SECADOR COM FUNÇÃO DE RESFRIAMENTO

Abstract

DRYER WITH COOLING FUNCTION. A dryer for granulated or flaked products, comprising: a drying chamber (2); two or more superimposed shelves (3) for supporting the product to be dried, at least one of which is motorized to allow transport in the longitudinal direction (X); a first air circuit (4) for introducing hot air into the drying chamber; characterized in that: the drying chamber (2) comprises a high-temperature zone (21) and a low-temperature zone (22), separated from each other, the high-temperature zone (21) being connected to the first air circuit (4); it comprises a second air circuit (5) for introducing low-temperature air, connected to the low-temperature zone (22); shelves (3) are arranged to allow transport of the product through the high-temperature zone (21) followed by transport through the low-temperature zone (22).

Description

1 / 8 “DRYER WITH COOLING FUNCTION” DESCRIPTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a dryer.

[0002] In particular, though not exclusively, the present invention relates to a dryer for granular or flake materials.

[0003] In general, a dryer performs the task of reducing or eliminating moisture present inside a product, such as residue from previous processing or production processes.

[0004] A dryer is essentially defined by a drying chamber, within which a very hot and dry environment is created. Heat is produced by industry-known sources, such as gas burners, and is distributed within the drying chamber by means of forced air currents. Inside the drying chamber, the product is arranged supported on one or more shelves, fixed or motorized in the longitudinal direction, which promote the circulation of hot air.

[0005] The product that comes out of the dryer at the end of the drying process is at a relatively high temperature. In most cases, and particularly in the case of granulated or flaked products intended for bagging, it is necessary to wait for the products to cool down. This involves extending the processing times. In addition, the product being cooled occupies space within the factory.

[0006] An example of a drying plant of the prior art is disclosed in document CA1313579. Such a plant comprises a furnace and a separate cooling device, to which the product is transferred at the furnace outlet via a dedicated conveyor line. The plant in CA1313579 does not resolve the disadvantages summarized above, as the separate cooling device occupies space within the plant and further increases the total process time.

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to provide a dryer that avoids the disadvantages of currently existing drying chambers. Petition 870220118899, dated 12 / 16 / 2022, pp. 63 / 73 2 / 8 available.

[0008] The main additional advantage of the dryer according to the present invention is that the product that comes out does not require cooling, but is substantially ready for further processing, for example, for bagging.

[0009] Another advantage of the dryer according to the present invention is that it is compact and efficient.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, illustrated by means of a non-limiting example in the accompanying figures, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a side view of the dryer according to the present invention;

[0012] Figure 2 shows a left view of the dryer from figure 1, with one side wall removed to show the interior;

[0013] Figures 3 and 4 show, respectively, a front view and a top view of a first air circuit (4) of the dryer;

[0014] Figures 5 and 6 show, respectively, a front view and a top view of a second air circuit (5) of the dryer.

[0015] The dryer according to the present invention comprises a drying chamber (2), within which the drying process of the products takes place. The drying chamber, of known form, is delimited by an enclosure having at least one inlet opening (21) and at least one outlet opening (22).

[0016] The dryer also comprises two or more superimposed shelves (3) to support the product (or products) to be dried. The shelves (3) are preferably horizontal, but may also have a certain inclination in relation to the horizontal plane. The shelves (3) have a structure that favors air circulation. The shelves (3) are motorized to enable the transport of the product in the longitudinal direction (X). The shelves (3) Petition 870220118899, dated 12 / 16 / 2022, pp. 64 / 73 3 / 8 are arranged perpendicularly to two side walls (2a, 2b) of the drying chamber (2); the side walls are parallel to the longitudinal direction (X).

[0017] In the embodiment shown, the shelves (3) are structured so that the product proceeds in the longitudinal direction (X), passing through all the shelves (3). In particular, the shelves (3) are moved to allow the transfer, dropping the product from one shelf to the shelf below.

[0018] In practice, upon entering the dryer, the product is fed onto the upper shelf (3). The upper shelf (3) is arranged in an offset manner, retracted in relation to the underlying shelf in the direction of product forward movement, so that the terminal end (3b) of the upper shelf (3) projects into the shelf below. This allows the product, falling from the upper shelf, to be deposited on the underlying shelf. To allow the product to fall from each shelf (3) to the underlying shelf, each shelf has a terminal end (3b), in the direction of product forward movement, which projects into the underlying shelf, and in particular into an entry zone (3a). In the embodiment shown, the terminal and entry zones (3a, 3b) are located immediately outside the drying chamber (2).

[0019] The shelves (3) preferably have alternating directions of advance, i.e., each shelf has a direction of advance that is opposite in relation to the shelf above and the shelf below. The product, as it passes from one shelf to the shelf below, thus reverses its direction of advance. In this way, it is possible to contain the total size of the dryer along the longitudinal direction (X).

[0020] The shelves (3) preferably comprise a plurality of through openings to promote airflow. In the embodiment shown, at least one shelf (3), preferably each shelf (3), comprises a flexible element (31) made from a mesh or net structure. Petition 870220118899, dated 12 / 16 / 2022, pp. 65 / 73 4 / 8

[0021] The flexible element (31) is arranged in a circuit along a closed path that has at least one straight top section to support the product. The top section is driven into motion along the longitudinal direction (X) in a predetermined direction.

[0022] In the embodiment shown, the flexible element (31) is bent around at least two rollers (32), located with parallel horizontal axes of rotation. At least one of the rollers is motorized. As shown in Figure 2, the guide rollers of each flexible element (31) substantially define the ends of the relative shelf (3). Considering the direction of advance of each shelf (3), the terminal end of each shelf (3) projects onto an initial section of the underlying shelf (3), i.e., the roller located at the terminal end of the relative shelf (3) projects onto an initial section of the underlying shelf (3).

[0023] The dryer according to the present invention comprises a first air circuit (4) for introducing hot air into the drying chamber. The first air circuit (4) comprises a main fan (41), connected to a delivery manifold (42). As is known in the industry, the main fan (41) has an air inlet to draw in air that may already be heated, either by means of a source located outside the dryer, or ambient air, in the case where the heating source is located inside the dryer. In either case, the main fan (41) can be connected to an air recirculation duct, present inside the drying chamber (2), as is known in the art.

[0024] The collector (42) is connected to a plurality of delivery conduits (43), distributed within the high temperature zone (21). Each delivery conduit (43) is provided with a plurality of outlet openings through which hot air is introduced into the high temperature zone.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment, but not exclusively illustrated, the distributor (42) is positioned above the drying chamber (2). The delivery conduits (43) descend from the distributor (42) in planes Petition 870220118899, dated 12 / 16 / 2022, pp. 66 / 73 5 / 8 substantially vertical. The delivery conduits (43) are preferably arranged on a side wall of the drying chamber (2).

[0026] Preferably, though not necessarily, the delivery ducts (43) are subdivided into two groups branching from opposite zones of the collector (42). The two groups of delivery ducts (43) are arranged on opposite side walls (2a, 2b) of the drying chamber (2). This allows the collector (2) to be kept at a center of gravity position relative to the drying chamber and distributes the delivery ducts (43) in a substantially symmetrical manner relative to the collector (42). In the embodiment shown, the first air circuit (4) comprises two fans (41) and two independent and flanking collectors (42), each comprising its own delivery ducts (43). This allows for better distribution of the hot air.

[0027] The delivery ducts (43) comprise a cross-section (44) arranged substantially horizontally in a plane parallel to one of the shelves (3). The cross-section (44) of each duct (43) is arranged substantially parallel above or below a shelf (3). For example, in the embodiment shown comprising two shelves (3) in the high temperature zone (21), the delivery ducts (43) comprise two series of cross-sections (44), a first series located above the upper shelf (3) and a second series arranged above the underlying shelf (3), i.e., between the upper shelf (3) and the lower shelf (3). The cross-sectional portions (44) are preferably arranged coplanarly in the same horizontal plane, and the outlet openings are arranged facing downwards and / or facing upwards. The downward-facing outlet openings allow for effective distribution of hot air to the underlying shelf (3).

[0028] The dryer of the present invention advantageously comprises a high-temperature zone (21) and a low-temperature zone (22), separated from each other, wherein the high-temperature zone (21) is connected to the first air circuit (4). The low-temperature zone (22) is Petition 870220118899, dated 12 / 16 / 2022, pp. 67 / 73 6 / 8 located below the high temperature zone (21).

[0029] The low temperature zone (22) is connected to a second air circuit (5) for the introduction of low temperature air. By low temperature is meant a temperature that is substantially equal to ambient temperature, or in any case a temperature considerably below the temperature present in the high temperature zone (21). When passing through the low temperature zone (22), the product cools significantly, reaching, for example, ambient temperature, and can be immediately bagged or otherwise packaged, or subjected to further processing, without needing to wait for further cooling.

[0030] The low temperature zone (22) is equipped with one or more shelves (3), entirely similar to the shelves (3) of the high temperature zone (21). The shelves (3) are arranged to allow the transport of the product through the high temperature zone (21) and then through the low temperature zone (22). In particular, the shelves (3) present in the low temperature zone (22) are located similarly to the shelves of the high temperature zone, to allow the passage of the product falling from each shelf to the shelf below. Essentially, the top shelf (3) of the low temperature zone (22) is located so as to receive the product that falls from the end of the bottom shelf (3) of the high temperature zone (22). In other words, the end of the bottom shelf (3) of the high temperature zone (21) projects over the top shelf (3) of the low temperature zone (22).In the embodiment shown, the low temperature zone (22) comprises only one shelf (3), which is also used to transport the product to a discharge zone outside the dryer. A dividing septum (W) is interposed between the two zones (21, 22) to allow thermal insulation, except for the openings necessary to allow the product to fall from one to the other.

[0031] The second air circuit (5) comprises a main fan (51), connected to a delivery manifold (52). The main fan (51) Petition 870220118899, dated 12 / 16 / 2022, pp. 68 / 73 7 / 8 of the second air circuit (5) is distinct from the fan (41) of the first air circuit (4), and the collector of the second air circuit is distinct from the collector of the first air circuit. In a manner known in the art, the main fan (51) of the second circuit (5) is provided with an air intake by suction of cooling air. For example, the cooling air is air at ambient temperature.

[0032] The collector (52) is connected to a plurality of delivery ducts (53), distributed within the low temperature zone (22). In the embodiment shown, the collector (52) has the form of a duct that descends, near a side wall of the drying chamber, from the fan outlet (51). In the low temperature zone (22), the collector (52) is connected to a distribution section (53), arranged substantially horizontally and parallel to the longitudinal direction (X). A plurality of delivery ducts (54) branch off from the distribution section (53), arranged substantially horizontally in a plane parallel to the shelves (3).

[0033] In the embodiment shown, the low temperature zone (22) comprises only one shelf (3), which is the shelf located in the lowest position in relation to the other shelves. The delivery ducts (54) are arranged in a plane superimposed on the shelf (3) of the low temperature zone (22), inside the low temperature zone (22). The delivery ducts (54) are equipped with emission openings facing downwards and / or upwards, in order to introduce cooling air into the low temperature zone (22).

[0034] A suction circuit (6), visible in Figure 2, is preferably connected to the low temperature zone (22). The suction circuit (6) comprises a suction fan (61), connected to a suction collector (62) having one or more suction openings located in the low temperature zone. In the embodiment shown, the fan (61) is located above the drying chamber (2) and the suction collector comprises a conduit descending from the fan (61) along a side wall (2b).

[0035] The presence of the low temperature zone (22) separated from the high temperature zone (21) thus allows the product to be cooled to a Petition 870220118899, dated 12 / 16 / 2022, pp. 69 / 73 8 / 8 desired temperature, for example at room temperature, so that the product is ready, right at the dryer outlet, for bagging or other packaging, or for any other processing that requires a temperature lower than the drying temperature. Petition 870220118899, dated 12 / 16 / 2022, pp. 70 / 73

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1.Dryer for granulated or flaked products, comprising: a drying chamber (2); two or more superimposed shelves (3) for supporting the product to be dried, one of which is motorized to allow transport of the product in the longitudinal direction (X); a first air circuit (4) for introducing hot air into the drying chamber; characterized in that: the drying chamber is delimited by an enclosure having an inlet opening (21) and an outlet opening (22); the drying chamber (2) comprises a high-temperature zone (21) and a low-temperature zone (22), separated from each other, the high-temperature zone (21) being connected to the first air circuit (4); it comprises a second air circuit (5) for introducing low-temperature air, connected to the low-temperature zone (22); shelves (3) are arranged to allow transport of the product through the high-temperature zone (21) followed by transport through the low-temperature zone (22).

2. Dryer, according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelves (3) are motorized to allow the transport of the product in the longitudinal direction (X), and are displaced or have openings in predefined positions to allow the transfer by dropping of the product from one shelf to the shelf below.

3. Dryer, according to claim 1, characterized in that the shelves (3) comprise a plurality of passage openings, to promote airflow.

4. Dryer, according to claim 1, characterized by: a shelf (3) comprising a flexible element (31) with a mesh or net structure, arranged in a circuit along a closed path Petition 870240064913, dated 07 / 31 / 2024, page 12 / 15 2 / 2 having a straight upper section for the product; the flexible element (31) being bent around two rollers (32), located with parallel horizontal axes of rotation, one of which is motorized.

5. Dryer, according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first air circuit (4) comprises a main fan (41), connected to a delivery manifold (42); the manifold (42) being connected to a plurality of delivery ducts (43), distributed within the high temperature zone (21).

6. Dryer, according to claim (5), characterized in that the delivery ducts (43) comprise a cross-section (44) arranged horizontally in a plane parallel to one of the shelves (3).

7. Dryer, according to claim 6, characterized in that the delivery conduits (43) are subdivided into two groups branching from opposite zones of the collector (42).

8. Dryer, according to claim 1, characterized in that: the second air circuit (5) comprises a main fan (51), connected to a delivery manifold (52); the manifold (52) being connected to a cross distributor (53), disposed within the low temperature zone (22).

9. Dryer, according to claim 8, characterized in that the transverse distributor (53) is connected to a plurality of delivery ducts (54) arranged horizontally in a plane parallel to one of the shelves (3). Petition 870240064913, dated 07 / 31 / 2024, p. 13 / 15

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