of a predetermined shape. The raw materials shaped through the above process are then moved to a hot air drying chamber.

[0005] Specifically, the fully formed raw materials are moved to a hot air drying chamber and indirectly dried using hot air for two hours or more. This results in a decrease in the productivity of dried food due to the long drying time required. Furthermore, using indirect drying requires large drying chambers and consumes significant amounts of electricity.

[0006] In order to address these problems, research trends in recent years have gradually shifted toward methods for manufacturing dried foods using composite drying facilities, which are equipped with continuously arranged drying units. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] Therefore, the objective of this disclosure is to provide a drying apparatus configured to minimize the electrical energy consumption required for drying raw materials.

[0009] In addition, another objective is to provide a drying device that has the minimum dimensions required for drying raw materials.

[0010] Technical solutions

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of this disclosure provides a drying apparatus comprising: a forming section configured to form a raw material to be formed; a pre-drying section having a pre-drying conveying path along which raw material discharged from the forming section is introduced and conveyed, the pre-drying section being configured to heat the raw material moving along the pre-drying conveying path to dry the raw material; and a main drying section configured to further heat the raw material discharged from the pre-drying section to further dry the raw material.

[0012] In addition, a drying apparatus may be provided in which a pre-drying section includes a plurality of heaters disposed in an upward / downward direction and a forward / backward direction and configured to apply hot air to the raw material, wherein at least a portion of the pre-drying conveying path is positioned between a first heater and a second heater, the first heater and the second heater being two heaters that are adjacent to each other in the forward / backward direction among the plurality of heaters.

[0013] In addition, a drying apparatus may be provided in which a first heater and a second heater are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a forward / backward direction and to face each other, wherein at least a portion of a pre-drying conveying path is inserted between the first heater and the second heater, wherein either the first or the second heater heats one side surface of the raw material, and wherein the other of the first or the second heater heats the other side surface of the raw material.

[0014] Furthermore, a drying apparatus may be provided, which further includes: a conveying section configured to define a pre-drying conveying path and convey raw materials along the pre-drying conveying path, wherein the conveying section includes: a plurality of conveying rollers; and a conveyor belt configured to be in close contact with the plurality of conveying rollers and configured to convey raw materials along the pre-drying conveying path by means of the rotation of the plurality of conveying rollers, wherein when a conveying roller disposed in the internal space of the pre-drying section is referred to as a pre-conveying roller, a plurality of pre-conveying rollers are provided, and wherein the plurality of pre-conveying rollers are spaced apart from each other in a forward / backward direction and an upward / downward direction.

[0015] In addition, a drying device can be provided in which the conveyor belt is configured as a single belt, one side of which is in close contact with one side of the raw material.

[0016] In addition, a drying apparatus may be provided, wherein the conveyor belt includes: a first conveyor belt, one side of which is in close contact with one side of the raw material; and a second conveyor belt, one side of which is in close contact with the other side of the raw material, and wherein the first and second conveyor belts are configured to move the raw material along a pre-drying conveyor path while the first and second conveyor belts are compressing the raw material in a direction in which the first and second conveyor belts point toward each other.

[0017] In addition, a drying device can be provided in which the conveyor belt has a mesh shape with multiple holes.

[0018] Furthermore, a drying apparatus may be provided in which a conveyor roller is configured to rotate about a roller rotation axis that extends in a left / right direction, wherein a roller groove is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor roller, the roller groove being recessed toward the roller rotation axis and having an annular shape around the roller rotation axis, wherein two opposite sides of the conveyor roller based on the left / right direction surround the roller groove, and wherein the upper ends of the two opposite sides of the conveyor roller are spaced apart from each other in the left / right direction.

[0019] In addition, a drying apparatus may be provided in which the plurality of pre-transfer rollers include: a plurality of upper pre-transfer rollers disposed on the upper side of the interior space of the pre-drying section; and a plurality of lower pre-transfer rollers disposed on the lower side of the interior space of the pre-drying section, wherein the plurality of upper pre-transfer rollers and the plurality of lower pre-transfer rollers are alternately arranged in a forward / backward direction.

[0020] In addition, a drying apparatus may be provided in which a conveyor belt is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of each of a plurality of upper pre-transfer rollers and with the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of each of a plurality of lower pre-transfer rollers.

[0021] In addition, a drying apparatus may be provided, wherein the pre-drying section includes a plurality of heaters arranged in an upward / downward direction and a forward / backward direction, and wherein the plurality of heaters are arranged below the upper end of the upper pre-transfer roller and above the lower end of the lower pre-transfer roller.

[0022] In addition, a drying apparatus may be provided, wherein a pre-drying section is provided as a plurality of pre-drying sections, and wherein the plurality of pre-drying sections include: a first pre-drying section into which raw materials discharged from the forming section are introduced; and a second pre-drying section into which raw materials discharged from the first pre-drying section are introduced.

[0023] In addition, a drying apparatus may be provided, further comprising: a controller configured to control a first pre-drying section and a second pre-drying section, wherein the controller controls the first pre-drying section such that raw materials introduced into the first pre-drying section are heated at a first temperature, and wherein the controller controls the second pre-drying section such that raw materials introduced into the second pre-drying section are heated at a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

[0024] In addition, a drying apparatus may be provided in which a controller controls a second pre-drying section such that humidified hot air is applied to the raw material introduced into the second pre-drying section.

[0025] In addition, a drying apparatus may be provided, further comprising: a winding section configured to wind raw material discharged from the main drying section around a rotation axis extending in a left / right direction.

[0026] Furthermore, a drying apparatus may be provided, further comprising: a cleaning section configured to remove foreign matter formed on a conveyor belt, wherein a forming conveyor path for conveying raw materials is formed in the forming section and connected to a pre-drying conveyor path, and wherein the cleaning section is configured to clean the conveyor belt located in a cleaning section segment, the cleaning section segment being a segment located downstream of an introductory section segment that introduces the raw material to be formed into the forming section based on the forming conveyor path.

[0027] In addition, a drying apparatus may be provided, wherein the cleaning section includes: an upper cleaner disposed above a conveyor belt in the cleaning section, the upper cleaner being configured to spray cleaning fluid toward the upper portion of the conveyor belt; and a lower cleaner disposed below the conveyor belt in the cleaning section, the lower cleaner being configured to spray cleaning fluid toward the lower portion of the conveyor belt.

[0028] In addition, a method for drying raw materials can be provided, the method comprising: a molding step of molding the raw material to be molded in a molding section; a pre-drying step of drying the molded raw material while moving the raw material along a pre-drying conveyor path; and a main drying step of additionally drying the raw material dried in the pre-drying step.

[0029] In addition, a method for drying raw materials can be provided, the method further comprising a winding step of winding the raw materials, which have been additionally dried in the main drying step, around a predetermined axis of rotation.

[0030] In addition, a method for drying raw materials can be provided, the method further comprising: a cleaning step for removing foreign matter formed on a conveyor belt configured to move the raw material along a pre-drying conveyor path, wherein, in the cleaning step, the conveyor belt moving in a cleaning section is cleaned, the cleaning section being a section located downstream of a first section, the first section being a section that introduces the raw material to be molded into a molding section based on a molding conveyor path connected to the pre-drying conveyor path.

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] The drying apparatus according to this disclosure provides the effect of minimizing the electrical energy consumption required to dry raw materials.

[0033] In addition, drying equipment provides the effect of minimizing the size required for drying raw materials. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of a drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a view showing the interior of a drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a view showing the interior of a drying apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a view showing the interior of a drying apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for drying raw materials according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] In the following description, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the illustrative drawings. When providing reference numerals for the constituent elements of the various drawings, it should be noted that, where possible, the same constituent elements will be represented by the same reference numerals, even if these constituent elements are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, in the following description of embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of relevant well-known configurations or functions will be omitted when it is determined that a detailed description would obscure the understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] In the following description, a drying apparatus (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram illustrating a drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2This is a view showing the interior of a drying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The drying equipment (1) can be a device for drying raw materials. In one example, the raw material can be food. In a detailed example, the raw material can be seaweed. In one example, the raw material produced entirely by the drying equipment (1) can have a sheet shape. The drying equipment (1) can include a forming section (100), a pre-drying section (200), a main drying section (300), a conveying section (400), a controller (500), a winding section (600), and a cleaning section (700).

[0043] The forming section (100) can receive raw materials to be formed from a dispenser (not shown) along an inlet path (Pi). The forming section (100) can form the received raw materials into a target shape (e.g., a sheet shape). The raw materials fully formed by the forming section (100) can be conveyed to a pre-drying section (200). A forming conveying path (P1) along which the raw materials are conveyed can be formed in the forming section (100).

[0044] The forming conveyor path (P1) can be connected to the introduction path (Pi) and the pre-drying conveyor path (P2), which will be described below. For example, fully formed raw materials can be introduced into the pre-drying section (200) as they pass through the section of the forming conveyor path (P1) that connects to the pre-drying conveyor path (P2). The forming section (100) can be located behind the pre-drying section (200).

[0045] The pre-drying section (200) can dry the raw material discharged from the forming section (100). For example, the pre-drying section (200) can heat the raw material by applying hot air to it. A pre-drying conveying path (P2) along which the raw material is conveyed can be formed in the pre-drying section (200). For example, the pre-drying section (200) can apply hot air to the raw material being conveyed along the pre-drying conveying path (P2). In addition, the pre-drying conveying path (P2) can be connected to the discharge path (Po), which will be described below. The pre-drying section (200) may include a heater (210) and a housing (220).

[0046] The heater (210) can apply hot air to one side of the raw material. The heater (210) can be referred to as a "hot air nozzle". The heater (210) can be provided as multiple heaters (210). The multiple heaters (210) can be arranged in an upward / downward direction and a forward / backward direction. For example, the multiple heaters (210) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a grid pattern.

[0047] In addition, the plurality of heaters (210) may include a first heater (211) and a second heater (212), which are two heaters arranged to be adjacent to each other.

[0048] The first heater (211) and the second heater (212) can be arranged to be adjacent to each other in the forward / reverse direction. A pre-drying conveyor path (P2) can pass between the first heater (211) and the second heater (212). For example, the first heater (211) and the second heater (212) can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the forward / reverse direction, wherein a portion of the pre-drying conveyor path (P2) is placed between the first heater and the second heater.

[0049] The first heater (211) and the second heater (212) can be arranged to face each other in a forward / backward direction, with a pre-drying conveyor path (P2) placed between them. Either the first heater (211) or the second heater (212) can heat one side surface of the raw material, and the other heater (211) or the second heater (212) can heat the other side surface of the raw material. For example, the first heater (211) can heat one side surface of a raw material having a sheet shape, and the second heater (212) can heat the other side surface of a raw material having a sheet shape opposite to one side surface of the raw material.

[0050] The housing (220) may be a frame that defines the appearance of the pre-drying section (200). A drying space may be formed in the housing (220) in which the raw materials introduced into the pre-drying section (200) are dried. Multiple heaters (210) may be provided in the housing (220). Furthermore, the housing (220) may support multiple heaters (210).

[0051] The main drying section (300) can further dry the raw materials dried by the pre-drying section (200). For example, the raw materials discharged from the pre-drying section (200) can be introduced into the main drying section (300) and subsequently dried. In other words, the raw materials discharged from the forming section (100) can be initially dried by the pre-drying section (200) and then secondarily dried by the main drying section (300). The main drying section (300) can be referred to as a "drum dryer". The main drying section (300) can be located behind the pre-drying section (200).

[0052] The conveying unit (400) can convey raw materials introduced into the forming unit (100) along the forming conveying path (P1) and the pre-drying conveying path (P2). The conveying unit (400) may include a conveying roller (410) and a conveyor belt (420).

[0053] The conveyor roller (410) can rotate about a roller rotation axis that extends in a left / right direction. As the conveyor roller (410) rotates, the conveyor belt (420) can move along the forming conveyor path (P1) and the pre-drying conveyor path (P2).

[0054] A groove may be formed in the outer peripheral surface of the conveyor roller (410). The groove may be a recessed groove facing the axis of rotation of the roller. The groove may have an annular shape surrounding the axis of rotation of the roller. In a more detailed example, the groove may be understood as having a space in the shape of a donut surrounding the axis of rotation of the roller.

[0055] The roller groove can have a shape formed by two opposite sides of the conveyor roller (410) in a left / right direction. In other words, each of the two opposite sides of the conveyor roller (410) in the left / right direction can have a shape that protrudes outward in a radial direction away from the axis of rotation of the roller. The upper ends of the two opposite sides of the conveyor roller (410) in the left / right direction can be spaced apart from each other in the left / right direction. In other words, when the conveyor roller (410) is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the roller, the conveyor roller (410) can have a dumbbell-like shape.

[0056] By utilizing the aforementioned shape of the conveyor roller (410), the area in contact between the conveyor roller (410) and the conveyor belt (420) can be minimized. Since the area in contact between the conveyor roller (410) and the conveyor belt (420) is minimized, the possibility of raw material passing through the area in contact between the conveyor roller (410) and the conveyor belt (420) separating from or being damaged by the conveyor belt (420) can be minimized.

[0057] The transfer roller (410) can be provided as a plurality of transfer rollers (410). The plurality of transfer rollers (410) may include a plurality of pre-transfer rollers disposed in the pre-drying section (200).

[0058] The plurality of pre-transfer rollers (411) and (412) may include a plurality of upper pre-transfer rollers (411) and a plurality of lower pre-transfer rollers (412). The plurality of upper pre-transfer rollers (411) may be disposed on the upper side of the interior space of the pre-drying section (200). The conveyor belt (420) may be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of each of the plurality of upper pre-transfer rollers (411). The plurality of upper pre-transfer rollers (411) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the forward / backward direction.

[0059] Multiple lower pre-transfer rollers (412) may be disposed on the lower side of the interior space of the pre-drying section (200). The conveyor belt (420) may be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of each of the multiple lower pre-transfer rollers (412). The lower pre-transfer rollers (412) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the forward / backward direction.

[0060] Multiple upper pre-transfer rollers (411) and multiple lower pre-transfer rollers (412) can be arranged alternately in the forward / backward direction. For example, when the pre-drying section (200) is viewed from a direction parallel to the upward / downward direction, a lower pre-transfer roller (412) can be arranged between two adjacent upper pre-transfer rollers (411). In other words, an upper pre-transfer roller (411) can be arranged between two adjacent lower pre-transfer rollers (412). In a detailed example, the multiple upper pre-transfer rollers (411) and multiple lower pre-transfer rollers (412) can be arranged without overlapping each other in the upward / downward direction.

[0061] The plurality of upper pre-transfer rollers (411) may include a first upper roller, a second upper roller, and a third upper roller arranged sequentially forward. In addition, the plurality of lower pre-transfer rollers (412) may include a first lower roller, a second lower roller, a third lower roller, and a fourth lower roller arranged sequentially forward.

[0062] The first lower roller, the first upper roller, the second lower roller, the second upper roller, the third lower roller, the third upper roller, and the fourth lower roller can be arranged sequentially forward.

[0063] The conveyor belt (420) can be in close contact with multiple conveyor rollers (410). The conveyor belt (420) can move by the rotation of the conveyor rollers (410). The conveyor belt (420) can convey raw materials along the forming conveyor path (P1) and the pre-drying conveyor path (P2).

[0064] The conveyor belt (420) can be wound sequentially around a first lower roller, a first upper roller, a second lower roller, a second upper roller, a third lower roller, a third upper roller, and a fourth lower roller. For example, the conveyor belt (420) can be configured to be wound around the lower portion of the first lower roller, around the upper portion of the first upper roller, around the lower portion of the second lower roller, around the upper portion of the second upper roller, around the lower portion of the third lower roller, around the upper portion of the third upper roller, and subsequently around the lower portion of the fourth lower roller.

[0065] That is, the conveyor belt (420) can be configured to form multiple regions extending in the upward / downward direction in the forward / backward direction. The conveying path for raw materials can be formed by the conveyor belt (420), the length of which is greater than the width of the housing (220) in the forward / backward direction.

[0066] The conveyor belt (420) can have a grid shape with multiple holes. Because the conveyor belt (420) has a grid shape, hot air can be applied evenly to the raw material, even to a side surface that is in close contact with the conveyor belt (420). The conveyor belt (420) can be provided as a single conveyor belt (420).

[0067] The controller (500) can control the forming section (100), the pre-drying section (200), the main drying section (300), the winding section (not shown), and the cleaning section (700). For example, the controller (500) can independently control the rotational speed of multiple conveyor rollers (410), the temperature of the raw material heating, the humidity of the raw material humidification, and the flow rate of hot air.

[0068] The controller (500) can be electrically connected to the molding section (100), the pre-drying section (200), the main drying section (300), the winding section (600), and the cleaning section (700), and is implemented as a processor for decoding and executing instructions based on pre-input information.

[0069] The winding section (600) can wind the raw material, which has been fully dried by the main drying section (300) and discharged along the discharge path (Po), around a winding rotation axis extending in a left / right direction. While in contact with the conveyor belt (420), the winding section (600) can rotate by the movement of the conveyor belt (420). In other words, the winding section (600) can rotate by the movement of the conveyor belt (420) without the need for a separate drive unit. The winding section (600) may include a core tube, a winding roller, and a roller holder.

[0070] The core tube can define the winding rotation axis. Furthermore, the winding roller into which the core tube is inserted can be placed on a roller holder. The winding roller can wind the raw material around the winding rotation axis. With the winding roller in contact with the conveyor belt (420), the winding roller can rotate around the core tube by the movement of the conveyor belt (420). Furthermore, the core tube and the winding roller can be supported with the core tube and the winding roller placed on the roller holder.

[0071] The cleaning section (700) can remove foreign matter formed on the conveyor belt (420). The cleaning section (700) can spray cleaning fluid toward the conveyor belt (420). For example, the cleaning section (700) can have a nozzle structure configured to spray cleaning fluid (e.g., water or air). The cleaning section (700) can be provided in the forming section (100).

[0072] Furthermore, the cleaning section (700) can spray fluid toward the conveyor belt (420) moving along the first molding conveyor path (P111). The first molding conveyor path (P11) can define a portion of the molding conveyor path (P1). Based on the molding conveyor path (P1), the first molding conveyor path (P11) can be formed in a cleaning section downstream of the introduction section where the raw material is introduced into the molding section (100). In addition, a second molding conveyor path (P12) can be formed in the remaining sections of the molding conveyor path (P1) other than the first molding conveyor path (P1). The cleaning section (700) can be referred to as "CIP (Cleaning in Place)".

[0073] The cleaning unit (700) can be provided as multiple cleaning units (700). The multiple cleaning units (700) can be independently controlled by a controller (500). The multiple cleaning units (700) may include an upper cleaner (710) and a lower cleaner (720).

[0074] The upper cleaner (710) can be positioned above the conveyor belt (420) located in the cleaning section. The upper cleaner (710) can spray cleaning fluid downward toward the upper part of the conveyor belt (420).

[0075] The lower cleaner (720) can be installed below the conveyor belt (420) located in the cleaning section. The lower cleaner (720) can spray cleaning fluid upward toward the lower part of the conveyor belt (420).

[0076] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 3 A drying apparatus (1) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is described. The description of the drying apparatus (1) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will focus on the differences from the above embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 3 This is a view showing the interior of a drying apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pre-drying section (200) can be provided as a plurality of pre-drying sections (200). The plurality of pre-drying sections (200) may include a first pre-drying section (200a) and a second pre-drying section (200b).

[0079] The first pre-drying section (200a) can dry raw materials conveyed along the first pre-drying conveyor path (P21). The first pre-drying conveyor path (P21) can be connected to the molding conveyor path (P1).

[0080] Furthermore, the controller (500) can control the first pre-drying section (200a) to heat the raw material introduced into the first pre-drying section (200a) at a first temperature. Additionally, the controller (500) can control the first pre-drying section (200a) to prevent the raw material introduced into the first pre-drying section (200a) from being humidified. The drying performed in the first pre-drying section (200a) can be referred to as "constant-rate drying".

[0081] The second pre-drying section (200b) can further dry the raw materials that have been dried in the first pre-drying section (200a). For example, the raw materials can be dried three times in sequence through the first pre-drying section (200a), the second pre-drying section (200b), and the main drying section (300).

[0082] The second pre-drying section (200b) can dry raw materials conveyed along the second pre-drying conveyor path (P22). The second pre-drying conveyor path (P22) can be connected to the first pre-drying conveyor path (P21) and the main drying section (300).

[0083] Furthermore, the controller (500) can control the second pre-drying section (200b) to heat the raw material introduced into the second pre-drying section (200b) at a second temperature. The second temperature can be lower than the first temperature. In other words, the raw material can be heated to a relatively high temperature in the first pre-drying section (200a), and the raw material can be heated to a relatively low temperature in the second pre-drying section (200b).

[0084] Furthermore, the controller (500) can control the second pre-drying section (200b) to apply humidified hot air to the raw material introduced into the second pre-drying section (200b). For example, the raw material can be controlled to be humidified by the hot air in the second pre-drying section (200b), thereby preventing shrinkage of the raw material. In a detailed example, although the raw material is not physically compressed by the conveyor belt (420) since the conveyor belt (420) is provided as a single belt, the humidification process performed in the second pre-drying section (200b) can also effectively prevent shrinkage of the raw material during drying. The drying performed in the second pre-drying section (200b) can be referred to as "slow-down drying".

[0085] The time periods for constant-rate drying and falling-rate drying can be equal. Furthermore, the degree of moisture content reduction in the raw material during the constant-rate drying period can be greater than the degree of moisture content reduction during the falling-rate drying period. In other words, the degree of moisture content reduction in the raw material dried in the first pre-drying section (200a) can be greater than the degree of moisture content reduction in the raw material dried in the second pre-drying section (200b).

[0086] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 4 The description of a drying apparatus (1) according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure will focus on the differences from the above embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0087] Figure 4 This is a view showing the interior of a drying apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the conveyor belt (420) of the drying apparatus (1) can be provided as a plurality of conveyor belts (420). The plurality of conveyor belts (420) may include a first conveyor belt (421) and a second conveyor belt (422).

[0089] One side of the raw material can be in close contact with the first conveyor belt (421). The other side of the raw material can be in close contact with the second conveyor belt (421). For example, one side surface of the raw material having a sheet shape can be in close contact with the first conveyor belt (421), and the other side surface of the raw material opposite to one side surface can be in close contact with the second conveyor belt (421).

[0090] The first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422) can be in close contact, wherein the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422) are in close contact with each other in the section forming the pre-drying conveyor path (P2). The first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422) can be in a separated state, wherein the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422) are separated from each other in the remaining sections.

[0091] With the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422) in close contact with each other, the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422) can compress the raw material in directions pointing towards each other. For example, with the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422) compressing the raw material, the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422) can convey the raw material along the pre-drying conveyor path (P2). That is, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the conveyor belt (420) can be provided as a double belt configured with two belts.

[0092] Furthermore, the conveyor belt (420) may also include a molding conveyor belt configured to move within the molding section (100). The molding conveyor belt may be provided as a separate belt, independent of the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422).

[0093] When raw materials are conveyed from the forming section (100) to the pre-drying section (200), they can be conveyed from the forming conveyor belt to the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422). The controller (500) can control the speed of the forming conveyor belt, the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422) to prevent damage to the raw materials caused by the speed difference between the forming conveyor belt, the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422) during the conveying process.

[0094] For example, the drying equipment (1) may further include a distance detection sensor disposed between the forming section (100) and the pre-drying section (200). The distance detection sensor can detect whether the target distance is a preset value or less, the target distance being the distance between the distance detection sensor and the raw material.

[0095] If the target distance is a preset value or less, the controller (500) can reduce the speed of the first conveyor belt (421) and the speed of the second conveyor belt (422) based on the detection result obtained by the distance detection sensor. Alternatively, if the target distance exceeds the preset value, the controller (500) can increase the speed of the first conveyor belt (421) and the speed of the second conveyor belt (422).

[0096] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 5 A method for drying raw materials is described (S10). The method for drying raw materials (S10) may include a forming step (S100), a pre-drying step (S200), a main drying step (S300), a winding step (S400), and a cleaning step (S500).

[0097] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for drying raw materials according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Hereinafter, a method (S10) for drying raw materials will be described using a drying apparatus (1) provided with a single conveyor belt (420) and a single pre-drying section (200) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] In the forming step (S100), the raw material to be formed can be formed into a sheet shape. For example, in the forming step (S100), a sheet can be formed in which raw materials with shapes cut to a predetermined shape are placed on a conveyor belt (420) and continuously connected. Furthermore, in the forming step (S100), after the raw material is placed on the conveyor belt (420), the raw material can be compressed onto the conveyor belt (420) by means of a vacuum dehydration process. In one example, the vacuum degree during the vacuum dehydration process can be from 120 mbar to 170 mbar.

[0100] In the pre-drying step (S200), the raw material formed in the forming step (S100) can be heated while being conveyed along the pre-drying conveyor path (P2). The pre-drying step (S200) can be performed after the forming step (S100).

[0101] In the main drying step (S300), the raw materials dried in the pre-drying step (S200) can be additionally dried. The main drying step (S300) can be performed after the pre-drying step (S200).

[0102] Furthermore, the method for drying raw materials (S10) may further include a separation step. The separation step may be performed after the main drying step (S300). In the separation step, the raw material compressed onto the conveyor belt (420) may be separated from the conveyor belt (420). For example, in the separation step, air may be sprayed toward one side surface of the conveyor belt (420) (the surface of the conveyor belt (420) opposite to the surface on which the raw material is compressed).

[0103] In the winding step (S400), the raw material that has been completely dried in the main drying step (S300) can be wound. In the winding step (S400), the raw material can be wound after it has been separated from the conveyor belt (420). The winding step (S400) can be performed after the separation step.

[0104] In the cleaning step (S500), foreign matter remaining on the conveyor belt (420) can be removed, as the raw material has already been separated from the conveyor belt in the winding step (S400). For example, the cleaning step (S500) can be performed by an upper cleaner (710) and a lower cleaner (720) provided in the forming section (100). The cleaning step (S500) can be performed after the winding step (S400).

[0105] Hereinafter, a method (S10) for drying raw materials using a drying apparatus (1) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described, the drying apparatus being equipped with a single conveyor belt (420), and a pre-drying section (200) including a first pre-drying section (200a) and a second pre-drying section (200b). The description of the method (S10) for drying raw materials according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will focus on the differences from the method (S10) for drying raw materials according to the above-described embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] The method (S10) for drying raw materials according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a forming step (S100), a pre-drying step (S200), a main drying step (S300), a separation step, a winding step (S400), and a cleaning step (S500). The description of the forming step (S100), main drying step (S300), separation step, winding step (S400), and cleaning step (S500) according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure may be replaced by the description of the forming step (S100), main drying step (S300), separation step, winding step (S400), and cleaning step (S500) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] The pre-drying step (S200) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a constant-rate drying step and a falling-rate drying step.

[0108] In the constant-rate drying step, the raw material can be heated at a first temperature for a first duration in the first pre-drying section (200a). In the constant-rate drying step, the moisture content of the raw material can be reduced by a first change.

[0109] In the falling-rate drying step, the raw material can be heated in the second pre-drying section (200b) at a second temperature for a second duration. The second duration can be equal to the first duration. In the falling-rate drying step, the moisture content of the raw material can decrease by a second amount. This second amount can be less than the first amount.

[0110] Hereinafter, a method (S10) for drying raw materials will be described using a drying apparatus (1) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the conveyor belt (420) includes a first conveyor belt (421) and a second conveyor belt (422), and is equipped with a single pre-drying section (200). The description of the method (S10) for drying raw materials according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will focus on the differences from the method (S10) for drying raw materials according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0111] The method (S10) for drying raw materials according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a forming step (S100), a conveying step, a compression step, a pre-drying step (S200), a main drying step (S300), a separation step, and a winding step (S400). The descriptions of the forming step (S100), main drying step (S300), separation step, and winding step (S400) according to the above embodiments of the present disclosure may be replaced by the descriptions of the forming step (S100), main drying step (S300), separation step, and winding step (S400) according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] During the conveying step, when the formed raw material is conveyed to the pre-drying section (200), the speed of the first conveyor belt (421) and the speed of the second conveyor belt (422) may be reduced if the target distance is a preset value or less. Furthermore, during the conveying step, after the formed raw material has been conveyed to the pre-drying section (200), if the target distance exceeds the preset value, the speed of the first conveyor belt (421) and the speed of the second conveyor belt (422) may be increased.

[0113] In the compression step, the raw material conveyed from the forming section (100) to the pre-drying section (200) can be compressed by the first conveyor belt (421) and the second conveyor belt (422).

[0114] In the pre-drying step (S200), hot air can be applied to the raw material located in the pre-drying section (200). In one example, the hot air temperature (i.e., the temperature of the hot air) can be between 20°C and 60°C. In one example, the hot air temperature can be adjusted by a heater (210) and a blower (not shown). Furthermore, the hot air can be heated using steam, hot water, etc.

[0115] Furthermore, in the pre-drying step (S200), the raw material can be humidified with hot air. In one example, the humidity of the hot air can be between 10% and 70%. Specifically, the humidity of the hot air can be between 50% and 70%. The humidity of the hot air can be adjusted by a dual-fluid nozzle configured to spray water into micron-sized droplets. For example, the dual-fluid nozzle can humidify the raw material by spraying fine droplets onto a heater (210) and a blower. In another example, the humidity of the hot air can be adjusted by supplying low-pressure steam to the pre-drying section (200).

[0116] Furthermore, in the pre-drying step (S200), the flow rate of the hot air can be adjusted. In one example, the flow rate of the hot air can be adjusted by controlling the rotational speed of the air supply blower using an inverter. In another example, the flow rate of the hot air can be adjusted by controlling the opening ratio of the air valve installed in the air supply duct or the exhaust port of the blower.

[0117] In the pre-drying step (S200), if the temperature inside the pre-drying section (200) increases to a first critical temperature (e.g., 30°C) or higher, the controller (500) can control the pre-drying section (200) to gradually reduce the flow rate of hot air in units of 1% to 5%.

[0118] Furthermore, in the pre-drying step (S200), when the temperature inside the pre-drying section (200) drops to a second critical temperature (e.g., 25°C) or lower, the controller (500) can control the pre-drying section (200) so that the flow rate of hot air gradually increases in units of 1% to 5%.

[0119] In the pre-drying step (S200), the state of the hot air can be adjusted based on a current difference, which is the difference between the current moisture content of the raw material and the target moisture content of the raw material. For example, in the pre-drying step (S200), when the current difference is a predetermined threshold or greater, the pre-drying unit (200) can be controlled by a controller (500) to adjust the hot air temperature (or flow rate) to a first hot air temperature (or a first flow rate). In one example, the predetermined threshold can be 3% to 20%.

[0120] Furthermore, in the pre-drying step (S200), when the current difference is less than a predetermined threshold, the pre-drying unit (200) can be controlled by the controller (500) to adjust the hot air temperature (or flow rate) to a second hot air temperature (or second flow rate). The second hot air temperature can be lower than the first hot air temperature, and the second flow rate can be lower than the first flow rate.

[0121] Meanwhile, the moisture content of raw materials can be measured manually or automatically. For example, both contact and non-contact methods can be used for automatic measurement. Preferred methods for measuring the moisture content of raw materials may include non-contact methods using near-infrared (NIR) moisture analysis and measurement methods using microwaves.

[0122] In another example, during the pre-drying step (S200), the speed at which the conveyor belt (420) moves along the pre-drying conveyor path (P2) can be from 0.1 m / min to 2 m / min.

[0123] In the following text, each of the first and second experimental examples will be described in detail, which are experimental processes of drying raw materials in a drying apparatus (1) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] First Experiment Example

[0125] The raw material, produced from 1.5 kg of Goheung (Gao Xing County) stored at low temperature, was cut into 2 mm to 5 mm size using a cutter equipped with a double-edged blade with a 5Φ cutting screen. The raw material was then introduced into a 1000 L raw material mixing tank along with 500 L of water and subsequently stirred. In this case, the concentration of the raw material was 3 g / L.

[0126] While water and raw materials are uniformly stirred in a raw material mixing tank, water and raw materials are supplied to a distributor using a single pump and then conveyed to the forming section (100) via pipes. The raw materials mixed with water are initially dehydrated on a conveyor belt (420) located in the forming section (100) under a low-pressure vacuum of 20%, and then the raw materials adhere to the conveyor belt (420) to form a sheet. The formed sheet. In this case, the speed of the conveyor belt (420) is 0.12 m / min.

[0127] When the formed raw material sheet passes through a three-stage high vacuum (50%) chamber, residual water on the surface of the formed raw material sheet is removed, and the raw material sheet is adsorbed onto the conveyor belt (420) and conveyed to the pre-drying section (200). In this case, the moisture content of the raw material sheet is 85%.

[0128] While the raw material sheet is continuously conveyed to the pre-drying section (200) along the upper pre-transfer roller (411) and the lower pre-transfer roller (412), the appropriate tension of the raw material sheet is maintained, and the lower pre-transfer roller (410), each having a dumbbell shape, operates in a state where only its edge contacts the raw material sheet.

[0129] Furthermore, the temperature of the heater (210) is set to 60°C, and the inverter of the blower is set to 58%. Humidification is performed by supplying moisture to the pre-drying section (200) using two dual-fluid nozzles. In this case, the internal temperature of the pre-drying section (200) is measured to be 26.3°C, and the humidity is measured to be 56%. In addition, during the process of drying raw materials in the pre-drying section (200), the speed of the conveyor belt (420) is 0.12 m / min, which is equal to the speed of the conveyor belt (420) in the forming section (100), since the conveyor belt (420) has a single belt structure.

[0130] The continuously and completely dried raw material sheet has the same width as the raw material sheet formed in the forming section (100), resulting in a shrinkage rate of 0% and a moisture content of 11.74% as measured by AND MX-50 (halogen lamp heating type). Finally, 2.27 g of dried raw material (dried algae) was obtained by cutting the dried raw material into 210 mm × 190 mm pieces, which is the same as the specifications of commercially available dried algae.

[0131] The following Table 1 shows a comparison of the characteristics between commercially available dried algae (comparative example) and dried algae produced according to the first experimental example described above.

[0132] [Table 1]

[0133]

[0134] Referring to [Table 1], it can be seen that most characteristics of the dried algae of the first experimental example according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and the dried algae according to the comparative example are similar, and the tensile strength of the dried algae according to the first experimental example is better than that of the dried algae according to the comparative example.

[0135] Example of the second experiment

[0136] The raw materials produced from 1.5 kg of Goheung, stored at low temperature, were cut into 2 mm to 5 mm sizes using a cutter equipped with a double-edged blade with a 5Φ cutting screen. The raw materials were then introduced into a 1000 L raw material mixing tank along with 500 L of water and subsequently stirred. In this case, the concentration of the raw materials was 3 g / L.

[0137] While water and raw materials are uniformly stirred in a raw material mixing tank, water and raw materials are supplied to a distributor using a single pump and then conveyed to the forming section (100) via pipes. The raw materials mixed with water are initially dehydrated under a low-pressure vacuum of 20% on a conveyor belt (420) located in the forming section (100), and then the raw materials adhere to the conveyor belt (420) to form a sheet. The speed of the conveyor belt (420) in this case is 0.15 m / min.

[0138] When the formed raw material sheet passes through a three-stage high vacuum (50%) chamber, residual water on the surface of the formed raw material sheet is removed, and the raw material sheet is adsorbed onto the conveyor belt (420) and conveyed to the pre-drying section (200). In this case, the moisture content of the raw material sheet is 85%.

[0139] While the raw material sheet is continuously conveyed to the pre-drying section (200) along the upper pre-transfer roller (411) and the lower pre-transfer roller (412), the appropriate tension of the raw material sheet is maintained, and the lower pre-transfer roller (410), each having a dumbbell shape, operates in a state where only its edge contacts the raw material sheet.

[0140] Furthermore, the temperature of the heater (210) is set to 60°C, and the inverter of the blower is set to 60%. Humidification is performed by supplying moisture to the pre-drying section (200) using two dual-fluid nozzles. In this case, the internal temperature of the pre-drying section (200) is measured to be 29°C, and the humidity is measured to be 71%. In addition, during the process of drying raw materials in the pre-drying section (200), the speed of the conveyor belt (420) is 0.15 m / min, which is equal to the speed of the conveyor belt (420) in the forming section (100), since the conveyor belt (420) has a single belt structure.

[0141] The continuously and completely dried raw material sheet has the same width as the raw material sheet formed in the forming section (100), resulting in a shrinkage rate of 0% and a moisture content of 11.22% as measured by AND MX-50 (halogen lamp heating type). Finally, 2.35 g of dried raw material (dried algae) is obtained by cutting the dried raw material into 210 mm × 190 mm pieces, which is the same as the specifications of commercially available dried algae.

[0142] Table 2 below shows a comparison of the characteristics between commercially available dried algae (comparative example) and dried algae produced according to the second experimental example described above.

[0143] [Table 2]

[0144]

[0145] Referring to [Table 2], similar to the first experimental example, it can be seen that most characteristics of the dried algae of the second experimental example according to the embodiments of the present disclosure and the dried algae according to the comparative example are similar, and the tensile strength of the dried algae according to the second experimental example is better than that of the dried algae according to the comparative example.

[0146] All components constituting embodiments of this disclosure may be integrally coupled or operated in combination, but this disclosure is not necessarily limited to this embodiment. That is, one or more components may be selectively combined and operated within the scope of the objectives of this disclosure. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the words “comprise,” “include,” or “have,” and variations such as “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “has,” should be understood to mean including the stated elements, but not excluding any other elements. Unless otherwise defined, all terms, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. For example, terms defined in common dictionaries may be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined in this disclosure.

[0147] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical concept of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the technical concept of this disclosure. The scope of the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited thereto. The scope of protection of this disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical concepts within the equivalent scope thereof should be interpreted as falling within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A drying apparatus, comprising: A molding section, which is configured to mold the raw material to be molded; A pre-drying section is formed in which a pre-drying conveying path is formed, and the raw material discharged from the forming section is introduced and conveyed along the pre-drying conveying path. The pre-drying section is configured to heat the raw material moving along the pre-drying conveying path so that the raw material is dried. as well as The main drying section is configured to further heat the raw materials, thereby further drying the raw materials discharged from the pre-drying section.

2. The drying equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The pre-drying section includes multiple heaters arranged in the upward / downward and forward / backward directions, and configured to apply hot air to the raw material. In this process, at least a portion of the pre-drying conveying path is positioned between a first heater and a second heater, which are two heaters that are adjacent to each other in the forward / backward direction among the plurality of heaters.

3. The drying equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The first heater and the second heater are spaced apart from each other in a forward / reverse direction and are arranged to face each other, wherein at least a portion of the pre-drying conveyor path is inserted between the first heater and the second heater. Either the first heater or the second heater heats one side surface of the raw material, and In this process, the other of the first and second heaters heats the other side of the raw material surface.

4. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A conveyor unit is configured to define the pre-drying conveyor path and convey raw materials along the pre-drying conveyor path. The transmission unit includes: Multiple conveyor rollers; and A conveyor belt is configured to be in close contact with the plurality of conveyor rollers and to transport raw materials along the pre-drying conveyor path by means of the rotation of the plurality of conveyor rollers. Wherein, when the conveyor roller disposed in the internal space of the pre-drying section is referred to as a pre-conveying roller, the pre-conveying roller is provided as a plurality of pre-conveying rollers, and The plurality of pre-transfer rollers are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the forward / backward direction and in the upward / downward direction.

5. The drying equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The conveyor belt is provided as a single belt, one side of which is in close contact with one side of the raw material.

6. The drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The conveyor belt includes: A first conveyor belt, one side of which is in close contact with one side of the raw material; and A second conveyor belt, one side of which is in close contact with the other side of the raw material, and The first and second conveyor belts are configured to move the raw material along the pre-drying conveyor path while the first and second conveyor belts are compressing the raw material in directions pointing toward each other.

7. The drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The conveyor belt has a mesh shape with multiple holes.

8. The drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The conveyor roller is configured to rotate about a roller rotation axis that extends in a left / right direction. The conveyor roller has a groove formed on its outer peripheral surface. This groove is recessed towards the roller's rotation axis and has an annular shape surrounding the roller's rotation axis. Wherein, the two opposite sides of the conveying roller based on the left / right direction form the roller groove, and The upper ends of the two opposite sides of the conveying roller are spaced apart from each other in the left / right direction.

9. The drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of pre-transfer rollers include: Multiple upper pre-transfer rollers are disposed on the upper side of the internal space of the pre-drying section; and Multiple lower pre-transfer rollers are disposed on the lower side of the internal space of the pre-drying section, and The plurality of upper pre-transfer rollers and the plurality of lower pre-transfer rollers are alternately arranged in the forward / backward direction.

10. The drying apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The conveyor belt is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of each of the plurality of upper pre-transfer rollers, and in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of each of the plurality of lower pre-transfer rollers.

11. The drying apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The pre-drying section includes a plurality of heaters arranged in the upward / downward direction and the forward / backward direction, and The plurality of heaters are disposed below the upper end of the upper pre-transfer roller and above the lower end of the lower pre-transfer roller.

12. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The pre-drying section is provided as a plurality of pre-drying sections, and The plurality of pre-drying sections include: A first pre-drying section is formed in which raw materials discharged from the molding section are introduced; and The raw materials discharged from the first pre-drying section are introduced into the second pre-drying section.

13. The drying apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: A controller is configured to control the first pre-drying section and the second pre-drying section. The controller controls the first pre-drying section to heat the raw materials introduced into it at a first temperature. The controller controls the second pre-drying section to heat the raw materials introduced into the second pre-drying section at a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

14. The drying apparatus according to claim 13, wherein, The controller controls the second pre-drying section so that humidified hot air is applied to the raw materials introduced into the second pre-drying section.

15. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The winding section is configured to wind the raw material discharged from the main drying section around a rotation axis extending in a left / right direction.

16. The drying apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: A cleaning unit is configured to remove foreign matter formed on the conveyor belt. In this process, a molding conveying path for conveying raw materials is formed in the molding section and connected to the pre-drying conveying path. The cleaning section is configured to clean the conveyor belt located in the cleaning section, which is located downstream of the introduction section, which introduces the raw material to be formed into the forming section based on the forming conveyor path.

17. The drying apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The cleaning unit includes: An upper cleaner, disposed above the conveyor belt in the cleaning section, is configured to spray cleaning fluid toward the upper portion of the conveyor belt; and A lower cleaner is disposed below the conveyor belt in the cleaning section, and the lower cleaner is configured to spray the cleaning fluid toward the lower portion of the conveyor belt.

18. A method for drying raw materials, the method comprising: The molding step is to shape the raw material to be molded in the molding section; A pre-drying step that dries the shaped raw materials while moving them along a pre-drying conveyor path. as well as A main drying step that further dries the raw materials dried in the pre-drying step.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: A winding step in which the raw material, which has been additionally dried in the main drying step, is wound around a predetermined axis of rotation.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: A cleaning step to remove foreign matter formed on a conveyor belt configured to move the raw material along the pre-drying conveyor path. In the cleaning step, the conveyor belt moving in the cleaning section is cleaned. The cleaning section is a section located downstream of the first section, which is the section that introduces the raw material to be formed into the forming section based on the forming conveyor path connected to the pre-drying conveyor path.

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