A compressed air heater

Abstract

This utility model relates to a compressed air heater, comprising: a housing including a first space, a second space, and a discharge port, the discharge port being disposed on the side of the second space opposite to the first space; a heating unit including a combustion chamber and an air inlet pipe, the combustion chamber being disposed in the first space of the housing, the air inlet pipe passing through the first space of the housing and communicating with the combustion chamber; a heat storage unit including a support and a heat storage body, the support being disposed in the second space of the housing, the heat storage body being disposed in the support and used to absorb and store heat; a compressed air inlet pipe passing through the outer shell and connected to the heat storage body, used to receive compressed air entering the heat storage unit; and a compressed air outlet pipe passing through the outer shell and connected to the heat storage body, used to receive compressed air leaving the heat storage unit; wherein, the air inlet pipe supplies natural gas to the combustion chamber. The compressed air heater of this application has low heating cost, fast heating speed, and low equipment cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to heating equipment for core-making machines, and more particularly to a compressed air heater. Background Technology

[0002] In the casting industry, core-making equipment plays an irreplaceable and crucial role. Used to manufacture sand cores for casting, it is widely applied in numerous industries, including shipbuilding, automotive, wind power equipment, photovoltaic equipment, construction machinery, rail transportation, aerospace, and precision valves. It can be said that core-making equipment has become a vital support for the development of modern manufacturing, and its technological level and manufacturing capabilities directly affect product quality, production efficiency, and cost control in many industries. Currently, core-making equipment offers a wide variety of products, with cold-core process core-making machines and inorganic process core-making machines being the focus of the market. Inorganic process core-making machines, due to their outstanding green and environmentally friendly characteristics, are showing enormous development potential in today's increasingly environmentally conscious world. Therefore, manufacturers are committed to the research and development and manufacturing of inorganic sand core-making machines.

[0003] However, in the process of manufacturing sand cores using inorganic core-making machines, hot compressed air is typically used for heating and solidification. Currently, however, electric heating is commonly used for heating compressed air, which increases the cost of the core-making machine and results in a slow heating rate. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the technical problems existing in the prior art, this utility model proposes a compressed air heater, comprising: a shell, which includes a first space, a second space, and a discharge port, the first space and the second space being connected, the discharge port being located on the side of the second space opposite to the first space and being connected to the second space; a heating unit, which includes a combustion chamber and an air inlet pipe, the combustion chamber being located in the first space of the shell, the air inlet pipe passing through the first space of the shell and being connected to the combustion chamber; a heat storage unit, which includes a support and a heat storage body, the support being located in the second space of the shell, the heat storage body being located in the support and used to absorb and store heat; a compressed air inlet pipe, which passes through the shell and is connected to the heat storage body, and is used to receive compressed air entering the heat storage unit; and a compressed air outlet pipe, which passes through the shell and is connected to the heat storage body, and is used to receive compressed air leaving the heat storage unit; wherein, the air inlet pipe supplies natural gas to the combustion chamber.

[0005] The compressed air heater described above has a housing comprising one or more layers of ceramic fiberboard.

[0006] The compressed air heater described above further includes a mixing detection device located outside the housing and connected to the air inlet pipe, used to detect the input of natural gas and mix the natural gas and air.

[0007] As described above, the compressed air heater includes a mixing detection device comprising a gas flow sensor and a proportional control valve. The gas flow sensor is used to monitor the input of natural gas, and the proportional control valve is used to adjust the mixing ratio of natural gas and air.

[0008] In the compressed air heater described above, the heat storage body can be one or more metal tubes.

[0009] The compressed air heater described above has a metal tube spiral coil installed in the bracket.

[0010] As described above, the heat storage body of the compressed air heater also includes fins, which are disposed on the outer surface or inner wall of the metal tube.

[0011] As described above, the compressed air heater also includes a turbulence device disposed in a metal tube.

[0012] The compressed air heater described above further includes a monitoring unit for monitoring heat.

[0013] As described above, the monitoring unit of the compressed air heater includes a first detector and a second detector. The first detector is disposed in the compressed air outlet pipe, and the second detector is disposed in the second space of the housing.

[0014] This compressed air heater uses natural gas to heat the heat storage body, and then uses the heat storage body to heat the compressed air. This effectively solves the problems of high operating costs, slow heating speed, and high equipment costs of existing electric compressed air heaters, and has significant economic and social benefits. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The preferred embodiments of this utility model will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a compressed air heater according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0018] In the following detailed description, reference can be made to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this application and illustrate specific embodiments of the present application. In the drawings, similar reference numerals describe substantially similar components in different figures. Specific embodiments of the present application are described in sufficient detail below to enable those skilled in the art to implement the technical solutions of the present application. It should be understood that other embodiments may also be utilized, or structural, logical, or electrical changes may be made to the embodiments of the present application.

[0019] Currently, compressed air heating uses electric heating. However, due to the relatively high price of electricity and the limited energy conversion efficiency in the electric heating process, the heating speed of compressed air cannot meet actual needs, resulting in high heating costs. At the same time, the purchase, installation, and maintenance costs of electric heating equipment are also high.

[0020] This application proposes a novel compressed air heater that uses natural gas as the primary energy source to heat compressed air. A specially designed burner ensures complete combustion of the natural gas, releasing a large amount of heat energy that can directly heat a heat storage medium. The heat storage medium rapidly absorbs and stores the heat energy released by the combustion of natural gas, allowing the compressed air to be heated. Because natural gas is low-cost and has high combustion efficiency, the cost of heating compressed air is reduced, and the heating speed is fast, meeting practical needs.

[0021] The technical solutions of this application are further illustrated below through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that, based on the teachings of the following embodiments, other alternative solutions capable of achieving the same or similar functions are possible. These alternative solutions are also within the protection scope of this application.

[0022] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a compressed air heater according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] As shown in the figure, the compressed air heater (hereinafter referred to as "heater") 100 includes a housing 110, a heating unit 120, a heat storage unit 130, a compressed air inlet pipe 101, and a compressed air outlet pipe 102. The heating unit 120 is disposed within the housing 110 and can be used to burn natural gas to provide heat; the heat storage unit 130 is disposed within the housing 110 and can be used to store heat; the compressed air inlet pipe 101 and the compressed air outlet pipe 102 can pass through the housing 110 and are connected to the heat storage unit to allow compressed air to enter / exit the heater.

[0024] In some embodiments, the housing 110 may include a first space 111 and a second space 112. The first space 111 may house a heating unit 120, and the second space 112 may house a heat storage unit 130. In some embodiments, the first space 111 and the second space 112 may be connected, allowing heat from the combustion of natural gas by the heating unit to directly enter the second space, while the heat storage unit 130 stores the heat, thus reducing heat loss and improving energy conversion efficiency. In some embodiments, the housing 110 may also include a discharge port 113 for discharging gases emitted from the combustion of natural gas. In some embodiments, the discharge port 113 may be located on the side of the second space opposite to the first space and connected to the second space, facilitating the absorption of heat from the discharged gases by the heat storage unit and reducing heat loss. In some embodiments, the housing 110 may be constructed of one or more layers of ceramic fiberboard, which effectively blocks heat conduction, reduces heat loss, is heat-resistant, increases the service life of the housing, reduces maintenance costs, and also reduces the weight of the housing. In some embodiments, the housing 110 may also include a plurality of legs 114, which may be disposed on the side of the first space away from the second space and may be used to support the heater.

[0025] In some embodiments, the heating unit 120 may include a combustion chamber 121, which may be disposed in the first space 111 and used for the combustion of natural gas to release heat. In some embodiments, the heating unit 120 may also include an intake pipe 122, which passes through the first space 111 of the housing and communicates with the combustion chamber, allowing natural gas to be introduced into the combustion chamber. In some embodiments, the heating unit 120 may also include a mixing detection device 123, which may be disposed outside the housing and communicates with the intake pipe 122, allowing the detection of the input amount of natural gas and the mixing of corresponding air, and then introducing the mixed gas into the combustion chamber through the intake pipe, ensuring that natural gas and air are fully mixed, improving the stability and efficiency of natural gas combustion, and reducing energy waste and pollutant emissions. In some embodiments, the mixing monitoring device 123 may include a gas flow sensor and a proportional control valve (not shown in the figure). The gas flow sensor can monitor the input amount of natural gas, and the proportional control valve can precisely control the amount of air mixed according to the air-fuel ratio required for combustion. In some embodiments, the proportional control valve can also adjust the mixing ratio in real time to adapt to different operating conditions. In some embodiments, the monitoring mixing device 123 may also include a special nozzle (not shown) for injecting natural gas and / or air and using the Venturi effect to thoroughly mix the two. For example, a Venturi tube can achieve uniform mixing of gases during contraction and expansion.

[0026] In some embodiments, the heating unit 120 may further include a regulating valve and a pressure sensor (not shown in the figure), which can be installed in the air inlet pipe to monitor and regulate the flow and pressure of natural gas in real time to ensure the stability of the natural gas combustion process. For example, the input of natural gas can be precisely controlled according to the demand for compressed air and heating requirements. In some embodiments, the heating unit 120 may further include a combustion controller (not shown in the figure), which can monitor parameters such as temperature and oxygen content in the combustion chamber, and automatically adjust the mixing ratio of natural gas and air according to the monitoring data to ensure complete combustion of natural gas. Flame monitoring can also be set up. For example, if the flame goes out or becomes abnormal, the natural gas supply will be immediately cut off to ensure safety. In some embodiments, the heating unit may also burn other gases to provide heat. For example, renewable gas energy such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and biogas.

[0027] In some embodiments, the heat storage unit 130 may include a support 131 and a heat storage body 132. The support 131 is disposed in the second space 112 of the outer casing and can be used to support the heat storage body 132; the heat storage body 132 is disposed on the support 131 and can absorb and store the heat provided by the power supply unit. In some embodiments, the heat storage body 132 may be one or more metal tubes, such as stainless steel tubes, to ensure the service life and safety of the heat storage body.

[0028] refer to Figure 1A The figure only shows a portion of the arranged metal pipes. In some embodiments, the metal pipes can be arranged neatly and evenly in the support to ensure that compressed air flows evenly through the heat storage body and fully absorbs heat. In some embodiments, multiple metal pipes can also be arranged in layers or zones to heat multiple streams of compressed air. For example, using metal pipes in different layers or zones to heat different streams of compressed air can improve the utilization rate of the heat storage body.

[0029] According to one embodiment of this application, the heat storage body 132 can be multiple (e.g., 6) stainless steel tubes spirally coiled in the support 131, thereby increasing the heat absorbed by the heat storage body and facilitating compressed air heating. In some embodiments, the diameter, pitch, and number of turns of the multiple sets of spiral coiled stainless steel tubes can be calculated based on the compressed air heating temperature and heating amount to ensure uniform flow velocity and pressure distribution of compressed air in the pipeline and avoid local overheating or undercooling.

[0030] In some embodiments, the compressed air inlet pipe 101 and the compressed air outlet pipe 102 can be connected to the heat storage body 132. Compressed air enters the heat storage body through the compressed air inlet pipe 101, is heated by the heat storage body, and is output through the compressed air outlet pipe. In some embodiments, the compressed air inlet pipe can input compressed air at a pressure of 0.8 MPa, which flows through multiple sets of spiral coiled stainless steel tubes before being output. The spiral coiled structure increases the flow path and time of the compressed air within the heat storage body, allowing for sufficient contact between the compressed air and the heat storage body, thereby efficiently absorbing the heat energy stored in the heat storage body and achieving rapid heating of the compressed air. In some embodiments, the heat storage body can also be other materials with high specific heat capacity and high conductivity, such as ceramic heat storage balls, metal honeycomb, or ceramic pipes.

[0031] In some embodiments, the heat storage body may further include fins (not shown in the figures), which can be disposed on the surface of the stainless steel tube to increase the surface area of ​​the heat storage body, thereby facilitating the absorption and storage of more heat. In some embodiments, the fins may also be disposed on the inner wall of the stainless steel tube, which can create turbulence in the flow of compressed air, increase the contact area with the compressed air, and enhance the heat transfer effect. In some embodiments, the height and thickness of the fins can be determined according to the pipe diameter and the characteristics of the compressed air. In some embodiments, the spacing between the fins should ensure smooth flow of compressed air. For example, for cases with a large compressed air flow rate, the fin spacing can be appropriately increased.

[0032] In some embodiments, the heat storage body may also include a flow-deflecting device (not shown in the figure), which may be disposed inside the stainless steel tube to increase the contact area between the stainless steel tube and the compressed air, thereby enhancing the heat transfer effect. In some embodiments, the flow-deflecting device may be a baffle, a spiral, etc. The flow-deflecting device can increase the turbulence of the compressed air, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. In some embodiments, the installation location and number of the flow-deflecting device can be determined according to the length of the stainless steel tube and the flow state of the compressed air. In some embodiments, the inner wall of the stainless steel tube may also have a rough surface, and the heat exchange efficiency can be improved by increasing the surface roughness.

[0033] In some embodiments, the heater may further include a monitoring unit 140, which can be used to monitor the heat of the heater. In some embodiments, the monitoring unit 140 may include a first detector 141 and a second detector 142. The first detector 141 is disposed on the compressed air outlet pipe 102 and can be used to monitor the output temperature of the compressed air; the second detector 142 can be disposed on the second space of the housing and is used to monitor the temperature of the housing surface to protect the safety of the heater.

[0034] The heater described in this application significantly reduces the operating cost of compressed air heating by using relatively inexpensive natural gas. Simultaneously, it allows for a simpler equipment structure, eliminating the need for complex electrical control systems and expensive electric heating elements, thus reducing equipment purchase and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the use of a heat storage medium ensures more complete and efficient heat exchange between the compressed air and the storage medium, enabling rapid heating of the compressed air and greatly increasing the heating speed to meet the demands of rapid compressed air heating in industrial production. The combined design of the burner and the heat storage medium ensures complete combustion of natural gas and effective storage and utilization of thermal energy, improving energy efficiency, reducing energy waste, and aligning with the trend of energy conservation and environmental protection.

[0035] The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical solutions should also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A compressed air heater, characterized in that, include: The outer casing includes a first space, a second space, and a discharge port. The first space and the second space are connected. The discharge port is located on the side of the second space opposite to the first space and is connected to the second space. A heating unit includes a combustion chamber and an intake pipe. The combustion chamber is disposed in a first space of the outer casing, and the intake pipe passes through the first space of the outer casing and is connected to the combustion chamber. A heat storage unit includes a support frame and a heat storage body. The support frame is disposed in a second space of the outer shell, and the heat storage body is disposed in the support frame and is used to absorb and store heat. A compressed air inlet pipe, which passes through the outer casing and connects to the heat storage body, is used to receive compressed air entering the heat storage unit; and The compressed air outlet pipe passes through the outer casing and connects to the heat storage body, and is used to contain the compressed air leaving the heat storage unit; Natural gas is introduced into the combustion chamber through the intake pipe.

2. The compressed air heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell consists of one or more layers of ceramic fiberboard.

3. The compressed air heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating unit also includes a mixing detection device, which is located outside the housing and connected to the air intake pipe, for detecting the amount of natural gas input and mixing natural gas and air.

4. The compressed air heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mixing detection device includes a gas flow sensor and a proportional control valve. The gas flow sensor is used to monitor the input of natural gas, and the proportional control valve is used to adjust the mixing ratio of natural gas and air.

5. The compressed air heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat storage body can be one or more metal tubes.

6. The compressed air heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, A metal tube spiral coil is installed in the bracket.

7. The compressed air heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat storage body also includes fins, which are disposed on the outer surface or inner wall of the metal tube.

8. The compressed air heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat storage body also includes a turbulence device, which is installed in a metal tube.

9. The compressed air heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further includes: The monitoring unit is used to monitor heat.

10. The compressed air heater according to claim 9, characterized in that, The monitoring unit includes a first detector and a second detector. The first detector is located in the compressed air outlet pipe, and the second detector is located in the second space of the housing.

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