A micro-current rapid drying metal material system and application method
By using microcurrent rapid drying technology in the metal material drying system, and taking advantage of the electroosmotic effect and inert atmosphere protection, the problems of low efficiency, easy oxidation and high energy consumption in traditional drying methods are solved, and a rapid, deep and oxidation-free drying effect for metal materials is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- INST OF ENERGY HEFEI COMPREHENSIVE NAT SCI CENT (ANHUI ENERGY LAB)
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Traditional metal materials are inefficient to dry, prone to oxidation, uneven in drying, and have high energy consumption, making it difficult to achieve rapid and deep oxidation-free drying at room temperature or low temperature.
A microcurrent rapid drying system is adopted. By setting up a multi-layer metal screen conveyor belt and electrode module in a closed rectangular stainless steel chamber, the microcurrent generates an electroosmotic flow effect, which drives the directional migration of hydrated ions. Combined with inert atmosphere protection, it realizes rapid evaporation and uniform drying of deep liquid water.
It enables rapid, deep, and oxidation-free drying of metallic materials, improves the drying rate, avoids material oxidation and uneven heating, reduces energy consumption, and maintains the material's original color and electrical conductivity.
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Figure CN122129874A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of metal material processing technology, and more specifically, to a microcurrent rapid drying system and application method for metal materials. Background Technology
[0002] In fields such as battery manufacturing, powder metallurgy, precision machining, and metal 3D printing, materials such as metal electrodes, metal powders, precision parts, and porous metal foams often retain moisture on their surfaces and in their micropores after wet preparation, cleaning, or surface treatment. Thorough drying is essential before proceeding to the next process. Traditional metal material drying methods primarily employ conventional thermal drying methods such as hot air circulation drying, infrared baking, or vacuum ovens. However, these traditional methods have the following significant drawbacks in practical applications: First, metallic materials (especially active metal powders or thin electrodes) are highly susceptible to surface oxidation in high-temperature and oxygen-containing environments, leading to discoloration, decreased conductivity, hardening, or damage to mechanical properties. Second, traditional hot drying processes transfer heat from the outside in, which easily causes the material surface to form a skin and harden, creating a barrier that hinders moisture evaporation. Meanwhile, moisture deep within the material or porous structure is difficult to completely drain, easily resulting in a dry exterior and a wet interior. At the same time, relying on air convection or radiation to vaporize moisture results in significant heat loss and extremely high equipment energy consumption, which does not meet the requirements of modern industrial energy conservation and emission reduction.
[0003] Therefore, how to provide a drying system and application method that can achieve rapid, deep, oxidation-free, and low-energy drying of metal materials at room temperature or low temperature is an industry pain point that urgently needs to be solved in the field of metal material processing and treatment. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention aims to solve the technical problems of low drying efficiency, easy oxidation, and uneven drying of traditional metal materials.
[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a micro-current rapid drying system for metal materials, comprising a chamber containing a multi-layer material conveying mechanism. The material conveying mechanism includes an insulated shaft drive assembly and metal screen conveyor belts. The insulated shaft drive assembly is symmetrically arranged within the chamber, and the metal screen conveyor belts are sleeved around the outside of the insulated shaft drive assembly. The conveying directions of adjacent metal screen conveyor belts are opposite. The inner walls of both sides of the chamber are also equipped with staggered insulating baffles to guide the metal material on the surface of the upper metal screen conveyor belt to the surface of the lower metal screen conveyor belt. It also includes: an electrode module, which is disposed in the chamber and is used to provide a microcurrent to the metal material to generate an electroosmotic flow effect, forming an electric double layer at the metal-water interface. The microcurrent drives the hydrated ions in the electric double layer to move in a directional manner, thereby driving the overall migration of liquid water in the capillary channels to enhance and accelerate dehydration; an auxiliary module, which is disposed outside the chamber and is used to allow materials to enter and exit the chamber and to handle drainage; and a gas-liquid treatment module, which is disposed outside the chamber and is used to introduce inert gas into the chamber and circulate the gas in the chamber to maintain an oxygen-free drying environment.
[0006] The present invention provides a microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials, which, compared with the prior art, has, but is not limited to, the following beneficial effects: Addressing the technical problems of low drying efficiency, easy oxidation, and uneven drying of traditional metal materials, this system's main body is a closed rectangular stainless steel chamber. Inside, multiple layers of continuous material conveying mechanisms are arranged parallel to each other from top to bottom. Each layer consists of a precision ceramic insulated shaft drive assembly symmetrically mounted at both ends, and a corrosion-resistant woven stainless steel metal mesh conveyor belt fitted around and tensioned by the drive shaft. The mesh size of the conveyor belt ranges from 5 to 200 mesh, allowing for selective use of different screens depending on the material properties. Adjacent upper and lower conveyor belts circulate at opposite linear speeds under the control of the drive assembly. On the inner walls of both sides of the chamber, downward-sloping PTFE insulated baffles are installed in an alternating and staggered manner using welding or bolting. Furthermore, the system integrates a dynamically conductive electrode module inside the chamber, and an auxiliary module responsible for material inlet / outlet and water guidance, as well as internal gas control, is sealed and connected to the outside of the chamber. The gas-liquid processing module; the drive component drives the adjacent mesh belts to move in opposite directions. When the wet metal material is conveyed to the end by the first layer of mesh belts and falls, the inclined insulating baffle receives the material and causes it to flip and slide onto the second layer of mesh belts moving in opposite directions under the action of gravity. At the same time as this mechanical conveying, the electrode module injects a low-density micro-current into the metal screen conveyor belt and conducts it to the material. At the metal-water interface, an electrochemical double layer is induced. The Coulomb force of the electric field drives the hydrated ions to migrate directionally in the microscopic capillary channels, thereby pulling the deep liquid water outward and evaporating it. Compared with traditional pure hot air drying, this system opens up the electromigration-driven dehydration path, which allows the internal moisture to be quickly stripped from the inside out, greatly improving the drying rate. The multi-layer reverse-driven flipping design realizes the thin-layer spreading of the material, completely avoiding uneven heating caused by accumulation. With the protection of a pure inert atmosphere, easily oxidized active metals can be safely dehydrated at low temperatures, maintaining excellent material color and conductivity.
[0007] Furthermore, the electrode module includes a brush and an external power supply. The electrode module is slidably electrically connected to the metal screen conveyor belt through the brush to transmit a microcurrent to the metal screen conveyor belt, so that the metal material on the surface of the metal screen conveyor belt carries a microcurrent.
[0008] Furthermore, the electrode module also includes a brush holder and a constant pressure spring. The brush is slidably disposed within the brush holder, and under the thrust of the constant pressure spring, the working end of the brush is in close contact with the conductive edge of the metal screen conveyor belt.
[0009] Furthermore, the electrode module includes multiple sets of brushes, which are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the metal screen conveyor belt to provide multi-point, segmented microcurrent injection throughout the conveying path.
[0010] Furthermore, the chamber is also fixedly installed with equally spaced support plates, which are located in the metal screen conveyor belt and are used to support the metal screen conveyor belt.
[0011] Furthermore, the auxiliary module includes a hopper, a discharge port, and a drain pipe. The hopper is fixedly installed on the top of the chamber, and the bottom of the hopper is connected to the chamber. The discharge port is located on one side of the chamber near the bottom. The bottom of the chamber is connected to a series of equally spaced connecting pipes, and the ends of the connecting pipes are connected to the drain pipe.
[0012] Furthermore, an infrared dryer is provided in the discharge port to assist in drying the metal material, and a vibrating feed plate is also provided in the discharge port to assist the metal material to be discharged from the discharge port.
[0013] Furthermore, the chamber is also equipped with a humidity monitoring module for real-time collection of humidity data within the chamber, and the humidity monitoring module is electrically connected to the insulated shaft drive assembly and the electrode module.
[0014] Furthermore, the gas-liquid treatment module includes a purification component, an exhaust fan, and a gas guide pipe. The purification component is located at the top of the chamber and is connected to the chamber. A collection pipe is installed at the top of the purification component and is connected to the exhaust end of the exhaust fan. An installation pipe is installed at the exhaust end of the exhaust fan and a three-way valve is installed at the end of the installation pipe. A return pipe is installed on one side of the chamber and its end is connected to the three-way valve. One end of the gas guide pipe is connected to the three-way valve, and the other end of the gas guide pipe is used to introduce inert gas. A control valve is also provided on the outside of the gas guide pipe.
[0015] This invention also provides an application method for a microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials, comprising the following steps: Step S1: Metal material pretreatment to remove surface oil, rust and large attached objects, ensuring the surface is clean and free of impurities. With the help of the auxiliary module, the water-containing metal material is quantitatively fed into the chamber and falls onto the surface of the metal screen conveyor belt. Step S2: The insulated shaft drive assembly drives the multi-layer metal screen conveyor belt to operate, so that the adjacent two layers of metal conveyor belts are transported in opposite directions. Under the guidance of the insulated baffle, the metal material is automatically transferred, flipped and dropped between the layers to achieve dispersed spreading. Step S3: The microcurrent from the external power supply is transmitted to the metal screen conveyor belt through the brush of the electrode module, so that the surface metal material is charged and a double electric layer is formed at the interface between the metal material and water. The electroosmotic effect and Joule heating effect are used to enhance drying and promote the migration and evaporation of water to the polar end. Step S4: The water vapor generated by evaporation is treated by the gas-liquid treatment module to maintain an oxygen-free and dry environment in the chamber, and the auxiliary module discharges the dried metal material from the chamber. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the application method of a microcurrent rapid drying system for metal materials according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Chamber; 11. Insulated shaft drive assembly; 12. Metal screen conveyor belt; 13. Insulated baffle; 14. Pallet; 2. Electrode module; 3. Auxiliary module; 31. Hopper; 32. Discharge port; 33. Connecting pipe; 34. Drain pipe; 35. Infrared dryer; 4. Gas-liquid treatment module; 41. Purification assembly; 42. Collection pipe; 43. Exhaust fan; 44. Installation pipe; 45. Return pipe; 46. Air guide pipe; 47. Control valve. Detailed Implementation
[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing multiple embodiments according to this application. It should be understood that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described in this application without creative effort will fall within the scope of protection of this application.
[0019] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application; the terms "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are open-ended terms. Therefore, "comprising," "including," or "having" refers to, for example, a method or apparatus having one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to having only these one or more elements. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy. 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", 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.
[0021] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" 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 direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication 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.
[0022] It should be emphasized that when the term "comprising / including" is used in this specification, it is used to explicitly indicate the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, parts, or groups of features, integers, steps, or parts.
[0023] In this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.
[0024] See Figure 1 An embodiment of the present invention discloses a microcurrent rapid drying system for metal materials, comprising a chamber 1, wherein a multi-layer material conveying mechanism is provided in the chamber 1. The material conveying mechanism includes an insulated shaft drive assembly 11 and a metal screen conveyor belt 12. The insulated shaft drive assembly 11 is symmetrically arranged in the chamber 1, and the metal screen conveyor belt 12 is sleeved on the outside of the insulated shaft drive assembly 11. The conveying directions of adjacent metal screen conveyor belts 12 are opposite. The inner walls on both sides of the chamber 1 are also provided with staggered insulating baffles 13 for guiding the metal material on the surface of the upper metal screen conveyor belt 12 to the lower metal screen conveyor belt 12. The surface also includes: an electrode module 2, which is disposed in the chamber 1, for providing a microcurrent to the metal material to generate an electroosmotic flow effect, forming an electric double layer at the metal-water interface. The microcurrent drives the hydrated ions in the electric double layer to move in a directional manner, thereby driving the overall migration of liquid water in the capillary channels to enhance and accelerate dehydration; an auxiliary module 3, which is disposed outside the chamber 1, for allowing materials to enter and exit the chamber 1 and for drainage treatment; and a gas-liquid treatment module 4, which is disposed outside the chamber 1, for introducing inert gas into the chamber 1 and circulating the gas in the chamber 1 to maintain an oxygen-free drying environment.
[0025] In this embodiment, addressing the technical problems of low drying efficiency, easy oxidation, and uneven drying of traditional metal materials, the main body of the system is a closed rectangular stainless steel chamber 1. Inside, multiple layers of continuous material conveying mechanisms are arranged parallel to each other from top to bottom. Each layer of conveying mechanism consists of a precision ceramic insulated shaft drive assembly 11 symmetrically installed at both ends, and a corrosion-resistant woven stainless steel metal mesh conveyor belt 12 fitted around and tensioned by the drive shaft. The mesh size of the conveyor belt is 5-200 mesh, allowing for selective use of different screens depending on the material properties. Adjacent upper and lower conveyor belts in the system circulate at opposite linear speeds under the control of the drive assembly. On the inner walls of both sides of the chamber 1, inclined downward polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) insulated baffles 13 are installed alternately and staggered using welding or bolting. Furthermore, the system integrates a dynamically conductive electrode module 2 inside the chamber 1, and an auxiliary module 3 responsible for material inlet / outlet and water guidance is sealed and connected to the periphery of the chamber 1, as well as a module responsible for… The internal gas-controlled gas-liquid treatment module 4; the drive component drives the adjacent mesh belts to move in opposite directions. When the wet metal material is transported to the end by the first layer of mesh belts and falls, the inclined insulating baffle 13 receives the material and causes it to flip and slide onto the second layer of mesh belts moving in opposite directions under the action of gravity. At the same time as this mechanical transport, the electrode module 2 injects a low-density micro-current into the metal screen conveyor belt 12 and conducts it to the material. At the interface between metal and water, an electro-electric double layer is induced. The Coulomb force of the electric field drives the hydrated ions to migrate directionally in the micro-capillary channels, thereby pulling the deep liquid water outward and evaporating it. Compared with traditional pure hot air drying, this system opens up the electromigration-driven dehydration path, which enables the internal moisture to be quickly stripped from the inside out, greatly improving the drying rate. The multi-layer reverse-driven flipping design realizes the thin-layer spreading of the material, completely avoiding uneven heating caused by accumulation. With the protection of a pure inert atmosphere, easily oxidized active metals can be safely dehydrated at low temperature, maintaining excellent material color and conductivity.
[0026] Optionally, the electrode module 2 includes a brush and an external power supply. The electrode module 2 is slidably electrically connected to the metal screen conveyor belt 12 through the brush to transmit a microcurrent to the metal screen conveyor belt 12, so that the metal material on the surface of the metal screen conveyor belt 12 carries a microcurrent.
[0027] In this embodiment, the core of electrode module 2 includes an external pulsed DC power supply with adjustable output waveform and frequency, and a sliding brush made of high-conductivity graphite or copper composite material. The output terminal of the external power supply of electrode module 2 is electrically connected to the sliding brush through a wire. The end face of the brush directly presses against and rubs against the conductive track on the side edge of the circulating metal screen conveyor belt 12, thereby establishing a dynamic sliding conductive circuit. The external power supply applies controlled electrical energy, and the charge passes through the fixedly installed brush, directly crosses the dynamic friction interface, and is continuously fed to the metal screen conveyor belt 12, which is operating at high or low speed, so that the wet metal particles or electrode plates on the mesh belt have the same polarity charge. This refined structure completely solves the physical bottleneck that the moving mesh chain belt cannot be directly electrically connected through hard wires. Under the premise of ensuring that the continuous mechanical transmission is not interfered with, it realizes the stable and uninterrupted injection of electrical energy into the material layer and eliminates the power failure blind zone.
[0028] Optionally, the electrode module 2 further includes a brush holder and a constant pressure spring. The brush is slidably disposed in the brush holder, and under the thrust of the constant pressure spring, the working end of the brush is in close contact with the conductive edge of the metal screen conveyor belt 12.
[0029] In this embodiment, the electrode module 2 is also specially equipped with a tubular brush holder made of insulating material and a spiral compression constant pressure spring made of stainless steel. The sliding brush is sleeved in the inner cavity of the brush holder in a form that can slide freely up and down. The constant pressure spring is installed between the tail end of the brush and the bottom wall of the brush holder. Through the preload of the spring, the working contact of the brush is continuously pushed outward against the end face of the metal screen conveyor belt 12. The constant pressure spring provides a constant mechanical thrust to compress the brush. Even if the brush undergoes thickness wear due to long-term high-frequency friction, or if the metal screen conveyor belt 12 experiences slight up-and-down bumps and jumps under heavy load, the constant pressure spring can compensate for the gap in real time through its own elastic deformation. This constant pressure compensation mechanism greatly stabilizes the contact resistance between the brush and the mesh belt, completely avoiding the risk of burning metal materials or causing equipment safety hazards due to arcing and electric sparks caused by poor contact, and greatly improving the safety of the system's electrical operation.
[0030] Optionally, the electrode module 2 includes multiple sets of brushes, which are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the metal screen conveyor belt 12 to provide multi-point, segmented microcurrent injection throughout the conveying path.
[0031] In this embodiment, the electrode module 2 has multiple sets of independent sliding brushes arranged along the conveying direction on one or both sides of the single-layer metal mesh conveyor belt 12. The multiple sets of brushes simultaneously feed current to the long-distance conveyor belt from multiple different physical spatial positions, forming a multi-point parallel and segmented power grid layout. The ultra-long-distance metal mesh belt itself has a non-negligible friction resistance. If only a single-point power supply is used, it is easy to cause excessive voltage drop at the end and insufficient field strength. Using multi-point segmented power supply can effectively compensate for the friction impedance, ensuring that the material on the entire conveyor belt can obtain a constant and uniform electric field force at any position, thus ensuring the high uniformity of the drying quality of the entire batch of materials.
[0032] Optional, please refer to Figure 1 The chamber 1 is also fixedly installed with equidistantly distributed support plates 14, which are located in the metal screen conveyor belt 12 and are used to support the metal screen conveyor belt 12.
[0033] In this embodiment, a support plate 14, made of wear-resistant polytetrafluoroethylene plate or hard alloy plate with ceramic coating, is horizontally fixedly installed in the cavity between the upper and lower mesh belts enclosed by the metal screen conveyor belt 12. The support plates 14 are distributed at intervals along the conveying path, and their upper surfaces directly support the bottom surface of the moving upper mesh belt. The support plates 14 are fixed on the frame of the chamber 1, and the mesh belt slides through them. The support plates 14 provide rigid physical support for the mesh belt in the vertical direction. The wet metal powder or precision parts have a large self-weight. The addition of the support plates 14 completely eliminates the hidden danger of the mesh belt sinking downward in the middle, loosening or overstretching under heavy load, ensuring the uniformity of the material layer thickness and greatly extending the service life of the expensive metal screen.
[0034] Optional, please refer to Figure 1 The auxiliary module 3 includes a hopper 31, a discharge port 32, and a drain pipe 34. The hopper 31 is fixedly installed on the top of the chamber 1, and the bottom of the hopper 31 is connected to the chamber 1. The discharge port 32 is located on one side of the chamber 1 near the bottom. The bottom of the chamber 1 is connected to a series of equally spaced connecting pipes 33, and the ends of the connecting pipes 33 are connected to the drain pipe 34.
[0035] In this embodiment, the feeding section of the auxiliary module 3 includes a hopper 31 with a rotary star-shaped discharge valve installed on the top of the chamber 1, and the discharge section is an inclined discharge chute opened at the bottom of the side wall of the chamber 1. The drainage section consists of multiple funnel-shaped connecting pipes 33 densely distributed on the bottom plate of the chamber 1, and a drain pipe 34 that converges outside the chamber 1 and connects to these connecting pipes 33. The rotating star-shaped discharge valve feeds the material into the first layer of the mesh belt of the chamber 1 in a quantitative and air-isolated manner. A large amount of liquid water driven out by electroosmosis and water droplets condensed from gas fall to the bottom of the chamber 1, quickly converge through the multiple funnel-shaped connecting pipes 33 and are discharged from the drain pipe 34. The star-shaped discharge valve realizes a continuous and controlled feeding rate, avoiding the accumulation of material in the first layer. The funnel-shaped connecting pipes 33 with a large area evenly distributed at the bottom can make the precipitated liquid water flow away instantly, preventing water accumulation at the bottom of the chamber 1 from causing secondary reverse wetting of the dried material, thus ensuring drying efficiency.
[0036] Optional, please refer to Figure 1 An infrared dryer 35 is provided in the discharge port 32 to assist in drying metal materials. A vibrating feed plate is also provided in the discharge port 32 to assist in the discharge of metal materials from the discharge port 32.
[0037] In this embodiment, an infrared dryer 35, composed of multiple carbon fiber far-infrared heating tubes, is suspended in an array above the inclined feeding chute at the discharge port 32. A high-frequency, low-amplitude pneumatic or electric vibrator is rigidly connected to the bottom surface of the feeding chute, which drives the entire feeding chute plate to vibrate at high frequency. At the final exit of the material from the chamber 1, the infrared dryer 35 emits infrared rays of a specific wavelength to provide instantaneous high-energy radiative heat to the material. At the same time, the vibrator forces the feeding chute plate to vibrate at high frequency, causing the material to be in a suspended, fluidized sliding state. As the final deep drying process before discharge, the infrared dryer 35 thoroughly removes any trace amounts of bound water that may remain inside the material. The high-frequency vibration brought by the vibrator completely solves the industry problem of ultrafine metal powders adhering, sticking to the walls, or clogging the discharge port 32 due to static electricity or residual moisture, ensuring smooth discharge.
[0038] Optionally, the chamber 1 is further provided with a humidity monitoring module for real-time collection of humidity data in the chamber 1, and the humidity monitoring module is electrically connected to the insulating shaft drive assembly 11 and the electrode module 2.
[0039] In this embodiment, a corrosion-resistant capacitive high-precision humidity monitoring module is suspended in the core drying area where airflow converges within chamber 1. The signal output terminal of this module is connected to the microprocessor of the central control system via a cable. The microprocessor is then electrically connected to the servo motor of the insulated shaft drive assembly 11 and the power manager of the electrode module 2 via a control bus. The humidity sensor collects the relative humidity percentage inside chamber 1 in real time. When the internal humidity is detected to be higher than the set threshold, the control system automatically issues an instruction to reduce the speed of the servo motor to extend the conveyor belt conveying time and simultaneously increase the output current of the power module to enhance the electroosmotic dehydration. This refined structure establishes an adaptive intelligent closed-loop control strategy based on the actual dehydration state of the material. The equipment can automatically adjust the operating parameters according to the fluctuation of the feed moisture content, which avoids the quality defects of the material not being completely dried and also eliminates the energy waste caused by over-drying.
[0040] Optional, please refer to Figure 1 The gas-liquid treatment module 4 includes a purification component 41, an exhaust fan 43, and a gas guide pipe 46. The purification component 41 is located at the top of the chamber 1 and is connected to the chamber 1. A collection pipe 42 is connected to the top of the purification component 41 and is connected to the exhaust end of the exhaust fan 43. An installation pipe 44 is connected to the exhaust end of the exhaust fan 43 and is provided with a three-way valve at the end of the installation pipe 44. A return pipe 45 is connected to one side of the chamber 1 and is connected to the three-way valve at the end of the return pipe 45. One end of the gas guide pipe 46 is connected to the three-way valve, and the other end of the gas guide pipe 46 is used to introduce inert gas. A control valve 47 is also provided on the outside of the gas guide pipe 46.
[0041] In this embodiment, the gas-liquid treatment module 4 includes a purification component 41, a collection pipe 42, an exhaust fan 43, an installation pipe 44, and a precision three-way regulating valve at the top of the chamber 1, as well as a return pipe 45, an inert gas high-pressure guide pipe 46, and an electromagnetic control valve 47 on the side wall of the chamber 1. The purification component 41 is filled with a cold trap condenser plate and a high-efficiency air filter to prevent metal particles from escaping. The induced draft fan 43 forcibly extracts the water vapor evaporated in the chamber 1. When the water vapor passes through the cold trap of the purification component 41, it condenses into liquid and is discharged. The filter in the purification component 41 can intercept the entrained small metal powders. The pure inert gas after dehydration and purification can be mostly returned to the chamber 1 for closed-loop circulation through the return pipe 45 by controlling the opening of the three-way regulating valve. The small part or insufficient gas volume is supplemented by injecting fresh nitrogen or argon gas from the high-pressure gas pipe 46 through the electromagnetic control valve 47. The combination of the cold trap and the filter not only purifies the gas, but also recovers expensive materials and avoids wear on the induced draft fan 43. The high-proportion closed-loop circulation achieved by the three-way valve recycles the expensive inert protective gas, which greatly reduces the long-term operating cost of the equipment. Moreover, the dynamic gas replenishment maintains a slight positive pressure in the chamber 1, which absolutely prevents the infiltration of external oxygen.
[0042] This invention also provides an application method for a microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 This includes the following steps: Step S1: Metal material pretreatment to remove surface oil, rust and large attached objects to ensure the surface is clean and free of impurities. With the help of auxiliary module 3, the water-containing metal material is quantitatively fed into chamber 1 and falls onto the surface of metal screen conveyor belt 12. Step S2: The insulating shaft drive assembly 11 drives the multi-layer metal screen conveyor belt 12 to operate, so that the two adjacent metal conveyor belts are transported in opposite directions. Under the guidance of the insulating baffle 13, the metal material is automatically transferred, flipped and fell between the layers to achieve dispersed spreading. Step S3: The microcurrent from the external power supply is transmitted to the metal screen conveyor belt 12 through the brush of the electrode module 2, so that the metal material on the surface is charged and a double electric layer is formed at the interface between the metal material and water. The electroosmotic effect and the Joule heating effect are used to enhance drying and promote the migration and evaporation of water to the polar end. Step S4: The water vapor generated by evaporation is treated by the gas-liquid treatment module 4 to maintain an oxygen-free and dry environment in the chamber 1, and the auxiliary module 3 discharges the dried metal material from the chamber 1.
[0043] In this embodiment, before feeding, insulating deposits such as oil and oxide scale on the surface of the metal material are removed by means of ultrasonic or solvent washing to ensure the exposure of the metal's natural color. Then, the material is quantitatively fed into the hopper 31 and falls onto the first layer of the mesh belt. The material thickness is controlled to a set thin layer of five to thirty millimeters. The insulating shaft drive assembly 11 drives the multi-layer mesh belt to rotate in reverse, and the conveyor speed is controlled between 0.5 and 2 meters per minute. The material is obliquely buffered by the insulating baffles 13, and undergoes multiple drops and automatic flipping between layers, so that the different heated and electrically charged surfaces of the material are fully exposed and dispersed. The material is continuously conveyed on the conveyor belt. During operation, a controlled microcurrent with a specific current density is output from an external power supply and injected into the material layer through a brush. The microcurrent induces a strong double-layer electromigration phenomenon at the water-solid porous capillary interface. At the same time, the Joule heat generated in the micro-region and the electric field work together to promote the rapid vaporization of liquid water and its escape from the pores. The water vapor in the chamber 1 is extracted by the top fan 43 and purified by the cold trap. The clean gas is returned through the return pipe 45 by the three-way valve to maintain a low-oxygen or oxygen-free environment in the chamber 1. The dried material completes the final deep water lock through the infrared dryer 35 at the discharge port 32 and is discharged efficiently with the excitation of the vibrating plate.
[0044] This refined method fully integrates the complete process route of "mechanical fluidized inversion - high-efficiency electroosmotic flow drive - oxygen-free inert circulation - end infrared water locking". Each process is seamlessly coordinated under strict spatial and temporal sequences, which subverts the traditional high-temperature heat transfer drying mode and provides a solution with great industrial application value for continuous large-scale and high-fidelity drying of highly active and porous metal materials.
[0045] While the present invention has been disclosed above, its scope of protection is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials, comprising a chamber (1), characterized in that, The chamber (1) is provided with a multi-layer material conveying mechanism, which includes an insulated shaft drive assembly (11) and a metal screen conveyor belt (12). The insulated shaft drive assembly (11) is symmetrically arranged in the chamber (1), and the metal screen conveyor belt (12) is sleeved on the outside of the insulated shaft drive assembly (11). The conveying directions of two adjacent metal screen conveyor belts (12) are opposite. The inner walls on both sides of the chamber (1) are also provided with staggered insulating baffles (13) for guiding the metal material on the surface of the upper metal screen conveyor belt (12) to the surface of the lower metal screen conveyor belt (12). The chamber (1) also includes: Electrode module (2), which is disposed in chamber (1), is used to provide microcurrent to metal material to generate electroosmotic flow effect, form double electric layer at metal-water interface, microcurrent drives hydrated ions in double electric layer to move in a directional manner, and drives the overall migration of liquid water in capillary channels to enhance and accelerate dehydration. Auxiliary module (3), which is located outside the chamber (1), is used to allow materials to enter and exit the chamber (1) and to handle drainage. Gas-liquid processing module (4) is located outside the chamber (1) and is used to introduce inert gas into the chamber (1) and circulate the gas in the chamber (1) to maintain an oxygen-free and dry environment.
2. The microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode module (2) includes a brush and an external power supply. The electrode module (2) is slidably electrically connected to the metal screen conveyor belt (12) through the brush to transmit a microcurrent to the metal screen conveyor belt (12), so that the metal material on the surface of the metal screen conveyor belt (12) carries a microcurrent.
3. The microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrode module (2) also includes a brush holder and a constant pressure spring. The brush is slidably disposed in the brush holder, and under the thrust of the constant pressure spring, the working end of the brush is in close contact with the conductive edge of the metal screen conveyor belt (12).
4. The microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electrode module (2) includes multiple sets of brushes, which are spaced apart along the conveying direction of the metal screen conveyor belt (12) to provide multi-point, segmented microcurrent injection throughout the conveying path.
5. A microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials according to claim 4, characterized in that, The chamber (1) is also fixedly installed with equally spaced pallets (14), and the pallets (14) are located in the metal screen conveyor belt (12) to support the metal screen conveyor belt (12).
6. The microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The auxiliary module (3) includes a hopper (31), a discharge port (32) and a drain pipe (34). The hopper (31) is fixedly installed on the top of the chamber (1), and the bottom of the hopper (31) is connected to the chamber (1). The discharge port (32) is located on one side of the chamber (1) near the bottom. The bottom of the chamber (1) is connected to a connecting pipe (33) that is evenly distributed, and the end of the connecting pipe (33) is connected to the drain pipe (34).
7. A microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials according to claim 6, characterized in that, An infrared dryer (35) is provided in the discharge port (32) to assist in drying the metal material. A vibrating feed plate is also provided in the discharge port (32) to assist the metal material to be discharged from the discharge port (32).
8. A microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials according to claim 7, characterized in that, The chamber (1) is also equipped with a humidity monitoring module for real-time collection of humidity data in the chamber (1), and the humidity monitoring module is electrically connected to the insulating shaft drive assembly (11) and the electrode module (2).
9. A microcurrent rapid drying system for metallic materials according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas-liquid treatment module (4) includes a purification component (41), an exhaust fan (43), and a gas guide pipe (46). The purification component (41) is located at the top of the chamber (1) and is connected to the chamber (1). A collection pipe (42) is connected to the top of the purification component (41) and is connected to the exhaust end of the exhaust fan (43). An installation pipe (44) is connected to the exhaust end of the exhaust fan (43) and is provided with a three-way valve at the end of the installation pipe (44). A return pipe (45) is connected to one side of the chamber (1) and is connected to the three-way valve at the end of the return pipe (45). One end of the gas guide pipe (46) is connected to the three-way valve and the other end of the gas guide pipe (46) is used to introduce inert gas. A control valve (47) is also provided on the outside of the gas guide pipe (46).
10. An application method for the microcurrent rapid drying metal material system according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step S1: Metal material pretreatment, remove surface oil, rust and large attached objects to ensure the surface is clean and free of impurities. With the help of auxiliary module (3), the water-containing metal material is quantitatively fed into the chamber (1) and falls onto the surface of the metal screen conveyor belt (12). Step S2: The insulating shaft drive assembly (11) drives the multi-layer metal screen conveyor belt (12) to operate, so that the two adjacent metal conveyor belts are transported in opposite directions. Under the guidance of the insulating baffle (13), the metal material is automatically transferred, flipped and dropped between the layers to achieve dispersed spreading. Step S3: The microcurrent of the external power supply is transmitted to the metal screen conveyor belt (12) through the brush of the electrode module (2), so that the metal material on the surface is charged and a double electric layer is formed at the interface between the metal material and water. The drying is enhanced by the electroosmotic effect and the Joule heating effect, which promotes the migration of water to the polar end and its evaporation. Step S4: The water vapor generated by evaporation is processed by the gas-liquid processing module (4) to maintain an oxygen-free and dry environment in the chamber (1), and the auxiliary module (3) discharges the dried metal material from the chamber (1).