A drying device for Angelica dahurica

Abstract

This invention discloses an Angelica dahurica drying device, comprising a drying unit, a dehumidification unit, and an air regeneration unit. The drying unit includes a fan, a drying chamber, and a vortex tube. The dehumidification unit includes a rotary dehumidifier. The air regeneration unit includes a first heat exchange unit, an airflow mixing and recovery box, and a water collection tank disposed below the first heat exchange unit. The first heat exchange unit includes a first heat exchange box and a first spiral cooling pipe disposed therein. The air inlet of the first spiral cooling pipe is connected to the cold air outlet of the vortex tube, and the first heat exchange box is connected to the dehumidification zone of the rotary dehumidifier. Both the first heat exchange box and the first spiral cooling pipe are connected to the airflow mixing and recovery box, which is connected to the air inlet of the fan. Part of the hot air generated by the vortex tube is used for drying Angelica dahurica, and part is used for dehumidification in the regeneration zone of the rotary dehumidifier. The drying device of this invention reduces energy consumption during the drying process of Angelica dahurica, provides a more stable hot air flow rate, and improves the drying quality and efficiency of Angelica dahurica.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of Angelica processing technology, and specifically relates to an Angelica drying device. Background Technology

[0002] As an important traditional Chinese medicine, the drying process of Angelica dahurica plays a crucial role in maintaining its quality and efficacy. Currently, existing technologies for drying Angelica dahurica mainly involve the following aspects: compressor refrigeration technology, condensation technology, electric heating technology, and hot air blower technology. Compressor refrigeration technology is a common drying method, using a compressor to circulate refrigerant and achieving drying with the assistance of a hot air blower. However, this technology has some drawbacks, such as high energy consumption and complex operation, limiting its widespread application in Angelica dahurica drying. Condensation technology involves condensing hot, humid air into liquid water through a condenser during hot air blowing, thereby achieving moisture separation and removal. Although condensation technology can improve drying efficiency to some extent, the design and maintenance of the condenser have a significant impact on the drying quality of the medicinal material and require further optimization. Electric heating technology can convert electrical energy into heat energy during the drying process to achieve temperature control and humidity regulation. However, electric heating technology may have high energy consumption issues in large-scale production, and the uniformity of hot air and the accuracy of temperature control need to be considered. Hot air drying technology is a commonly used method that uses hot air to dehydrate and dry medicinal materials. However, hot air drying technology may encounter problems such as uneven temperature and unstable hot air flow rate during operation, which can affect the drying quality and efficacy of the medicinal materials.

[0003] Patent No. 2017104363807, entitled "A Tower Dryer for Angelica dahurica," discloses an Angelica dahurica dryer comprising a base, a storage tank, a drying tower, a condensing chamber, and a microcontroller. A support frame is installed on one side of the top of the base, and a condensing chamber is installed on the other side. Heating plates are installed on both sides inside the drying tower, and a motor chamber is installed at one end of the drying tower. A pressure sensor is installed at the bottom of the storage tank, away from the hot air blower, and a humidity sensor is installed at the bottom of the storage tank, near the hot air blower. The output of the humidity sensor is electrically connected to the input of the microcontroller via a wire. This technical solution has the following drawbacks: 1. This technical solution involves multiple components and technologies, including a drying tower, motor, hot air blower, condensing chamber, and control panel, which may lead to relatively complex system design, operation, and maintenance, requiring coordination and stable operation of each part. 2. Although this solution uses some technologies to control parameters such as temperature and humidity, energy consumption and efficiency control remain significant issues. In particular, hot air blowers and air pumps can consume a considerable amount of energy, so it is necessary to consider how to optimize energy use.

[0004] In summary, existing drying technologies for Angelica dahurica have some technical defects and limitations in terms of compressor refrigeration, condensation, electric heating, and hot air blowers. To address these issues, further research and innovation are needed to optimize the drying process and improve drying efficiency and the quality of the medicinal material. (Invention Content) In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide an Angelica dahurica drying device to solve the problems of high energy consumption, uneven temperature control, poor drying quality, and unstable hot air flow rate in the prior art.

[0005] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: An Angelica dahurica drying device includes a drying unit, a dehumidification unit, an air regeneration unit, and a controller; The drying unit includes a fan, a drying chamber, and a vortex tube; the air outlet of the fan is connected to the air inlet of the vortex tube; the drying chamber includes a sealed shell, a mesh drum containing angelica root arranged inside the shell, and a first motor that drives the drum to rotate, the first motor being located outside the shell; the hot air outlet of the vortex tube is connected to the drying chamber through the bottom of the shell, and an air outlet is provided at the top of the drying chamber; the dehumidification unit includes a rotary dehumidifier fixedly installed at the air outlet at the top of the drying chamber and an exhaust fan installed at the air outlet at the top of the drying chamber; the rotary dehumidifier... The dehumidifier includes a rotor, a belt, and a second motor that drives the rotor to rotate via the belt. The rotor includes a moisture absorption zone and a regeneration zone. One side of the moisture absorption zone is opposite to the exhaust fan at the top of the drying chamber, and the other side is connected to an air regeneration unit via a pipe. The regeneration zone is connected to the hot air outlet of a vortex tube on the side opposite to the top of the drying chamber, and the other side of the regeneration zone is connected to the external environment. The air inlet of the air regeneration unit is connected to the moisture absorption zone of the rotor and the cold air outlet of the vortex tube, respectively, and the air outlet of the air regeneration unit is connected to the air inlet of the fan. Furthermore, the air regeneration unit includes a heat exchange unit, an airflow mixing and recovery box, and a water collection box disposed below the heat exchange unit; the heat exchange unit includes a first heat exchange unit; the first heat exchange unit includes a first heat exchange box and a first spiral cooling pipe disposed within the first heat exchange box; the air inlet at the bottom of the first spiral cooling pipe is connected to the cold air outlet of the vortex tube, and the first heat exchange box is connected to the bottom of the first heat exchange box via a pipe to the side of the exhaust gas from the desiccant absorption zone of the impeller; the top of the first heat exchange box is connected to the airflow mixing and recovery box, the first spiral cooling pipe is connected to the airflow mixing and recovery box, and the airflow mixing and recovery box is connected to the air inlet of the fan; the water collection box is connected to the bottom of the first heat exchange unit, and an insulating oil film is placed inside the water collection box to isolate condensate and the airflow above; The controller is electrically connected to the first motor, the second motor, and the fan, respectively. The shell, the first spiral cooling pipe, the first heat exchange box, the water collection box, the airflow mixing and recovery box, the fan, and the vortex tube form a connected, relatively sealed circulating space. The fan is started by a controller, and the fan outlet injects high-speed air into the vortex tube inlet. The vortex tube separates hot air and cold air at its hot air outlet and cold air outlet, respectively. Angelica dahurica is filled in the drum inside the shell. The drum rotates under the drive of a first motor. The hot air separated from the hot air outlet of the vortex tube is injected into the shell through the bottom of the shell and heats and dries the angelica dahurica in the drum. The dried hot air is discharged from the top of the shell through a pipe to the bottom of the first heat exchange box. The cold air separated from the cold air outlet of the vortex tube is connected to the first spiral cooling pipe inside the first heat exchange box through a pipe. The exhaust hot air exchanges heat with the first spiral cooling pipe in the first heat exchange box. The hot air exhausting from the shell condenses into water in the first heat exchange box and flows into the bottom water collection tank through the drain hole at the bottom of the first heat exchange box. An isolation oil film with a density less than water is set in the water collection tank. The condensed water is isolated at the bottom of the isolation oil film and discharged. The condensed gas exhausting from the first spiral cooling pipe and the hot air exhausting from the first heat exchange box are respectively introduced into the airflow mixing and recovery box for mixing. The mixed gas is blown into the air inlet of the vortex tube through the air inlet of the fan. The moisture from the drying of the angelica and the moisture in the circulation space are discharged through the exhaust fan, the rotary dehumidifier and the air regeneration unit. The pressure in the circulation space is lower than the external ambient pressure and tends to be in equilibrium.

[0006] Through the cooperation of a fan and a vortex tube, the fan can generate a high-pressure, high-speed airflow. This airflow is separated into a high-temperature airflow and a low-temperature airflow by the vortex tube. The high-temperature airflow is introduced into the shell of the drying chamber to dry the angelica in the drum. The dried hot air carries a large amount of water vapor. Under the continuous pressurization of the fan and the action of the exhaust fan, a pressure difference is formed. The dried hot air undergoes initial dehumidification by a rotary dehumidifier. The dehumidified air is then transferred to the air regeneration unit to form dry air. The gas dehumidified in the regeneration zone of the rotary dehumidifier originates from the hot air discharged from the vortex tube. The hot air discharged from the vortex tube is divided into two parts: one part is provided to the drying chamber to dry the moisture in the angelica, and the other part is provided to the rotary dehumidifier for dehumidification and regeneration. The ratio of the two parts is approximately 5:1. 1. A spiral cooling pipe is installed within the air regeneration unit. This spiral cooling pipe connects to the cold air discharged from the vortex tube. The hot air discharged from the rotary desiccant zone undergoes heat exchange within the heat exchange box of the air regeneration unit. This condenses the water vapor in the hot air discharged from the rotary desiccant zone onto the inner wall of the heat exchange box and the spiral condenser pipe. The condensate drains from the drain outlet at the bottom of the heat exchange box into a water collection tank at the bottom. Because the density of water is greater than that of the insulating oil film, the condensed water is separated from the drying circulation space. Simultaneously, the reduced water vapor in the circulation space lowers the pressure, further facilitating the evaporation of water vapor from the angelica root. Meanwhile, the cold air in the spiral condenser pipe and the condensed air in the heat exchange box are blown back into the vortex tube by a fan for recycling. This achieves negative pressure heating and drying within the circulation system. This design reduces the use of various energy-consuming structures, resulting in a simple and reasonable structure that is easy to operate.

[0007] The vortex tubes can be multiple and used in parallel to ensure the air volume entering the drying chamber and to match the fan power.

[0008] Furthermore, the air regeneration unit also includes a second heat exchange unit, which includes a second heat exchange box and a second spiral cooling pipe disposed inside the second heat exchange box. The second heat exchange box is connected to a water collection tank below the second heat exchange box through a drain hole at the bottom. The hot air from the first heat exchange box is discharged from the top air outlet and connected to the bottom of the second heat exchange box. The air inlet of the second spiral cooling pipe is connected to the air outlet of the first spiral cooling pipe. The hot air discharged from the top of the second heat exchange box and the condensed gas discharged from the second spiral cooling pipe are respectively introduced into the airflow mixing and recovery box for mixing. The condensate formed in the second heat exchange box is discharged from its bottom drain hole into the water collection tank below the isolation oil film, thereby completing the second dehydration of the angelica drying gas.

[0009] Generally, with a constant inlet air velocity, the temperature at the hot air outlet of a vortex tube can reach over 60℃, while the temperature at the cold air outlet can reach below -40℃. The drying temperature for Angelica dahurica is typically maintained at 50-60℃ to avoid damaging its active ingredients. Simultaneously, the lower airflow temperature at the cold air outlet of the vortex tube makes it particularly suitable for condensing and dehumidifying hot air containing moisture. By incorporating a first heat exchange unit, the cold air inside the first spiral condenser experiences a temperature increase of 15-20℃ after heat exchange. The temperature of the cold air after passing through the first spiral condenser is still suitable for further condensing the hot air containing moisture. Therefore, by incorporating a second heat exchange unit, moisture removal is more convenient and faster, improving drying efficiency and energy utilization, thus facilitating rapid condensation and dehydration drying.

[0010] Furthermore, the Angelica dahurica drying device also includes a water cooling system; the water cooling system includes a water storage tank, a third spiral cooling pipe disposed inside the water storage tank, a fourth spiral cooling pipe wound around the outside of the first heat exchange box, a fifth spiral cooling pipe wound around the outside of the second heat exchange box, an oil level float switch disposed inside a water collection tank, a drain solenoid valve, a water pump, and a circulation pump; the bottoms of the water storage tank and the water collection tank are connected by a pipe, and a drain solenoid valve and a water pump are sequentially connected to the pipe connecting the water collection tank and the water storage tank. The solenoid valve and water pump are electrically connected to the controller, and the opening and closing of the drain solenoid valve and water pump are controlled by the opening and closing of the oil level float switch. The bottom of the water storage tank is provided with a water outlet, which is connected to the fifth spiral cooling pipe and the fourth spiral cooling pipe in sequence. The fourth spiral cooling pipe returns the cooling water in the fifth spiral cooling pipe and the fourth spiral cooling pipe to the water storage tank through the return pipe. The circulation pump is connected to the water outlet pipe of the water storage tank, and a valve is also provided on the pipe between the circulation pump and the water storage tank. An overflow port is provided at the top of the water storage tank.

[0011] By implementing a water cooling system, the water in the collection tank, generated through heat exchange, has a low temperature, making it suitable as a cooling medium. Furthermore, the condensate collected in the collection tank can be discharged, facilitating its reuse. This condensate is then routed through fourth spiral cooling pipes wrapped around the outer perimeter of the first and second heat exchange chambers, respectively. This provides internal and external cooling to the hot air within the chambers, rapidly reducing its temperature and promoting condensation on the inner walls and spiral cooling pipes. This design effectively utilizes the moisture discharged after drying, reducing energy consumption. Simultaneously, the rapid condensation of moisture in the hot air lowers its moisture content, reducing pressure within the entire circulation system and facilitating the removal of internal moisture from the angelica root, thus improving drying efficiency.

[0012] Furthermore, the first heat exchange box, the second heat exchange box, the first spiral cooling pipe, the second spiral cooling pipe, the third spiral cooling pipe, the fourth spiral cooling pipe, and the fifth spiral cooling pipe are all made of aluminum or copper. By making the above structures with aluminum or copper, which have excellent heat transfer properties, heat exchange between the various structures is facilitated, thus accelerating the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0013] Preferably, an air filter is also provided between the airflow mixing and recovery box and the fan. The air filter includes a cotton layer disposed at both ends of the air inlet and outlet and a desiccant layer disposed between the cotton layers at both ends.

[0014] By installing an air filter between the airflow mixing and recovery box and the fan, the water vapor in the hot air containing moisture after drying and cooling can be adsorbed, as well as the water vapor in the returning condensed gas. This greatly reduces the water vapor content in the air re-entering the vortex tube, thereby introducing dry air into the shell of the drying chamber and accelerating the regeneration of the rotor, thus accelerating the evaporation of moisture from Angelica dahurica.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes an air replenishment structure; the air replenishment structure includes an air replenishment pipe and an air replenishment solenoid valve disposed on the air replenishment pipe, the air replenishment pipe being connected to the airflow mixing and recovery box; the air replenishment solenoid valve being electrically connected to the controller.

[0016] As water vapor is gradually discharged from the circulating space, the moisture in the angelica gradually decreases, the pressure in the circulating space gradually decreases, and the moisture dried out from the angelica gradually decreases. After the dried hot air containing water vapor condenses in the heat exchange box, the condensed water droplets are easily vaporized again because the entire circulating space tends to be under negative pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish the entire circulating system with air through the air replenishment structure to achieve a suitable equilibrium pressure in the circulating space, so that the water vapor in the hot air can condense when it encounters the cold air.

[0017] Furthermore, the airflow mixing and recovery box includes a box body and an arc-shaped mixing baffle disposed inside the box body; the airflow direction of the hot air discharged from the self-heating exchange unit and the airflow direction of the cold air discharged from the cooling pipe of the self-heating exchange unit are both towards the inner arc surface of the arc-shaped mixing baffle, and the air replenishment pipe is disposed between the hot air and cold air intake directions of the airflow mixing and recovery box.

[0018] By setting up an airflow mixing and recovery box and installing an arc-shaped mixing baffle inside the airflow mixing and recovery box, the hot air and cold air discharged from the heat exchange unit are mixed by the action of the arc-shaped mixing baffle. At the same time, a supplementary air pipe is set in the direction of the hot air and cold air entering, so that the three gases can be mixed to form an airflow with a stable and uniform temperature. This makes the temperature of the air entering the vortex tube more stable, thus ensuring the constant temperature inside the drying chamber shell and ensuring the quality of dried angelica.

[0019] Preferably, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor are also installed on the shell of the drying chamber, and these sensors are electrically connected to the controller. By installing a temperature sensor on the shell of the drying chamber, the temperature inside the shell can be monitored in real time. When the temperature changes, the controller can control the speed of the airflow from the fan, thereby changing the temperature of the airflow at the hot air outlet of the vortex tube, thus regulating the temperature inside the drying chamber and achieving temperature equilibrium, ensuring the quality of the dried angelica. The pressure sensor allows for real-time monitoring of the pressure inside the drying chamber. When the pressure changes significantly, the pressure inside the drying chamber can be adjusted by regulating the fan speed.

[0020] Preferably, a roller cutter parallel to the axial direction of the roller is also provided below the roller. The roller cutter is movably mounted on the drying chamber shell, with a first gear at one end and a second gear on the output shaft of the first motor. The first gear meshes with the second gear. The roller cutter rotates in the opposite direction to the roller. The roller cutter includes a roller shaft and several blades arranged on the roller shaft. The several blades are arranged along the tangential direction of the outer surface of the roller shaft to cut off the fibrous roots protruding from the outside of the angelica inside the roller.

[0021] By setting up a roller cutter, the washed angelica root generally has a lot of fibrous roots. The roller has several through holes throughout its body. As the angelica root rolls inside the roller, the fibrous roots can easily leak out through the through holes. The cooperation of the first gear and the second gear allows the roller and the roller cutter to rotate in opposite directions. The roller cutter on the roller is parallel to the outer surface of the roller. During the mutual rolling process, the roller cutter can easily cut off the fibrous roots that have leaked out of the angelica root. After drying, a high-quality angelica root can be obtained.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The Angelica dahurica drying device provided by this invention reduces energy consumption during the drying process, provides more uniform temperature control, and more stable hot air flow rate, thereby improving the drying quality and efficiency of Angelica dahurica. By removing the fibrous roots, the processing steps of Angelica dahurica are reduced, thus lowering labor costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] A brief explanation of the contents of each figure in the instruction manual and the markings in the figures is provided: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the Angelica dahurica drying device in an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hobbing cutter in the embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow mixing and recovery box in the embodiment. In the diagram: 1 is the fan; 2 is the vortex tube; 3 is the casing; 4 is the drum; 5 is the first motor; 6 is the exhaust fan; 7 is the impeller; 8 is the belt; 9 is the second motor; 10 is the airflow mixing and recovery box; 10-1 is the box body; 10-2 is the arc-shaped mixing baffle; 11 is the water collection tank; 12 is the first heat exchange unit; 12-1 is the first heat exchange box; 12-2 is the first spiral cooling pipe; 13 is the oil film isolation film; 14 is the second heat exchange unit; 14-1 is the second heat exchange box; 14 -2 is the second spiral cooling tube; 15 is the water tank; 16 is the third spiral cooling tube; 17 is the fourth spiral cooling tube; 18 is the fifth spiral cooling tube; 19 is the oil level float switch; 20 is the drain solenoid valve; 21 is the water pump; 22 is the circulation pump; 23 is the pressure sensor; 24 is the temperature sensor; 25 is the air filter; 26 is the air supply pipe; 27 is the air supply solenoid valve; 28 is the roller; 29 is the blade; 30 is the first gear; 31 is the second gear; 32 is the hob. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The invention will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings, providing a non-limiting embodiment. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the invention.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, an Angelica dahurica drying device includes a drying unit, a dehumidification unit, an air regeneration unit, a water cooling system, and a controller. The drying unit includes a fan 1, a drying chamber, and a vortex tube 2. The air outlet of the fan 1 is connected to the air inlet of the vortex tube 2. The drying chamber includes a sealed shell 3, a mesh drum 4 containing Angelica dahurica arranged inside the shell 3, and a first motor 5 that drives the drum 4 to rotate. The first motor 5 is located outside the shell 3. The hot air outlet of the vortex tube 2 is connected to the drying chamber through the bottom of the shell 3, and an air outlet is provided at the top of the drying chamber. The dehumidification unit includes a rotary dehumidifier fixedly installed at the air outlet at the top of the drying chamber and... An exhaust fan 6 is installed at the air outlet at the top of the drying chamber; the rotary dehumidifier includes a rotor 7, a belt 8, and a second motor 9 that drives the rotor 7 to rotate via the belt 8; the rotor 7 includes a moisture absorption zone and a regeneration zone, one side of the moisture absorption zone is opposite to the exhaust fan 6 at the air outlet at the top of the drying chamber, and the other side is connected to the air regeneration unit via a pipe; the regeneration zone is connected to the hot air outlet of the vortex tube 2 on the side opposite to the top of the drying chamber, and the other side of the regeneration zone is connected to the external environment; the air inlet of the air regeneration unit is connected to the moisture absorption zone of the rotor 7 and the cold air outlet of the vortex tube 2 respectively, and the air outlet of the air regeneration unit is connected to the air inlet of the fan 1. Figure 2As shown, a hob cutter 32 parallel to the axis of the drum 4 is also provided below the drum 4. The hob cutter 32 is movably mounted on the drying chamber shell 3. A first gear 30 is provided at one end, and a second gear 31 is provided on the output shaft of the first motor 5. The first gear 30 and the second gear 31 mesh. The hob cutter 32 rotates in the opposite direction to the drum 4. The hob cutter 32 includes a roller 28 and several blades 29 provided on the roller 28. The several blades 29 are arranged along the tangential direction of the outer surface of the roller 28 to cut off the fibrous roots protruding from the outside of the angelica inside the drum 4.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the air regeneration unit includes a heat exchange unit, an airflow mixing and recovery box 10, and a water collection box 11 located below the heat exchange unit; the heat exchange unit includes a first heat exchange unit 12 and a second heat exchange unit 14; the first heat exchange unit 12 includes a first heat exchange box 12-1 and a first spiral cooling pipe 12-2 disposed within the first heat exchange box 12-1; the air inlet at the bottom of the first spiral cooling pipe 12-2 is connected to the cold air outlet of the vortex pipe 2, and the first heat exchange box 12-1 and the side of the exhaust gas from the moisture absorption zone of the rotor 7 are connected to the bottom of the first heat exchange box 12-1 through a pipe; the second heat exchange unit 14 includes a second heat exchange box 14-1 and a second spiral cooling pipe disposed within the second heat exchange box 14-1. The first heat exchanger 12-1 is connected to the second heat exchanger 14-1 via a drain hole at the bottom, and the second heat exchanger 14-1 is connected to the water collection tank 11 below it. The hot air from the first heat exchanger 12-1 is discharged from the top air outlet and connected to the bottom of the second heat exchanger 14-1. The air inlet of the second spiral cooling pipe 14-2 is connected to the air outlet of the first spiral cooling pipe 12-2. The hot air discharged from the top of the second heat exchanger 14-1 and the condensed gas discharged from the second spiral cooling pipe 14-2 are respectively introduced into the airflow mixing and recovery box 10 for mixing. The condensate formed in the second heat exchanger 14-1 is discharged from the drain hole at the bottom into the isolation oil film 13 of the water collection tank 11, thereby completing the second dehydration of the angelica drying gas. The top of the second heat exchange box 14-1 is connected to the airflow mixing and recovery box 10, the second spiral cooling pipe 14-2 is connected to the airflow mixing and recovery box 10, the airflow mixing and recovery box 10 is connected to the air inlet of the fan 1, and an air filter 25 is also provided between the airflow mixing and recovery box 10 and the fan 1. The air filter 25 includes a cotton layer at both ends of the air inlet and outlet and a desiccant layer between the cotton layers at both ends. The water collection box 11 is connected to the bottom of the first heat exchange unit 12 and the second heat exchange unit 14. The water collection box 11 contains an isolation oil film 13 that isolates condensate and the airflow above. The isolation oil film 13 is formed by silicone oil.

[0027] The water cooling system includes a water storage tank 15, a third spiral cooling pipe 16 installed inside the water storage tank 15, a fourth spiral cooling pipe 17 wound around the outside of the first heat exchange box 12-1, a fifth spiral cooling pipe 18 wound around the outside of the second heat exchange box 14-1, an oil level float switch 19 installed inside the water collection tank 11, a drain solenoid valve 20, a water pump 21, and a circulation pump 22. The bottoms of the water storage tank 15 and the water collection tank 11 are connected by a pipe. The drain solenoid valve 20 and the water pump 21 are connected sequentially on the pipe connecting the water collection tank 11 and the water storage tank 15. Each component is electrically connected to the controller, and the opening and closing of the drain solenoid valve 20 and the water pump 21 are controlled by the opening and closing of the oil level float switch 19. The bottom of the water storage tank 15 is provided with a water outlet, which is connected to the fifth spiral cooling pipe 18 and the fourth spiral cooling pipe 17 in sequence. The fourth spiral cooling pipe 17 returns the cooling water in the fifth spiral cooling pipe 18 and the fourth spiral cooling pipe 17 to the water storage tank 15 through the return pipe. The circulation pump 22 is connected to the water outlet pipe of the water storage tank 15, and a valve is also provided on the pipe between the circulation pump 22 and the water storage tank 15. An overflow port is provided at the upper end of the water storage tank 15.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the airflow mixing and recovery box 10 includes a box body 10-1 and an arc-shaped mixing baffle 10-2 disposed within the box body 10-1; the airflow direction of the hot air discharged from the heat exchange unit and the airflow direction of the cold air discharged from the cooling pipe of the heat exchange unit are both towards the inner arc surface of the arc-shaped mixing baffle 10-2, and the air replenishment pipe 26 is disposed between the hot air and cold air inlet directions of the airflow mixing and recovery box 10. An air replenishment structure is also provided on the airflow mixing and recovery box 10; the air replenishment structure includes an air replenishment pipe 26 and an air replenishment solenoid valve 27 disposed on the air replenishment pipe 26, the air replenishment pipe 26 being connected to the airflow mixing and recovery box 10; the air replenishment solenoid valve 27 is electrically connected to the controller. Figure 3 As shown, the angle of the hot and cold air introduction mixing and recovery box 10 can be set to a right angle. Both the hot and cold air are aligned with the center point of the arc-shaped mixing baffle 10-2, and the two airflows converge and mix at the center point of the arc-shaped mixing baffle 10-2. The air replenishment structure is set between the two airflows, ultimately forming a convergence and mixing of three airflows. The mixed gas passes through the air filter 25 and then enters the vortex tube 2 through the fan 1.

[0029] Pressure sensor 23 and temperature sensor 24 are also installed on the shell 3 of the drying chamber, and are electrically connected to the controller. The controller is electrically connected to the first motor 5 and the fan 1 respectively. The oil level float switch 19 is electrically connected to the controller, which in turn controls the opening and closing of the drain solenoid valve 20 and the water pump 21, thereby draining water from the water collection tank 11. The controller is electrically connected to the valve on the pipeline between the circulating pump 22 and the water storage tank 15, as well as to the circulating pump 22, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the water cooling system. The controller is electrically connected to the air supply solenoid valve 27.

[0030] like Figure 1As shown, the shell 3, the first spiral cooling pipe 12-2, the first heat exchange box 12-1, the second spiral cooling pipe 14-2, the second heat exchange box 14-1, the water collection box 11, the airflow mixing and recovery box 10, the fan 1, and the vortex tube 2 form a connected circulation space; the fan 1 is started by the controller, and the air outlet of the fan 1 provides high-speed airflow to the air inlet of the vortex tube 2, and the vortex tube 2 separates hot air and cold air at its hot air outlet and cold air outlet respectively; the roller 4 inside the shell 3 is filled with angelica, and the roller 4 rotates under the drive of the first motor 5, and the portion separated from the hot air outlet of the vortex tube 2 Hot air is injected into the shell 3 from the bottom and heats and dries the angelica in the drum 4. The dried hot air enters the dehumidification zone of the rotary dehumidifier's rotor 7 from the top of the shell 3 through the exhaust fan 6. The dehumidified hot air is then discharged through a pipe to the bottom of the first heat exchange box 12-1. The regeneration zone of the rotor 7 is directly dehumidified by a branch pipe connected to the pipe from the vortex tube 2 that discharges hot air, thus completing the removal of most of the moisture. The cold air separated from the cold air outlet of the vortex tube 2 is connected through a pipe to the first spiral cooling pipe 12-2 inside the first heat exchange box 12-1. The hot air discharged from the shell 3 exchanges heat with the first spiral cooling pipe 12-2 in the first heat exchange box 12-1. The hot air discharged from the shell 3 condenses into water in the first heat exchange box 12-1 and flows into the bottom water collection tank 11 through the drain hole at the bottom of the first heat exchange box 12-1. An isolation oil film 13 with a density less than water is provided in the water collection tank 11. The condensed water is isolated at the bottom of the isolation oil film 13 and discharged. The condensed gas discharged from the first spiral cooling pipe is discharged from the top of the first spiral cooling pipe 12-2 and passes through the bottom of the second spiral cooling pipe 14-2. The hot air from the first heat exchange box 12-1 enters the second spiral cooling pipe 14-2 and is discharged from the top of the first heat exchange box 12-1 and input to the bottom of the second heat exchange box 14-1. The condensed gas discharged into the second spiral cooling pipe 14-2 and the hot air discharged into the second heat exchange box 14-1 undergo a second heat exchange in the first heat exchange box 12-1, so that the water vapor in the hot air condenses into water and flows into the bottom water collection tank 11 from the drain hole at the bottom of the second heat exchange box 14-1. The condensed water is also isolated below by the isolation oil film 13 and is separated from the circulation space.

[0031] Since the cold air outlet of the vortex tube 2 can separate cold air below -40℃, the cold air separated from the cold air outlet of the vortex tube 2 is controlled at a temperature of -30℃ to -20℃. When the condensed gas separated from the vortex tube 2 enters the first spiral cooling tube 12-2 and exchanges heat with the hot air in the first heat exchange box 12-1, the condensed gas enters the second spiral cooling tube 14-2 and exchanges heat with the hot air in the second heat exchange box 14-1 again. The condensed gas is heated by about 20℃-30℃. At this time, the condensed gas is still at a low temperature and can still be used for cooling.

[0032] The condensate in the first heat exchanger 12-1 and the water collection tank 11 at the bottom of the second heat exchanger is isolated from the circulation system by the isolation oil film 13. Simultaneously, the condensate is continuously drawn into the water tank through the drain solenoid valve 20 and the water pump 21. During this process, the temperature of the condensate gradually rises. Since the cold air discharged from the second spiral cooling pipe 14-2 is relatively low, the cold air in the second spiral cooling pipe 14-2 is again passed through the third spiral cooling pipe 16 and into the water storage tank 15 to exchange heat with the extracted condensate, thereby lowering the temperature of the condensate in the water storage tank 15. The cooled condensate then passes through the first heat exchanger 12-1 under the action of the solenoid valve and the circulation pump 22. After passing through the fourth spiral cooling pipe 17 and the fifth spiral cooling pipe 18 of the second heat exchange box 14-1, the air returns to the water storage tank 15 for further cooling. During this process, the hot air in the first heat exchange box 12-1 is cooled by passing through the fourth spiral cooling pipe 17 outside the first heat exchange box 12-1 and the first spiral cooling pipe 12-2 inside the first heat exchange box 12-1. The hot air in the second heat exchange box 14-1 is cooled by passing through the fourth spiral cooling pipe 17 outside the second heat exchange box 14-1 and the second spiral cooling pipe 14-2 inside the second heat exchange box 14-1. This allows for rapid cooling of the hot air, condensation of more condensate, and rapid removal of moisture from the angelica in the drying room, as well as rapid drying of the air.

[0033] The condensed gas discharged from the third spiral cooling pipe 16 and the hot air discharged from the second heat exchange box 14-1 are respectively introduced into the airflow mixing and recovery box 10 for mixing. After the mixed gas is filtered out of excess moisture by the air filter 25, it is blown into the air inlet of the vortex pipe 2 from the air inlet of the fan 1. By discharging the moisture dried from the angelica and the moisture in the circulation space, the pressure in the circulation space is slightly lower than the external environment pressure and tends to be in equilibrium. A relatively negative pressure environment is formed in the circulation system, so that the moisture in the angelica can quickly enter the circulation system, thereby quickly drying and dehydrating the angelica.

[0034] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, is merely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and does 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 the invention. Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] The above embodiments should be understood as illustrative only and not as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. After reading the description of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to the present invention, and these equivalent changes and modifications also fall within the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drying device for Angelica dahurica, characterized in that, Includes a drying unit, a dehumidification unit, an air regeneration unit, and a controller; The drying unit includes a fan (1), a drying chamber, and a vortex tube (2); the air outlet of the fan (1) is connected to the air inlet of the vortex tube (2); the drying chamber includes a sealed shell (3), a mesh drum (4) containing angelica root arranged inside the shell (3), and a first motor (5) that drives the drum (4) to rotate, the first motor (5) being arranged outside the shell (3); the hot air outlet of the vortex tube (2) is connected to the drying chamber through the bottom of the shell (3), and an air outlet is provided at the top of the drying chamber; The dehumidification unit includes a rotary dehumidifier fixedly installed at the air outlet at the top of the drying chamber and an exhaust fan (6) installed at the air outlet at the top of the drying chamber; the rotary dehumidifier includes a rotary wheel (7), a belt (8) and a second motor (9) that drives the rotary wheel (7) to rotate via the belt (8); the rotary wheel (7) includes a moisture absorption zone and a regeneration zone, one side of the moisture absorption zone is opposite to the exhaust fan (6) at the air outlet at the top of the drying chamber, and the other side is connected to the air regeneration unit via a pipe; the regeneration zone is connected to the hot air outlet of the vortex tube (2) on the side opposite to the top of the drying chamber, and the other side of the regeneration zone is connected to the external environment; The air inlet of the air regeneration unit is connected to the moisture absorption area of ​​the rotor (7) and the cold air outlet of the vortex tube (2), respectively, and the air outlet of the air regeneration unit is connected to the air inlet of the fan (1). The air regeneration unit includes a heat exchange unit, an airflow mixing and recovery box (10), and a water collection box (11) located below the heat exchange unit; the heat exchange unit includes a first heat exchange unit (12); the first heat exchange unit (12) includes a first heat exchange box (12-1) and a first spiral cooling pipe (12-2) located inside the first heat exchange box (12-1); the air inlet at the bottom of the first spiral cooling pipe (12-2) is connected to the cold air outlet of the vortex pipe (2), and the first heat exchange box (12-1) is connected to the bottom of the first heat exchange box (12-1) via a pipe to the side of the exhaust gas from the moisture absorption area of ​​the impeller (7); the airflow mixing and recovery box (10) is connected to the air inlet of the fan (1); the water collection box (11) is connected to the bottom of the first heat exchange unit (12), and an oil film (13) is placed inside the water collection box (11) to isolate condensate and the airflow above. The controller is electrically connected to the first motor (5), the second motor (9) and the fan (1) respectively; The shell (3), the first spiral cooling pipe (12-2), the first heat exchange box (12-1), the water collection box (11), the airflow mixing and recovery box (10), the fan (1), and the vortex tube (2) form a connected and relatively sealed circulating space; the fan (1) is started by the controller, and the air outlet of the fan (1) injects air at high speed into the air inlet of the vortex tube (2), and the vortex tube (2) separates hot air and cold air at its hot air outlet and cold air outlet respectively; the drum (4) inside the shell (3) is filled with angelica, and the drum (4) rotates under the drive of the first motor (5), and the hot air separated from the hot air outlet of the vortex tube (2) is injected into the shell (3) through the bottom of the shell (3) and heats and dries the angelica in the drum (4), and the dried hot air is discharged from the top of the shell (3) through the pipe to the bottom of the first heat exchange box (12-1); the vortex tube ( 2) The cold air separated from the cold air outlet is connected to the first spiral cooling pipe (12-2) in the first heat exchange box (12-1) through the pipe; the hot air discharged from the shell (3) exchanges heat with the first spiral cooling pipe (12-2) in the first heat exchange box (12-1). The hot air discharged from the shell (3) condenses into water in the first heat exchange box (12-1) and flows into the bottom water collection tank (11) from the drain hole at the bottom of the first heat exchange box (12-1). An isolation oil film (13) with a density less than water is set in the water collection tank (11). The condensed water is isolated at the bottom of the isolation oil film (13) and discharged. The water dried by the angelica and the water in the circulation space are discharged through the exhaust fan (6), the rotary dehumidifier and the air regeneration unit. The pressure in the circulation space is lower than the external environment pressure and tends to be in equilibrium. The air regeneration unit further includes a second heat exchange unit (14), which includes a second heat exchange box (14-1) and a second spiral cooling pipe (14-2) disposed inside the second heat exchange box (14-1). The second heat exchange box (14-1) is connected to the water collection tank (11) below the second heat exchange box (14-1) through a drain hole at the bottom. The hot air from the first heat exchange box (12-1) is discharged from the top air outlet and connected to the bottom of the second heat exchange box (14-1). The air inlet of the second spiral cooling pipe (14-2) is connected to the air outlet of the first spiral cooling pipe (12-2). The condensate formed inside the second heat exchange box (14-1) is discharged from its bottom drain hole into the isolation oil film (13) of the water collection tank (11), thereby completing the second dehydration of the angelica drying gas. The Angelica dahurica drying device also includes a water cooling system; the water cooling system includes a water storage tank (15), a third spiral cooling pipe (16) installed in the water storage tank (15), a fourth spiral cooling pipe (17) wound around the outside of the first heat exchange box (12-1), a fifth spiral cooling pipe (18) wound around the outside of the second heat exchange box (14-1), an oil level float switch (19) installed in the water collection tank (11), a drain solenoid valve (20), a water pump (21), and a circulation pump (22); the bottom of the water storage tank (15) and the water collection tank (11) are connected by a pipe, and the drain solenoid valve (20) and the water pump (21) are connected in sequence on the pipe connecting the water collection tank (11) and the water storage tank (15). The oil level float switch (19), the drain solenoid valve (20), the water pump (21 ... The water solenoid valve (20) and water pump (21) are electrically connected to the controller. The opening and closing of the drain solenoid valve (20) and water pump (21) are controlled by the opening and closing of the oil level float switch (19). The bottom of the water storage tank (15) is provided with a water outlet. The water outlet of the water storage tank (15) is connected to the fifth spiral cooling pipe (18) and the fourth spiral cooling pipe (17) in sequence. The fourth spiral cooling pipe (17) returns the cooling water in the fifth spiral cooling pipe (18) and the fourth spiral cooling pipe (17) to the water storage tank (15) through the return pipe. The circulation pump (22) is connected to the water outlet pipe of the water storage tank (15). A valve is also provided on the pipe between the circulation pump (22) and the water storage tank (15). An overflow port is provided at the upper end of the water storage tank (15). The cold air in the second spiral cooling pipe (14-2) passes through the third spiral cooling pipe (16) and exchanges heat with the extracted condensate in the water storage tank (15), thereby reducing the temperature of the condensate in the water storage tank (15); the condensed gas discharged from the third spiral cooling pipe (16) and the hot air discharged from the second heat exchange box (14-1) are respectively introduced into the airflow mixing and recovery box (10) for mixing, and the mixed gas is blown into the air inlet of the vortex pipe (2) through the air inlet of the fan (1).

2. The Angelica dahurica drying apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first heat exchange box (12-1), the second heat exchange box (14-1), the first spiral cooling pipe (12-2), the second spiral cooling pipe (14-2), the third spiral cooling pipe (16), the fourth spiral cooling pipe (17) and the fifth spiral cooling pipe (18) are made of aluminum or copper.

3. The Angelica dahurica drying apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An air filter (25) is also provided between the airflow mixing and recovery box (10) and the fan (1). The air filter (25) includes a cotton layer at both ends of the air inlet and outlet and a desiccant layer between the cotton layers at both ends.

4. The Angelica dahurica drying apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a gas replenishment structure; the gas replenishment structure includes a gas replenishment pipe (26) and a gas replenishment solenoid valve (27) installed on the gas replenishment pipe (26), the gas replenishment pipe (26) is connected to the airflow mixing and recovery box (10); the gas replenishment solenoid valve (27) is electrically connected to the controller.

5. The Angelica dahurica drying apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The airflow mixing and recovery box (10) includes a box body (10-1) and an arc-shaped mixing baffle (10-2) disposed inside the box body (10-1); the airflow direction of the hot air discharged from the heat exchange unit and the airflow direction of the cold air discharged from the cooling pipe of the heat exchange unit are both towards the inner arc surface of the arc-shaped mixing baffle (10-2), and the air replenishment pipe (26) is disposed between the hot air and cold air intake directions of the airflow mixing and recovery box (10).

6. The Angelica dahurica drying apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure sensor (23) and a temperature sensor (24) are also provided on the shell (3) of the drying room, and the pressure sensor (23) and the temperature sensor (24) are electrically connected to the controller.

7. The Angelica dahurica drying apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Below the drum (4), there is also a roller cutter (32) parallel to the axis of the drum (4). The roller cutter (32) is movably mounted on the drying chamber shell (3). One end is provided with a first gear (30), and a second gear (31) is provided on the output shaft of the first motor (5). The first gear (30) meshes with the second gear (31). The roller cutter (32) rotates in the opposite direction to the drum (4). The roller cutter (32) includes a roller (28) and several blades (29) provided on the roller (28). The several blades (29) are arranged along the tangential direction of the outer surface of the roller (28) to cut off the exposed fibrous roots of Angelica dahurica inside the drum (4).

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