Liquid nitrogen granulation discharging device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a liquid nitrogen granulating and discharging device which comprises a material conveying assembly, a material conveying assembly and a discharging assembly. The material conveying assembly comprises an opening-adjustable discharging mechanism and a bearing platform arranged below the discharging mechanism. And the refrigeration assembly is in heat conduction contact with the bearing platform, communicates with a liquid nitrogen source and cools the bearing platform. By arranging the opening-degree-adjustable discharging mechanism and the bearing platform located below the opening-degree-adjustable discharging mechanism, quantitative discharging and receiving of materials are achieved; and meanwhile, the refrigeration assembly is in heat conduction contact with the bearing platform and communicates with the liquid nitrogen source, the bearing platform can be continuously cooled, and therefore the problem that the materials are molten in the conveying process is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of food and pharmaceutical packaging machinery and equipment, and in particular to a liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid nitrogen granulators, as a highly efficient and environmentally friendly cryogenic processing device for pharmaceutical particles, have been widely used in my country's pharmaceutical industry. This equipment utilizes the low-temperature properties of liquid nitrogen to rapidly solidify liquid granules, facilitating subsequent freeze-drying processes. However, the collection of solid particles during the operation of liquid nitrogen granulators presents certain technical challenges. Currently, the conventional collection method involves using a tray to catch the material at the discharge port. However, due to the fragility, elasticity, and good flowability of frozen particles, deformation, bouncing, and rolling easily occur during collection, leading to material loss and operational difficulties. Furthermore, frozen particles tend to melt when they fall onto a room-temperature surface, further increasing material loss and cleaning difficulties. Therefore, improving the particle collection technology of liquid nitrogen granulators to increase collection efficiency and reduce material loss has become an urgent problem to be solved in the pharmaceutical industry. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to reduce the discharge loss of granules after liquid nitrogen granulation, prevent frozen granules from melting after falling onto the platform, and improve the granule loading rate.

[0004] This utility model provides a liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device, comprising:

[0005] A material conveying assembly, the material conveying assembly including an adjustable-opening feeding mechanism and a receiving platform disposed below the feeding mechanism;

[0006] A cooling component is provided, which forms a thermally conductive contact with the receiving platform and is connected to a liquid nitrogen source to cool the receiving platform.

[0007] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism includes:

[0008] The material discharge hopper has a double-hollow shell, and the double-hollow interior is filled with polyurethane foam.

[0009] A perforated plate is installed at the bottom of the material discharge hopper, and the perforated plate is provided with a plurality of perforations.

[0010] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism also includes a handle and a scraper;

[0011] The handles are fixedly installed on both sides of the discharge hopper, and the scraper is installed at the bottom of the discharge hopper.

[0012] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism is connected to the receiving platform via a fixing plate, and the fixing plate has a groove at the connection point, which engages with the receiving platform.

[0013] Furthermore, the receiving platform includes:

[0014] The bracket includes a support rod;

[0015] The platform body includes two flat plates mounted on the support rod;

[0016] A slide rail, the two ends of which are fixed to the support rod between two of them;

[0017] A sliding mechanism includes a connecting plate, one end of which is fixedly connected to the material discharge hopper, and the other end is provided with a roller, which is slidably connected to the slide rail.

[0018] Furthermore, each of the flat plates has an upwardly folded edge, and a tray groove for placing a tray is formed between two of the flat plates, the upper surface of the tray groove being flush with the upper surface of the flat plate.

[0019] Furthermore, the bottom of the bracket is equipped with casters;

[0020] The receiving platform also includes a water collection tank, which is located at the bottom of the support. The width of the water collection tank is greater than the width of the flat plate, and a drain valve is provided at the bottom of the water collection tank.

[0021] Furthermore, the refrigeration assembly includes a cooling coil assembly and a liquid nitrogen assembly;

[0022] The cooling coil assembly includes a coil and a throttling device. The coil is installed at the bottom of the receiving platform, and the throttling device is installed at the beginning of the coil. The throttling device has a housing, and the housing is provided with a chamber and a throttling orifice.

[0023] The liquid nitrogen assembly is used to connect the liquid nitrogen source and the cooling coil assembly, including:

[0024] An input pipeline is provided with a first shut-off valve, a safety valve, a pressure regulating valve, and a second shut-off valve in sequence.

[0025] The output pipeline is equipped with a third shut-off valve.

[0026] A first metal flexible hose is used to connect the second shut-off valve to the inlet end of the coil;

[0027] The second metal hose is used to connect the outlet end of the coil to the third shut-off valve.

[0028] Furthermore, the liquid nitrogen assembly also includes a pressure detection device disposed between the pressure regulating valve and the second shut-off valve, and a temperature detection device disposed on the receiving platform.

[0029] Furthermore, the throttling device includes an inlet pipe, a throttling orifice, and an outlet pipe. The diameter of the inlet pipe is larger than the diameter of the throttling orifice, and the chamber is used to provide a buffer zone for liquid nitrogen.

[0030] Compared to existing technologies, this invention offers at least the following advantages: By incorporating an adjustable-opening feeding mechanism and a receiving platform below it, quantitative feeding and receiving of materials are achieved. Simultaneously, the cooling component forms a thermally conductive contact with the receiving platform and is connected to a liquid nitrogen source, continuously cooling the receiving platform and thus preventing material melting during transport. This structure achieves an integrated design for material transport and cooling, ensuring not only the morphology and quality of the granulated material but also improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a top view of the material discharge bin in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a front view of the material discharge bin in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a front view of the receiving platform in one embodiment of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a side view of the receiving platform in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a cooling coil assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a throttling device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid nitrogen component in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Among them, 1-strainer plate; 2-shell; 3-handle; 4-scraper; 5-fixing plate; 11-frame; 12-receiving platform; 13-connecting plate; 14-long shaft; 15-limiting block; 16-water collection tank; 17-handle; 18-slide seat; 19-pad block; 20-tray groove; 21-tray; 22-caster wheel; 23-roller; 24-slide rail; 30-throttling device; 31-inlet pipe; 32-throttling orifice; 33-throttling device shell; 34-chamber; 35-outlet pipe; 36-connecting flange; 37-coil; a-first shut-off valve; b-safety valve; c-pressure regulating valve; d-pressure detection; e-second shut-off valve; f-first metal hose; g-temperature detection; i-second metal hose; j-third shut-off valve. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can modify the present invention described herein while still achieving its advantageous effects. Therefore, the following description should be understood as being broadly known to those skilled in the art and is not intended to limit the present invention.

[0041] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0042] The present invention will be described in more detail below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] This utility model provides a liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 3 ,include:

[0044] A material conveying assembly, the material conveying assembly including an adjustable opening feeding mechanism and a receiving platform 12 disposed below the feeding mechanism;

[0045] A cooling component is provided, which forms a thermally conductive contact with the receiving platform 12 and is connected to a liquid nitrogen source to cool the receiving platform 12.

[0046] Specifically, the adjustable-opening feeding mechanism is a device that can adjust the material's falling speed or flow rate, controlling the feeding speed by adjusting the opening. A receiving platform 12 is located below the feeding mechanism and is used to receive the material falling from it. The platform also includes a cooling component, which is in direct contact with the receiving platform 12 and can conduct heat away from it. The cooling component is connected to a liquid nitrogen source, using the extremely low temperature of liquid nitrogen to lower the temperature of the receiving platform 12, thus maintaining the material in a low-temperature storage environment.

[0047] In summary, the liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device transports materials to the receiving platform 12 through the material conveying component, and uses the low-temperature characteristics of liquid nitrogen to reduce the temperature of the receiving platform 12 through the refrigeration component, thereby realizing the material conveying.

[0048] This design can be used in production processes that require low-temperature environments.

[0049] For further details, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The feeding mechanism includes:

[0050] The material discharge hopper has a double-hollow shell 2, the double-hollow interior of which is filled with polyurethane foam.

[0051] A perforated plate 1 is installed at the bottom of the material discharge hopper, and the perforated plate 1 is provided with a plurality of perforations.

[0052] Specifically, the design of the discharge hopper features a double-layered hollow shell structure 2, with polyurethane foam filling the space between the two shells 2. Polyurethane foam is a lightweight, heat-insulating, and thermally insulating material that provides excellent insulation to maintain the temperature of the material within the discharge hopper, enhancing its structural strength and stability. The perforated plate 1 is a component of the discharge mechanism, installed at the bottom of the discharge hopper. The perforated plate 1 controls the rate and flow of material falling from the discharge hopper. Multiple perforations are designed on the perforated plate 1, allowing material to fall through it. The falling speed and flow rate of the material can be further controlled by adjusting the size, number, or distribution of the perforations.

[0053] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism also includes a handle 3 and a scraper 4;

[0054] The handle 3 is fixedly installed on both sides of the discharge hopper, and the scraper 4 is installed at the bottom of the discharge hopper. In this embodiment, the scraper 4 is set at the bottom of the strainer 1.

[0055] Specifically, handle 3 is a component used to operate or move the material hopper, and it is fixedly installed on two opposite sides of the material hopper. This allows the operator to easily grip handle 3 to adjust the position of the material hopper or perform other operations. Scraper 4 is a tool used to clean or push materials, and it is installed at the bottom of the material hopper.

[0056] Furthermore, the feeding mechanism is connected to the receiving platform 12 via a fixing plate 5. The fixing plate 5 has a groove at the connection point, and the groove engages with the receiving platform 12.

[0057] By using the fixing plate 5, the feeding mechanism is securely connected to the receiving platform 12, ensuring the stability and safety of the entire structure. The groove is designed to mate with the corresponding structure on the receiving platform 12 to achieve a "click-fit". A click-fit is a connection method that allows two parts to be fixed together by interlocking; this connection method is usually both simple and robust.

[0058] This design allows the feeding mechanism to be securely mounted on the receiving platform 12, while also facilitating assembly and maintenance. The snap-fit ​​mechanism between the groove and the receiving platform 12 ensures a tight and stable connection, reducing the possibility of vibration and displacement, thereby improving the overall efficiency and safety of the liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device 12.

[0059] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The receiving platform 12 includes:

[0060] Support 11, the support 11 includes a support rod;

[0061] The platform 12 body includes two flat plates mounted on the support rod;

[0062] Slide rail 25, the two ends of which are fixed to the support rod between two of them;

[0063] The sliding mechanism includes a connecting plate 13, one end of which is fixedly connected to the material discharge hopper, and the other end is provided with a roller 23, which is slidably connected to the slide rail 25.

[0064] Specifically, the support frame 11 is composed of support rods, which are the basic structural units of the support frame 11 and are used to provide stable support. The main body of the receiving platform 12 is the platform body, which consists of two flat plates. These two flat plates are placed on the support rods to form a plane for receiving materials falling from the unloading mechanism. The slide rail 25 is a track used to guide the sliding mechanism. Its two ends are fixed to the two support rods, so that the slide rail 25 spans between the support rods, providing a sliding path for the sliding mechanism.

[0065] The sliding mechanism is a movable part on the receiving platform 12. It includes a connecting plate 13 for connecting the sliding mechanism to other parts. One end of the connecting plate 13 is fixedly connected to the discharge hopper, so that the discharge hopper can be connected to the sliding mechanism through the connecting plate 13. In this embodiment, the connecting plate 13 is provided with a retaining shaft 14 to fix the discharge hopper, and the retaining shaft 14 is provided with limiting blocks 15 at both ends to limit the discharge hopper. The other end of the connecting plate 13 is equipped with a roller 23, which can slide along the slide rail 25, so that the sliding mechanism can move on the slide rail 25, thereby realizing the movement or positioning of the discharge hopper on the receiving platform 12.

[0066] The receiving platform 12 provides a stable receiving surface through the support 11 and the platform body. The design of the slide rail 25 and the sliding mechanism allows the material hopper to move flexibly on the receiving platform 12 to adjust the position of the falling material or to perform other operations, increasing the flexibility and functionality of the discharge platform.

[0067] Furthermore, each of the flat plates has an upwardly folded edge, and a tray groove 20 for placing a tray 21 is formed between two of the flat plates, the upper surface of the tray groove 20 being flush with the upper surface of the flat plate.

[0068] Specifically, the edges of each plate are designed with upward folds. This design enhances the structural strength of the plate and prevents materials from slipping off the edges during the receiving process. A space is left between the two plates, designed as a tray groove 20 for placing trays 21. The presence of the tray groove 20 allows the receiving platform 12 to be used more flexibly, for example, by placing trays 21 of different sizes or types to receive materials. Simultaneously, through the scraper 4 located at the bottom of the squeegee 1, as the receiving platform 12 moves along the slide rail 25, materials falling onto the plate can be scraped into the tray groove 20 for collection.

[0069] Furthermore, the bottom of the bracket 11 is provided with casters 22;

[0070] The receiving platform 12 also includes a water collection tank 16, which is located at the bottom of the support 11. The width of the water collection tank 16 is greater than the width of the flat plate, and a drain valve is provided at the bottom of the water collection tank 16.

[0071] Specifically, the bottom of the support frame 11 is equipped with casters 22, a design that allows the entire receiving platform 12 to move flexibly on the ground, facilitating position adjustment and cleaning or maintenance. The receiving platform 12 also includes a water collection tank 16 located at the bottom of the support frame 11. The function of the water collection tank 16 is to collect liquids, such as water or cleaning fluids, that drip or spill from the platform 12. The width of the water collection tank 16 is designed to be wider than the width of the flat surface, ensuring that even if materials or liquids spill over from the edge of the flat surface, they can be caught by the water collection tank 16, preventing liquid loss or contamination of the working environment. The water collection tank 16 is equipped with a handle 17 and a slide 18 at the bottom for easy removal, and four corner pads 19 for protection. A drain valve is installed at the bottom of the water collection tank 16, which is used to open when needed to empty the liquid in the water collection tank 16, facilitating cleaning and maintenance.

[0072] For further details, please refer to... Figures 5-7 The refrigeration assembly includes a cooling coil 37 assembly and a liquid nitrogen assembly;

[0073] The cooling coil 37 assembly includes a coil 37 and a throttling device 30. The coil 37 is installed at the bottom of the receiving platform 12, and the throttling device 30 is installed at the head end of the coil 37. The throttling device 30 has a housing 2, and the housing 2 is provided with a chamber 34 and a throttling orifice 32.

[0074] The liquid nitrogen assembly is used to connect the liquid nitrogen source and the cooling coil 37 assembly, including:

[0075] The input pipeline is provided with a first shut-off valve a, a safety valve b, a pressure regulating valve c, and a second shut-off valve e in sequence.

[0076] The output pipeline is equipped with a third shut-off valve j;

[0077] The first metal hose f is used to connect the second shut-off valve e to the inlet end of the coil 37;

[0078] The second metal hose i is used to connect the outlet end of the coil 37 to the third shut-off valve j.

[0079] Specifically, the refrigeration system consists of two main parts: a cooling coil 37 assembly and a liquid nitrogen assembly. These two parts work together to provide cooling for the receiving platform 12. The cooling coil 37 assembly consists of a coil 37 and a throttling device 30. The coil 37 is installed at the bottom of the receiving platform 12 to transfer cooling energy. The throttling device 30 is installed at the beginning of the coil 37 to regulate the flow rate and pressure of the liquid nitrogen.

[0080] The throttling device 30 consists of a housing 2, which contains a chamber 34 and a throttling orifice 32. The throttling orifice 32 is used to control the flow rate of liquid nitrogen, thereby regulating the cooling effect.

[0081] The liquid nitrogen assembly connects the liquid nitrogen source to the cooling coil 37 assembly. The inlet line is sequentially equipped with a first shut-off valve a, a safety valve b, a pressure regulating valve c, and a second shut-off valve e. These valves control the inflow of liquid nitrogen, ensuring system safety and stability. The outlet line is equipped with a third shut-off valve j, which controls the flow rate of liquid nitrogen out of the system. A first metal hose f connects the second shut-off valve e to the inlet end of the coil 37, allowing liquid nitrogen to flow into the coil 37. Both ends of the coil 37 are equipped with connecting flanges 36 for connection to other components.

[0082] The design of the refrigeration components ensures that liquid nitrogen can be effectively transferred to the receiving platform 12, where heat exchange occurs through coil 37, thereby achieving cooling. The design of each valve and hose guarantees the system's safety, adjustability, and reliability.

[0083] Furthermore, the liquid nitrogen assembly also includes a pressure detection device d disposed between the pressure regulating valve c and the second shut-off valve e, and a temperature detection device g disposed on the receiving platform 12.

[0084] The pressure sensor d is used to monitor the pressure of liquid nitrogen in the inlet line. This ensures that the pressure of the liquid nitrogen is within a safe and effective range before entering coil 37. If the pressure is too high or too low, the pressure sensor d can issue an alarm or automatically adjust to prevent system damage or failure. The temperature sensor g is used to monitor the temperature of the receiving platform 12. This is crucial because it ensures that the temperature of the receiving platform 12 is maintained within a predetermined cooling range. Temperature data helps the operator adjust the parameters of the refrigeration system to ensure that materials are properly cooled during transport. They provide real-time monitoring, allowing the operator to understand the system status promptly and take appropriate adjustments as needed.

[0085] Real-time monitoring of pressure and temperature can prevent equipment damage or safety accidents caused by abnormal pressure or temperature. Monitoring data allows for optimization of the refrigeration process, reducing the risk of melting. Avoiding equipment wear caused by overpressure or overheating helps extend the equipment's lifespan.

[0086] For further details, please refer to... Figure 6 The throttling device 30 includes an inlet pipe 31, a throttling orifice 32, and an outlet pipe 35. The diameter of the inlet pipe 31 is larger than the diameter of the throttling orifice 32. The chamber 34 is used to provide a buffer zone for liquid nitrogen.

[0087] The throttling device 30 is a key component of the liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge system, designed to control the flow rate and pressure of the liquid nitrogen. The inlet pipe 31 has a larger diameter than the orifice 32, ensuring a relatively low flow rate and high pressure of the liquid nitrogen before it enters the orifice 32. The orifice 32 is a narrow channel through which the liquid nitrogen flows, used to achieve a throttling effect—increasing the flow rate while simultaneously reducing the pressure by reducing the flow area. After passing through the orifice 32, the liquid nitrogen flows out through the outlet pipe 35 and enters the next part of the system. The chamber 34 provides a buffer zone for the liquid nitrogen, serving as a pressure stabilizer and buffer. By adjusting the size of the orifice 32, the flow rate of the liquid nitrogen can be precisely controlled to meet different cooling requirements during the cooling process.

[0088] In summary, the adjustable opening of the material conveying assembly's unloading mechanism and the design of the receiving platform ensure that materials fall evenly and controllably, improving the uniformity and efficiency of the transportation process. Secondly, the cooling coils and liquid nitrogen assembly in the refrigeration assembly achieve rapid cooling of the receiving platform through efficient heat exchange, ensuring the transportation of materials under low-temperature conditions and improving product quality. In addition, the precise flow control and pressure regulation function of the throttling device makes the use of liquid nitrogen more efficient and economical. At the same time, the connection design of the fixing plate and groove, as well as the installation of casters, enhance the stability and operational flexibility of the platform.

[0089] The above-described specific examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention. Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the concept of this invention.

Claims

1. A liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device, characterized in that, include: A material conveying assembly, the material conveying assembly including an adjustable-opening feeding mechanism and a receiving platform disposed below the feeding mechanism; A cooling component, which forms a thermally conductive contact with the receiving platform and is connected to a liquid nitrogen source, cools the receiving platform. The refrigeration components include a cooling coil assembly and a liquid nitrogen assembly; The cooling coil assembly includes a coil and a throttling device. The coil is installed at the bottom of the receiving platform, and the throttling device is installed at the beginning of the coil. The liquid nitrogen assembly is used to connect the liquid nitrogen source and the cooling coil assembly.

2. The liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism includes: The material discharge hopper has a double-hollow shell, and the double-hollow interior is filled with polyurethane foam. A perforated plate is installed at the bottom of the material discharge hopper, and the perforated plate is provided with a plurality of perforations.

3. The liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism also includes a handle and a scraper; The handles are fixedly installed on both sides of the discharge hopper, and the scraper is installed at the bottom of the discharge hopper.

4. The liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The feeding mechanism is connected to the receiving platform via a fixed plate. The fixed plate has a groove at the connection point, and the groove engages with the receiving platform.

5. The liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The platform includes: The bracket includes a support rod; The platform body includes two flat plates mounted on the support rod; A slide rail, the two ends of which are fixed to the support rod between two of them; A sliding mechanism includes a connecting plate, one end of which is fixedly connected to the material discharge hopper, and the other end is provided with a roller, which is slidably connected to the slide rail.

6. The liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the flat plates has an upwardly folded edge, and a tray groove for placing a tray is formed between two of the flat plates, the upper surface of the tray groove being flush with the upper surface of the flat plate.

7. The liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The bracket is equipped with casters at the bottom; The receiving platform also includes a water collection tank, which is located at the bottom of the support. The width of the water collection tank is greater than the width of the flat plate, and a drain valve is provided at the bottom of the water collection tank.

8. The liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The throttling device has a housing, and the housing has a chamber and a throttling orifice; The liquid nitrogen assembly includes: An input pipeline is provided with a first shut-off valve, a safety valve, a pressure regulating valve, and a second shut-off valve in sequence. The output pipeline is equipped with a third shut-off valve. A first metal flexible hose is used to connect the second shut-off valve to the inlet end of the coil; The second metal hose is used to connect the outlet end of the coil to the third shut-off valve.

9. The liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The liquid nitrogen assembly also includes a pressure detection device disposed between the pressure regulating valve and the second shut-off valve, and a temperature detection device disposed on the receiving platform.

10. The liquid nitrogen granulation and discharge device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The throttling device includes an inlet pipe, a throttling orifice, and an outlet pipe. The diameter of the inlet pipe is larger than the diameter of the throttling orifice. The chamber is used to provide a buffer zone for liquid nitrogen.

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