A spray drying device for the production of plant extracts
By using a double-layer drying tank structure and airflow control spray drying equipment, the problems of high temperature loss of active ingredients and high energy consumption in traditional processes are solved, achieving low-temperature and high-efficiency drying and reducing equipment costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SICHUAN ZHIBEN BIOENG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
In the production of plant extracts, traditional spray drying processes result in the loss of active ingredients due to high temperatures, while low temperatures lead to low drying efficiency, requiring increased drying tower height and energy consumption, resulting in high equipment costs.
A double-layer drying tank structure is adopted, in which high-temperature air and plant extract are sprayed into the first and second drying tanks respectively. The residence time is extended by utilizing airflow connection, and the airflow difference is controlled by the first and second jet devices to achieve effective drying at low temperature.
Extending the residence time of plant extracts at low temperatures improves drying efficiency, reduces loss of active ingredients, avoids the need for ultra-high drying towers, and lowers energy consumption and equipment costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224506282U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of spray drying, and more specifically, to a spray drying device for the production of plant extracts. Background Technology
[0002] Spray drying, as an important process for solidifying liquid materials, works by dispersing liquids into micron-sized droplets using an atomizer, which then dries the liquid instantly under the action of hot air.
[0003] However, in the field of plant extract processing, traditional processes face special challenges: plant extracts are rich in heat-sensitive components such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides. When the hot air temperature exceeds 60°C, the efficacy of these active substances will be significantly reduced due to protein denaturation and destruction of molecular structure.
[0004] To protect the active ingredients, the inlet air temperature needs to be lowered to below 100°C, but this directly reduces the evaporation rate of moisture on the droplet surface by about 40%. To compensate for the loss of drying efficiency, the height of the drying tower must be increased (usually to 15-20 meters) to extend the residence time of the material inside the tower, allowing the droplets to slowly decrease from an initial moisture content of 80% to a safe moisture content of below 5%. This engineering solution significantly increases equipment costs and brings a series of problems, including issues related to controlling the uniformity of hot air distribution, increased energy consumption (1.5 times higher per unit of energy), and plant renovation costs. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a spray drying device for the production of plant extracts, which can ensure the drying efficiency of plant extracts without excessively increasing the height of the drying tower.
[0006] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: The spray drying equipment for the production of plant extracts of this utility model includes a vertically arranged first drying tank, a connecting pipe disposed at the upper end of the first drying tank, a vertically arranged second drying tank, a first spray device disposed at the upper end of the interior of the first drying tank, a first jet device disposed at the lower end of the interior of the first drying tank, a second spray device disposed at the upper end of the interior of the second drying tank, a second jet device disposed at the lower end of the interior of the second drying tank, and an exhaust device disposed at the upper end of the second drying tank; the end of the connecting pipe away from the first drying tank is connected to the upper side wall of the second drying tank.
[0007] Furthermore, the end of the connecting pipe furthest from the first drying tank is located inside the second drying tank and is inclined downwards.
[0008] Furthermore, the first jet device includes a first jet pipe disposed in the middle of the first drying tank, a plurality of first nozzles disposed on the upper side of the first jet pipe, and a first air guide pipe connected to the first jet pipe; the first air guide pipe is connected to an air source.
[0009] Furthermore, the second jet device includes a second jet pipe located in the middle of the second drying tank, a plurality of second nozzles located on the upper side of the second jet pipe, and a second air guide pipe connected to the second jet pipe; the second air guide pipe is connected to an air source.
[0010] Furthermore, the first drying tank is provided with a third jet device; the third jet device includes an annular third jet pipe, a plurality of third nozzles disposed on the upper side of the third jet pipe, and a third air guide pipe connected to the third jet pipe; the third air guide pipe is connected to an air source; the third jet pipe is disposed close to the inner wall of the first drying tank, the third nozzles are disposed at an angle, and the upper end of the third nozzles is disposed close to the inner wall of the first drying tank.
[0011] Furthermore, the third jet device also includes an annular guide ring horizontally disposed on the inner wall of the first drying tank, and a connecting block for connecting the guide ring to the inner wall of the first drying tank; the diameter of the upper side of the guide ring is larger than the diameter of its lower side, a gap is provided between the upper edge of the guide ring and the first drying tank, and the guide ring is disposed between the third jet pipe and the inner wall of the first drying tank.
[0012] Furthermore, the third jet device is provided in pairs, with the pair of third jet devices respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the first jet device.
[0013] Furthermore, the first spraying device includes a hollow first spray plate disposed in the middle of the first drying tank, a plurality of first atomizing heads disposed on the lower side of the first spray plate, and a first liquid guide pipe connected to the first spray plate; the first liquid guide pipe is connected to a liquid supply device.
[0014] Furthermore, the second spray device includes a hollow second spray plate disposed in the middle of the second drying tank, a plurality of second atomizing heads disposed on the lower side of the second spray plate, and a second liquid guide pipe connected to the second spray plate; the second liquid guide pipe is connected to a liquid supply device.
[0015] The technical solution of this utility model has at least the following advantages and beneficial effects: The spray drying equipment for plant extract production of this utility model, in use, sprays the plant extract to be dried into a first drying tank through a first spray device, and into a second drying tank through a second spray device (the flow rate of the second spray device is less than that of the first spray device). Then, high-temperature air (below 100°C) is sprayed into the first drying tank through a first jet device to dry the plant extract in the first drying tank. Similarly, high-temperature air (below 100°C) is sprayed into the second drying tank through a second jet device to dry the plant extract in the second drying tank. The flow rate of the first jet device is greater than that of the second jet device, causing the air and materials in the air in the first drying tank to enter the second drying tank through a connecting pipe under the action of the airflow. Drying continues in the second drying tank. The dried material is discharged through the lower ends of both the first and second drying tanks, while air, water vapor, and fine powder are discharged through the exhaust device on the second drying tank. This effectively extends the total residence time of the plant extract in the first and second drying tanks, even at low temperatures, allowing for sufficient drying time and better drying results at low temperatures. It also avoids the need for ultra-high drying towers, eliminating the need for excessive spraying and abrasion of the plant extract, thus reducing damage to the active ingredients in the extract. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a spray drying device for producing plant extracts provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a spray drying device for producing plant extracts provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the third jet device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Icons: 11-First drying tank, 12-Connecting pipe, 13-Second drying tank, 14-Exhaust pipe, 20-First spray device, 21-First spray plate, 22-First liquid guide pipe, 30-First jet device, 31-First jet pipe, 32-First nozzle, 33-First air guide pipe, 40-Second spray device, 41-Second spray plate, 42-Second liquid guide pipe, 50-Second jet device, 51-Second jet pipe, 52-Second nozzle, 53-Second air guide pipe, 60-Third jet device, 61-Third jet pipe, 62-Third nozzle, 63-Third air guide pipe, 64-Guide plate. Detailed Implementation
[0018] Example The following description, in conjunction with specific embodiments, further illustrates the point, as shown in the appendix. Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 3 As shown, the spray drying equipment for producing plant extracts in this embodiment includes a vertically arranged first drying tank 11, a connecting pipe 12 located at the upper end of the first drying tank 11, a vertically arranged second drying tank 13, a first spray device 20 located at the upper end of the first drying tank 11, a first jet device 30 located at the lower end of the first drying tank 11, a second spray device 40 located at the upper end of the second drying tank 13, a second jet device 50 located at the lower end of the second drying tank 13, and an exhaust device located at the upper end of the second drying tank 13; the end of the connecting pipe 12 away from the first drying tank 11 is connected to the upper side wall of the second drying tank 13. Specifically, during use, the plant extract to be dried is sprayed into the first drying tank 11 through the first spray device 20, and into the second drying tank 13 through the second spray device 40 (the flow rate of the second spray device 40 is less than that of the first spray device 20). Then, high-temperature air (below 100°C) is sprayed into the first drying tank 11 through the first jet device 30 to dry the plant extract in the first drying tank 11. High-temperature air (below 100°C) is sprayed into the second drying tank 13 through the second jet device 50 to dry the plant extract in the second drying tank 13. The flow rate of the first jet device 30 is greater than that of the second jet device 50, so that the air and the material in the air in the first drying tank 11 enter the second drying tank 13 through the connecting pipe 12 under the action of the airflow. Drying continues in the second drying tank 13. The dried material is discharged through the lower end of the first drying tank 11 and the second drying tank 13. Air, water vapor and fine powder are discharged through the exhaust device on the second drying tank 13. This effectively extends the total residence time of the plant extract in the first drying tank 11 and the second drying tank 13, even at low temperatures, allowing the plant extract to have sufficient drying time and achieve better drying results at low temperatures. This also avoids the need for ultra-high drying towers, eliminates the need for excessive spraying and abrasion of the plant extract, and reduces damage to the active ingredients in the extract.
[0019] In this embodiment, the end of the connecting pipe 12 furthest from the first drying tank 11 is located inside the second drying tank 13 and is inclined downwards. Specifically, this allows for better contact between the raw liquid discharged from the first drying tank 11 and the high-temperature air in the second drying tank 13.
[0020] In this embodiment, the first jet device 30 includes a first jet pipe 31 located in the middle of the first drying tank 11, a plurality of first nozzles 32 located on the upper side of the first jet pipe 31, and a first air guide pipe 33 connected to the first jet pipe 31; the first air guide pipe 33 is connected to an air source. Specifically, the air source can be compressed air, an air compressor, a blower, etc., wherein the air needs to be fully filtered and heated before it can be sent into the first jet pipe 31.
[0021] In this embodiment, the second jet device 50 includes a second jet pipe 51 located in the middle of the second drying tank 13, a plurality of second nozzles 52 located on the upper side of the second jet pipe 51, and a second air guide pipe 53 connected to the second jet pipe 51; the second air guide pipe 53 is connected to an air source. Specifically, the structure of the second jet device 50 is basically the same as that of the first jet device 30, but the air flow rate of the second jet device 50 is less than that of the first jet device 30, so that the pressure of the first drying tank 11 can be greater than that of the second drying tank 13, and the gas and raw liquid in the first drying tank 11 will move to the second drying tank 13.
[0022] In this embodiment, the first drying tank 11 is equipped with a third jetting device 60. The third jetting device 60 includes an annular third jetting pipe 61, multiple third nozzles 62 disposed on the upper side of the third jetting pipe 61, and a third air guide pipe 63 connected to the third jetting pipe 61. The third air guide pipe 63 is connected to an air source. The third jetting pipe 61 is disposed close to the inner wall of the first drying tank 11, and the third nozzles 62 are disposed at an angle, with their upper ends close to the inner wall of the first drying tank 11. Specifically, the purpose of the third jetting device 60 is to spray air onto the inner wall of the first drying tank 11 through the third nozzles 62, thereby forming an air film on the inner wall of the first drying tank 11. When the original liquid is not fully dried, the moisture it contains makes it somewhat viscous, which may adhere to the inner wall of the first drying tank 11, thus causing it to deteriorate due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Furthermore, the airflow ejected by the third jetting device 60 can also carry the material in the first drying tank 11 into the second drying tank 13.
[0023] The third jet device 60 in this embodiment further includes an annular guide ring horizontally disposed on the inner wall of the first drying tank 11, and a connecting block for connecting the guide ring to the inner wall of the first drying tank 11; the diameter of the upper side of the guide ring is larger than the diameter of its lower side, and a gap is provided between the upper edge of the guide ring and the first drying tank 11; the guide ring is disposed between the third jet pipe 61 and the inner wall of the first drying tank 11. Specifically, the function of the guide ring is to guide the gas close to the first drying tank 11 to flow more closely to the wall.
[0024] In this embodiment, a pair of third jet devices 60 are provided, with the pair of third jet devices 60 respectively located on the upper and lower sides of the first jet device 30. Specifically, providing a pair of third jet devices 60 can better form a stable gas film layer on the inner wall of the first drying tank 11.
[0025] In this embodiment, the first spray device 20 includes a hollow first spray plate 21 disposed in the middle of the first drying tank 11, a plurality of first atomizing heads disposed on the lower side of the first spray plate 21, and a first liquid guide pipe 22 connected to the first spray plate 21; the first liquid guide pipe 22 is connected to a liquid supply device. Specifically, the liquid supply device pumps the raw liquid into the first spray plate 21 at high pressure, and then sprays it out from the first spray head into the first drying tank 11 in a mist form, where it comes into contact with the rising high-temperature airflow, rapidly evaporating the moisture in the raw liquid, and then entering the second drying tank 13 through the connecting pipe 12 with the airflow.
[0026] In this embodiment, the second spray device 40 includes a hollow second spray plate 41 disposed in the middle of the second drying tank 13, a plurality of second atomizing heads disposed on the lower side of the second spray plate 41, and a second liquid guide pipe 42 connected to the second spray plate 41; the second liquid guide pipe 42 is connected to a liquid supply device. Specifically, the structure of the second spray device 40 is basically the same as that of the first spray device 20, the difference being that the flow rate of the second spray device 40 is significantly lower than that of the first spray device 20.
[0027] In summary, the spray drying equipment for plant extract production in this embodiment involves spraying the plant extract to be dried into the first drying tank 11 through the first spray device 20 and into the second drying tank 13 through the second spray device 40 (the flow rate of the second spray device 40 is less than that of the first spray device 20). Then, high-temperature air (below 100°C) is sprayed into the first drying tank 11 through the first jet device 30 to dry the plant extract in the first drying tank 11. High-temperature air (below 100°C) is then sprayed into the second drying tank 13 through the second jet device 50 to dry the plant extract in the second drying tank 13. The flow rate of the first jet device 30 is greater than that of the second jet device 50, so that the air and the material in the air in the first drying tank 11 enter the second drying tank 13 through the connecting pipe 12 under the action of the airflow. Drying continues in the second drying tank 13. The dried material is discharged through the lower end of the first drying tank 11 and the second drying tank 13, while the air, water vapor, and fine powder are discharged through the exhaust device on the second drying tank 13. This effectively extends the total residence time of the plant extract in the first drying tank 11 and the second drying tank 13, even at low temperatures, allowing the plant extract to have sufficient drying time and achieve better drying results at low temperatures. This also avoids the need for ultra-high drying towers, eliminates the need for excessive spraying and abrasion of the plant extract, and reduces damage to the active ingredients in the extract.
[0028] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A spray drying apparatus for the production of plant extract, characterized by: It includes a vertically arranged first drying tank (11), a connecting pipe (12) located at the upper end of the first drying tank (11), a vertically arranged second drying tank (13), a first spray device (20) located at the upper end of the interior of the first drying tank (11), a first jet device (30) located at the lower end of the interior of the first drying tank (11), a second spray device (40) located at the upper end of the interior of the second drying tank (13), a second jet device (50) located at the lower end of the interior of the second drying tank (13), and an exhaust device located at the upper end of the second drying tank (13). The end of the connecting pipe (12) away from the first drying tank (11) is connected to the upper side wall of the second drying tank (13).
2. The spray drying apparatus for plant extract production according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the connecting pipe (12) away from the first drying tank (11) is located inside the second drying tank (13) and is inclined downward.
3. The spray drying apparatus for plant extract production of claim 1, wherein: The first jet device (30) includes a first jet pipe (31) located in the middle of the first drying tank (11), a plurality of first nozzles (32) located on the upper side of the first jet pipe (31), and a first air guide pipe (33) connected to the first jet pipe (31); the first air guide pipe (33) is connected to an air source.
4. The spray drying apparatus for plant extract production of claim 1, wherein: The second jet device (50) includes a second jet pipe (51) located in the middle of the second drying tank (13), a plurality of second nozzles (52) located on the upper side of the second jet pipe (51), and a second air guide pipe (53) connected to the second jet pipe (51); the second air guide pipe (53) is connected to an air source.
5. The spray drying equipment for producing plant extracts according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first drying tank (11) is equipped with a third jet device (60); The third jet device (60) includes an annular third jet pipe (61), a plurality of third nozzles (62) disposed on the upper side of the third jet pipe (61), and a third air guide pipe (63) connected to the third jet pipe (61); the third air guide pipe (63) is connected to an air source; The third jet pipe (61) is disposed close to the inner wall of the first drying tank (11), the third nozzle (62) is disposed at an angle, and the upper end of the third nozzle (62) is disposed close to the inner wall of the first drying tank (11).
6. The spray drying apparatus for plant extract production of claim 5, wherein: The third jet device (60) further includes an annular guide ring horizontally disposed on the inner wall of the first drying tank (11), and a connecting block for connecting the guide ring to the inner wall of the first drying tank (11). The diameter of the upper side of the guide ring is larger than the diameter of its lower side. There is a gap between the upper edge of the guide ring and the first drying tank (11). The guide ring is located between the third jet pipe (61) and the inner wall of the first drying tank (11).
7. The spray drying apparatus for plant extract production according to claim 6, characterized in that: The third jet device (60) is provided in pairs, and the pair of third jet devices (60) are respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the first jet device (30).
8. The spray drying apparatus for plant extract production of claim 1, wherein: The first spray device (20) includes a hollow first spray plate (21) disposed in the middle of the first drying tank (11), a plurality of first atomizing heads disposed on the lower side of the first spray plate (21), and a first liquid guide pipe (22) connected to the first spray plate (21); the first liquid guide pipe (22) is connected to a liquid supply device.
9. The spray drying apparatus for plant extract production of claim 1, wherein: The second spray device (40) includes a hollow second spray plate (41) disposed in the middle of the second drying tank (13), a plurality of second atomizing heads disposed on the lower side of the second spray plate (41), and a second liquid guide pipe (42) connected to the second spray plate (41); the second liquid guide pipe (42) is connected to a liquid supply device.