A multi-stage defoaming system

Abstract

The application discloses a multistage defoaming system, which comprises a defoaming tank, a storage tank, a bubble suction tank, a positive pressure mechanism and a negative pressure mechanism, the storage tank is connected with the defoaming tank through a material valve and connected with the bubble suction tank through a bubble suction valve, the defoaming tank and the bubble suction tank are connected with the positive pressure mechanism, the negative pressure mechanism is connected with the bubble suction tank, the defoaming tank is connected with a feeding mechanism, and the storage tank is connected with a discharging mechanism. The multistage defoaming system has the advantages of improving the defoaming effect and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food and pharmaceutical packaging machinery and equipment, and in particular to a multi-stage defoaming system. Background Technology

[0002] Some materials are prone to foaming during transportation due to their inherent properties (foaming components, high viscosity, poor stability) and the high mechanical transportation method, resulting in the following adverse effects: 1) Foaming interferes with judgment and obstructs material transportation; 2) Foaming causes material loss due to material runaway; 3) Foaming increases cleaning difficulty and increases the risk of microbial infection.

[0003] Existing defoaming systems generally use a defoaming tank connected to a positive or negative pressure mechanism. They eliminate bubbles by creating a positive or negative pressure environment inside the defoaming tank. For example, the fully automatic defoaming system (invention number CN201920624787.7) eliminates bubbles by creating positive pressure inside the defoaming tank. Similarly, a vacuum device for removing bubbles from adhesives (invention number CN202022332588.4) eliminates bubbles by creating negative pressure inside the defoaming tank and a sudden change from negative to normal pressure. However, regardless of whether positive, negative, or a sudden change from negative to normal pressure is used, only some bubbles can be eliminated; tiny bubbles are difficult to eliminate, resulting in a poor defoaming effect. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a multi-stage defoaming system that can improve the defoaming effect.

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

[0006] A multi-stage defoaming system includes a defoaming tank, a storage tank, a foam-absorbing tank, a positive pressure mechanism, and a negative pressure mechanism. The storage tank is connected to the defoaming tank via a feed valve and to the foam-absorbing tank via a foam-absorbing valve. Both the defoaming tank and the foam-absorbing tank are connected to the positive pressure mechanism. The negative pressure mechanism is connected to the foam-absorbing tank. The defoaming tank is connected to a feeding mechanism, and the storage tank is connected to a discharging mechanism.

[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution:

[0008] The defoaming tank, storage tank, and foam absorption tank are all equipped with a foam detection mechanism for detecting internal foam and a pressure detection mechanism for detecting internal pressure.

[0009] The defoaming tank, storage tank, and bubble absorption tank are all connected to a breather via a breather valve.

[0010] The defoaming tank, storage tank, and bubble absorption tank are all equipped with a liquid level detection mechanism for detecting the internal liquid level.

[0011] The liquid level detection mechanism includes a high liquid level sensor and a low liquid level sensor, which are respectively located at the upper and lower parts of the corresponding tank.

[0012] The positive pressure mechanism includes an inflation component, a first inflation valve, and a second inflation valve. The inflation component is connected to the defoaming tank via the first inflation valve and to the bubble-absorbing tank via the second inflation valve.

[0013] The negative pressure mechanism includes a vacuum assembly and a vacuum valve, and the vacuum assembly is connected to the bubble suction tank through the vacuum valve.

[0014] The defoaming tank and the foam-absorbing tank are both located above the storage tank. The feeding mechanism is connected to the top of the defoaming tank, the discharging mechanism is connected to the bottom of the storage tank, the material valve is connected between the bottom of the defoaming tank and the top of the storage tank, and the foam-absorbing valve is connected between the bottom of the foam-absorbing tank and the top of the storage tank.

[0015] The upper part of the storage tank is equipped with a funnel-shaped suction nozzle, and the suction valve is connected to the suction nozzle.

[0016] The feeding mechanism includes a feeding pipe and a feeding valve provided on the feeding pipe. The feeding pipe is connected to the defoaming tank. The discharging mechanism includes a discharging pipe and a discharging valve provided on the discharging pipe. The discharging pipe is connected to the storage tank.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0018] This invention's multi-stage defoaming system involves feeding material into a defoaming tank buffer. A positive pressure mechanism pressurizes the defoaming tank, compressing the gas within the foam and causing it to burst and disappear, thus eliminating larger bubbles. After depressurization, the defoaming tank is maintained at atmospheric pressure, and the feed valve is opened, allowing the material to enter a storage tank buffer. Next, a negative pressure mechanism creates a vacuum inside a bubble suction tank, opening the suction valve. Foam accumulated in the storage tank is drawn into the suction tank due to the vacuum. Under vacuum, the internal volume of the bubbles increases, causing them to burst and disappear, before flowing back to the storage tank. For more difficult-to-defoam (micro-foam), a certain amount of foam is collected after entering the suction tank. The suction valve is then closed, and a rapid differential pressure change is applied to the suction tank using both positive and negative pressure mechanisms, disrupting the surface tension stability of the foam and achieving rapid defoaming. This multi-stage defoaming system can eliminate large bubbles with positive pressure, small bubbles with negative pressure, and difficult-to-defoam with differential pressure, improving the defoaming effect. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-stage defoaming system of the present invention.

[0020] The labels in the diagram represent:

[0021] 1. Defoaming tank; 2. Storage tank; 21. Foaming nozzle; 3. Foaming tank; 4. Positive pressure mechanism; 41. Inflation assembly; 42. First inflation valve; 43. Second inflation valve; 5. Negative pressure mechanism; 51. Vacuum assembly; 52. Vacuum valve; 6. Feeding valve; 7. Foaming valve; 8. Feeding mechanism; 81. Feeding pipe; 82. Feeding valve; 9. Discharge mechanism; 91. Discharge pipe; 92. Discharge valve; 10. Foam detection mechanism; 11. Pressure detection mechanism; 12. Breathing valve; 13. Breather; 14. Liquid level detection mechanism; 141. High liquid level sensor; 142. Low liquid level sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0023] In the description of this invention, 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. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0024] 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 invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," "linking," 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 invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] Figure 1An embodiment of the multi-stage defoaming system of the present invention is shown. The multi-stage defoaming system of this embodiment includes a defoaming tank 1, a storage tank 2, a foam absorption tank 3, a positive pressure mechanism 4, and a negative pressure mechanism 5. The storage tank 2 is connected to the defoaming tank 1 through a material inlet valve 6 and to the foam absorption tank 3 through a foam absorption valve 7. Both the defoaming tank 1 and the foam absorption tank 3 are connected to the positive pressure mechanism 4, and the negative pressure mechanism 5 is connected to the foam absorption tank 3. The defoaming tank 1 is connected to a feeding mechanism 8, and the storage tank 2 is connected to a discharging mechanism 9.

[0027] Material is conveyed to defoaming tank 1 via feeding mechanism 8. Positive pressure mechanism 4 pressurizes defoaming tank 1, compressing the gas in the foam and causing it to burst and disappear, thus eliminating some larger bubbles. Then, after depressurization, defoaming tank 1 is maintained at atmospheric pressure, and the feed valve 6 is opened, allowing material in defoaming tank 1 to enter storage tank 2 for buffering. Next, negative pressure mechanism 5 creates a vacuum inside bubble suction tank 3, and bubble suction valve 7 is opened. Foam accumulated in storage tank 2 is drawn into bubble suction tank 3 due to the vacuum. Under vacuum, the internal volume of the bubbles increases, causing them to burst and disappear, before flowing back to storage tank 2. For some difficult-to-defoam (micro-foam), after entering bubble suction tank 3, a certain amount of foam is collected, bubble suction valve 7 is closed, and a rapid differential pressure change is applied to bubble suction tank 3 through positive pressure mechanism 4 and negative pressure mechanism 5, disrupting the surface tension stability of the foam and achieving rapid defoaming. This multi-stage defoaming system can perform positive pressure defoaming of large bubbles, negative pressure defoaming of small bubbles, and differential pressure defoaming of difficult-to-defoam, improving the defoaming effect.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the defoaming tank 1, the storage tank 2, and the foam absorption tank 3 are all equipped with a foam detection mechanism 10 for detecting internal foam and a pressure detection mechanism 11 for detecting internal pressure. The foam detection mechanism 10 and the pressure detection mechanism 11 on the defoaming tank 1, the storage tank 2, and the foam absorption tank 3 respectively detect the internal foam state and the internal pressure, thereby enabling the pressure state to be adjusted according to the foam state to achieve a good defoaming effect.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the defoaming tank 1, the storage tank 2, and the foam-absorbing tank 3 are all connected to a breather 13 via a breather valve 12. By opening the breather valve 12 and the breather 13, air can be supplied to the defoaming tank 1, the storage tank 2, and the foam-absorbing tank 3.

[0030] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the defoaming tank 1, the storage tank 2, and the foam absorption tank 3 are all equipped with a liquid level detection mechanism 14 for detecting the internal liquid level.

[0031] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the liquid level detection mechanism 14 includes a high liquid level sensor 141 and a low liquid level sensor 142, which are respectively located at the upper and lower parts of the corresponding tank.

[0032] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positive pressure mechanism 4 includes an inflation component 41, a first inflation valve 42, and a second inflation valve 43. The inflation component 41 is connected to the defoaming tank 1 through the first inflation valve 42 and to the bubble-absorbing tank 3 through the second inflation valve 43.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the negative pressure mechanism 5 includes a vacuum assembly 51 and a vacuum valve 52, and the vacuum assembly 51 is connected to the bubble suction tank 3 through the vacuum valve 52.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, both the defoaming tank 1 and the foam-absorbing tank 3 are located above the storage tank 2. The feeding mechanism 8 is connected to the top of the defoaming tank 1, the discharging mechanism 9 is connected to the bottom of the storage tank 2, the material valve 6 is connected between the bottom of the defoaming tank 1 and the top of the storage tank 2, and the foam-absorbing valve 7 is connected between the bottom of the foam-absorbing tank 3 and the top of the storage tank 2.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper part of the storage tank 2 is provided with a funnel-shaped foam suction nozzle 21, and the foam suction valve 7 is connected to the foam suction nozzle 21. The foam suction nozzle 21 is funnel-shaped, which facilitates the suction of foam.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the feeding mechanism 8 includes a feeding pipe 81 and a feeding valve 82 provided on the feeding pipe 81. The feeding pipe 81 is connected to the defoaming tank 1. The discharging mechanism 9 includes a discharging pipe 91 and a discharging valve 92 provided on the discharging pipe 91. The discharging pipe 91 is connected to the storage tank 2.

[0037] Some material enters the defoaming tank 1 for buffering via the feeding mechanism 8. The material inflow and outflow are controlled in conjunction with the high-level sensor 141 and the low-level sensor 142. At a low level, material begins to enter the defoaming tank 1; at a high level, material flow stops. The defoaming tank 1 has a built-in foam detection mechanism 10. When a foam signal is generated, the feed valve 82 and the breather valve 12 of the defoaming tank 1 are closed, and the first inflation valve 42 is opened to pressurize the tank with compressed air / nitrogen. The pressure detection mechanism 11 of the defoaming tank 1 controls and regulates the pressure. The gas in the foam is compressed, causing the foam to burst and disappear. This process eliminates some larger foams; the pressurization is rapid and does not affect the conveying process. The breather valve 12 of the defoaming tank 1 is opened to release pressure to atmospheric pressure. After the pressure detection mechanism 11 of the defoaming tank 1 reports atmospheric pressure, material inflow and outflow resume.

[0038] Material in defoaming tank 1 flows by gravity into storage tank 2 for buffering, reducing the impact. Storage tank 2 has built-in high-level sensor 141 and low-level sensor 142, which are linked to the defoaming tank 1 for feeding. The breather valve 12 of storage tank 2 is normally open to maintain internal atmospheric pressure, which is monitored by the pressure detection mechanism 11 to prevent pressure problems from affecting the inflow and outflow of liquid in storage tank 2. When foam is generated, the foam detection mechanism 10 in storage tank 2 sends a signal feedback. The vacuum valve 52 opens, starting to create a vacuum. The foam accumulated in storage tank 2 is drawn upwards to the foam suction tank 3 due to the vacuum. The foam suction tank 3 is detected by its pressure detection mechanism 11, maintaining a vacuum environment. As the internal volume of the foam increases, the foam bursts and disappears, and the material flows back to storage tank 2. This process can eliminate small foams, maintains a continuous vacuum state, and does not interfere with the inflow and outflow of material in storage tank 2.

[0039] Some of the more difficult-to-defoam parts, without breaking down, enter the foam absorption tank 3. Once the foam detection mechanism 10 inside the tank detects a certain amount of foam, it closes the vacuum valve 52 and the foam absorption valve 7, forming a closed-pressure container. The second inflation valve 43 and the vacuum valve 52 are then rapidly opened, causing a rapid change in differential pressure, breaking down the surface tension of the inner and outer surfaces of the foam, thus achieving the desired defoaming effect. This process involves independent inlet and outlet of the storage tank 2, without affecting the conveying process.

[0040] Through three-stage defoaming treatment, foam generated during transportation can be effectively eliminated, ensuring normal material transportation and reducing risks such as material spillage and microbial contamination, thus bringing greater production benefits.

[0041] 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 multi-stage defoaming system, characterized in that: The system includes a defoaming tank (1), a storage tank (2), a foam-absorbing tank (3), a positive pressure mechanism (4), and a negative pressure mechanism (5). The storage tank (2) is connected to the defoaming tank (1) via a feed valve (6) and to the foam-absorbing tank (3) via a foam-absorbing valve (7). Both the defoaming tank (1) and the foam-absorbing tank (3) are connected to the positive pressure mechanism (4). The negative pressure mechanism (5) is connected to the foam-absorbing tank (3). The defoaming tank (1) is connected to a feeding mechanism (8), and the storage tank (2) is connected to a discharging mechanism (9). The defoaming tank (1) is used to form positive pressure through the positive pressure mechanism (4) to eliminate large foams in the material. The foam-absorbing tank (3) is used to form negative pressure through the negative pressure mechanism (5) to draw small foams in the material in the storage tank (2) through the foam-absorbing valve (7) for elimination, and to eliminate foam under the rapid differential pressure change of the positive pressure mechanism (4) and the negative pressure mechanism (5).

2. The multi-stage defoaming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The defoaming tank (1), the storage tank (2), and the bubble absorption tank (3) are all equipped with a foam detection mechanism (10) for detecting internal foam and a pressure detection mechanism (11) for detecting internal pressure.

3. The multi-stage defoaming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The defoaming tank (1), the storage tank (2) and the bubble suction tank (3) are all connected to a breather (13) via a breather valve (12).

4. The multi-stage defoaming system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The defoaming tank (1), the storage tank (2) and the aeration tank (3) are all equipped with a liquid level detection mechanism (14) for detecting the internal liquid level.

5. The multi-stage defoaming system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The liquid level detection mechanism (14) includes a high liquid level sensor (141) and a low liquid level sensor (142), which are respectively located at the upper and lower parts of the corresponding tank.

6. The multi-stage defoaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The positive pressure mechanism (4) includes an inflation component (41), a first inflation valve (42), and a second inflation valve (43). The inflation component (41) is connected to the defoaming tank (1) through the first inflation valve (42) and to the bubble-absorbing tank (3) through the second inflation valve (43).

7. The multi-stage defoaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The negative pressure mechanism (5) includes a vacuum assembly (51) and a vacuum valve (52), and the vacuum assembly (51) is connected to the bubble tank (3) through the vacuum valve (52).

8. The multi-stage defoaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The defoaming tank (1) and the foam-absorbing tank (3) are both located above the storage tank (2). The feeding mechanism (8) is connected to the top of the defoaming tank (1), the discharging mechanism (9) is connected to the bottom of the storage tank (2), the feeding valve (6) is connected between the bottom of the defoaming tank (1) and the top of the storage tank (2), and the foam-absorbing valve (7) is connected between the bottom of the foam-absorbing tank (3) and the top of the storage tank (2).

9. The multi-stage defoaming system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The upper part of the storage tank (2) is provided with a funnel-shaped bubble suction nozzle (21), and the bubble suction valve (7) is connected to the bubble suction nozzle (21).

10. The multi-stage defoaming system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The feeding mechanism (8) includes a feeding pipe (81) and a feeding valve (82) provided on the feeding pipe (81). The feeding pipe (81) is connected to the defoaming tank (1). The discharging mechanism (9) includes a discharging pipe (91) and a discharging valve (92) provided on the discharging pipe (91). The discharging pipe (91) is connected to the storage tank (2).

Images