A material dryer and its drying method

Abstract

This invention discloses a material dryer, comprising a shell, a material carrier, an exhaust assembly, and an air inlet assembly. The shell has an air inlet and a conveying track inside. The air inlet assembly communicates with the air inlet. A hopper that can dock with the material carrier is located below the conveying track. A screen is located at the bottom of the material carrier. The exhaust assembly communicates with the bottom of the hopper. The drying method includes the following steps: the material carrier enters the shell and moves into position along the conveying track. At this time, a cleaning and lubrication layer is provided on the conveying track. Then, the hopper and the material carrier are sealed and docked. The air inlet assembly introduces hot air into the shell through the air inlet. The hot air passes from top to bottom through the material in the material carrier, the screen, and the hopper, and is discharged outside the shell through the exhaust assembly. The material carrier separates from the hopper and then moves along the conveying track and is transferred outside the shell. This invention is beneficial for improving drying efficiency, shortening drying time, reducing energy consumption, and preventing dust explosions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food and pharmaceutical packaging machinery and their usage methods, and more particularly to a material dryer and its drying method. Background Technology

[0002] Some fine granular materials (particle size 250-300μm) are very densely packed, making airflow difficult. This results in exceptionally long drying times using conventional methods, impacting production efficiency and significantly increasing energy consumption, further raising production costs for enterprises. Furthermore, dust particles are prone to explosion when subjected to compression and friction during the drying process, further complicating the drying process for these materials. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a material dryer that is conducive to improving drying efficiency, shortening drying time and reducing energy consumption.

[0004] The present invention further provides a drying method for the above-mentioned material dryer.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A material dryer includes a shell, a material carrier, a suction assembly, and an air inlet assembly that can provide hot air. The shell has an air inlet and a conveying track for conveying the material carrier is provided inside the shell. The air inlet assembly is connected to the air inlet. A hopper that can dock with the material carrier is provided below the conveying track. A screen is provided at the bottom of the material carrier. The suction assembly is connected to the bottom of the hopper.

[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: an inflatable sealing ring is provided on the upper part of the hopper or the lower part of the material carrier.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the conveying track is equipped with a lifting component, and the upper part of the hopper or the lower part of the material carrier is equipped with a sealing component.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the conveying track is a pipe structure with water spray holes; or, the conveying track is located in a water tank.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the air intake assembly includes a fan, a primary cooling and heating unit and a secondary cooling and heating unit, with the fan located between the primary cooling and heating unit and the secondary cooling and heating unit.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the material carrier is provided with a rolling element that cooperates with the conveying track.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the extraction assembly includes a dust removal water bath connected to the lower part of the hopper and a vacuuming component connected to the dust removal water bath.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the upper part of the shell is provided with multiple spray components, and the lower part of the shell is provided with a water outlet.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the shell includes an inner shell, an outer shell disposed on the outer periphery of the inner shell, and a heating coil disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell. The inner shell is also provided with a temperature measuring component on the side of the screen, and the air pressure of the inner shell is lower than the standard atmospheric pressure.

[0015] A method for drying materials using the aforementioned material dryer includes the following steps:

[0016] S1. Feeding: The material carrier enters the housing and moves into position along the conveying track. At this time, the conveying track is equipped with a cleaning and lubrication layer. Then the hopper is sealed and connected to the material carrier.

[0017] S2. Drying: The air inlet assembly supplies hot air into the housing through the air inlet. The hot air passes from top to bottom through the material in the material carrier, the screen, and the hopper, and is discharged to the outside of the housing through the exhaust assembly.

[0018] S3, Discharge: The material carrier separates from the hopper, then moves along the conveyor track and is transferred outside the shell.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0020] The material dryer disclosed in this invention, during operation, has a material carrier entering the shell and being conveyed into position via a conveying track. The hopper is vertically connected to the material carrier, and the air inlet assembly provides hot air. The hot air enters the shell through the air inlet and flows from top to bottom through the material in the material carrier, the screen, and the hopper, thereby drying the material. The hopper can collect hot air from all directions, ensuring uniform and consistent drying effect. Finally, the hot air is exhausted to the outside by the exhaust assembly. The drying effect is good, the drying efficiency is high, and the energy consumption is reduced. Furthermore, the hot air flows from top to bottom, which helps prevent dust particles from floating and reduces the risk of explosion. The conveying track can accommodate multiple material carriers simultaneously, thereby multiplying the drying efficiency. The overall structure is reasonable and effective.

[0021] The material drying method disclosed in this invention involves a material carrier moving along a conveying track. The conveying track has a cleaning and lubrication layer, which can clean and moisten the conveying track, preventing dust particles from exploding due to compression and friction during the drying process. This ensures good safety. During drying, hot air enters the housing through the air inlet and passes through the material in the material carrier, the screen, and the hopper from top to bottom, thereby drying the material. The hopper can collect hot air from all directions, ensuring uniform and consistent drying effect. Finally, the hot air is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust assembly. This method provides good drying effect, high drying efficiency, and reduced energy consumption. Furthermore, the downward flow of hot air helps prevent dust particles from floating. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the material dryer of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view of the material dryer of the present invention, according to Embodiment 1.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a side view of the material dryer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of the material carrier in this invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the air intake component in this invention.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a front view structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the material dryer of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a side view of the material dryer embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a side view of the material dryer of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0033] The labels in the diagram represent:

[0034] 1. Shell; 11. Air inlet; 12. Spraying component; 13. Water outlet; 14. Inner shell; 15. Outer shell; 16. Heating coil; 2. Material carrier; 21. Screen; 22. Rolling component; 3. Air inlet assembly; 31. Fan; 32. Primary cooling and heating unit; 33. Secondary cooling and heating unit; 4. Exhaust assembly; 41. Dust removal water bath; 42. Vacuuming component; 5. Conveying track; 51. Lifting component; 52. Water tank; 6. Hopper; 61. Inflatable sealing ring; 62. Sealing component; 7. Temperature measuring component. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0037] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0039] Example 1

[0040] Figures 1 to 6An embodiment of the material dryer of the present invention is shown. This embodiment of the material dryer includes a housing 1, a material carrier 2, an exhaust assembly 4, and an air inlet assembly 3 for providing hot air. The housing 1 has an air inlet 11, and a conveying track 5 for conveying the material carrier 2 is provided inside the housing 1. The air inlet assembly 3 is connected to the air inlet 11. A hopper 6, which can dock with the material carrier 2, is provided below the conveying track 5. A screen 21 is provided at the lower part of the material carrier 2, and the exhaust assembly 4 is connected to the lower part of the hopper 6. Preferably, the height of the screen 21 is less than the height of the air inlet 11 to facilitate the entry of hot air into the material carrier 2.

[0041] In this embodiment of the material dryer, during operation, the material carrier 2 enters the housing 1 and is conveyed into position via the conveying track 5. The hopper 6 is vertically connected to the material carrier 2. The air inlet assembly 3 provides hot air, which enters the housing 1 through the air inlet 11 and flows from top to bottom through the material in the material carrier 2, the screen 21, and the hopper 6, thereby drying the material. The hopper 6 can collect hot air from all directions, ensuring uniform and consistent drying of the material on the screen 21. Finally, the hot air is exhausted to the outside by the exhaust assembly 4. The drying effect is good, the drying efficiency is high, and energy consumption is reduced. Furthermore, the hot air flows from top to bottom, which helps prevent dust particles from floating and reduces the risk of explosion. The conveying track 5 can accommodate multiple material carriers 2 simultaneously, thereby multiplying the drying efficiency. The overall structure is reasonable and effective. As a preferred embodiment, the air inlet assembly 3 can be configured with two branches, with air inlets 11 symmetrically arranged on both sides of the housing 1. The two branches are connected one-to-one with the air inlets 11 on both sides, which helps improve the uniformity of hot air inside the housing 1.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an inflatable sealing ring 61 is provided on the upper part of the hopper 6. When the material carrier 2 moves into position along the conveying track 5, the inflatable sealing ring 61 inflates and expands, thereby pressing against the lower part of the material carrier 2, achieving a sealed connection between the hopper 6 and the material carrier 2, ensuring that the hot air flows in the designed direction. After drying is completed, the inflatable sealing ring 61 deflates and contracts, separating from the material carrier 2, avoiding affecting the movement of the material carrier 2 along the conveying track 5. The structure is simple and effective. Of course, in other embodiments, the inflatable sealing ring 61 can also be set at the lower part of the material carrier 2, which can achieve the same purpose, and will not be described in detail here.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the conveying track 5 is disposed within a water tank 52. The water in the water tank 52 can serve as a cleaning and lubricating layer for the conveying track 5, cleaning and wetting the dust on the conveying track 5. When the material carrier 2 moves along the conveying track 5, it can effectively prevent dust friction explosions, further ensuring safety.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air intake assembly 3 includes a fan 31, a primary heating and cooling unit 32, and a secondary heating and cooling unit 33, with the fan 31 positioned between the primary heating and cooling unit 32 and the secondary heating and cooling unit 33. The primary heating and cooling unit 32 preheats the air, the fan 31 provides power to the air and increases its flow rate, and the secondary heating and cooling unit 33 reheats the air to ensure that the hot air entering the housing 1 reaches the required temperature. After the material has finished drying, the primary heating and cooling unit 32 and the secondary heating and cooling unit 33 can cool the air, thereby introducing cold air into the housing 1 to quickly cool the material to room temperature. The structure is reasonable and effective.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the material carrier 2 is provided with a rolling element 22 that cooperates with the conveying track 5. The rolling element 22 can be, for example, a roller, a rolling bearing, etc. The rolling element 22 and the conveying track 5 have rolling friction, which results in low frictional resistance, making the material carrier 2 move more smoothly and facilitating the cleaning of dust on the rolling element 22, thereby further reducing the risk of explosion caused by dust being squeezed and rubbed.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the exhaust assembly 4 includes a dust-collecting water bath 41 connected to the lower part of the hopper 6 and a vacuuming component 42 connected to the dust-collecting water bath 41. The vacuuming component 42 is used to generate a vacuum in the dust-collecting water bath 41, thereby drawing the hot air from the hopper 6 into the dust-collecting water bath 41. The dust-collecting water bath 41 can prevent the dust carried in the hot air and filtered out from the screen 21 from exploding, further improving the safety of the exhaust.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper part of the shell 1 is provided with multiple spray components 12, such as spray balls, which can periodically clean the dust inside the shell 1 from all directions to prevent dust explosions. The lower part of the shell 1 is provided with a water outlet 13, from which spray water can flow out. Preferably, the water outlet 13 is connected to the dust removal water bath 41, and the spray water carrying dust can flow into the dust removal water bath 41 for collection and treatment.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the shell 1 includes an inner shell 14, an outer shell 15 disposed around the outer periphery of the inner shell 14, and a heating coil 16 disposed between the inner shell 14 and the outer shell 15. The inner shell 14 is also provided with a temperature measuring component 7 on one side of the screen 21. The air pressure of the inner shell 14 is lower than the standard atmospheric pressure. Hot water or steam can be introduced into the heating coil 16 for heating, thereby rapidly reaching the drying temperature inside the shell 1, further improving drying efficiency. The sandwich structure of the shell 1 also provides good insulation, which helps reduce heat loss inside the shell 1. The temperature measuring component 7 can be a thermometer or temperature sensor, used to detect the temperature of the air outlet from the screen 21, ensuring the accuracy of the drying temperature and the temperature detection after cooling. The inner shell 14 has a certain vacuum; in a vacuum environment, the moisture carried by the material evaporates more easily, further improving drying efficiency.

[0049] Example 2

[0050] Figures 7 to 9 Another embodiment of the material dryer of the present invention is shown. The material dryer of this embodiment is basically the same as that of embodiment one, except that:

[0051] In this embodiment, the conveying track 5 is equipped with a lifting component 51 (e.g., a cylinder, electric cylinder, or lead screw and nut mechanism), and the upper part of the hopper 6 is equipped with a sealing component 62 (e.g., a commonly used sealing ring, sealing strip, or sealing gasket). After the material carrier 2 moves into position along the conveying track 5, the lifting component 51 drives the conveying track 5 to descend, and the material carrier 2 descends accordingly, pressing the sealing component 62 together, thereby achieving a sealed connection between the material carrier 2 and the hopper 6, ensuring that the hot air flows in the designed direction. After drying is completed, the lifting component 51 drives the conveying track 5 to rise, and the hopper 6 separates from the material carrier 2, avoiding interference with the movement of the material carrier 2 along the conveying track 5. The structure is simple and effective. Of course, in other embodiments, the sealing component 62 can also be located at the lower part of the material carrier 2, achieving the same purpose.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the conveying track 5 is a pipe structure with water spray holes (not shown in the figure). The pipe with water spray holes can spray water to form a cleaning and lubricating layer, realizing the cleaning and wetting of the material carrier 2 during the feeding process, and preventing dust explosions.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] Figures 10 to 11 Another embodiment of the material dryer of the present invention is shown. The material dryer of this embodiment is basically the same as that of embodiment two, except that:

[0055] In this embodiment, an inflatable sealing ring 61 is provided on the upper part of the hopper 6, which achieves a sealed connection between the material carrier 2 and the hopper 6. Compared with embodiment two, the conveying track 5 does not need to be equipped with a lifting component 51.

[0056] Example 4

[0057] The material drying method of the above-mentioned material dryer in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0058] S1. Feeding: The material carrier 2 enters the housing 1 and moves into position along the conveying track 5. At this time, a cleaning and lubrication layer is provided on the conveying track 5 (the water level in the water tank 52 is higher than the conveying track 5, which can form a cleaning and lubrication layer). Then the hopper 6 is sealed and connected to the material carrier 2.

[0059] S2, Drying: The air inlet assembly 3 passes hot air into the housing 1 through the air inlet 11. The hot air passes from top to bottom through the material in the material carrier 2, the screen 21, the hopper 6, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 1 through the exhaust assembly 4.

[0060] S3, Discharge: The material carrier 2 separates from the hopper 6, and then moves along the conveying track 5 and is transferred to the outside of the housing 1.

[0061] In this embodiment of the material drying method, when the material carrier 2 moves along the conveying track 5, the conveying track 5 has a cleaning and lubrication layer, which can clean and wet the conveying track 5, preventing dust particles from exploding after being squeezed and rubbed in the drying state, thus ensuring good safety. During drying, hot air enters the housing 1 through the air inlet 11 and passes through the material in the material carrier 2, the screen 21 and the hopper 6 from top to bottom, thereby drying the material. The hopper 6 can collect hot air from all directions, ensuring that the drying effect of the material is uniform and consistent. Finally, the hot air is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust component 4. The drying effect is good, the drying efficiency is high, the energy consumption is reduced, and the hot air flows from top to bottom, which helps to prevent dust particles from floating.

[0062] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention, or modify them into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the present invention, should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A material dryer, characterized in that: The device includes a housing (1), a material carrier (2), an exhaust assembly (4), and an air inlet assembly (3) that can provide hot air. The housing (1) is provided with an air inlet (11) and a conveying track (5) for conveying the material carrier (2) is provided inside the housing (1). The conveying track (5) is a pipe structure with water spray holes; or, the conveying track (5) is located in a water tank (52). The air inlet assembly (3) is connected to the air inlet (11). A hopper (6) that can dock with the material carrier (2) is provided below the conveying track (5). A screen (21) is provided at the lower part of the material carrier (2). The exhaust assembly (4) is connected to the lower part of the hopper (6).

2. The material dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: An inflatable sealing ring (61) is provided on the upper part of the hopper (6) or the lower part of the material carrier (2).

3. The material dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying track (5) is equipped with a lifting component (51), and the upper part of the hopper (6) or the lower part of the material carrier (2) is equipped with a sealing component (62).

4. The material dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air intake assembly (3) includes a fan (31), a primary cooling and heating unit (32) and a secondary cooling and heating unit (33), with the fan (31) located between the primary cooling and heating unit (32) and the secondary cooling and heating unit (33).

5. The material dryer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material carrier (2) is provided with a rolling element (22) that cooperates with the conveying track (5).

6. The material dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The extraction assembly (4) includes a dust removal water bath (41) connected to the lower part of the hopper (6) and a vacuuming component (42) connected to the dust removal water bath (41).

7. The material dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The upper part of the housing (1) is provided with multiple spray components (12), and the lower part of the housing (1) is provided with a water outlet (13).

8. The material dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The housing (1) includes an inner housing (14), an outer housing (15) disposed on the outer periphery of the inner housing (14), and a heating coil (16) disposed between the inner housing (14) and the outer housing (15). The inner housing (14) is also provided with a temperature measuring component (7) on one side of the screen (21). The air pressure of the inner housing (14) is lower than the standard atmospheric pressure.

9. A material drying method using a material dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Including the following steps: S1, Feeding: The material carrier (2) enters the housing (1) and moves into position along the conveying track (5). At this time, the conveying track (5) is equipped with a cleaning and lubrication layer. Then the hopper (6) is sealed and connected with the material carrier (2). S2, Drying: The air inlet assembly (3) passes hot air into the housing (1) through the air inlet (11). The hot air passes through the material in the material carrier (2), the screen (21), and the hopper (6) from top to bottom and is discharged to the outside of the housing (1) through the exhaust assembly (4). S3, Discharge: The material carrier (2) separates from the hopper (6) and then moves along the conveying track (5) and is transferred to the outside of the housing (1).

Images