Condensate capture device

Abstract

The present invention provides a condensate capture device and an air purification device equipped with a condensate capture device. [Solution] The condensate capture device 110 comprises at least one movable condensing element 112 and at least one drive device 114 connected to the condensing element and driving the condensing element, wherein the condensing element is located within the condensate capture device and is located in and / or in sufficient contact with a flowing contaminated airflow, the condensing element is configured to at least condense contaminants contained in the airflow, and the condensing element is moved to allow at least partially to remove the contaminants condensed by the condensing element from the airflow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a condensate capture device and an air purification device including the condensate capture device.

Background Art

[0002] Air purification devices equipped with filters and / or condensate collectors are commonly used in various industrial fields. Filters and condensate collectors are used to at least partially remove unwanted contaminants from gases or water vapor, increasing the operating efficiency and service life of the air purification devices used. In particular, the intention of providing an air purification device is to prevent damage caused by contaminants (e.g., erosion damage) or unwanted contaminant deposits mixed in the air. Generally, filters and condensate capture materials should be used to protect the manufacturing method and process chamber against contamination. The contamination of gases or water vapor should also be at least partially removed to improve the product quality.

[0003] Conventional filters and condensate capture devices that become clogged in a short period of time during use have the drawback of extremely short service lives. If contaminants can be consistently removed from gases or water vapor to prevent clogging of the filters and condensate capture devices, for example, there is an advantage that the deterioration of product quality can be improved by increasing the service life. Also, the air permeability of conventional filters and condensate capture devices decreases over time, meaning that, for example, a consistent air flow in the air purification device cannot be supplied or complex air flow control is required to ensure the decreasing air permeability.

[0004] Also, conventional filters and condensate capture devices require frequent maintenance and inspections. This means that it is necessary to replace or clean the filters and / or condensate elements. That is, it requires corresponding shutdowns of the factory that require high downtime. Also, the cleaning cost and replacement cost of the filters are required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Condensate capture systems are used in various industrial fields and many application areas. For example, in the petrochemical industry, condensate capture systems are used to remove condensates from water vapor before it is introduced to the next process. This not only improves the efficiency of the condensate capture system itself, but also has the advantage of improving the quality of the final product and reducing erosive damage to various parts of the machine. Condensate capture systems are also important in food processing methods that improve the purity of water vapor that comes into direct contact with food. By removing condensates, it is possible to prevent the introduction of contaminants that impair the quality and safety of food.

[0006] Condensate capture devices can also be used in vacuum application technologies to protect vacuum pumps from condensates. Condensate capture devices can also be used in polymer processing, particularly in the production of polymer thin films. In resin processing processes such as the production of polymer thin films, contaminants (e.g., monomers, low polymers, auxiliaries, additives, and / or other substances) can be removed from the resin. The presence of contaminants can degrade the quality and mechanical properties of the resin products being manufactured (especially thin films) and / or damage the manufacturing equipment (e.g., thin film stretching equipment).

[0007] Despite the importance of various application examples, conventional condensate capture devices have drawbacks, including limited performance and / or cumbersome handling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a condensate capture device and an air purification device that at least partially limit the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved by the invention of a condensate capture device, an air purification device, and a strip material manufacturing device according to the independent claim. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention described in the dependent claim are as follows.

[0010] In particular, the problems of the present invention are solved by a condensate capture device used for thin film stretching equipment or for purifying the air of purified exhaust gases. The condensate capture device can also be used in other industrial fields such as food processing, petrochemical industry, and power generation technology.

[0011] The condensate trapping device comprises at least one movable condensation element and a drive device assigned to at least one condensation element for driving the condensation element. The movable condensation element is provided within the condensate trapping device, and a polluted airflow flows through and / or passes over the condensation element.

[0012] Contaminants in the second airflow are at least partially condensed in at least one movable condensing element. Thus, the contaminants are removed (at least partially) from the second airflow. The movement of the condensing element, which is driven by a drive device, removes at least partially the condensed material, i.e., the condensed contaminants, from the condensing element.

[0013] During the manufacture of resin thin films, contaminants include, for example, monomers, low polymers, and / or other volatile components (at a temperature at which they can volatilize) released from the resin thin film or molten resin. Contaminants referred to as "white powder" in thin film stretching equipment, particularly lateral stretching equipment and / or ventilation equipment, can damage the equipment. For example, contaminants can block openings and stiffen or block moving components (such as air control valves). Furthermore, if contaminants adhere to the product (e.g., resin thin film), product quality may also be impaired.

[0014] Removing condensates adhering to the thin-film stretching equipment is a complex process because it is necessary to temporarily halt production by stopping the operation of the thin-film stretching equipment. Contaminants must be completely removed from the airflow by a condensate capture device before they adhere to the thin-film stretching equipment. This improves product quality, increases the operating life of the thin-film manufacturing equipment, and / or extends the cleaning interval. Furthermore, the condensate capture device can significantly extend the operating life of the entire filter.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, a condensate capture device is set up during the operation of the thin film stretching apparatus to drive and move a movable condensation element. Therefore, condensates can be removed at least partially from the condensation element during the operation of the stretching apparatus, thereby avoiding or at least sufficiently reducing the downtime of the stretching apparatus.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, a movable condensation element is connected to a drive device, and at least one condensation element is driven by the drive device to move substantially translationally. In particular, at least one condensation element is moved by the drive device in a direction different from one direction (e.g., vertically). This movement can be periodic.

[0017] The drive mechanism for the condensation element is restricted on at least one side by a stopper so that it guides at least one condensation element toward a stopper. The resulting effect is to at least partially separate the condensate adhering to the condensation element.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, a drive device raises a condensing element from a first position and then lowers it back to the first position. For example, the first position of the condensing element is formed by a first stopping piece that stops the condensing element in the first position. Upon contact with the first position, the condensing element experiences an impact at the end of its downward movement.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the drive mechanism actively guides the condensing element against the contact piece. For example, if the upward movement of the condensing element is restricted by a second (alternative) stopping piece, the condensing element will experience contact (due to stopping at the stopping piece) at the end of its upward movement.

[0020] The present invention should not be explicitly limited to a condensing element that partially separates condensates from the condensing element by vertical and translational movement of the condensing element. In particular, a drive device is provided that converts the rotational motion of the condensing element into translational motion of the condensing element. For this purpose, the drive device comprises at least one eccentric element.

[0021] The eccentric element is, for example, a cam on a camshaft. At least one cam on the camshaft is in contact with a condensing element, and the rotation of the camshaft is converted into translational motion (e.g., vertical motion) of the condensing element. In one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate capture device comprises at least one guide element. The movably provided condensing element is a circulating condensing element guided in a circulating manner by at least one guide element. The at least one guide element is, for example, a roller or a wheel, and in particular a gear.

[0022] A circulating condensing element is a more elongated condensing element, particularly having a larger surface area compared to, for example, a fixed condensing element. Specifically, the condensing element extends both through regions where airflow is present and regions where airflow is absent. In a circulating configuration, for example, only a portion of the condensing element is positioned within the airflow region, significantly extending the operating life of the condensing element. This reduces the downtime required for maintenance of the condensate capture device.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the movable condensing element is formed in the shape of a strip or a plate. In particular, the circulating condensing element is formed in the shape of a strip. When a number of guide elements (such as rollers) are provided, the direction of movement of the condensing element is changed by the guide elements, and the second airflow repeatedly passes through the guide elements. Therefore, the amount of contaminants separated from the condensing element can be increased, and the efficiency of the condensate capture device can be improved. By deflecting the direction of movement of the condensing element, the second airflow can flow through the condensing element at least two, at least three, at least four, at least six, or at least eight times. Multiple condensing elements may be connected in series. Connecting multiple condensing elements in series can reduce the opening width of the condensing element or the mesh size in the flow direction.

[0024] The mesh size of the initially circulating condensation element can be formed coarser than that of the subsequently circulating condensation element. The opening size of the initially circulating condensation element can be set, for example, in the range of 0.3 mm to 10 mm, 0.5 mm to 8 mm, 1 mm to 8 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm (equivalent diameter). The opening size of the subsequent condensation element can be reduced by, for example, at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30%. The equivalent diameter indicates the maximum circular size that can be inscribed in the opening. When driving a movable condensation element in a substantially translational motion, a plate-shaped condensation element can be used in particular. Examples of plate-shaped condensation elements include condensation elements including, for example, an extended plate (extended sheet), a perforated plate (effective sheet), a metal mesh / wire mesh, a non-woven fabric, a ring mesh, etc.

[0025] At least one plate-shaped condensation element is provided with a frame for fixing to, for example, at least one air-permeable element (for example, a non-woven fabric, a cloth, or a sheet-shaped metal body is also possible), and the stability of the condensation element is increased by the frame. A plurality of air-permeable elements can be supported by the frame. The condensation element can be driven indirectly or directly by a driving element provided in the driving device. For example, the driving element can directly drive a guiding element to drive the condensation element. The driving element is, for example, an electric motor or includes an electric motor. Also, the driving element can be manually operated and, for example, a manual crank can be provided.

[0026] The driving device can be controlled. When a detector detects that condensate adheres to the condensation element and / or that a desired air flow rate can no longer be achieved, the driving device is started to move the condensation element to at least partially remove the condensate from the condensation element. By setting the driving time to control the operation of the driving device, the condensation element can be driven for a predetermined time. When manually operating the driving element, a command signal for operating at least one condensation element can be applied to the driving element.

[0027] The condensation element can be removed to clean the condensate capture device. As an alternative and / or additionally, at least one cleaning element provided in the condensate capture device is set to remove condensate from the movable condensation element. The cleaning element is a mechanical cleaning element, a chemical cleaning element, and / or a physical cleaning element.

[0028] The cleaning element comprises at least one brush for removing condensate from the condensation element, for example at least one scraping piece or cleaning tool. When the condensation element passes through the cleaning element, the cleaning element removes the condensate from the condensation element, particularly by wiping. A cleaning tool for removing the condensate or at least simplifying the removal operation of the condensate can be provided on the cleaning element. Further, the cleaning element comprises a compressed air nozzle and / or a (water) ejection nozzle for completely blowing off and / or rinsing the condensation element when the cleaning tool is in operation.

[0029] The cleaning element of another embodiment of the present invention is configured to vibrate the condensation element at least in a specific region so as to knock down the condensate adhering to the condensation element. This can remove the condensate from the condensation element using a fixed structure or a movable structure through which the guiding condensation element passes. This can remove the condensate from the dried or blow-dried condensation element after cleaning. Separate the condensate from the condensation element by the cleaning element during operation progress.

[0030] The condensate capturing device comprises a collecting device for securing the condensate. The condensate captured by the collecting device can be removed continuously or periodically. This can be done automatically or manually. The collecting device is composed of, for example, a bucket, a container, etc.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the condensate capturing device comprises at least one air mixing device for mixing a first air flow and a contaminated second air flow to generate a mixed air flow. The air flows to be mixed flow towards at least one condensation element and flow on or through the condensation element.

[0032] Thus, it has been found that a very homogeneously mixed air flow can be generated. Thereby, the product quality can be improved when the mixed air flow is applied as supply air to a cooling region of a device for manufacturing a resin thin film, particularly a stretching device.

[0033] The first airflow has a first temperature, and the second airflow preferably has a second temperature higher than the first temperature. Thus, the mixed airflow has a temperature between the first and second temperatures and carries contaminants. The contaminants are separated from the airflow by condensation on the condensing element—partly due to the decrease in temperature. In one embodiment of the present invention, the air mixing device comprises at least one air mixing element through which the first airflow and the second airflow (already partially mixed) flow. This makes it possible to achieve homogeneous mixing of multiple airflows and prevent striped flow of different airflows.

[0034] When multiple airflows of different temperatures are combined and mixed, undesirable streaking flow occurs. In this specification, the term "streaking flow" refers to the incomplete mixing of airflows of different temperatures. This is detrimental to the quality of thin films. Air mixing elements reduce and prevent streaking flow and improve the quality of thin films. At least one condensing element can further reduce streaking flow.

[0035] At least one air mixing element includes a condensing element, in particular, a stretched plate (stretched sheet), a perforated plate (effective sheet), a metal mesh / wire mesh, a nonwoven fabric, an annular mesh, etc. Multiple air mixing elements provided can be connected in series to reduce the opening width or mesh dimensions in the flow direction.

[0036] The air-mixing element that flows first is coarser than the air-mixing element that flows later. For example, the opening dimensions of the air-mixing element that flows first are in the range of 0.3mm to 10mm, 0.5mm to 8mm, 1mm to 8mm, or 3mm to 5mm (uniform diameter). The opening of the air-mixing element that flows later is reduced, for example, by at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30%.

[0037] In other embodiments of the present invention, the air mixer is configured such that the first and second airflows entering the air mixer are in parallel, counter-flow, or reverse flow. In parallel operation, the first and second airflows flow in substantially the same direction. In counter-flow operation, the first and second airflows flow in opposite directions. In reverse operation, the first and second airflows flow at a constant angle to each other, for example, a substantially perpendicular angle.

[0038] In another embodiment of the present invention, the air mixing device has at least one nozzle device (e.g., a nozzle box) that determines the flow direction of a first airflow and / or a second airflow. For example, two types of nozzle devices are provided, one of which determines the flow direction of the first airflow and the other of which determines the flow direction of the second airflow. In each type, at least one nozzle device constitutes part of the aggregate trapping device. Thus, by arranging multiple nozzle devices, it is possible to generate parallel, counter-flow, or reverse flow.

[0039] Multiple outlet openings are provided in the nozzle device, arranged so that a first airflow (or a second airflow) flows through substantially the entire width of the air mixing element and / or through the entire width of the condensing element into the air mixing element or the condensing element. Thus, the entire width of the air mixing element is used for further mixing of the airflow, or the entire width of the condensing element is used for condensation formation. This improves the efficiency of the condensate capture device.

[0040] The condensate capture device comprises a first airflow and a temperature control element (e.g., a heating element or a cooling element) configured to control the temperature of the mixed airflow and / or the output airflow of the condensate capture device. By controlling the temperature of the first airflow or the mixed airflow, at least one condensation element can be set to a temperature below the condensation temperature of the contaminants. This can promote condensation.

[0041] By controlling the temperature of the output airflow of the condensate capture device, it is possible to control it to the process temperature (for example, when the output airflow is recirculated in the production equipment) or to extract energy from the output airflow before releasing it into the environment.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the condensing element is a circulating metal strip, such as a metal mesh strip. The metal strip can be selected from, for example, a chain strip, a hinged strip, a chain strip, a rod mesh strip, a wire eyelet chain strip, a spiral wire mesh strip, etc. When a plate-shaped condensing element is used, the metal strip is held in the mold of the condensing element. If the metal strip is permeable, airflow can be passed through it. Depending on the application, the mesh size or chain size can be selected to form a good airflow and promote good condensation formation.

[0043] When the direction of movement of the metal strip is deflected (or brought into contact with a condensation element), the individual links or mesh of the metal strip are moved relative to each other, causing different condensates to fall onto the metal strip. Therefore, the metal strip has a specific self-cleaning effect.

[0044] The metal strip is made of steel, particularly corrosion-resistant steel of grade 1.4301 or 1.4571. Non-ferrous metals can also be used. In particular, the condensation element has a condensation region and at least one transport region. For example, two transport regions and a condensation region positioned between the two transport regions can be formed in the condensation element.

[0045] The condensation region of the condensation element is connected to a transport region. The condensation region is configured to form condensates. The transport region is interconnected with a drive device that drives the condensation element. In one embodiment of the present invention, the transport region comprises a chain (e.g., by welding, riveting, etc.) attached to one side of the condensation region. Similarly, the transport region comprises a strip.

[0046] The object of the present invention is further achieved by an air purification device having at least one condensate capture device of the type described above. For example, the air purification device may be part of a thin film stretching device and may be used, for example, to supply input air and / or to release gas.

[0047] In addition to at least one condensate capture device, the air purification device comprises at least one airflow supply device configured to supply a first airflow to the condensate capture device. In particular, the first airflow is supplied to an air mixing device. For example, the airflow supply device comprises a blower, in particular an adjustable blower.

[0048] The air purification system also includes at least one exhaust system configured to extract exhaust from the apparatus (such as a thin-film stretching apparatus) and supply the exhaust as a second airflow to a condensate trapping apparatus. In particular, the second airflow is supplied to an air mixing apparatus. The second airflow obtained from the apparatus typically contains contaminated air. For example, the exhaust system includes a blower, particularly an adjustable blower. A controllable or adjustable control valve may also be provided to supply a portion of the exhaust extracted from the condensate trapping apparatus as the second airflow.

[0049] As described above, the system is configured to generate a mixed airflow by mixing the first airflow, the second airflow, and the contaminated airflow. The mixed airflow can also be supplied through the condensation element of the condensate capture device to separate the contaminants from the mixed airflow.

[0050] The air purification device is further configured to supply a mixed airflow to the device as input air after the condensate capture device. This allows for the removal of contaminants from thin-film stretching equipment and other devices, thereby improving product quality.

[0051] The air purification device includes at least one air distributor that receives a second airflow from an exhaust device, distributes the received airflow, and supplies airflow to a condensate capture device, particularly an air mixing device. This allows for optimal use of the surface area of ​​at least one air mixing element or condensing element.

[0052] The air purification system further comprises a coarse filter located downstream of the condensate capture device, which filters pollutants from the airflow passing through the condensate capture device.

[0053] The coarse filtration system comprises one or more coarse filters, such as metal mesh filters, steel wire mesh filters, or wool filters. The coarse filters are reusable (and therefore purifiable) or can be used independently. A heating device can be placed between the condensate capture device and the coarse filtration system. A heating device can also be placed downstream of the coarse filtration system.

[0054] Furthermore, the air purification system typically includes at least one filter with a finer mesh than the coarser filter. This allows for the removal of additional contaminants from the airflow. The filter is positioned, for example, downstream of the coarser filter.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air purification device includes a heating element. At least one filtration device can be arranged upstream and / or downstream of the heating device in the flow direction. The heating element can be particularly arranged between the coarse filtration device and the filtration device and / or downstream of the filtration device.

[0056] Furthermore, the air purification system can be configured to release or partially release the airflow from the condensate capture device (or coarse filter or filter) into the environment and / or recirculate it back into the machine. Therefore, pollutants can be removed from the exhaust as much as possible for reuse.

[0057] The object of the present invention can be achieved by a strip material manufacturing apparatus, particularly a thin film stretching apparatus, that includes at least one of the aforementioned air purification devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0058] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating embodiments of the present invention. The accompanying drawings represent the following: [Figure 1A] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the condensate capture device of the present invention. [Figure 1B] Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional view of the condensate capture device of the present invention. [Figure 1C] Detailed cross-sectional view of the condensing element [Figure 2A] Detailed perspective view showing the air inlet side of the air mixing device. [Figure 2B] Perspective view of a condensed element [Figure 2C] Process diagram showing the operation process of the drive device that drives the condensing element. [Figure 3A] Block diagram showing one embodiment of an air purification device. [Figure 3B] Block diagram showing another embodiment of the air purification device. [Figure 4] Perspective view of a coarse filtration system [Figure 5] Perspective view showing a strip material manufacturing apparatus. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0059] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the condensate capture device according to the present invention. Figure 1B is a cross-sectional view of the condensate capture device.

[0060] The condensate capture device 110 of this embodiment has a condensation element 112 that is circulating and movable. In the illustrated embodiment, the condensation element 112 is formed in the form of a belt (e.g., a round wire chain belt) such as a circulating and movable link belt.

[0061] Furthermore, the condensate capture device 110 has at least one guide element 116. The multiple guide elements 116 provided herein are proposed as guide rollers. The condensate element 112 is wound around the guide roller 116, driven and repeatedly redirected, so that the airflow 212, 216 repeatedly contacts (four times in this embodiment) the condensate element 112 as it flows through the condensate capture device 110.

[0062] A drive device 114 is provided to drive the circulating condensing element 112. The drive device 114 includes a drive element such as an electric motor or a manual crank. The drive element of the drive device 114 shown in Figure 1B drives the guide roller 116 that drives the condensing element 112.

[0063] The air mixing device 109, positioned upstream of the condensing element 112 in the airflow direction, comprises a plurality of nozzle devices 113. The three nozzle devices 113 shown are illustrative only. The nozzle devices 113 in the illustrated embodiment have the function of determining the flow direction of the first airflow 212. The nozzle devices 113 are provided with a plurality of outlets 113a (Figure 1B) that cause the airflow 212 to flow in contact with the condensing element 112 over substantially the entire width of the condensing element 112. Alternatively or additionally, for example, outlets 113a shown in Figure 2A may be provided at the top and / or bottom of the nozzle devices 113.

[0064] Additionally, a second airflow 216 flows between the multiple nozzle devices 113. The first airflow 212 has a first temperature T1, while the second airflow 216, which contains (i.e., carries) contaminants, has a second higher temperature T2. The first airflow 212 and the second airflow 216 are mixed in the guided flow to form a mixed airflow having a temperature between T1 and T2. The temperature of the mixed airflow promotes the condensation of contaminants that come into contact with the condensing element 112.

[0065] An air mixing element, for example in the form of a perforated plate, positioned upstream of the condensing element 112, further mixes the two airflows 212 and 216.

[0066] When airflows 212 and 216 are mixed, the contaminated airflow comes into contact with the temperature-controlled condensing element 112, and the contaminants contained in the airflow are condensed upon contact with the condensing element 112 and removed from the airflow. In particular, multiple airflows that come into contact with the indirectly temperature-controlled condensing element 112 encounter different temperatures at the time of contact. Significant temperature control is also possible.

[0067] After passing through the condensing element 112, the airflow is supplied to the factory facility as input air or discharged into the surrounding environment. Depending on the level of contamination, further filtration of the air may be required beforehand.

[0068] The condensate that forms and adheres to the condensation element 112 can be removed by the purification element 118. The purification element 118 is a mechanical, chemical, and / or physical purification element that purifies the condensation element 112 as it passes through. A collection device 115 for capturing the condensate is also provided. The condensate can be removed from the collection device 115 continuously or at intervals.

[0069] For example, the condensing element 112 shown in Figure 1B is provided with a condensation region 112a that mainly condenses condensate and has a wire mesh and / or similar structure, and transport regions 112b that are located on both sides of the condensation region 112a. The transport region 112b connected to the condensation region 112a cooperates with the drive unit 114.

[0070] The transport region 112b shown in Figure 1C has a chain device connected to a gear that drives the condensation element 112. The condensation region 112a shown in Figure 1C is a belt (strip) comprising a plurality of strip-shaped chains (strip chains) 112k, 112l, and 112m. The strip-shaped chains connected via the belt axis 112s can be formed from wire 112q. When the condensation element 112 is deflected, the condensate separates and moves away from the condensation element 112, while the strip-shaped chains 112k, 112l, and 112m swap places with each other. Therefore, the condensation element 112 has a certain self-cleaning effect.

[0071] Figure 2A is a perspective view of an air mixing device 109 positioned upstream of a condensing element (Figure 2B) as part of a condensate capture device 110. The air mixing device 109 shown in Figure 2A comprises, in the illustrated example, a plurality of plate-shaped air mixing pieces 109a, 109b, 109c formed from perforated plates, each having a rectangular through-hole. For example, the through-holes may be round, elliptical, or obviously other shapes. Combinations of different shapes are also possible.

[0072] The air mixing device 109 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a plurality of air mixing pieces, each having three air mixing pieces 109a, 109b, and 109c arranged in series with respect to each other in the flow direction. The opening dimensions of the air mixing pieces 109a, 109b, and 109c can be reduced in the flow direction.

[0073] The air mixing device 109 in the embodiment shown in Figure 2A comprises four nozzle devices 113 that determine the flow direction of the airflow 212. The nozzle devices 113 are provided with a plurality of outlets 113a located at the top and / or bottom. Alternatively and / or additionally, outlets 113a as shown in Figure 1B are provided. The airflow 212 is directed through the nozzle devices 113 over substantially the entire width of the air mixing piece. For example, the airflow 212 includes or consists of fresh air having a first temperature T1.

[0074] The second airflow 216 is supplied to air mixing pieces 109a to 109c, which are positioned between a plurality of nozzle devices 113 (cross-flow in this specification). The first airflow 212 and the second airflow 216 are first mixed in the nozzle device 113 region. The mixing is enhanced by the air mixing pieces 109a to 109c, ultimately producing a substantially uniform mixed airflow 214.

[0075] The second airflow 216, which is contaminated (i.e., contains contaminants), has a second temperature T2. When the second airflow 216 is cooled by mixing and the mixed airflow 214 containing the contaminants comes into contact with the condensation element 112, the contaminants are condensed, aggregated, or precipitated.

[0076] This state is shown in Figure 2B. The mixed airflow 214 containing contaminants comes into contact with the condensing element 112, and the contaminants condense. The pure airflow 214' (which has passed through the condensing element 112) that has been mixed and had the contaminants removed is supplied to the factory as input air or discharged into the surrounding area. Depending on the degree of contamination, further filtration may be required beforehand. The condensants adhering to the condensing element 112 can be removed from the movable condensing element 112 shown in Figure 2B.

[0077] For this purpose, a movable condensation element 112 is connected to a drive device 114 having a manual handle (hand crank) 114a. Rotation of the manual handle 114a rotates the shaft 119, allowing the condensation element 112 to move vertically up and down. Other drive elements such as electric motors can obviously be used instead of the manual handle. An eccentric element 117 is attached to the shaft 119. At least one condensation element 112 is positioned on the eccentric element 117. Rotation of the shaft 119 is converted into vertical up-and-down (Z-axis) motion of the condensation element 112. Guide elements 116, i.e., side guide rails, guide the converted vertical motion. The changes in motion are shown in Figure 2C. Multiple drawer-type collection devices 115 are provided below the condensation element 112, and the collection devices 115 capture the condensates removed from the condensation element 112.

[0078] Figure 2C shows the drive mechanism and the vertical movement of the condensation element 112, which is shown in more detail again in the side view by the drive mechanism. The illustrated eccentric cam (eccentric element) 117 is attached to the shaft 119. In the initial state (leftmost state), the condensation element 112, which is positioned on the eccentric cam 117 in the first position, is also in the first position.

[0079] As the eccentric cam 117 rotates due to the rotation of the shaft 119, the condensation element 112 vibrates upward (second from the left in Figure 2C). As the shaft 119 rotates further, the condensation element 112 rises even further (third from the left in Figure 2C).

[0080] The distance from the outer shape of the eccentric cam 117 to the center of the shaft 119, as shown in Figure 2C, changes abruptly at the shoulder 117a provided on the eccentric cam 117. After the condensing element 112 overcomes the shoulder 117a of the eccentric cam 117, the view transitions from Figure 3 to Figure 4 in Figure 2C, and the condensing element 112 is abruptly returned to the first state. Thus, in Figure 4 of Figure 2C, the condensing element 112 contacts or stops with the eccentric cam 117 (not shown).

[0081] Returning to Figure 1 of Figure 2C, the condensation element 112 is struck at the lower end of its downward motion. This is to generate an impact that removes at least partially any aggregates adhering to the condensation element 112. Figure 3A is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the air purification device 2, and Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the air purification device 2. The air purification device 2 may also be part of a thin film stretching apparatus shown in Figure 5, which is used, for example, to supply input air and / or exhaust air.

[0082] The air purification device 2 shown in Figure 3A comprises at least one condensate capture device 110, at least one airflow supply device 140, and at least one exhaust device 200. The airflow supply device 140, which supplies the first airflow 212 to the condensate capture device 110, includes, for example, a blower for introducing ambient air (fresh air), and in particular a blower for adjusting the airflow rate. The airflow supply device 140 can extract process air from equipment such as a thin film stretching device. In this case, it is desirable to draw in process air containing low-temperature contaminants and / or reduce its temperature to a lower temperature than the second airflow 216, thereby condensing the contaminants from the airflow. In the manufacturing of thin films, for example, a cooling region is ultimately provided.

[0083] The exhaust system 200 is configured to draw exhaust air from the apparatus (e.g., thin film manufacturing apparatus) and supply it to the condensate capture device 110 as a second airflow 216. The exhaust system 200 includes, for example, a blower 142, particularly a blower with adjustable airflow. A portion of the exhaust extracted by the exhaust system 200 can be supplied to the condensate capture device 110 to set a control value or adjustment value. The remaining exhaust portion of the exhaust system 200 may be released into the environment. A filter is provided to prevent the introduction of pollutants into the environment. The blower 142 shown in the figure can be placed downstream of the branching section 141. Alternatively, the blower 142 (shown by a dotted line) can also be placed upstream of the branching section 141.

[0084] The second airflow 216 is distributed via the air distributor 108. The air distributor 108 receives the second airflow 216 from the exhaust device 200, distributes the received airflow 216, and supplies the airflow 212 to be distributed to the condensate capture device 110, in particular to the air mixing device 109. Thus, the airflow 212 is guided across the entire width of the air mixing element.

[0085] The first airflow 212 and the second airflow 216 are directed through the mixing device 109 of the condensate capture device 110 as described above. The resulting mixed airflow 214 is directed through the condensing element 112, where contaminants are condensed and removed from the airflow. The finally mixed pure airflow 214' is discharged from the condensate capture device 110 and optionally supplied to the coarse filter 120 and / or at least one filter 130. The purified airflow 214' can be returned to devices such as the input air 218 via the additional blower 144.

[0086] For example, by installing a heater 150 upstream of the filtration device 130 shown in Figure 3A, the temperature of the pure airflow can be (partially) controlled. Similarly, the heater 150 can be placed downstream of the filtration device 130 shown in Figure 3B.

[0087] The air distributor 108, condensate capture device 110 (together with an optional air mixer 109 and condensing element 112), coarse filter 120 and / or filter 130 constitute the air purifier 100. The air purifier 2 comprises a plurality (at least two) of air purifiers 100. Similarly, the thin film stretching apparatus is assigned to a plurality of air purifiers 2, each having at least one or more air purifiers 100 in sequence.

[0088] For example, air purifiers 100 are assigned to the preheating area 23, stretching area 24, annealing area 25, and / or cooling area 26 of the lateral stretching device 22, and input air 218 is supplied to them. The flow of the input air 218 is controlled or regulated by individual blowers 144. The use of air purifiers 100 in the cooling area 26 contributes to particularly effective removal of contaminants.

[0089] For example, if the air purification device 2 is assigned to the cooling region 26 of the thin film stretching apparatus 20 (Figure 5), the input air 218 will pass through the entire resin thin film 10 in the cooling region 26, absorbing any remaining contaminants, and can be extracted again as exhaust air 210 by the exhaust air device 200. The thin film can also be cooled by the input air 218.

[0090] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a coarse filter 120 through which an airflow such as a mixed flow passes. The coarse filter 120 comprises a plurality of coarse filters 124 (e.g., metal mesh, stretched sheet, filter fleece, etc.) inserted into a corresponding filter frame 122. The coarse filters 124 can be reused or rearranged after use.

[0091] In other embodiments of the present invention, a coarse filter can be similarly assembled in the condensate capture device. For example, the coarse filter can be a circulating or mobile filter through which the airflow 214 flows. There is no need to control the temperature of the coarse filter. A purification element (e.g., a compressed air nozzle ejected from the coarse filter, scraping or cleaning tool, and / or a brush for mechanically cleaning the coarse filter) can also be provided to purify the air guided through the purifier.

[0092] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a thin film manufacturing apparatus for producing a strip-shaped material 10, which comprises several different pieces of equipment. The thin film manufacturing apparatus 1 in the illustrated example shows an illustrative thin film stretching apparatus, but does not limit the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0093] In this case, the strip material 10 is a resin thin film. The thin film manufacturing apparatus 1 in the illustrated example comprises a resin extrusion apparatus 12, a casting roll apparatus 14, at least one thin film stretching apparatus 20 - longitudinal stretching apparatus 21 (MDO, mechanical direction orienter) and / or transverse stretching apparatus 22 (TDO, transverse direction orienter), a tension roll apparatus 16, and a winding apparatus 18.

[0094] The resin thin films produced are, for example, biaxially oriented thin films such as biaxially oriented polypropylene thin films (BO-PP), biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate thin films (BO-PET), biaxially oriented polyamide thin films (BO-PA), biaxially oriented polyethylene thin films (BO-PE), biaxially oriented polylactic acid thin films (BO-PLA), capacitor thin films (BOPP-C), or battery separation thin films (BSF). The resin thin film 10 is manufactured by depositing the thin film onto the cooling roll of the casting roll device 14 using the extruder 12. For this purpose, the extruder 12 forms molten resin from starting material such as granular resin supplied to the cooling roll.

[0095] The resin thin film produced on the cooling roll is transported as a strip material 10 from the casting roll device 14 to the longitudinal stretching device 21, which forms part of the thin film stretching device 20. In the longitudinal stretching device 21, the resin thin film is formed into a longitudinally stretched thin film. In the longitudinal stretching device 21, the resin thin film passes through multiple heating rollers, so the resin thin film is maintained at the desired temperature. In addition, the resin thin film is stretched longitudinally through the multiple rollers.

[0096] In the longitudinal stretching apparatus 21, the resin thin film is stretched in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in a direction away from at least one of the rolls, between at least two rolls, thereby stretching the casting thin film uniaxially and forming a resin thin film. The resulting resin thin film is transported from the longitudinal stretching apparatus 21 to the transverse stretching apparatus 22, where the resin thin film is stretched transversely. The transverse stretching apparatus 22 includes a heating furnace 32 having various regions for processing the resin thin film along the longitudinal direction A of the thin film stretching apparatus 20.

[0097] In a first region called the preheating region 23, the resin film is heated. In the subsequent second region 24 ("stretching region"), the resin film is stretched laterally, so the width and thickness of the resin film at the edges of the second region are greater than the initial width in the second region, and the resin film is thinner. After the stretching process, the resin film passes through a third region and further regions 25 (called the "heat treatment region," "additional heating region," and / or "annealing region"), where the resin film is exposed to high temperatures to reduce or eliminate internal stress in the resin film.

[0098] Subsequently, the resin thin film passes through a further region 26 ("cooling region") where it is cooled in the final region. Another region, called a neutral region, which is formed in a space without ventilation, serves to separate the multiple regions.

[0099] The area of ​​the lateral stretching device 22 can be divided into different spaces and / or spaces of different lengths. For example, a small number of neutral areas or areas of short length can be provided, or additional neutral areas can be placed at other locations. Modifications to the remaining area can also be considered. After the lateral stretching device 22, the biaxially (longitudinal and lateral) stretched thin film 10 is moved through the traction roller device 16 and wound onto the winding device 18.

[0100] For example, a simultaneous stretching apparatus having a heating furnace can be used as the thin film stretching apparatus, and a longitudinal stretching apparatus 21 and / or transverse stretching apparatus 22 can be used separately or additionally to configure the thin film stretching apparatus 20 in different ways.

[0101] The lateral stretching apparatus 22 or the heating furnace and especially the preheating area 23, the stretching area 24, at least one annealing area 25 and / or at least one cooling area 26 can be ventilated or purified by the air purification apparatus 2. Figures 3A and 3B show the air purification apparatus used for ventilation or aeration of the cooling area 26. The condensate capture apparatus 110 can reduce the concentration of contaminants in the heating furnace air, thereby improving the quality of the resin thin film 10 and / or extending the operating life of the thin film stretching apparatus 1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0102] 1. Thin film stretching device, 2. Air purification device, 10. Strip material (resin thin film), 12. Extrusion device, 14. Casting device, 16. Traction roller device, 18. Winding device, 20. Thin film stretching device, 21. Longitudinal stretching device, 22. Transverse stretching device, 23. Preheating area, 24. Stretching area, 25. Annealing area, 26. Cooling area, 32. Heating furnace, 100. Air purification device, 108. Air distributor, 109. Air mixing device, 110. Condensate capture device, 112. Condensing element, 112a. Condensing area, 112b. Conveying area, 112k, 112l, 112m. Strip chain, 112p 112q...Wire, 112s...Strap shaft, 113...Nozzle device, 113a...Outlet, 114...Drive device, 114a...Manual handle, 115...Clutch device, 116...Guide element, 117...Eccentric element (eccentric cam), 118...Purification element, 119...Shaft, 120...Coarse filtration device, 122...Filtration frame, 124...Coarse filter, 130...Filtration device, 140...Airflow supply device (blower), 141...Branching section, 142, 144...Blowers, 150...Heating element, 200...Exhaust device, 210...Exhaust, 212...First airflow (temperature T1), 214...Output airflow (mixed airflow), 216...Second airflow (temperature T2), 218...Input air, A...Separation direction, Z...Movement (transformation) direction,

Claims

1. In a condensate capture device (110) particularly for a thin film stretching apparatus, comprising at least one movable condensation element (112) and at least one drive device (114) assigned to the at least one condensation element (112), The condensate element (112) located within the condensate capture device (110) is provided with a condensate element (112) to allow the contaminated airflow to flow smoothly and / or sufficiently. At least some of the contaminants contained in the airflow (214) are condensed by the condensation element (112), A condensate capture device (110) is characterized by driving the condensate element (112) with a drive device (114) that is operatively coupled to the condensate element (112), thereby removing condensed contaminants from the condensate element (112) at least partially by the movement of the condensate element (112) by the drive device (114).

2. At least one movable condensation element (112) is driven by a drive unit (114), and at least one condensation element (112) is driven substantially by translational motion. The rotational motion of the drive unit (114) is converted into translational motion. The condensate capture device (110) according to claim 1, wherein the drive device (114) optionally comprises at least one eccentric element (117).

3. The condensate capturing device (110) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable condensation element (112) is in the shape of a strip or a plate.

4. The condensate capture device (110) according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of guide elements (116) that deflect the direction of movement of condensing elements (112) in a second airflow that flows repeatedly.

5. The condensate capture device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drive device (114) comprises a drive element that directly or indirectly drives the condensation element (112).

6. A condensate capturing device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a capturing device (115) for capturing condensates.

7. The system further includes an air mixing device (109) that mixes a first airflow (212) having a first temperature (T1) with a contaminated second airflow (216) having a second temperature (T2) to generate a mixed airflow (214), The condensate capture device (110) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second temperature (T2) is higher than the first temperature.

8. The condensate capture device (110) according to claim 7, wherein the air mixing device (109) causes a first airflow (212) and a second airflow (216) to flow within the air mixing device (109) in parallel, counter-counter-counter-counter-counter flow.

9. The air mixing device (109) includes a nozzle device (113) that determines the direction of the first airflow (212) and / or the second airflow (216), The condensate capture device (110) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the nozzle device (113) comprises a plurality of outlets (113a) through which a first airflow (216) and / or a second airflow (216) flows into the condensate element (112) over substantially the entire width of the condensate element (112).

10. The condensate capture device (110) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising an air mixing device (109) having at least one air mixing element (109a, 109b, 109c) through which a first airflow (216) and a second airflow (216) flow.

11. A condensate capture device (110) as described in any one of claims 7 to 10, At least one air supply device (140) that supplies a first airflow (212) to the air mixing device (109) of the condensate capture device (110), At least one exhaust device (200) that takes exhaust air from the condensate capture device (110) and supplies the exhaust air as a contaminated second airflow (216) to the air mixing device (109) of the condensate capture device (110), The condensate capture device (110) is provided with a condensing element (112) that flows together with the mixed airflow (214) and / or sufficiently flows contaminants, which separates them from the mixed airflow (214). The air mixing device (109) mixes the first airflow (212) and the contaminated second airflow (216) to generate a mixed airflow (214). The air purification device (2) is characterized by supplying the mixed air flow (214) after the condensate capture device (110) to the condensate capture device (110) as input air.

12. The air purification device (2) according to claim 11, further comprising at least one air distributor (108) that receives a second airflow (212) from an exhaust device (200), distributes the received second airflow, and supplies the distributed airflow to an air mixing device (109).

13. The air purification device (2) according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a coarse filter (120) optionally arranged downstream of the condensate capture device (110).

14. The system further comprises at least one filtration device (130) and at least one optional heating element (150), The air purification device (2) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein at least one filtration device (130) is positioned upstream and / or downstream of the heating element (150) in the flow direction.

15. A manufacturing apparatus for a strip material, particularly a thin film stretching apparatus, comprising at least one air purification device (2) as described in any one of claims 11 to 14.

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