A method of operating a smoking article manufacturing machine is

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of drying system.The drying system includes drying machine main body, first heater, second heater and condensate tank, and drying machine main body has hot air import;First heater is communicated with first steam pipeline and first condensate pipeline, and first heater has first gas outlet and first air inlet, and first gas outlet is communicated with hot air import;Second heater is communicated with second steam pipeline and second condensate pipeline, and second heater has second gas outlet and second air inlet, and second air inlet is communicated with normal temperature air, and second gas outlet is communicated with first air inlet;First condensate pipeline and second condensate pipeline are connected with condensate tank, and condensate tank is also communicated with secondary steam pipeline, and secondary steam pipeline is communicated with second steam pipeline.In this way, the recycling of secondary steam is realized, energy loss is avoided, and the overall energy utilization efficiency of the drying system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tobacco drying technology, specifically to a tobacco drying system. Background Technology

[0002] In tobacco processing, the roller-type thin-plate dryer dries tobacco shreds through heat exchange plates and hot air heating, both of which use steam as the heat medium. After releasing heat, the steam turns into condensate. Properly managing this condensate is crucial for ensuring the normal operation of the equipment and saving energy.

[0003] Typically, the condensate generated by the heat exchange plates and hot air heating is collected in a common condensate tank via its respective piping. The condensate in the tank is then pumped to a recycling network for reuse.

[0004] However, the high-temperature condensate in the condensate tank will generate secondary steam, which will be directly discharged into the atmosphere through pipelines, resulting in energy waste. Utility Model Content

[0005] To at least partially address the problems existing in the prior art, according to one aspect of the present invention, a wire drying system is provided. The wire drying system includes: The main body of the wire drying machine has a hot air inlet; The first heater is connected to a first steam pipe and a first condensate pipe. The first heater has a first air outlet and a first air inlet, and the first air outlet is connected to a hot air inlet. The second heater is connected to a second steam pipe and a second condensate pipe. The second heater has a second air outlet and a second air inlet. The second air inlet is connected to ambient air, and the second air outlet is connected to the first air inlet. The condensate tank, the first condensate pipe and the second condensate pipe are both connected to the condensate tank. The condensate tank is also connected to a secondary steam pipe, which is connected to the second steam pipe.

[0006] For example, the second condensate pipe is also connected to a first branch pipe, which is connected to an overpressure flash evaporation exhaust port and is equipped with an overflow valve.

[0007] For example, a vacuum breaker and an air vent valve are also provided between the overflow valve and the second condensate pipe, with the vacuum breaker being closer to the second condensate pipe than the air vent valve.

[0008] For example, a secondary steam outlet is provided at the top of the condensate tank, and a secondary steam pipeline is connected to the secondary steam outlet.

[0009] For example, the secondary steam pipeline is connected to a second branch pipeline, which is connected to an overpressure steam exhaust port, and a safety valve is installed on the second branch pipeline.

[0010] For example, a pressure monitoring device is provided in the section of the secondary steam pipeline between the second branch pipeline and the second steam pipeline.

[0011] For example, the wire drying system also includes a fan assembly disposed between the first air inlet and the hot air inlet.

[0012] For example, the wire drying system further includes a fan assembly, the air inlet of which is connected to ambient temperature air and the air outlet of which is connected to a second air inlet; or, the air inlet of the fan assembly is connected to a second air outlet and the air outlet is connected to a first air inlet.

[0013] For example, the main body of the wire drying machine includes a wire drying cylinder and a lifting plate structure disposed inside the wire drying cylinder. The lifting plate structure is connected to the condensate tank through a third condensate pipe.

[0014] For example, the bottom of the condensate tank is connected to a condensate recovery pipeline for connection to a recovery device.

[0015] The tobacco drying system provided in this application uses a second heater to heat ambient air initially, then introduces the heated air into the first heater for secondary heating, creating a gradient heating mode. This effectively improves the stability and controllability of the hot air temperature, ensuring uniform heating of the tobacco within the drying machine and thus guaranteeing and improving the processing quality of the tobacco. The condensate generated from the heat exchange between the first and second heaters is collected in a condensate tank. Secondary steam, generated from the flash evaporation of this condensate, is then fed back into the second steam pipeline, achieving secondary steam recovery and reuse. This avoids energy loss and improves the overall energy efficiency of the drying system. Furthermore, the secondary steam circulation reduces overall steam consumption and lowers production costs.

[0016] This utility model description introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This utility model description is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to limit the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0017] The advantages and features of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this invention, are provided for understanding the invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and their descriptions, serving to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a wire drying system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The above figures include the following reference numerals: 110. Main body of the wire drying machine; 1120. Third condensate pipe; 1210. First heater; 1220. First steam pipe; 1230. First condensate pipe; 1310. Second heater; 1320. Second steam pipe; 1330. Second condensate pipe; 1340. First branch pipe; 1350. Overpressure flash exhaust port; 1360. Vacuum breaker; 1370. Air vent valve; 1380. Overflow valve; 1410. Condensate tank; 1420. Secondary steam pipe; 1430. Second branch pipe; 1440. Overpressure steam exhaust port; 1450. Safety valve; 1460. Pressure monitoring device; 1470. Condensate recovery pipe; 150. Fan assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0020] In the following description, numerous details are provided to enable a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention, which may be practiced without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion with the present invention, some technical features well-known in the art have not been described in detail.

[0021] This invention provides a tobacco drying system. This system can be used to dry tobacco shreds. (See reference...) Figure 1The wire drying system includes a wire drying machine body 110, a first heater 1210, a second heater 1310, and a condensate tank 1410. The wire drying machine body 110 has a drying space for wire drying and a hot air inlet connected to the drying space. The first heater 1210 is connected to a first steam pipe 1220 and a first condensate pipe 1230. The first heater 1210 has a first air outlet and a first air inlet, with the first air outlet connected to the hot air inlet. The first heater 1210 also includes a first heat exchanger, with both the first steam pipe 1220 and the first condensate pipe 1230 connected to it. Air passes sequentially through the first air inlet and the first heat exchanger, and after being heated, flows out from the first air outlet. The second heater 1310 is connected to a second steam pipe 1320 and a second condensate pipe 1330. The second heater 1310 has a second air outlet and a second air inlet. The second air inlet is connected to ambient temperature air, and the second air outlet is connected to a first air inlet. The second heater 1310 also includes a second heat exchanger, with both the second steam pipe 1320 and the second condensate pipe 1330 connected to it. Ambient temperature air enters the second heater 1310 through the second air inlet, is heated by the second heat exchanger, and flows from the second air outlet to the first air inlet. The first condensate pipe 1230 and the second condensate pipe 1330 are both connected to a condensate tank 1410, which is also connected to a secondary steam pipe 1420, which is connected to the second steam pipe 1320. The first heater 1210 and the second heater 1310 can be arranged adjacent to each other to minimize heat loss during transmission. The steam in the second steam pipeline 1320 may be solely the secondary steam from the condensate tank 1410. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the second steam pipeline 1320 may be connected to other steam sources, with both the steam from these sources and the secondary steam from the condensate tank 1410 entering the second steam pipeline 1320. It should be noted that after heat exchange, the steam in the first and second heat exchangers condenses to form high-temperature condensate (temperature between 95°C and 120°C). This high-temperature condensate carries a large amount of latent heat, and its corresponding saturated vapor pressure is higher than the ambient pressure inside the condensate tank 1410. When the high-temperature condensate flows into the relatively low-pressure condensate tank 1410, a sudden pressure drop causes some of the high-temperature condensate to rapidly vaporize, forming flash steam, which is the secondary steam subsequently recovered and reused.

[0022] When the wire drying system is running, ambient temperature air enters the second heater 1310 through the second air inlet. Steam is introduced into the second heater 1310 (such as a second heat exchanger) via the second steam pipe 1320 as a heat medium. The steam releases heat within the second heater 1310, which is transferred to the ambient temperature air flowing through it, achieving primary heating of the air. The condensate formed after the steam releases heat is transported to the condensate tank 1410 via the second condensate pipe 1330. The air, after primary heating, flows out through the second air outlet and enters the second heater 1310 through the first air inlet. In a heater 1210, steam is introduced into the heater 1210 (such as a first heat exchanger) through a first steam pipe 1220. The steam releases heat to reheat the air after the first heating, raising the air temperature to the target temperature. The condensate produced after the steam heat exchange flows into the condensate tank 1410 through the first condensate pipe 1230. The high-temperature condensate collected in the condensate tank 1410 undergoes flash evaporation, and the resulting secondary steam is transported to the second steam pipe 1320 through the secondary steam pipe 1420, realizing the recovery and reuse of the secondary steam.

[0023] The tobacco drying system provided in this application uses a second heater 1310 to heat ambient air initially, then introduces the heated air into the first heater 1210 for secondary heating, creating a gradient heating mode. This effectively improves the stability and controllability of the hot air temperature, ensuring uniform heating of the tobacco within the drying machine, thereby guaranteeing and improving the processing quality of the tobacco. The condensate generated from the heat exchange between the first heater 1210 and the second heater 1310 is collected in a condensate tank 1410. Secondary steam, generated from the flash evaporation of this condensate, is then fed back to the second steam pipeline 1320 via a secondary steam pipeline 1420, achieving secondary steam recovery and reuse, avoiding energy loss, and improving the overall energy efficiency of the drying system. Furthermore, the secondary steam circulation reduces overall steam consumption and lowers production costs.

[0024] For example, refer to Figure 1The second condensate pipe 1330 is also connected to a first branch pipe 1340, which is connected to an overpressure flash evaporation exhaust port 1350. An overflow valve 1380 is installed on the first branch pipe 1340. The overflow valve 1380 on the first branch pipe 1340 can be preset with a safe pressure threshold. When the pressure in the pipe exceeds this threshold due to steam generated by the flash evaporation of condensate, the overflow valve 1380 automatically opens, allowing excess overpressure flash evaporation steam to be discharged through the first branch pipe 1340 from the overpressure flash evaporation exhaust port 1350. It automatically closes after the pressure drops to a safe range. This design avoids safety risks such as leakage and pipe bursting in the second condensate pipe 1330 due to excessive pressure, stabilizes the pressure environment within the pipe, and ensures the smooth operation of condensate delivery and subsequent flash evaporation. By directionally discharging overpressure steam, the impact of pressure fluctuations on the condensate discharge efficiency of the second heater 1310 is avoided, further improving the safety and reliability of the wire drying system. The relief valve 1380 can be a pilot valve type cast steel relief valve 1380, and the pressure threshold of the relief valve 1380 can be 0.5 Bar.

[0025] For example, refer to Figure 1 A vacuum breaker 1360 and an air vent valve 1370 are also installed between the overflow valve 1380 and the second condensate pipe 1330. The vacuum breaker 1360 is closer to the second condensate pipe 1330 than the air vent valve 1370. The vacuum breaker 1360 prevents a negative pressure vacuum from occurring in the second condensate pipe 1330, avoiding condensate flow stagnation or pipe damage due to vacuum. The air vent valve 1370 is used to promptly remove mixed air, preventing air accumulation from affecting condensate flow efficiency. Thus, the cooperation of the vacuum breaker 1360 and the air vent valve 1370 further improves the stability and reliability of the condensate discharge process in the wire drying system, reducing the impact of pipe failures on the overall operation of the wire drying system.

[0026] For example, refer to Figure 1 The top of the condensate tank 1410 is equipped with a secondary steam outlet, and the secondary steam pipeline 1420 is connected to the secondary steam outlet. The secondary steam generated by flash evaporation within the condensate tank 1410 enters the secondary steam pipeline 1420 through the secondary steam outlet, and then enters the second steam pipeline 1320 through the secondary steam pipeline 1420. Since secondary steam has a lower density and tends to rise, the secondary steam outlet located at the top of the condensate tank 1410 facilitates its outflow, ensuring smooth operation of the secondary steam recovery and utilization process in the wire drying system, resulting in higher collection efficiency and a more rational structural design.

[0027] For example, refer to Figure 1The secondary steam pipeline 1420 is connected to a second branch pipeline 1430, which in turn connects to an overpressure steam exhaust port 1440. A safety valve 1450 is installed on the second branch pipeline 1430. It is understood that the second branch pipeline 1430 is connected to the secondary steam pipeline 1420, and both have the same pressure. The safety valve 1450 can be set with a safety pressure threshold adapted to the operation of the wire drying system. It monitors the pressure inside the secondary steam pipeline 1420 in real time. When the pressure inside the secondary steam pipeline 1420 exceeds the set threshold, the safety valve 1450 automatically opens, and the excess overpressure steam flows through the second branch pipeline 1430 to the overpressure steam exhaust port 1440 for discharge. Once the pressure inside the secondary steam pipeline 1420 drops to a safe range, the safety valve 1450 automatically closes. This avoids safety hazards such as leakage and pipe bursting in the secondary steam pipeline 1420 due to excessive pressure, stabilizes the steam pressure within the secondary steam pipeline 1420, ensures that the steam pressure supplied to the second heater 1310 meets the subsequent heating requirements, guarantees the stability of the wire drying system's heating process, and makes the overall operation more reliable and safer. For example, the pressure setting threshold of the safety valve 1450 can be 0.9 Bar.

[0028] For example, refer to Figure 1 A pressure monitoring element 1460 is installed in the section of the secondary steam pipeline 1420 between the second branch pipeline 1430 and the second steam pipeline 1320. The pressure monitoring element 1460 can be a pressure indicator or a pressure gauge, etc. The pressure monitoring element 1460 is connected to the secondary steam pipeline 1420 and can monitor the steam pressure data within the secondary steam pipeline 1420 in real time. It is understood that the pressure monitoring element 1460 can provide direct feedback of real-time pressure data to the operator or control system, allowing the operator to monitor the pipeline pressure in real time and promptly predict the risk of abnormal pressure. The pressure monitoring element 1460 can work in conjunction with the safety valve 1450. When the pressure monitoring element 1460 detects that the pressure is close to or reaches the set threshold of the safety valve 1450, it can assist the operator in making preparations in advance, further preventing safety hazards caused by abnormal pressure in the secondary steam pipeline 1420, ensuring that the steam pressure supplied to the second heater 1310 is stable and meets the heating process requirements, making the operation of the wire drying system more controllable, reliable, and safe.

[0029] For example, refer to Figure 1The wire drying system also includes a fan assembly 150, which is located between the first air inlet and the hot air inlet. The fan assembly 150 can be a centrifugal fan, axial fan, or other suitable type. The fan assembly 150 provides power support for airflow. After the first heater 1210 completes secondary heating of the air, the fan assembly 150, through its own suction or pushing action, transports the hot air to the target temperature from the first air outlet to the hot air inlet, and finally introduces it into the wire drying space of the main body 110 of the wire drying machine. It is understood that the fan assembly 150 can effectively overcome the resistance of air during pipeline transmission, avoid hot air stagnation or uneven flow rate, and ensure a continuous and stable supply of hot air within the wire drying space. Furthermore, by adjusting the operating power of the fan assembly 150, the delivery speed and supply volume of the hot air can be flexibly controlled to adapt to different wire drying process requirements. This setup ensures a smooth transition from heating to conveying in the tobacco drying system, improves the controllability of hot air supply, makes the tobacco drying process more uniform and efficient, and further enhances the overall stability of the tobacco drying system.

[0030] For example, refer to Figure 1 The wire drying system also includes a fan assembly 150. The fan assembly 150 has an air inlet connected to ambient temperature air and an air outlet connected to a second air inlet. The fan assembly 150 can draw in ambient temperature air, stably push it to the second air inlet, and deliver it to the second heater 1310, ensuring that the ambient temperature air can efficiently enter the preheating process. Alternatively, the fan assembly 150's air inlet can be connected to a second air outlet, and its air outlet can be connected to a first air inlet. The fan assembly 150 receives the preheated air discharged from the second heater 1310 and, with power, delivers the preheated air to the first heater 1210, ensuring a smooth connection between the first heater 1210 and the second heater 1310. The fan assembly 150 makes the air heating process smoother, ensuring the stability and efficiency of airflow in the wire drying system.

[0031] For example, refer to Figure 1 The main body 110 of the tobacco drying machine includes a drying drum and a lifting plate structure disposed within the drying drum. The lifting plate structure is connected to a condensate tank 1410 via a third condensate pipe 1120. The lifting plate structure continuously lifts and agitates the tobacco during the rotation of the drying drum, ensuring full contact between the tobacco and hot air for uniform drying. An independent fluid channel is provided inside the lifting plate structure to collect condensate. The condensate primarily originates from secondary condensate formed after the lifting plate structure comes into contact with the high-temperature hot air, as well as residual heat exchange condensate within the lifting plate structure itself. The condensate within the lifting plate structure is centrally transported to the condensate tank 1410 via the third condensate pipe 1120, effectively preventing the accumulation of condensate in the drying drum and thus avoiding problems such as dampness and clumping of the tobacco, and preventing condensate from interfering with the smooth agitation of the lifting plate structure.

[0032] For example, refer to Figure 1 The bottom of the condensate tank 1410 is connected to a condensate recovery pipeline 1470 for connection to the recovery device. The various types of condensate collected in the condensate tank 1410 (including condensate generated after heat exchange in the first heater 1210 and the second heater 1310, as well as condensate transported by the lifting plate structure through the third condensate pipeline 1120) undergo flash evaporation to separate secondary steam within the condensate tank 1410. The remaining room-temperature condensate is then directionally transported to the recovery device via the condensate recovery pipeline 1470 at the bottom. This enables the reuse of condensate; the recovered condensate can be treated and used for other production processes or domestic water use, avoiding water waste and further reducing production auxiliary costs.

[0033] For example, in one embodiment of the tobacco drying system, the tobacco shreds to be processed enter the drying cylinder at 85°C and 28% moisture content. Simultaneously, the system inputs steam at a pressure of 4 bar (where "60%" represents the proportion of steam used in the basic process to the total steam supply, and "+55%" represents the steam reuse efficiency percentage of the heat recovery system), and introduces ambient air at 25°C (10%) to assist operation. After being turned over by the lifting plate structure inside the drying cylinder and dried by hot air, the tobacco shreds are processed to a finished product at 65°C and 17% moisture content. During this process, exhaust air at 85°C and 67% moisture content is generated. Simultaneously, the system recovers flash steam at 100°C (6%) and condensate at 95°C (8%), resulting in only 2% heat loss. Finally, through condensate flash evaporation and secondary steam circulation, the effect of "recovering and utilizing flash steam ≈ 5%" is achieved. The steam utilization efficiency is improved by approximately 5% compared to traditional systems, ensuring both the uniformity of tobacco drying and achieving the goal of energy saving and consumption reduction.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front", "rear", "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", and "bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship, which are usually based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0035] For ease of description, relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," and "above" are used here to describe the regional positional relationship of one or more components or features shown in the figures to other components or features. It should be understood that relative terms include not only the orientation of the component as depicted in the figure but also different orientations during use or operation. For example, if the components in the figures are inverted as a whole, "above" or "above other components or features" will include cases where the component is "below" or "under" other components or features. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." Furthermore, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document intends to include all such cases.

[0036] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0037] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0038] This utility model has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the utility model to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this utility model, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A wire drying system, characterized in that, include: The main body of the wire drying machine has a hot air inlet; A first heater is connected to a first steam pipe and a first condensate pipe. The first heater has a first air outlet and a first air inlet, and the first air outlet is connected to the hot air inlet. The second heater is connected to a second steam pipeline and a second condensate pipeline. The second heater has a second air outlet and a second air inlet. The second air inlet is connected to ambient air, and the second air outlet is connected to the first air inlet. A condensate tank is provided, and both the first condensate pipeline and the second condensate pipeline are connected to the condensate tank. The condensate tank is also connected to a secondary steam pipeline, which is connected to the second steam pipeline.

2. The wire drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second condensate pipe is also connected to a first branch pipe, which is connected to an overpressure flash evaporation exhaust port and is equipped with an overflow valve.

3. The wire drying system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A vacuum breaker and an air vent valve are also provided between the overflow valve and the second condensate pipe, with the vacuum breaker being closer to the second condensate pipe than the air vent valve.

4. The wire drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the condensate tank is provided with a secondary steam outlet, and the secondary steam pipeline is connected to the secondary steam outlet.

5. The wire drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The secondary steam pipeline is connected to a second branch pipeline, which is connected to an overpressure steam exhaust port and is equipped with a safety valve.

6. The wire drying system according to claim 5, characterized in that, A pressure monitoring device is installed in the section of the secondary steam pipeline between the second branch pipeline and the second steam pipeline.

7. The wire drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wire drying system also includes a fan assembly, which is disposed between the first air inlet and the hot air inlet.

8. The wire drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying system further includes a fan assembly, the air inlet of which is connected to ambient temperature air and the air outlet of which is connected to the second air inlet; or, the air inlet of which is connected to the second air outlet and the air outlet of which is connected to the first air inlet.

9. The wire drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the wire drying machine includes a wire drying cylinder and a lifting plate structure disposed inside the wire drying cylinder. The lifting plate structure is connected to the condensate tank through a third condensate pipe.

10. The wire drying system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the condensate tank is connected to a condensate recovery pipeline for connection to the recovery device.

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