Quantitative weighing and packaging device for organic fertilizer particles

By installing a stirring and heating mechanism in the storage silo to prevent organic fertilizer granules from clumping, and combining it with a vibrator and a high-precision weighing sensor, the problems of inaccurate weighing and poor feeding of organic fertilizer granules are solved, achieving an efficient and precise packaging process.

CN224184553UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-01GUANGXI MAOYUAN TECH CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
GUANGXI MAOYUAN TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-30
Publication Date
2026-05-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing quantitative weighing and packaging devices suffer from inaccurate weighing results and poor material feeding when processing organic fertilizer granules due to granules absorbing moisture and clumping together, thus affecting packaging efficiency.

Method used

A mixing and heating mechanism is installed inside the storage silo. The mixing blades and heating wires prevent the particles from clumping. At the same time, a vibrator is used to prevent material discharge blockage. Combined with a high-precision weighing sensor and a flipping mechanism, the weighing accuracy and material discharge are ensured.

Benefits of technology

It enables precise weighing and efficient packaging of organic fertilizer granules, avoiding weighing errors and poor material feeding caused by clumping, and improving packaging efficiency and weighing accuracy.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224184553U_ABST
    Figure CN224184553U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of organic fertilizer packaging, in particular to a quantitative weighing and packaging device for organic fertilizer particles, which is accurate in weighing and efficient in caking prevention. Comprising a storage bin, a discharging assembly, a weighing and metering assembly, a packaging assembly, an anti-caking assembly and a controller. A feeding hole and a discharging hole are respectively formed in two ends of the storage bin; the discharging assembly comprises a discharging pipe and a discharging control valve, one end of the discharging pipe is connected with a discharging port of the storage bin, the other end of the discharging pipe extends to the position above the weighing and metering assembly, and the discharging control valve is arranged on the discharging pipe. The anti-caking assembly comprises a stirring mechanism and a heating mechanism, the stirring mechanism is arranged in the storage bin, and the heating mechanism is arranged on the inner wall of the storage bin; the controller is electrically connected with the weighing and metering assembly, the discharging assembly, the packaging assembly and the anti-caking assembly.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

A quantitative weighing and packaging device for organic fertilizer granules Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of organic fertilizer packaging, and in particular to a quantitative weighing and packaging device for organic fertilizer granules. Background Technology

[0002] Organic fertilizer granules are granular fertilizers made primarily from organic materials such as livestock and poultry manure and crop straw, processed through fermentation, decomposition, and granulation. They are rich in organic matter, humic acid, and various nutrients, effectively improving soil structure, fertility, and the quality of agricultural products. During the production and processing of organic fertilizers, a precise weight of organic fertilizer granules needs to be weighed and packaged.

[0003] Existing quantitative weighing and packaging devices generally include a storage silo, a feeding mechanism, a weighing mechanism, and a packaging mechanism. The storage silo stores the organic fertilizer granules to be packaged, the feeding mechanism transports the granules from the silo, the weighing mechanism typically uses a load cell to measure the weight of the granules, and the weighed granules are then packaged in the packaging mechanism. However, because organic fertilizer granules are hygroscopic, they easily absorb moisture and clump together during storage and transportation. Clumping fertilizer granules can cause uneven pressure on the load cell, leading to inaccurate weighing results and affecting the accuracy of the packaged weight. Furthermore, clumping fertilizer granules can clog the feeding mechanism, causing poor feeding and reducing packaging efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a quantitative weighing and packaging device for organic fertilizer granules that is accurate in weighing and efficient in preventing caking.

[0005] This utility model discloses a quantitative weighing and packaging device for organic fertilizer granules, comprising a storage silo, a feeding assembly, a weighing and metering assembly, a packaging assembly, an anti-caking assembly, and a controller. The storage silo has an inlet and an outlet at both ends. The feeding assembly includes a feeding pipe and a feeding control valve; one end of the feeding pipe is connected to the outlet of the storage silo, and the other end extends above the weighing and metering assembly. The feeding control valve is mounted on the feeding pipe. The weighing and metering assembly includes a weighing platform, a weighing sensor, and a tilting mechanism. The weighing platform is located below the feeding assembly, the weighing sensor is located at the bottom of the weighing platform, and the output end of the tilting mechanism is connected to the weighing platform. The packaging assembly includes a packaging container placement platform and a packaging film conveying mechanism. The packaging container placement platform is located below the weighing platform, and the packaging film conveying mechanism is located on one side of the packaging container placement platform. The anti-caking assembly includes a stirring mechanism and a heating mechanism. The stirring mechanism is located inside the storage silo, and the heating mechanism is located on the inner wall of the storage silo. The controller is electrically connected to the weighing and metering assembly, the feeding assembly, the packaging assembly, and the anti-caking assembly.

[0006] Furthermore, the stirring mechanism includes a stirring shaft and stirring blades. The stirring shaft is vertically installed inside the storage silo, with one end of the stirring shaft rotatably connected to the top of the storage silo and the other end extending to the bottom of the storage silo. The stirring blades are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the stirring shaft and are fixedly connected to the stirring shaft. The stirring shaft is driven to rotate by a drive motor, which is electrically connected to the controller.

[0007] Furthermore, the heating mechanism includes a heating wire and a temperature sensor. The heating wire is spirally wound inside the storage hopper interlayer, and the temperature sensor is located inside the storage hopper and is electrically connected to the controller.

[0008] Furthermore, the outside of the storage silo is covered with an insulation layer.

[0009] Furthermore, a vibrator is installed on the inner wall of the feeding pipe, and the vibrator is electrically connected to the controller.

[0010] Furthermore, a transparent protective cover is installed on the weighing platform, which is placed on the outside of the packaging container placement platform.

[0011] Furthermore, an observation window with scale lines is provided on the outside of the storage silo.

[0012] Furthermore, filters are installed at both the inlet and outlet of the storage silo.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] 1. A stirring mechanism is installed inside the storage silo. The stirring shaft and stirring blades are driven by a motor to continuously stir the organic fertilizer granules, preventing them from accumulating and clumping. At the same time, the spiral heating wires installed on the inner wall of the storage silo can heat the inside of the silo. With the help of a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature in real time, the silo is kept in a suitable dry environment, which further inhibits the fertilizer granules from absorbing moisture and clumping. The vibrator on the inner wall of the discharge pipe vibrates during operation to prevent the fertilizer granules from clogging during the discharge process and ensure smooth discharge.

[0015] 2. Due to the coordinated action of the stirring and heating mechanisms, fertilizer granules are prevented from clumping, and the weighing sensor is subjected to uniform pressure, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the weighing results and guaranteeing that the packaging weight meets the standards.

[0016] 3. The smooth feeding process of the feeding mechanism avoids downtime caused by clumping and blockage. Combined with the fast and accurate weighing of the weighing and metering components and the efficient operation of the packaging components, the packaging efficiency of organic fertilizer granules is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of part AA in Figure 2.

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of part AA in Figure 2;

[0022] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the storage bin of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of part BB in Figure 5;

[0024] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Storage bin; 11. Inlet; 12. Outlet; 13. Insulation layer; 14. Observation window; 15. Scale line; 16. Filter screen; 2. Feeding assembly; 21. Feeding pipe; 22. Feeding control valve; 23. Vibrator; 3. Weighing and metering assembly; 31. Weighing platform; 32. Weighing sensor; 33. Tilting mechanism; 34. Protective cover; 4. Packaging assembly; 41. Placement platform; 42. Packaging film conveying mechanism; 5. Anti-caking assembly; 51. Stirring mechanism; 511. Stirring shaft; 512. Stirring blade; 513. Drive motor; 52. Heating mechanism; 521. Heating wire; 522. Temperature sensor; 6. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the present invention provides a quantitative weighing and packaging device for organic fertilizer granules, comprising a storage bin 1, a feeding component 2, a weighing and metering component 3, a packaging component 4, an anti-caking component 5, and a controller 6. The controller 6 is electrically connected to the weighing and metering component 3, the feeding component 2, the packaging component 4, and the anti-caking component 5, respectively, and is used to monitor and control the working parameters and working status of each module.

[0027] In the embodiments of this application, the storage silo 1 is used to store organic fertilizer granules, and has an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 at its two ends. The inlet 11 is used to continuously introduce the organic fertilizer granules to be packaged into the storage silo. In actual production, the inlet 11 can be connected to the upstream organic fertilizer production and processing equipment through pipelines or conveying devices to ensure that the fertilizer granules can smoothly enter the storage silo 1 for temporary storage. The outlet 12 is connected to the subsequent feeding components and is the channel for the fertilizer granules to flow to the packaging stage. The design volume of the storage silo 1 needs to be planned according to the actual production scale to meet the needs of continuous and efficient production.

[0028] In the embodiments of this application, the feeding assembly 2 includes a feeding pipe 21 and a feeding control valve 22. One end of the feeding pipe 21 is connected to the outlet 12 of the storage bin 1, and the connection can be made by welding, flange connection or other secure methods to ensure that no leakage occurs during the conveying of fertilizer granules. The other end of the feeding pipe 21 extends above the weighing and metering assembly 3 to provide a conveying path for the fertilizer granules to fall accurately into the weighing area. The feeding control valve 22 is set on the feeding pipe 21. This control valve is usually controlled by electric or pneumatic means and can accurately control the flow rate and velocity of fertilizer granules in the feeding pipe according to the signal sent by the controller 6. In the initial stage of the packaging process, the feeding control valve 22 is configured to open quickly to a large degree so that fertilizer granules can flow into the weighing and metering assembly 3 quickly and in large quantities to speed up the weighing speed. When the weighing and metering assembly 3 detects that the weight is close to the preset value, the feeding control valve 22 gradually reduces the opening to achieve slow feeding and ensure the accuracy of the final weighing result.

[0029] In the embodiments of this application, the weighing and metering component 3 includes a weighing platform 31, a weighing sensor 32, and a flipping mechanism 33. The weighing platform 31 is located below the feeding component 2 and directly carries the organic fertilizer particles falling from the feeding pipe 21. Its surface is usually designed to be smooth and flat to avoid fertilizer particle residue affecting the accuracy of the next weighing. The weighing sensor 32 is located at the bottom of the weighing platform 31. Using the pressure sensing principle, it converts the weight of the fertilizer particles acting on the weighing platform into an electrical signal and transmits it to the controller 6 for analysis and processing. The accuracy of the weighing sensor 32 directly determines the accuracy of the packaging weight. In this device, a high-precision weighing sensor is usually selected. The output end of the flipping mechanism 33 is connected to the weighing platform 31. After the weighing is completed and the packaging container is in place, the flipping mechanism 33 is started under the command of the controller 6 to tilt the weighing platform 31 at a certain angle so that the fertilizer particles on the weighing platform are quickly and completely poured into the packaging container. Its flipping speed and angle can be adjusted according to actual needs to ensure that the fertilizer particles can be unloaded smoothly without impacting the packaging container.

[0030] In the embodiments of this application, the packaging component 4 includes a packaging container placement platform 41 and a packaging film conveying mechanism 42. The packaging container placement platform 41 is located below the weighing platform 31 and is used to stably place the packaging containers to be filled with fertilizer granules, such as woven bags, plastic bags, etc. The size and structure of the placement platform 41 need to be designed according to the specifications of common packaging containers to ensure that the packaging containers are placed stably and will not shift during weighing and unloading. The packaging film conveying mechanism 42 is located on one side of the packaging container placement platform 41 and accurately conveys the packaging film to the packaging position. This conveying mechanism is usually driven by a motor and achieves stable conveying of the packaging film through a series of rollers and transmission devices. During the conveying process, the conveying speed and length of the packaging film can be precisely controlled according to the packaging requirements. At the same time, the packaging film conveying mechanism 42 can also cooperate with the sealing mechanism to realize the automatic sealing of the packaging film and complete the entire packaging process.

[0031] In the embodiments of this application, the anti-caking component 5 includes a stirring mechanism 51 and a heating mechanism 52. The stirring mechanism 51 is disposed inside the storage silo 1 and continuously stirs the organic fertilizer particles in the storage silo to prevent the fertilizer particles from absorbing moisture and clumping due to prolonged static storage. The heating mechanism 52 is disposed on the inner wall of the storage silo 1 and heats the air in the storage silo to increase the ambient temperature and reduce the air humidity, thereby reducing the degree of moisture absorption by the fertilizer particles. Through the synergistic action of the stirring mechanism 51 and the heating mechanism 52, the clumping of fertilizer particles is effectively avoided, and the weighing sensor 32 is subjected to uniform pressure, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the weighing result and guaranteeing that the packaging weight meets the standard.

[0032] In some embodiments of this application, the stirring mechanism 51 includes a stirring shaft 511 and stirring blades 512. In these embodiments, the stirring shaft 511 is vertically arranged inside the storage silo 1. One end of the stirring shaft 511 is rotatably connected to the top of the storage silo 1 via a bearing. The bearing is typically a deep groove ball bearing or a self-aligning roller bearing, which can withstand large radial loads and accommodate slight axial displacements that may occur during stirring, ensuring the stability and smoothness of the stirring shaft rotation. The other end of the stirring shaft 511 extends to the bottom of the storage silo 1 to maximize coverage of the activity space of the fertilizer particles inside the storage silo 1. The stirring blades 512 are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the stirring shaft 511, and their number is optimized according to the size and shape of the storage silo 1. The design ensures uniformity of the mixing effect. The mixing blades 512 and the mixing shaft 511 are fixedly connected by welding or keying to ensure that they will not loosen or fall off during high-speed mixing. The mixing shaft 511 is driven to rotate by the drive motor 513, which is a variable frequency speed control motor. Its speed can be flexibly adjusted within a certain range according to actual needs. The drive motor 513 is electrically connected to the controller 6 to realize intelligent control. It can be configured to operate at a higher speed when the storage bin 1 is just filled with fertilizer granules in order to quickly disperse the piled fertilizer. When the fertilizer granules are more evenly distributed, the speed of the drive motor 513 is reduced to a maintenance speed, which can ensure continuous mixing effect and save energy.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, the heating mechanism 52 includes a heating wire 521 and a temperature sensor 522. In these embodiments, the heating wire 521 is spirally wound inside the interlayer of the storage silo 1. This winding method allows heat to be evenly distributed to all corners of the silo. Compared to a straight arrangement, the spiral structure can significantly increase the heat exchange area, ensuring that the fertilizer granules are fully heated. The temperature sensor 522 is located inside the storage silo 1 and is electrically connected to the controller 6. Through the coordinated work of the heating wire 521 and the temperature sensor 522, precise temperature control inside the storage silo is achieved, effectively inhibiting fertilizer from absorbing moisture and clumping. When the temperature sensor 522 detects that the temperature inside the storage silo 1 is lower than a preset lower limit, it transmits a signal to the controller 6. The controller 6 then issues a command to increase the power supply of the heating wire 521 to quickly raise the temperature inside the silo. When the temperature reaches a preset upper limit, the power of the heating wire 521 is reduced or heating is paused to keep the temperature within a suitable range, thus achieving intelligent closed-loop temperature control.

[0034] To ensure stable internal temperature of storage silo 1 and improve the energy efficiency of heating mechanism 52, storage silo 1 is covered with insulation layer 13. Insulation layer 13 uses single or composite insulation materials, which retains the heat generated when heating wire 521 is working to the maximum extent inside storage silo 1. At the same time, when temperature sensor 522 detects abnormal temperature, insulation layer 13 can also slow down the rate of temperature change, giving controller 6 more time to adjust the power of heating wire 521, thereby improving the stability and reliability of temperature control of the entire device.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, a vibrator 23 is provided on the inner wall of the feeding pipe 21, and the vibrator 23 is electrically connected to the controller 6; in the embodiments of this application, the vibrator 23 vibrates when fertilizer granules are fed to prevent fertilizer granules from clogging the feeding pipe 21; the vibration frequency of the vibrator 23 can be flexibly adjusted under the control of the controller 6 to adapt to the fertilizer granule feeding requirements in different states.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, a transparent protective cover 34 is provided on the weighing platform 31, which covers the outside of the packaging container placement platform 41. In the embodiments of this application, the protective cover 34 has a frame structure that is adapted to the size of the weighing platform 31 and the packaging container placement platform 41. A sliding door is provided on its side, which is closed during weighing and unloading, allowing the operator to clearly observe the internal process. At the same time, it prevents fertilizer particles from falling into the external environment due to vibration, splashing, etc., reducing material waste and cleaning workload.

[0037] In some embodiments of this application, an observation window 14 is provided on the outside of the storage bin 1, and a scale line 15 is provided on the observation window 14. In the embodiments of this application, the observation window 14 has good light transmittance, so that the operator can clearly observe the accumulation state, height and flow of fertilizer granules in the storage bin 1. If an abnormality is found, the working parameters of the anti-caking component 5 can be adjusted in time to ensure the flowability of fertilizer granules and the smooth progress of packaging. Combined with the scale line 15, the volume of fertilizer in the bin can be determined. When the fertilizer storage is close to the lower limit, raw materials can be replenished in time to avoid interruption of the packaging production line due to insufficient storage.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, filter screens 16 are provided at both the inlet 11 and outlet 12 of the storage bin 1. In the embodiments of this application, the filter screen 16 adopts a quick-release structure design, which is convenient for regular cleaning and replacement. Its mesh size is designed according to the average diameter of fertilizer particles, which can intercept impurities and clumps while ensuring that qualified fertilizer particles pass through smoothly, so as to improve the purity of fertilizer particles and packaging quality.

[0039] The present invention relates to a quantitative weighing and packaging device for organic fertilizer granules. The specific working process is as follows:

[0040] Organic fertilizer granules enter the storage silo 1 through the feed inlet 11. During the feeding process, the filter screen 16 at the feed inlet performs preliminary filtration of the fertilizer granules, intercepting large particles, foreign objects, and clumps. The insulation layer 13 and the heating mechanism 52 work together to maintain a stable temperature inside the silo and reduce the risk of moisture absorption by the fertilizer granules. At the same time, the stirring mechanism 51 operates continuously under the drive of the drive motor 513, and the stirring blades 512 continuously stir the fertilizer granules to prevent them from clumping inside the silo. The temperature sensor 522 monitors the temperature inside the silo in real time. When the temperature is lower than the preset lower limit, the controller 6 controls the heating wire 521 to increase the power to raise the temperature. When the temperature reaches the upper limit, the power is reduced to ensure that the temperature is within a suitable range.

[0041] When packaging is required, the controller 6 issues a command to open the feeding control valve 22. The fertilizer granules in the storage bin 1 enter the feeding pipe 21 through the discharge port 12. The filter screen 16 at the discharge port 12 performs secondary filtration on the fertilizer granules. During the feeding process, the vibrator 23 assists the fertilizer granules to slide smoothly at a low frequency. If the weighing sensor 32 detects an abnormal feeding speed, it indicates that there may be clumping and blockage. The controller 6 immediately increases the frequency of the vibrator 23 to disperse the clumping and resume feeding. The fertilizer granules fall onto the weighing platform 31, and the weighing sensor 32 transmits the weight signal to the controller 6 in real time. The feeding control valve 22 maintains a large opening at the beginning to feed quickly. When the weight is close to the preset value, the control valve gradually reduces the opening to feed a small amount until the accurate weight is achieved, ensuring that the packaging weight error is controlled within a very small range. After weighing is completed, the controller 6 controls the flipping mechanism 33 to start, tilting the weighing platform 31 at a certain angle so that the fertilizer granules are poured into the packaging container.

[0042] The present invention relates to a quantitative weighing and packaging device for organic fertilizer granules. Its installation method, connection method, or setting method are all common mechanical methods, and any method that can achieve its beneficial effect can be implemented.

[0043] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An organic fertilizer granule dosing and weighing packaging apparatus characterized by, The system includes a storage silo (1), a feeding assembly (2), a weighing and metering assembly (3), a packaging assembly (4), an anti-caking assembly (5), and a controller (6). The storage silo (1) has an inlet (11) and an outlet (12) at both ends. The feeding assembly (2) includes a feeding pipe (21) and a feeding control valve (22). One end of the feeding pipe (21) is connected to the outlet (12) of the storage silo (1), and the other end extends above the weighing and metering assembly (3). The feeding control valve (22) is located on the feeding pipe (21). The weighing and metering assembly (3) includes a weighing platform (31), a weighing sensor (32), and a tilting mechanism (33). The weighing platform (31) is located below the feeding assembly (2), and the weighing sensor (32) is located on the weighing platform (2). The weighing platform (31) is located at the bottom, and the output end of the flipping mechanism (33) is connected to the weighing platform (31). The packaging component (4) includes a packaging container placement platform (41) and a packaging film conveying mechanism (42). The packaging container placement platform (41) is located below the weighing platform (31), and the packaging film conveying mechanism (42) is located on one side of the packaging container placement platform (41). The anti-caking component (5) includes a stirring mechanism (51) and a heating mechanism (52). The stirring mechanism (51) is located inside the storage bin (1), and the heating mechanism (52) is located on the inner wall of the storage bin (1). The controller (6) is electrically connected to the weighing and metering component (3), the feeding component (2), the packaging component (4), and the anti-caking component (5), respectively.

2. The organic fertilizer granule quantitative weighing and packaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stirring mechanism (51) includes a stirring shaft (511) and stirring blades (512). The stirring shaft (511) is vertically arranged inside the storage silo (1), and one end of the stirring shaft (511) is rotatably connected to the top of the storage silo (1), while the other end extends to the bottom of the storage silo (1). The stirring blades (512) are evenly distributed along the axial direction of the stirring shaft (511), and the stirring blades (512) are fixedly connected to the stirring shaft (511). The stirring shaft (511) is driven to rotate by a drive motor (513), and the drive motor (513) is electrically connected to the controller (6).

3. The organic fertilizer granule dosing and weighing packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The heating mechanism (52) includes a heating wire (521) and a temperature sensor (522). The heating wire (521) is spirally wound inside the interlayer of the storage bin (1). The temperature sensor (522) is located inside the storage bin (1) and is electrically connected to the controller (6).

4. The organic fertilizer granule dosing and weighing packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The storage bin (1) is covered with an insulation layer (13) on the outside.

5. The organic fertilizer granule quantitative weighing and packaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A vibrator (23) is provided on the inner wall of the feeding pipe (21), and the vibrator (23) is electrically connected to the controller (6).

6. The organic fertilizer granule quantitative weighing and packaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A transparent protective cover (34) is provided on the weighing platform (31), and the transparent protective cover (34) covers the outside of the packaging container placement platform (41).

7. The organic fertilizer granule quantitative weighing and packaging device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An observation window (14) is provided on the outside of the storage bin (1), and a scale line (15) is provided on the observation window (14).

8. The organic fertilizer granule dosing and weighing packaging apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The storage bin (1) is equipped with a filter screen (16) at both the inlet (11) and outlet (12).