Granulation and drying device and granulation and drying method

Abstract

To reduce the load of maintenance work such as cleaning and to suppress the generation of a defective product caused by the fluctuation of a feed amount of granules during drying.SOLUTION: A granulating / drying device dries granulated granules with drying air in a process of making the granules flow through a channel. The granulating / drying device comprises a granulator, an air feeder, a dryer, a recovery unit, an air suction unit, a pressure detector, and a controller. The pressure detector detects a pressure in a feed passage included in the channel. The feed passage is a segment allowing the granules from the granulator to join the drying air from the air feeder. The controller controls the flow rate of the drying air flowing in the channel so that the detected value detected by the pressure detector becomes equal to the value of a pressure in the granulator less a specified value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a granulation and drying apparatus and a granulation and drying method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a granulation drying apparatus that dries granulated material by a drying gas while the granulated material flows through a flow path. Patent Document 1 discloses a continuous granulation production system that constitutes this type of granulation drying apparatus.

[0003] The continuous granulation system of Patent Document 1 is composed of a wet granulation process and a drying process. In the wet granulation process, various wet granulators are used to produce granulated material. In the drying process, a drying device is used. The granulated material is supplied to the drying device. The drying device is composed of a granulated material input section, a drying processing section, and a product discharge section. The granulated material produced in the wet granulation process is input to the granulated material input section, and hot air is supplied to the granulated material input section. The granulated material input section is formed of a stainless steel pipe. The drying processing section dries the granulated material that is transported by hot air after being input to the granulated material input section. In the product discharge section, the granulated material dried in the drying processing section is collected as a product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-14425 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to perform a stable drying process, in other words to keep the supply amount of the granulated material supplied to the drying process unit constant, it is desirable that the granulated material is supplied directly to the drying process unit, that is, that the granulated material is supplied to the drying process unit without passing through a member such as a feeder or a valve. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, the granulated material is supplied to the drying process unit through a hopper provided in the granulated material input unit. When the granulated material is supplied to the drying process unit, the stainless steel pipe forming the granulated material input unit is made negative pressure. Therefore, there is a possibility that the stainless steel pipe side will suck the granulated material from the device constituting the wet granulation process, and more than a specified amount of granulated material will be supplied to the drying process unit. In other words, there is a possibility that the supply amount of the granulated material supplied to the drying process unit will fluctuate. When the supply amount of the granulated material fluctuates in this way, in the drying process unit, in addition to granulated material in a sufficiently dried state, granulated material in an insufficiently dried state will be generated. Granulated material in an insufficiently dried state must be discarded as a defective product. This leads to an increase in the amount of granulated material to be discarded. In addition, granulated material in an insufficiently dried state may cause problems such as adhesion to the drying process unit or clogging of a connecting pipe connected to the product discharge unit.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to reduce the burden of maintenance work such as cleaning, and to suppress the occurrence of defective granulated material due to fluctuations in the amount of granulated material supplied during drying. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention has been described above. Next, the means for solving this problem and the effects thereof will be described.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a granulation drying apparatus having the following configuration. That is, this granulation drying apparatus dries the granulated material by a drying gas in the process of flowing the granulated material through a flow path. The granulation drying apparatus includes a granulation section, a gas supply section, a drying section, a recovery section, a gas suction section, a pressure detection section, and a control section. The granulation section dries the granulated material by a drying gas. and Granulated materials of supply Continuously performThe gas supply unit supplies drying gas to the flow path. The drying unit is disposed downstream of the granulation unit in the direction in which the granulated material flows and downstream of the gas supply unit in the direction in which the drying gas flows. The drying unit dries the granulated material supplied from the granulation unit by using the drying gas supplied from the gas supply unit. The recovery unit is disposed downstream of the drying unit in the direction in which the drying gas flows and recovers the granulated material dried by the drying unit. The gas suction unit is disposed downstream of the recovery unit in the direction in which the drying gas flows and absorbs the drying gas supplied from the gas supply unit through the flow path and discharges it to the outside. The pressure detection unit detects the pressure in a supply path included in the flow path. The supply path is a portion through which the granulated material from the granulation unit flows to be merged with the drying gas from the gas supply unit. The control unit adjusts the flow rate of the drying gas in the flow path so that a value detected by the pressure detection unit becomes a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the pressure in the granulation unit.

[0009] This allows the amount of granulated material supplied to the drying section to be accurately maintained. This allows stable drying in the drying section. In addition, since the configuration for adjusting the amount of granulated material obtained in the granulation section that is supplied to the drying section can be omitted, a simple configuration can be achieved.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a granulation and drying method having the following configuration. That is, in this granulation and drying method, the granulated material is dried by a drying gas in the process of flowing the granulated material through a flow path. This granulation and drying method includes a granulation step, a gas supply step, a drying step, a recovery step, a gas suction step, a pressure detection step, and a pressure control step. In the granulation step, and Granulated materials of supply Continuously performIn the gas supplying step, a drying gas is supplied to the flow path. In the drying step, the granulated material supplied in the granulating step is dried using the drying gas supplied in the gas supplying step. In the collecting step, the granulated material dried in the drying step is collected. In the gas suction step, the drying gas supplied in the gas supplying step is sucked through the flow path and discharged to the outside. In the pressure detecting step, the pressure in a supply path included in the flow path is detected. The supply path is a portion through which the granulated material supplied in the granulating step flows so as to merge with the drying gas supplied in the gas supplying step. In the pressure controlling step, the flow rate of the drying gas flowing through the flow path is adjusted so that the detection value detected in the pressure detecting step is a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the pressure in the granulating step.

[0011] This allows the amount of granulated material supplied to the drying process to be accurately maintained. This allows stable drying to be achieved in the drying process. In addition, since the configuration for adjusting the amount of granulated material obtained in the granulation process that is supplied to the drying process can be omitted, a simple configuration can be achieved. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, the burden of maintenance work such as cleaning can be reduced, and the occurrence of defective products due to fluctuations in the supply amount of granulated material during drying can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a formulation apparatus as a granulation and drying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a control block diagram in the case where feedback control regarding a first flow rate adjustment valve is performed based on pressure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a formulation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a formulation device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a formulation apparatus 1 as a granulation drying apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] In this embodiment, the granulation and drying apparatus is the formulation apparatus 1. However, the granulation and drying apparatus according to the present invention can also be used for purposes other than formulation.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the formulation device 1 includes a granulation section 3, a gas supply section 5, a drying section 7, a recovery section 9, and a gas suction section 11. The granulation section 3, the gas supply section 5, the drying section 7, the recovery section 9, and the gas suction section 11 are connected via a flow path 13. The flow path 13 can be composed of, for example, a pipe. The flow path 13 includes a first path (supply path) 13a, a second path 13b, a third path 13c, a fourth path 13d, a fifth path (second portion) 13e, and a sixth path (first portion) 13f.

[0017] The granulation section 3 processes the supplied raw material into granules. The granulation section 3 also sends out the produced granules (granulated material) to the drying section 7. The granulation section 3 supplies the granulated material continuously. The pressure inside the granulation section 3 (granulation device 19 described later) is atmospheric pressure or close to it. The granulation section 3 has a feeder 15, a binder supply section 17, and the granulation device 19.

[0018] The feeder 15 supplies the raw material to the granulator 19. The feeder 15 is provided with a first motor 21. The feeder 15 is driven by the first motor 21. The first motor 21 is electrically connected to a control device (control unit) 23. The driving state of the first motor 21 is controlled directly or indirectly by the control device 23.

[0019] The control device 23 is configured with a known computer (for example, a PLC: Programmable Logic Controller) and includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM.

[0020] The binder supplying section 17 supplies the binder to the granulating device 19. The granulating device 19 produces granular material using the supplied raw material and binder. The granulating device 19 is connected to the first path 13a. The granulating device 19 sends the produced granular material to the drying section 7.

[0021] The granulator 19 is provided with a second motor 25 and a third motor 27. The granulator 19 is driven by the second motor 25 and the third motor 27. The second motor 25 and the third motor 27 are electrically connected to a first inverter 31 and a second inverter 33, respectively. The driving states of the second motor 25 and the third motor 27 are controlled by the first inverter 31 and the second inverter 33, respectively. The first inverter 31 and the second inverter 33 are each electrically connected to the control device 23.

[0022] A gas is introduced into the gas supply unit 5. In this embodiment, air is used as the gas. In this embodiment, the gas is introduced into the formulation device 1 from the outside, but the gas discharged from the gas suction unit 11 may be reintroduced. The gas supply unit 5 can generate high-temperature gas as a drying gas using the introduced gas. The gas supply unit 5 supplies the generated high-temperature gas to the flow path 13 and sends it out toward the drying unit 7. The gas supply unit 5 has an intake blower 37 and a heater 39.

[0023] The intake blower 37 sucks in outside air and sends it out. The intake blower 37 is provided with a fourth motor 41. The intake blower 37 is driven by the fourth motor 41. The fourth motor 41 is electrically connected to a third inverter 43. The driving state of the fourth motor 41 is controlled by the third inverter 43. The third inverter 43 is electrically connected to the control device 23.

[0024] The heater 39 heats the air sent out from the intake blower 37. The heated air flows as high-temperature gas toward the drying section 7. The configuration of the heater 39 is not particularly limited.

[0025] The granular material supplied from the granulating section 3 through the first passage 13a merges with the high-temperature gas supplied from the gas supply section 5 through the second passage 13b in the flow path 13. The granular material is then supplied to the drying section 7 through the third passage 13c together with the high-temperature gas. The granulating section 3 is directly connected to the drying section 7. That is, no device (such as a feeder or rotary valve) for adjusting the flow state of the granular material is interposed between the granulating section 3 and the drying section 7. This allows for a simple configuration and reduces the number of parts that require cleaning.

[0026] The drying section 7 dries the granulated material supplied by the granulating section 3. For drying, high-temperature gas supplied from the gas supplying section 5 is used. The drying section 7 is disposed downstream of the granulating section 3 in the direction in which the granulated material flows. The drying section 7 is disposed downstream of the gas supplying section 5 in the direction in which the high-temperature gas flows.

[0027] The high-temperature gas flows along the flow path 13. The drying section 7 is connected to the granulation section 3 and the gas supply section 5 via a first path 13a, a second path 13b, and a third path 13c. The drying section 7 has an airflow dryer 53. The airflow dryer 53 dries the granular material by flowing the granular material together with the high-temperature gas therein.

[0028] The collection section 9 separates and collects the granular material dried by the drying section 7 from the high-temperature gas. The collection section 9 is disposed downstream of the drying section 7 in the direction in which the granular material merged with the high-temperature gas flows. The collection section 9 is connected to the drying section 7 via a fourth passage 13d. In this embodiment, the collection section 9 has a cyclone (first separator) 55 and a bag filter (second separator) 57.

[0029] Cyclone 55 is a cyclone type separator that separates the granulated material and the high-temperature gas that flow in a joined state. By passing through cyclone 55, the separated granular material flows toward discharge section 59, and the high-temperature gas flows toward bag filter 57. The separated and collected granular material is stored in discharge section 59 and is taken out as a product at an appropriate time.

[0030] The bag filter 57 is disposed downstream of the cyclone 55 in the direction in which the high-temperature gas flows. The bag filter 57 is a filter-type separator, and separates remaining fine powder (residual powder) from the high-temperature gas that has passed through the cyclone 55. This makes it possible to remove the fine powder from the high-temperature gas. The high-temperature gas from which the fine powder has been removed flows toward the gas suction section 11.

[0031] The gas suction unit 11 can suck in the high-temperature gas sent out from the gas supply unit 5 and discharge it to the outside. The gas suction unit 11 can transfer the high-temperature gas mixed with granular material to the gas suction unit 11 side through the flow path 13 by sucking in the gas from the flow path 13. The gas suction unit 11 is disposed downstream of the recovery unit 9 in the direction in which the high-temperature gas flows. The gas suction unit 11 is connected to the recovery unit 9 via a fifth path 13e. The gas suction unit 11 has an exhaust blower 63.

[0032] The exhaust blower 63 sucks in high-temperature gas through the flow path 13. The high-temperature gas sucked into the exhaust blower 63 is discharged to the outside (e.g., into the atmosphere). A fifth motor 65 is connected to the exhaust blower 63. The exhaust blower 63 is driven by the fifth motor 65. The fifth motor 65 is electrically connected to the control device 23. The driving state of the fifth motor 65 is controlled by the control device 23.

[0033] Next, a configuration for adjusting the pressure within the first passage 13a of the flow passage 13, which is connected to the granulation section 3, will be described.

[0034] 1, the formulation device 1 is provided with a pressure sensor (pressure detection unit) 71 that detects the pressure in the first path 13a. The pressure sensor 71 is provided in the first path 13a. The pressure sensor 71 is electrically connected to the control device 23.

[0035] In the collection section 9, a sixth passage 13f connecting the cyclone 55 and the bag filter 57 is provided with an outside air suction port 75. The outside air sucked in from the suction port 75 can be supplied to the sixth passage 13f. This makes it possible to change the flow rate of the gas flowing through the sixth passage 13f and thus the flow path 13.

[0036] A first flow rate adjustment valve 77 is provided between the sixth passage 13f and the suction port 75. By changing the opening degree of the first flow rate adjustment valve 77, the flow rate of the outside air supplied from the suction port 75 to the sixth passage 13f can be adjusted. Thus, the flow rate of the gas flowing through the passage 13 can be adjusted. A sixth motor 79 is connected to the first flow rate adjustment valve 77. The opening degree of the first flow rate adjustment valve 77 can be changed by driving the sixth motor 79. The sixth motor 79 is electrically connected to the control device 23. The driving state of the sixth motor 79 is controlled by the control device 23. That is, the opening and closing of the first flow rate adjustment valve 77 is controlled by the control device 23.

[0037] The control device 23 has a pressure adjustment function for adjusting the pressure in the first path 13a. The control device 23 controls the pressure in the first path 13a in the flow path 13 so that the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 71 is a value smaller than the pressure in the granulation unit 3 by a predetermined value. The pressure in the granulation unit 3 means the pressure in the granulation unit 3, in other words, the pressure in the granulation device 19. In this embodiment, a predetermined value is used as the pressure in the granulation unit 3. However, a value measured by a sensor may be used as the pressure in the granulation unit 3.

[0038] Specifically, the controller 23 controls the opening and closing of the first flow rate adjustment valve 77 using the sixth motor 79 in response to the detection value of the pressure sensor 71, thereby adjusting the flow rate of the gas in the flow path 13. In this way, the controller 23 controls the pressure in the first path 13a to approach a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the pressure in the granulation unit 3.

[0039] Since the pressure in the first path 13a is lower than the pressure in the granulation section 3, it is possible to prevent high-temperature gas from flowing back from the first path 13a to the granulation section 3. However, if the pressure in the first path 13a is too low, the granulated product is forcefully sucked out of the granulation section 3, causing poor granulation. Therefore, the above-mentioned predetermined value is appropriately determined to be a value close to zero. When the pressure in the granulation section 3 is approximately atmospheric pressure, the magnitude of the predetermined value can be set to, for example, approximately subkilopascals. As a result, the pressure in the first path 13a is close to the pressure in the granulation section 3, but slightly lower than that.

[0040] With this configuration, the flow rate of the gas flowing through the flow path 13 can be adjusted by the first flow rate control valve 77 using the control device 23, and the pressure in the first path 13a can be controlled to be slightly lower than the pressure in the granulation section 3. Therefore, the granulated material supplied from the granulation section 3 through the first path 13a can be accurately merged with the high-temperature gas supplied from the gas supply section 5 in a specified amount before being supplied to the drying section 7. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the supply amount of the granulated material to the drying section 7 from fluctuating greatly. As a result, the granulated material can be stably dried in the drying section 7.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first flow rate control valve 77 is provided in the sixth passage 13f that connects the cyclone 55 of the recovery section 9 and the bag filter 57 in the flow path 13. When the first flow rate control valve 77 is opened, outside air sucked in through the suction port 75 is added to the high-temperature gas flowing through the sixth passage 13f. This makes it possible to lower the temperature of the high-temperature gas upstream of the bag filter 57 in the direction in which the high-temperature gas flows. This makes it easier to avoid problems with the heat resistance of the bag filter 57.

[0042] Next, a granulation and drying method performed in formulation apparatus 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a control block diagram in the case where feedback control for first flow rate adjustment valve 77 is performed based on pressure.

[0043] This granulation and drying method includes a gas supplying step, a gas suctioning step, a pressure detecting step, a pressure controlling step, a granulation step, a drying step, and a recovery step. The pressure detecting step and the pressure controlling step will be described below.

[0044] In the pressure detection process, the pressure in the first path 13a is detected by the pressure sensor 71. In the pressure control process, the controller 23 adjusts the flow rate of the high-temperature gas flowing through the first path 13a so that the value detected by the pressure sensor 71 becomes a predetermined target value. This target pressure value is a value obtained by subtracting a value close to but greater than zero from the pressure in the granulation section 3. The target pressure value is assumed to be lower than the pressure in the granulation section 3, but is preferably 95% or more of the pressure in the granulation section 3. The target pressure value is more preferably 99% or more of the pressure in the granulation section 3, and even more preferably 99.5% or more.

[0045] A detailed description will be given below. The control device 23 includes a subtractor 67. The above-mentioned target value is input to the subtractor 67. A detection value detected by a pressure sensor 71 is further input to the subtractor 67. The subtractor 67 calculates the deviation between the two input values ​​and outputs the deviation to a PID control value determination unit 69.

[0046] The control device 23 includes a PID control value determination unit 69. The PID control value determination unit 69 calculates a control value for controlling the sixth motor 79 (first flow rate adjustment valve 77) by known PID control based on the deviation input from the subtractor 67. The control value is calculated so that the value detected by the pressure sensor 71 coincides with the target value.

[0047] The sixth motor 79 is controlled based on the control value calculated by the PID control value determination unit 69. This adjusts the opening of the first flow rate adjustment valve 77. Although PID control is used in this embodiment, feedback control other than PID may also be used.

[0048] In parallel with the pressure detection step and pressure control step, a gas supply step, a gas suction step, a granulation step, a drying step, and a recovery step are carried out.

[0049] In the gas supply process, in the gas supply unit 5, gas (outside air) is introduced from the outside into the flow path 13 by the intake blower 37, and high-temperature gas is generated by the heater 39 using the introduced gas. Then, the high-temperature gas is supplied by the intake blower 37.

[0050] In the gas suction step, the high-temperature gas supplied in the gas supply step is sucked into the gas suction section 11 by the exhaust blower 63 through the flow path 13, and the high-temperature gas is discharged to the outside.

[0051] In the granulation process, granulation is performed in the granulation unit 3, and the granulated material is supplied. Since the above-mentioned pressure detection process and pressure control process are performed, the pressure in the first path 13a through which the granulated material is sent out becomes slightly lower than the pressure in the granulation unit 3.

[0052] In the drying step, the granulated material supplied through the first path 13a in the granulation step is dried using high-temperature gas supplied through the second path 13b in the gas supply step.

[0053] In the recovery process, the granular material dried in the drying process is separated from the high-temperature gas by the cyclone 55. The separated granular material is stored in the discharge section 59.

[0054] As described above, in the formulation device 1 of the present embodiment, the granulated material is dried by the drying gas in the process of flowing the granulated material through the flow path 13. The formulation device 1 includes the granulation unit 3, the gas supply unit 5, the drying unit 7, the recovery unit 9, the gas suction unit 11, the pressure sensor 71, and the control device 23. The granulation unit 3 performs granulation to supply the granulated material. The gas supply unit 5 supplies the drying gas to the flow path 13. The drying unit 7 is disposed downstream of the granulation unit 3 in the direction in which the granulated material flows and downstream of the gas supply unit 5 in the direction in which the drying gas flows. The drying unit 7 dries the granulated material supplied from the granulation unit 3 using the drying gas supplied from the gas supply unit 5. The recovery unit 9 is disposed downstream of the drying unit 7 in the direction in which the drying gas flows, and recovers the granulated material dried by the drying unit 7. The gas suction unit 11 is disposed downstream of the recovery unit 9 in the direction in which the drying gas flows. The gas suction unit 11 sucks the drying gas supplied from the gas supply unit 5 through the flow path 13 and discharges it to the outside. The pressure sensor 71 detects the pressure in a first path 13a included in the flow path 13. The first path 13a is a section through which the granulated material from the granulation unit 3 flows to be joined with the drying gas from the gas supply unit 5. The control device 23 adjusts the flow rate of the drying gas in the flow path 13 so that the detection value detected by the pressure sensor 71 becomes a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the pressure in the granulation unit 3.

[0055] This makes it possible to accurately maintain the amount of granulated material supplied to the drying section 7. This makes it possible to achieve stable drying in the drying section 7. In addition, since no feeder or rotary valve or the like is disposed between the granulation section 3 and the drying section 7, a simple configuration can be achieved.

[0056] In addition, in the formulation device 1 of the present embodiment, the pressure in the granulation section 3 is atmospheric pressure or close to it.

[0057] This makes it possible to realize the granulation section 3 with a simple configuration.

[0058] The formulation device 1 of this embodiment also includes a first flow rate adjustment valve 77 that allows the introduction of gas from the outside into the flow path 13 through which the drying gas flows and adjusts the flow rate of the introduced gas. The recovery section 9 has a cyclone 55 of a cyclone type and a bag filter 57 of a filter type. The cyclone 55 separates the granulated material from the drying section 7 from the drying gas. The bag filter 57 is disposed downstream of the cyclone 55 in the direction in which the drying gas flows. The bag filter 57 separates the residual powder from the drying gas that has passed through the cyclone 55. After passing through the first flow rate adjustment valve 77, the gas from the outside merges with the drying gas in a sixth path 13f that connects the cyclone 55 and the bag filter 57. The control device 23 adjusts the flow rate of the drying gas flowing through the flow path 13 using the first flow rate adjustment valve 77.

[0059] This allows the first flow rate adjustment valve 77 to be used to introduce outside air into the flow path 13 (sixth path 13f) to lower the temperature of the high-temperature gas before it reaches the bag filter 57. This makes it easier to avoid problems with the heat resistance of the bag filter 57.

[0060] In addition, in the granulation and drying method of the present embodiment, the granulated material is dried by a drying gas in the process of flowing the granulated material through the flow path 13. This granulation and drying method includes a granulation step, a gas supply step, a drying step, a recovery step, a gas suction step, a pressure detection step, and a pressure control step. In the granulation step, granulation is performed to supply the granulated material. In the gas supply step, the drying gas is supplied to the flow path 13. In the drying step, the granulated material supplied through the granulation step is dried using the drying gas supplied through the gas supply step. In the recovery step, the granulated material dried in the drying step is recovered. In the gas suction step, the drying gas supplied through the gas supply step is sucked through the flow path 13 and discharged to the outside. In the pressure detection step, the pressure in the first path 13a included in the flow path 13 is detected. The first path 13a is a portion through which the granulated material supplied through the granulation step flows to be merged with the drying gas supplied through the gas supply step. In the pressure control step, the flow rate of the drying gas flowing through the flow path 13 is adjusted so that the value detected in the pressure detection step is a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the pressure in the granulation step.

[0061] This allows the amount of granulated material supplied to the drying process to be accurately maintained. This allows stable drying to be achieved in the drying process. In addition, since no feeder or rotary valve is provided on the way to send the granulated material obtained in the granulation process to the drying process, a simple configuration can be achieved.

[0062] In the granulation and drying method of the present embodiment, the pressure in the granulation step is atmospheric pressure or close to it.

[0063] This allows the granulation process to be realized with a simple configuration.

[0064] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a formulation apparatus 1x as a granulation drying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In the description of this embodiment, the same or similar members as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0065] The formulation device 1x as a granulation device according to this embodiment differs from the formulation device 1 according to the first embodiment in the configuration for adjusting the pressure in the first path 13a, which is a supply path in the flow path 13. Note that the formulation device 1x of this embodiment does not include the first flow rate adjustment valve 77 in the first embodiment.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the formulation device 1x is provided with a second flow rate adjustment valve 81. The second flow rate adjustment valve 81 is provided in the fifth path 13e (second portion) that connects the recovery section 9 and the gas suction section 11 of the flow path 13. By changing the opening degree of the second flow rate adjustment valve, the flow rate of the high-temperature gas flowing through the fifth path 13e and thus the flow path 13 can be adjusted. The second flow rate adjustment valve 81 is connected to a seventh motor 83. The opening degree of the second flow rate adjustment valve 81 can be changed by driving the seventh motor 83. The seventh motor 83 is electrically connected to the control device 23. The driving state of the seventh motor 83 is controlled by the control device 23. That is, the opening and closing of the second flow rate adjustment valve 81 is controlled by the control device 23.

[0067] The control device 23 can adjust the flow rate of the gas flowing through the flow path 13 by the second flow rate adjustment valve 81 to control the pressure in the first path 13a to be slightly lower than the pressure in the granulation section 3. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the supply amount of the granulated material to the drying section 7 from fluctuating greatly.

[0068] As described above, the formulation device 1x, which is the granulation drying device of this embodiment, is provided with the second flow rate adjustment valve 81. The second flow rate adjustment valve 81 is capable of adjusting the flow rate of the high-temperature gas flowing through the flow path 13. The second flow rate adjustment valve 81 is disposed in the fifth path 13e of the flow path 13 that connects the recovery section 9 and the gas suction section 11. The control device 23 uses the second flow rate adjustment valve 81 to adjust the flow rate of the high-temperature gas flowing through the flow path 13.

[0069] This allows the formulation device 1x to be configured simply.

[0070] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a formulation apparatus 1y as a granulation drying apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the description of this embodiment, the same or similar members as those in the above-mentioned embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0071] A formulation device 1y as a granulation device according to this embodiment differs from the above-described first and second embodiments in terms of a configuration for adjusting the pressure in the first path 13a, which is a supply path in the flow path 13. The formulation device 1y according to this embodiment does not include the first flow rate adjustment valve 77 in the first embodiment, and does not include the second flow rate adjustment valve 81 in the second embodiment.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 4, in the formulation device 1y of this embodiment, a fourth inverter 91 is provided for the fifth motor 65 of the exhaust blower 63 of the gas suction section 11. The fourth inverter 91 is electrically connected to the fifth motor 65. The driving state of the fifth motor 65 is controlled by the fourth inverter 91. The fourth inverter 91 is electrically connected to the control device 23. That is, the exhaust blower 63 is controlled by the control device 23.

[0073] The control device 23 can adjust the flow rate of the gas flowing through the flow path 13 by the exhaust blower 63, and control the pressure in the first path 13a to be slightly lower than the pressure in the granulation section 3. Therefore, similarly to the first and second embodiments, it is possible to prevent the supply amount of the granulated material to the drying section 7 from fluctuating greatly.

[0074] As described above, in the formulation apparatus 1y which is the granulation drying apparatus of this embodiment, the control device 23 adjusts the flow rate of the high-temperature gas flowing through the flow path 13 by using the gas suction part 11 (exhaust blower 63).

[0075] This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts in the formulation device 1y.

[0076] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above configuration can be modified, for example, as follows.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the collection unit 9 includes the cyclone 55 and the bag filter 57. However, the collection unit 9 is not particularly limited, and may include, for example, only a bag filter.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the gas introduced through the gas supply unit 5 and the suction port 75 is air, but it may be an inert gas such as nitrogen.

[0079] There are no particular limitations on the specific configuration of the first flow rate adjustment valve 77 in the first embodiment and the second flow rate adjustment valve 81 in the second embodiment.

[0080] In the third embodiment, the flow rate of the high-temperature gas flowing through the flow path 13 is adjusted using the gas suction unit 11 (exhaust blower 63). However, the flow rate of the high-temperature gas can also be adjusted using both the gas suction unit 11 (exhaust blower 63) and the gas supply unit 5 (intake blower 37). The flow rate of the high-temperature gas may also be adjusted using only the gas supply unit 5 (intake blower 37).

[0081] A configuration capable of changing the damper opening of the intake port or exhaust port can be used as the intake blower 37 and the exhaust blower 63. In this case, the flow rate can be changed by changing the damper opening instead of changing the rotation speed of the motor that drives the blower.

[0082] A damper capable of changing the opening degree may be provided at the suction port 75 in Fig. 1. In this case, the damper essentially functions as a flow rate adjustment valve, so that the first flow rate adjustment valve 77 can be omitted.

[0083] Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and it is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1,1x,1y Formulation equipment (granulation and drying equipment) 3 Granulation section 5 Gas supply section 7 Drying section 9. Collection Section 11 Gas suction section 13 Flow Path 13a Route 1 (supply route) 13e Route 5 (2nd part) 13f Route 6 (Part 1) 23 Control device (control unit) 55 Cyclone (First separator) 57 Bag filter (second separator) 71 Pressure sensor (pressure detection part) 77 First flow control valve 81 Second flow control valve

Claims

1. In a granulation drying apparatus, granulated material is dried by a drying gas in the process of flowing the granulated material through a flow path, A granulation section that continuously granulates and supplies granulated material; a gas supply unit that supplies a drying gas to the flow path; a drying section that is disposed downstream of the granulation section in a direction in which the granulated material flows and downstream of the gas supply section in a direction in which the drying gas flows, and that dries the granulated material supplied from the granulation section by using the drying gas supplied from the gas supply section; a recovery section that is disposed downstream of the drying section in a direction in which a drying gas flows and that recovers the granulated material that has been dried by the drying section; a gas suction unit that is disposed downstream of the recovery unit in a flow direction of the drying gas and that sucks the drying gas supplied from the gas supply unit through the flow path and discharges it to the outside; a pressure detection unit that detects a pressure in a supply passage included in the flow path, through which the granulated material from the granulation unit flows to be joined with the drying gas from the gas supply unit; a control unit that adjusts a flow rate of the drying gas in the flow path so that a detection value detected by the pressure detection unit becomes a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the pressure in the granulation unit; A granulation and drying apparatus comprising:

2. The granulation and drying apparatus according to claim 1, A granulation and drying apparatus, characterized in that the pressure in the granulation section is atmospheric pressure or near atmospheric pressure.

3. A granulation drying apparatus in which granulated material is dried by a drying gas in the process of flowing the granulated material through a flow path, A granulation section that performs granulation and supplies a granulated product; a gas supply unit that supplies a drying gas to the flow path; a drying section that is disposed downstream of the granulation section in a direction in which the granulated material flows and downstream of the gas supply section in a direction in which the drying gas flows, and that dries the granulated material supplied from the granulation section by using the drying gas supplied from the gas supply section; a recovery section that is disposed downstream of the drying section in a direction in which a drying gas flows and that recovers the granulated material that has been dried by the drying section; a gas suction unit that is disposed downstream of the recovery unit in a flow direction of the drying gas and that sucks the drying gas supplied from the gas supply unit through the flow path and discharges it to the outside; a pressure detection unit that detects a pressure in a supply passage included in the flow path, through which the granulated material from the granulation unit flows to be joined with the drying gas from the gas supply unit; a control unit that adjusts a flow rate of the drying gas in the flow path so that a detection value detected by the pressure detection unit becomes a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the pressure in the granulation unit; a first flow rate adjustment valve that allows introduction of a gas from the outside into a flow path through which the drying gas flows and that is capable of adjusting a flow rate of the introduced gas; Equipped with The recovery section includes: a first separator of a cyclone type for separating the granulated material from the drying gas in the drying section; a second separator of a filter type disposed downstream of the first separator in a flow direction of the drying gas and configured to separate residual powder from the drying gas that has passed through the first separator; having The gas from the outside passes through the first flow control valve and then merges with the drying gas in a first portion connecting the first separator and the second separator, The control unit adjusts a flow rate of the drying gas flowing through the flow path using the first flow rate regulating valve.

4. A granulation drying apparatus in which granulated material is dried by a drying gas in the process of flowing the granulated material through a flow path, A granulation section that performs granulation and supplies a granulated product; a gas supply unit that supplies a drying gas to the flow path; a drying section that is disposed downstream of the granulation section in a direction in which the granulated material flows and downstream of the gas supply section in a direction in which the drying gas flows, and that dries the granulated material supplied from the granulation section by using the drying gas supplied from the gas supply section; a recovery section that is disposed downstream of the drying section in a direction in which a drying gas flows and that recovers the granulated material that has been dried by the drying section; a gas suction unit that is disposed downstream of the recovery unit in a flow direction of the drying gas and that sucks the drying gas supplied from the gas supply unit through the flow path and discharges it to the outside; a pressure detection unit that detects a pressure in a supply passage included in the flow path, through which the granulated material from the granulation unit flows to be joined with the drying gas from the gas supply unit; a control unit that adjusts a flow rate of the drying gas in the flow path so that a detection value detected by the pressure detection unit becomes a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the pressure in the granulation unit; a second flow rate adjustment valve capable of adjusting a flow rate of the drying gas flowing through the flow path; Equipped with the second flow rate adjustment valve is disposed in a second portion of the flow path that connects the recovery portion and the gas suction portion, The control unit adjusts a flow rate of the drying gas flowing through the flow path by using the second flow rate adjustment valve.

5. The granulation and drying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The control unit adjusts a flow rate of the drying gas flowing through the flow path by using at least one of the gas supply unit and the gas suction unit.

6. A granulation and drying method in which granulated material is dried by a drying gas in the process of flowing the granulated material through a flow path, A granulation step in which granulation and supply of granulated material are continuously performed; a gas supplying step of supplying a drying gas to the flow path; a drying step of drying the granulated material supplied by the granulation step using a drying gas supplied by the gas supply step; A recovery step of recovering the granulated product dried in the drying step; a gas suction step of suctioning the drying gas supplied in the gas supply step through the flow path and discharging it to the outside; a pressure detection step of detecting a pressure in a supply passage included in the flow path, through which the granulated material supplied in the granulation step flows so as to join the drying gas supplied in the gas supply step; a pressure control step of adjusting a flow rate of the drying gas flowing through the flow path so that a detection value detected in the pressure detection step is a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined value from the pressure in the granulation step; A granulation and drying method comprising the steps of:

7. The granulation and drying method according to claim 6, The granulation and drying method, wherein the pressure in the granulation step is atmospheric pressure or close to atmospheric pressure.

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