A refrigeration capacity balancing system for a cigarette manufacturing process refrigeration system

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of cigarette production and manufacturing, and discloses a refrigerating capacity balancing system for a cigarette process refrigerating system. The system comprises a conveying pipeline, a backflow pipeline, a control module and a plurality of cooling branches. The conveying pipeline is used for conveying cooling water; the backflow pipeline is used for backflow of the cooling water; each cooling branch has a water inlet end in communication with the conveying pipeline and a backflow end in communication with the backflow pipeline, and has a cooling area between the backflow end and the water inlet end; the backflow end of each cooling branch is provided with a balancing valve, and the opening range of the balancing valve can be adjusted to control the backflow amount of the backflow end; and the control module is in communication connection with the balancing valve. When the system is used, the backflow amount of any cooling branch is kept unchanged, so that the excess cooling water can flow to other cooling branches. On the one hand, the cooling efficiency can be improved, and on the other hand, the energy consumption for conveying the cooling water can be reduced, thereby improving the environmental protection performance in the whole refrigerating process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cigarette manufacturing technology, and in particular to a refrigeration capacity balancing system for cigarette manufacturing processes. Background Technology

[0002] In the cigarette manufacturing process, due to the complexity of the process, the large number of equipment involved, the large area occupied by the production area, and the dispersed areas requiring cooling, each cooling area is provided with cooling capacity by a unified refrigeration station for convenient management and cost savings.

[0003] In existing technologies, a variable-flow pipe network design is used to deliver cooling water to various areas for cooling, and the cooling water is recycled for reuse. To ensure sufficient water pressure, the water supply pumps are equipped with high-power, high-lift pumps to ensure that the cooling water can be smoothly delivered to cooling areas far from the refrigeration station.

[0004] During the chilled water transportation process, the cooling water in the nearest cooling area will first form a backflow, and as the water supply increases, the backflow will also increase. Some cooling water will be returned without playing a cooling role, while the cooling areas that are farther away will receive less cooling water, resulting in poor cooling effect. This leads to uneven distribution of cooling capacity in various areas, low overall cooling efficiency, high energy consumption in transporting cooling water, poor environmental performance in the cooling process, and the inability to dynamically control the cooling water flow rate in relation to the cooling effect, thus limiting the application range of this cooling equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cooling capacity balancing system for cigarette manufacturing processes, which solves the problem in the prior art that cooling water is difficult to distribute evenly to each cooling area in the cigarette manufacturing process, resulting in poor overall cooling efficiency, high energy consumption, and poor environmental performance. It also solves the problem that the cooling effect and cooling water consumption are difficult to dynamically adjust, resulting in a limited range of applicability of the cooling equipment.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A refrigeration capacity balancing system for cigarette manufacturing processes, comprising:

[0008] Delivery pipelines are used to transport cooling water;

[0009] Return piping, used for the return of cooling water;

[0010] Multiple cooling branches, each of which has an inlet end connected to the delivery pipeline and a return end connected to the return pipeline. A cooling area is provided between the return end and the inlet end. Each cooling branch is equipped with a balancing valve at the return end. The opening range of the balancing valve can be adjusted to control the return flow rate at the return end.

[0011] The control module is communicatively connected to the balance valve.

[0012] Optionally, the water inlet of the cooling branch has a water inlet valve that is communicatively connected to the control module, and the water inlet valve is used to control the opening and closing of the water inlet of the cooling branch.

[0013] Optionally, it also includes:

[0014] A return tank is connected to the return pipeline to collect the returned cooling water.

[0015] Optionally, it also includes:

[0016] The diversion box is connected to the delivery pipeline;

[0017] The pressure regulating water pump is connected to the return tank and the diversion tank respectively, and is also connected to the control module.

[0018] Optionally, it also includes:

[0019] The return branch is connected to both the return box and the splitter box.

[0020] Optionally, it also includes:

[0021] A reflux valve is installed in the reflux branch and is communicatively connected to the control module.

[0022] Optionally, the return valve is a differential pressure bypass valve and can only allow coolant from the distribution box to flow into the return box.

[0023] Optionally, it also includes:

[0024] A differential pressure sensor is communicatively connected to the control module to detect the differential pressure change between the return box and the diversion box.

[0025] Optionally, the cooling area includes a temperature detection element.

[0026] Optionally, the detection element is communicatively connected to the control module.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0028] After the cigarette-making process begins, cooling water is supplied to multiple cooling branches through delivery pipelines. This allows the cooling water to flow into the cooling areas for cooling and heat dissipation, and then return through return pipelines for recycling. Simultaneously, temperature changes within the cooling areas can be monitored in real time. When the temperature in any cooling branch meets a temperature threshold, the control module maintains a constant opening of the balancing valve to keep the return water volume of that cooling branch constant. This, in turn, keeps the inflow water volume of that cooling branch constant. Thus, while maintaining a constant cooling water supply pressure, excess cooling water can flow to other cooling branches.

[0029] Therefore, when the water inflow to the cooling branches closer to the refrigeration station remains stable, excess cooling water can automatically flow to cooling branches further away. This eliminates the need for high-power conveying equipment; a constant-pressure, variable-flow, low-head, variable-frequency water pump is sufficient to direct the cooling water to more distant branches, thus balancing the cooling capacity across different cooling zones. This improves the cooling efficiency of multiple cooling branches, prevents backflow of unused cooling water, and reduces energy consumption for transporting cooling water, thereby enhancing the environmental performance of the entire refrigeration process. Furthermore, the cooling water flow can be dynamically regulated during the refrigeration process, flexibly adjusting the flow rate in each cooling branch. This makes the system suitable for various refrigeration processes, not just cigarette manufacturing, effectively expanding its applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of a refrigeration capacity balance system for a cigarette manufacturing process according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the usage of a refrigeration capacity balancing system for cigarette manufacturing processes, as described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the process for controlling the return water volume of a refrigeration capacity balancing system in a cigarette manufacturing process, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] In the picture:

[0034] 1. Delivery pipeline; 2. Return pipeline; 3. Cooling branch; 31. Cooling zone; 4. Balancing valve; 5. Inlet valve; 6. Return box; 7. Diverter box; 8. Pressure regulating pump; 9. Return branch; 91. Return valve. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0036] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0038] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0039] This application discloses a cooling capacity balancing system for a cigarette manufacturing process.

[0040] Reference Figure 1The system includes a delivery pipeline 1, a return pipeline 2, a control module, and multiple cooling branches 3. The delivery pipeline 1 is used to deliver cooling water; the return pipeline 2 is used for the return of cooling water; each cooling branch 3 has an inlet end connected to the delivery pipeline 1 and a return end connected to the return pipeline 2, with a cooling zone 31 between the return end and the inlet end; each cooling branch 3 is equipped with a balancing valve 4 at its return end, the opening range of which can be adjusted to control the return flow rate at the return end; the control module is communicatively connected to the balancing valve 4 to control the return flow rate at the return end and maintain the delivery water pressure in the delivery pipeline 1.

[0041] After the cigarette-making process begins, cooling water is supplied to multiple cooling branches 3 through the delivery pipeline 1, allowing the cooling water to flow into the cooling area 31 for cooling and heat dissipation, and then returned through the return pipeline 2 for recycling. Simultaneously, temperature changes within the cooling area 31 can be monitored in real time. When the temperature in the cooling area 31 of any cooling branch 3 meets the temperature threshold, the control module controls the opening of the balancing valve 4 to remain constant, thus maintaining a constant return water volume for that cooling branch 3, and consequently, a constant inflow water volume. This ensures that excess cooling water can flow to other cooling branches 3 while maintaining a constant supply water pressure. It should be understood that the balancing valve 4 can be a mechanical balancing valve or other types of balancing valves. Since each cooling branch 3 has different cooling requirements, different preset openings can be set for each balancing valve 4, allowing the return water volume of each cooling branch 3 to be preset. When the return water volume is insufficient, cooling water will continuously enter the cooling branch 3; when the return water volume meets the preset requirements, the inflow water volume will remain stable.

[0042] Therefore, when the water inflow of cooling branch 3, which is closer to the refrigeration station, remains stable, excess cooling water can automatically flow to cooling branch 3, which is farther away. This eliminates the need for high-power conveying equipment; a constant-pressure, variable-flow, low-head, variable-frequency water pump is sufficient to direct the cooling water to the more distant cooling branch 3, thus balancing the cooling capacity of each cooling zone 31. This improves the cooling efficiency of multiple cooling branches 3 and prevents backflow of cooling water before it has a cooling effect. It also reduces energy consumption for transporting cooling water, thereby improving the environmental performance of the entire refrigeration process. Furthermore, the cooling water can be dynamically regulated during the refrigeration process, flexibly adjusting the flow rate of cooling water in each cooling branch 3. This allows the system to be applied to various refrigeration processes, not just cigarette manufacturing systems, effectively expanding its applicability.

[0043] Optionally, the water inlet end of the cooling branch 3 has a water inlet valve 5 that is communicatively connected to the control module. The control module controls the opening and closing of the water inlet valve 5 according to the signal from the detection element, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the water inlet end of the cooling branch 3.

[0044] Specifically, the inlet valve 5 can be a solenoid valve. The control module can monitor the temperature within the cooling zone 31 in real time. When the temperature is below the lower cooling limit, it indicates that the cooling zone 31 does not require cooling. In this case, the control module can control the inlet valve 5 of the cooling branch 3 to open, preventing coolant from entering the cooling zone branch. Otherwise, the control module controls the inlet valve 5 to open, allowing cooling water to flow smoothly into the cooling branch 3. In this embodiment, the inlet valve 5...

[0045] Optionally, the system also includes a return tank 6, a distribution tank 7, a pressure regulating pump 8, and a differential pressure sensor. The return tank 6 is connected to the return pipeline 2 to collect the returned cooling water; the distribution tank 7 is connected to the delivery pipeline 1; the pressure regulating pump 8 is connected to both the return tank 6 and the distribution tank 7 and is communicatively connected to the control module; the differential pressure sensor is communicatively connected to the control module to detect changes in the pressure difference between the return tank 6 and the distribution tank 7. The control module can acquire pressure difference changes and, when the water pressure in the distribution tank 7 decreases, controls the pressure regulating pump 8 to start, pumping the cooling water from the return tank 6 into the distribution tank 7.

[0046] Optionally, the system also includes a return branch 9. The return branch 9 is connected to the return box 6 and the diversion box 7 respectively and is equipped with a return valve 91 that is connected to the control module for communication. The control module can obtain the water pressure of the diversion box 7 and control the return valve 91 to open according to the water pressure so that the cooling water in the diversion box 7 flows into the return box 6.

[0047] Specifically, the return tank 6 can collect and store the coolant returning from all cooling branches 3, while the distribution tank 7 can provide coolant with a specific water pressure to the delivery pipeline 1. A pressure regulating water pump 8 and a return branch 9 are set between the distribution tank 7 and the return tank 6. A return valve 91 is set on the return branch 9, and the return valve 91 is a differential pressure bypass valve.

[0048] When a pressure difference exists between the return tank 6 and the distribution tank 7, and the water pressure in the distribution tank 7 is higher, the return valve 91 automatically opens when the pressure difference exceeds a set value. Excess water in the distribution tank 7 flows back to the return tank 6 through the pressure difference bypass valve. When the pressure difference is less than the set value, the return valve 91 automatically closes, ensuring that the delivery pipeline 1 can safely deliver cooling water. Conversely, when the water pressure in the distribution tank 7 is low, the control module controls the pressure regulating pump 8 to start, drawing cooling water from the return tank 6 into the distribution tank 7. This dynamically adjusts the water pressure in the distribution tank 7, thereby ensuring that the water pressure in the delivery pipeline 1 remains within a reasonable range.

[0049] Optionally, the cooling zone 31 includes a temperature detection element. The detection element is communicatively connected to the control module.

[0050] Specifically, the detection device can detect the temperature change range in the cooling zone 31 in real time. When the temperature meets the cooling requirements and the change range remains stable, it indicates that the cooling in the cooling zone 31 meets the requirements. At this time, after the control module obtains the temperature change signal, it can control the balance valve 4 to maintain a stable opening to maintain the return flow. Conversely, the control module adjusts the opening of the balance valve 4 according to the temperature change signal, thereby realizing the dynamic adjustment of the coolant return flow to further improve the accuracy of the cooling effect.

[0051] Reference Figure 2 The control method for the cooling capacity balance system of the cigarette manufacturing process is as follows:

[0052] Step S1: Supply cooling water to multiple cooling branches and recover the cooling water in all cooling branches after cooling the cooling area.

[0053] Each cooling branch corresponds to a piece of equipment used in the cigarette production process. This equipment is located within the cooling area. The cooling branch guides cooling water to the cooling area to cool the equipment, and then returns it through the return end for recycling. Multiple cooling branches can be arranged according to the actual production process, and their number can be designed according to the required cooling equipment; this application does not limit this. In this embodiment, five cooling branches are provided. When cooling is required at the start of the process, a delivery water pressure can be determined based on the total cooling capacity required by all cooling areas. A delivery pump with corresponding power is set as the delivery element according to the delivery water pressure to deliver cooling water to the multiple cooling branches. The cooling water enters each cooling branch sequentially according to the layout order of the multiple cooling area branches.

[0054] Step S2: Obtain the temperature in any cooling area. When the temperature meets the temperature threshold, maintain the return water volume of the cooling branch and maintain the delivery water pressure of the cooling water.

[0055] Temperature sensors are used to detect the temperature within the cooling area, thereby determining the cooling efficiency of the equipment within that area. A temperature threshold is set according to process requirements; this threshold can be a range or a precise value. When the temperature meets the threshold, it indicates that the cooling effect meets the requirements for stable equipment operation. Therefore, the return water flow of the cooling branches is no longer increased, and the inflow water flow of the cooling branches remains constant. At this point, a constant pressure variable frequency drive maintains the cooling water delivery pressure and increases the cooling water supply. Excess cooling water flows to other cooling branches. In one embodiment, the order of regulating the return flow within the cooling branches can be based on the distance between the cooling area and the refrigeration station. Cooling branches closer to the refrigeration station can be prioritized for regulation, allowing cooling water to automatically flow to more distant cooling branches without the need for high-power transfer pumps or similar equipment.

[0056] Through steps S1 and S2, after the cigarette manufacturing process begins, cooling water is supplied to multiple cooling branches so that it flows into the cooling areas for cooling and heat dissipation, and then flows back for recycling. When the temperature in the cooling area of ​​any cooling branch meets the temperature threshold, the return water volume of that cooling branch remains constant, thus keeping the inflow water volume constant as well. While maintaining a constant cooling water supply pressure, excess cooling water can flow to other cooling branches. Therefore, when the inflow water volume of a cooling branch closer to the refrigeration station remains stable, excess cooling water can automatically flow to a more distant cooling branch. This eliminates the need for high-power conveying equipment; only constant-pressure variable-frequency conveying equipment is required to direct cooling water to more distant branches, thereby balancing the cooling capacity of each cooling area. This improves the cooling efficiency of multiple cooling branches, avoids the problem of cooling water flowing back without providing cooling, and reduces energy consumption for cooling water supply, thus improving the environmental performance of the entire refrigeration process. Meanwhile, the cooling water can be dynamically regulated during the refrigeration process to flexibly adjust the flow rate of cooling water in each cooling branch, thus making the method applicable to refrigeration in various processes, not limited to the refrigeration of cigarette manufacturing systems, thereby effectively improving the applicability of the method.

[0057] Reference Figure 3 When the temperature is below the temperature threshold, increase the return water flow of the cooling branch.

[0058] When the temperature is below the temperature threshold, it indicates that the cooling efficiency in that cooling area exceeds the cooling demand. Therefore, the return water flow of the cooling branch is increased, shortening the residence time of the cooling water in the cooling area and thus reducing cooling efficiency. After the return water flow increases, the water pressure in the cooling area decreases, so the inlet water flow of the cooling branch will be appropriately increased until the return water flow stabilizes again, thus achieving dynamic regulation.

[0059] When the temperature is higher than the temperature threshold, reduce the return water flow of the cooling branch.

[0060] When the temperature exceeds the temperature threshold, it indicates that the cooling efficiency in that cooling area is lower than the cooling demand. Therefore, the return water flow of the cooling branch is reduced, increasing the residence time of the cooling water in the cooling area and thus improving cooling efficiency. After the return water flow is reduced, the water pressure in the cooling area increases, so the inlet water flow of the cooling branch is appropriately reduced until the return water flow stabilizes again, thus achieving dynamic regulation.

[0061] When the temperature is below the lower limit of cooling, stop the cooling water intake of the cooling branch.

[0062] The lower cooling limit refers to the lowest temperature value within the cooling zone. When the equipment in this cooling zone is not running and does not require cooling, or after the equipment has finished running and stopped, its temperature needs to be maintained at the lower cooling limit. The lower cooling limit can be a range or a specific value. When the temperature is below the lower cooling limit, the inlet of the cooling branch is disconnected to prevent cooling water from entering the cooling branch.

[0063] When the water pressure is lower than the water pressure threshold, the cooling water in the control cooling branch flows back to the conveying end.

[0064] Because the cooling water supply is continuous, when the remaining amount of cooling water is insufficient, the delivery pressure of the cooling water will decrease. At this time, part of the cooling water can be returned to the cooling branch to maintain the water pressure at the water pressure threshold.

[0065] When the water pressure exceeds the water pressure threshold, the cooling water flow is controlled to return to the cooling branch.

[0066] When there is too much cooling water in the pipeline and the delivery water pressure exceeds the water pressure threshold, the cooling water can be directly directed to the return end of the cooling branch. This can reduce the cooling water in the pipeline and ensure that the delivery water pressure meets the water pressure threshold. It can also cool the returning cooling water to facilitate the subsequent recycling of cooling water.

[0067] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigeration capacity balancing system for cigarette manufacturing processes, characterized in that, include: Delivery pipeline (1) is used to transport cooling water; Return pipe (2) is used for the return of cooling water; Multiple cooling branches (3), each of the cooling branches (3) has an inlet end connected to the delivery pipeline (1) and a return end connected to the return pipeline (2), and there is a cooling area (31) between the return end and the inlet end. Each of the cooling branches (3) is provided with a balance valve (4) at the return end, and the opening range of the balance valve (4) can be adjusted to control the return flow of the return end. The control module is communicatively connected to the balance valve (4).

2. The refrigeration capacity balancing system of the cigarette manufacturing refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling branch (3) has a water inlet valve (5) that is communicatively connected to the control module. The water inlet valve (5) is used to control the opening and closing of the water inlet of the cooling branch (3).

3. The refrigeration capacity balancing system of the cigarette manufacturing refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The return tank (6) is connected to the return pipe (2) to collect the returned cooling water.

4. The refrigeration capacity balancing system of the cigarette manufacturing refrigeration system according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The diversion box (7) is connected to the conveying pipeline (1); The pressure regulating water pump (8) is connected to the return box (6) and the diversion box (7) respectively and is communicatively connected to the control module.

5. The refrigeration capacity balancing system of the cigarette manufacturing refrigeration system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: The return branch (9) is connected to the return box (6) and the branch box (7) respectively.

6. The refrigeration capacity balancing system of the cigarette manufacturing refrigeration system according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: A return valve (91) is provided in the return branch (9) and is communicatively connected to the control module.

7. The refrigeration capacity balancing system of the cigarette manufacturing refrigeration system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The return valve (91) is a differential pressure bypass valve and can only allow the coolant from the diversion box (7) to flow into the return box (6).

8. The refrigeration capacity balancing system of the cigarette manufacturing refrigeration system according to claim 4, characterized in that, Also includes: A differential pressure sensor is communicatively connected to the control module to detect the differential pressure change between the return box (6) and the diversion box (7).

9. The refrigeration capacity balancing system of the cigarette manufacturing refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling zone (31) contains a temperature detection element.

10. The refrigeration capacity balancing system of the cigarette manufacturing refrigeration system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The detection device is communicatively connected to the control module.

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