DRYING EQUIPMENT AND METHODS FOR DRYING RAW MATERIALS

Abstract

The invention relates to a drying apparatus comprising a forming unit configured for forming raw material to be formed, a pre-drying unit in which a pre-drying transport path along which raw material discharged from the forming unit is fed in and transported along which is formed, a pre-drying unit configured for heating raw material moving along the pre-drying transport path so that raw material is dried, and a main drying unit configured for further heating raw material so that raw material discharged from the pre-drying unit is further dried.

Description

Drying apparatus and method for drying raw materials

[0001] [Cross-reference with related applications]

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0157673, filed November 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] [Technical Field]

[0004] The present invention relates to a drying device and a method for drying raw materials.

[0005] Typically, raw materials are dried by storing them in a tank, washing them to remove foreign matter, cutting them into a specific size using a cutter, mixing them with water, and spreading them thinly on a drying screen of a lave. The raw materials, formed through this process, are then moved to a hot air drying room.

[0006] Specifically, the molded raw materials are moved to a hot air drying room where they undergo indirect drying using hot air for over two hours. This significant time required for indirect drying reduces the productivity of the dried food. Furthermore, drying raw materials using this indirect drying method requires a large drying room and significant electricity consumption, posing a significant challenge.

[0007] To solve these problems, research on manufacturing methods for dried foods using composite drying facilities equipped with continuous drying equipment has been on the rise recently.

[0008] Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a drying device that minimizes the amount of electricity required to dry raw materials.

[0009] In addition, a drying device is provided that minimizes the size required for drying the raw material.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object, a drying device may be provided, including: a molding unit configured to mold a raw material to be molded; a pre-drying unit having a pre-drying transport path formed therein for introducing and transporting the raw material discharged from the molding unit, and heating the raw material moving along the pre-drying transport path so that the raw material is dried; and a main drying unit further heating the raw material discharged from the pre-drying unit so that the raw material is further dried.

[0011] In addition, the pre-drying unit may be provided with a drying device, wherein the pre-drying unit includes a plurality of heaters that are arranged in the up-down direction and the front-back direction and apply hot air to the raw material, and at least a portion of the pre-drying transport path is located between two heaters, a first heater and a second heater, which are adjacent to each other in the front-back direction among the plurality of heaters.

[0012] In addition, a drying device may be provided in which the first heater and the second heater are arranged to face each other in a front-back direction with at least a portion of the pre-drying transport path interposed therebetween, and one of the first heater and the second heater heats one side of the raw material, and the other of the first heater and the second heater heats the other side of the raw material.

[0013] In addition, a drying device may be provided that further includes a transport section that forms the pre-drying transport path and transports the raw material along the pre-drying transport path, wherein the transport section includes a plurality of transport rollers; and a transport belt that is in close contact with the plurality of transport rollers and transports the raw material along the pre-drying transport path by rotation of the plurality of transport rollers, and when a transport roller arranged in the internal space of the pre-drying section among the plurality of transport rollers is referred to as a pre-drying transport roller, the pre-drying transport rollers are provided in plurality, and the plurality of pre-drying transport rollers are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction and the vertical direction.

[0014] In addition, a drying device may be provided in which the above-mentioned conveying belt is provided as a single belt with one side of the raw material in close contact with one side.

[0015] In addition, a drying device may be provided in which the transport belt includes a first transport belt to which one side of the raw material is in contact; and a second transport belt to which the other side of the raw material is in contact, and the first transport belt and the second transport belt are arranged to move the raw material along the pre-drying transport path while compressing the raw material in a direction toward each other.

[0016] In addition, the drying device may be provided with the above-mentioned conveying belt having a mesh shape in which a plurality of holes are formed.

[0017] In addition, the above-mentioned conveying roller is arranged to rotate around a roller rotation axis that is a rotation axis extending in the left-right direction, and a roller groove having an annular ring shape that is recessed toward the roller rotation axis and surrounds the roller rotation axis is formed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned conveying roller, and a drying device may be provided in which each of the left-right sides of the conveying roller surrounds the roller groove, but the upper ends are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0018] In addition, a drying device may be provided in which the plurality of spare transport rollers include a plurality of upper spare transport rollers arranged in the upper part of the internal space of the spare drying section; and a plurality of lower spare transport rollers arranged in the lower part of the internal space of the spare drying section, and the plurality of upper spare transport rollers and the plurality of lower spare transport rollers are arranged alternately along the front-back direction.

[0019] In addition, a drying device may be provided in which the conveying belt is in close contact with the upper outer surface of each of the plurality of upper auxiliary conveying rollers and in close contact with the lower outer surface of each of the plurality of lower auxiliary conveying rollers.

[0020] In addition, a drying device may be provided in which the pre-drying unit includes a plurality of heaters arranged in the up-down direction and the front-back direction, and the plurality of heaters are arranged lower than the upper end of the upper pre-transfer roller and higher than the lower end of the lower pre-transfer roller.

[0021] In addition, a drying device may be provided in which the above pre-drying units are provided in plurality, and the plurality of the pre-drying units include a first pre-drying unit into which the raw material discharged from the molding unit is introduced; and a second pre-drying unit into which the raw material discharged from the first pre-drying unit is introduced.

[0022] In addition, a drying device may be provided that further includes a control unit that controls the first pre-drying unit and the second pre-drying unit, wherein the control unit controls the first pre-drying unit so that the raw material introduced into the first pre-drying unit is heated to a first temperature, and controls the second pre-drying unit so that the raw material introduced into the second pre-drying unit is heated to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.

[0023] In addition, a drying device may be provided in which the control unit controls the second pre-drying unit so that humidified hot air is applied to the raw material introduced into the second pre-drying unit.

[0024] In addition, a drying device may be provided that further includes a winding unit configured to wind the raw material discharged from the main drying unit around a rotating shaft extending in the left and right directions.

[0025] In addition, a drying device may be provided that further includes a cleaning section that is provided to clean foreign substances formed on the conveyance belt, and a molding conveyance path is formed inside the molding section, which is connected to the pre-drying conveyance path and through which the raw material is conveyed, and the cleaning section is provided to clean the conveyance belt located in a cleaning section that is located downstream from an inlet section in which the raw material to be molded is introduced into the molding section, based on the molding conveyance path.

[0026] In addition, a drying device may be provided in which the cleaning section includes an upper cleaner disposed above the conveying belt located in the cleaning section and spraying cleaning fluid onto the upper portion of the conveying belt; and a lower cleaner disposed below the conveying belt located in the cleaning section and spraying cleaning fluid onto the lower portion of the conveying belt.

[0027] In addition, a method for drying a raw material may be provided, including a forming step in which a raw material to be formed is formed in a forming section; a pre-drying step in which the formed raw material is dried while moving along a pre-drying transport path; and a main drying step in which the raw material dried in the pre-drying step is additionally dried.

[0028] In addition, a method for drying a raw material can be provided, which further includes a winding step in which the raw material, which has been additionally dried in the main drying step, is wound around a predetermined rotation axis.

[0029] In addition, a method for drying a raw material may be provided, which further includes a cleaning step of cleaning foreign substances formed on a conveying belt that moves the raw material along the pre-drying conveying path, and in the cleaning step, the conveying belt that moves in a cleaning section, which is a section located downstream from a first section, which is a section in which the raw material to be molded is introduced into the molding section, based on a molding conveying path connected to the pre-drying conveying path, is cleaned.

[0030] The drying device according to the present invention has the effect of minimizing the amount of electricity required to dry raw materials.

[0031] Additionally, the drying device has the effect of minimizing the size required for drying the raw material.

[0032] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a drying device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the inside of a drying device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the inside of a drying device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the inside of a drying device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for drying a raw material according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that, where possible, identical components will be given the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known structures or functions will be omitted if they are deemed to hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Hereinafter, a drying device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a drying device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the inside of a drying device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a drying device (1) may be a device for drying a raw material. The raw material may be, for example, food. For example, the raw material may be seaweed. The raw material manufactured in the drying device (1) may have, for example, a sheet shape. The drying device (1) may include a forming unit (100), a pre-drying unit (200), a main drying unit (300), a conveying unit (400), a control unit (500), a winding unit (600), and a cleaning unit (700).

[0041] The forming unit (100) can receive raw materials to be formed from a distributor (not shown) along an inflow path (Pi). This forming unit (100) can form the received raw materials into a target shape (e.g., a sheet shape). The raw materials formed in this forming unit (100) can be transported to a pre-drying unit (200). A forming transport path (P1), which is a path along which the raw materials are transported, can be formed inside this forming unit (100).

[0042] This forming transport path (P1) may be connected to the inflow path (Pi) and the pre-drying transport path (P2) described later. For example, a raw material that has been formed may pass through a section where the forming transport path (P1) and the pre-drying transport path (P2) are connected and then enter the pre-drying unit (200). This forming unit (100) may be arranged at the rear side of the pre-drying unit (200).

[0043] The pre-drying unit (200) can dry the raw material discharged from the molding unit (100). For example, the pre-drying unit (200) can heat the raw material by applying hot air to the raw material. A pre-drying transport path (P2), which is a path along which the raw material is transported, can be formed inside the pre-drying unit (200). For example, the pre-drying unit (200) can apply hot air to the raw material being transported along the pre-drying transport path (P2). In addition, the pre-drying transport path (P2) can be connected to the discharge path (Po) described below. The pre-drying unit (200) can include a heater (210) and a housing (220).

[0044] A heater (210) can apply hot air to one side of the raw material. This heater (210) may be referred to as a "hot air nozzle." A plurality of heaters (210) may be provided. The plurality of heaters (210) may be arranged in the vertical direction and the front-back direction. For example, the plurality of heaters (210) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along a grid pattern.

[0045] Additionally, the plurality of heaters (210) may include two heaters adjacent to each other, a first heater (211) and a second heater (212).

[0046] The first heater (211) and the second heater (212) may be arranged adjacent to each other in the front-to-rear direction. A pre-drying transport path (P2) may pass between the first heater (211) and the second heater (212). For example, the first heater (211) and the second heater (212) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction, with a portion of the pre-drying transport path (P2) between them.

[0047] The first heater (211) and the second heater (212) can be arranged to face each other in the front-back direction with the pre-drying transport path (P2) therebetween. Either the first heater (211) or the second heater (212) can heat one side of the raw material, and the other of the first heater (211) or the second heater (212) can heat the other side of the raw material. For example, the first heater (211) can heat one side of the sheet-shaped raw material, and the second heater (212) can heat the other side located on the opposite side of the one side of the sheet-shaped raw material.

[0048] The housing (220) may be a frame forming the exterior of the pre-drying unit (200). A drying space may be formed inside the housing (220) in which raw materials introduced into the pre-drying unit (200) are dried. A plurality of heaters (210) may be arranged inside the housing (220). In addition, the housing (220) may support a plurality of heaters (210).

[0049] The main drying unit (300) can further dry the raw material dried in the pre-drying unit (200). For example, the raw material discharged from the pre-drying unit (200) can be dried after being introduced into the main drying unit (300). In other words, the raw material discharged from the molding unit (100) can be dried primarily in the pre-drying unit (200) and then secondarily in the main drying unit (300). This main drying unit (300) can be called a 'drum dryer'. This main drying unit (300) can be arranged at the rear side of the pre-drying unit (200).

[0050] The transfer unit (400) can transfer the raw material introduced into the forming unit (100) along the forming transfer path (P1) and the pre-drying transfer path (P2). This transfer unit (400) can include a transfer roller (410) and a transfer belt (420).

[0051] The conveying roller (410) can be rotated around a roller rotation axis, which is a rotation axis extending in the left and right directions. When the conveying roller (410) is rotated, the conveying belt (420) can be moved along the forming conveying path (P1) and the pre-drying conveying path (P2).

[0052] A roller groove may be formed on the outer surface of the conveying roller (410). The roller groove may be a groove that is drawn toward the roller rotation axis. The roller groove may have an annular ring shape surrounding the roller rotation axis. In a more detailed example, the roller groove may be understood as a space having a donut shape surrounding the roller rotation axis.

[0053] These roller grooves may have a shape that is surrounded by both left and right sides of the conveying roller (410). In other words, each of the left and right sides of the conveying roller (410) may have a shape that protrudes radially outward in a direction away from the roller rotation axis. The upper ends of each of the left and right sides of the conveying roller (410) may be spaced apart from each other in the left and right direction. In other words, when the conveying roller (410) is viewed in a direction perpendicular to the roller rotation axis, the conveying roller (410) may have a shape similar to a dumbbell.

[0054] Through the shape of the transport roller (410), the area where the transport roller (410) and the transport belt (420) come into contact can be minimized. As the area where the transport roller (410) and the transport belt (420) come into contact is minimized, the raw material passing through the area where the transport roller (410) and the transport belt (420) come into contact with each other can be minimized from being detached from or damaged by the transport belt (420).

[0055] These transport rollers (410) may be provided in multiples. The multiple transport rollers (410) may include multiple spare transport rollers arranged inside the pre-drying section (200).

[0056] The plurality of spare transport rollers (411, 412) may include a plurality of upper spare transport rollers (411) and a plurality of lower spare transport rollers (412). The plurality of upper spare transport rollers (411) may be arranged at the upper portion of the internal space of the pre-drying unit (200). A transport belt (420) may be attached to the upper outer circumference of each of the plurality of upper spare transport rollers (411). The plurality of upper spare transport rollers (411) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0057] A plurality of lower spare transport rollers (412) may be arranged at the lower portion of the internal space of the pre-drying section (200). A transport belt (420) may be attached to the lower outer surface of each of the plurality of lower spare transport rollers (412). The lower spare transport rollers (412) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

[0058] These plurality of upper auxiliary transport rollers (411) and plurality of lower auxiliary transport rollers (412) may be arranged alternately along the front-back direction. For example, when the pre-drying unit (200) is viewed in a vertical direction, a lower auxiliary transport roller (412) may be arranged between two adjacent upper auxiliary transport rollers (411). In other words, an upper auxiliary transport roller (411) may be arranged between two adjacent lower auxiliary transport rollers (412). For example, the plurality of upper auxiliary transport rollers (411) and the plurality of lower auxiliary transport rollers (412) may not overlap each other along the vertical direction.

[0059] These plurality of upper auxiliary conveying rollers (411) may include a first upper roller, a second upper roller, and a third upper roller, which are arranged sequentially toward the front. In addition, the plurality of lower auxiliary conveying rollers (412) may include a first lower roller, a second lower roller, a third lower roller, and a fourth lower roller, which are arranged sequentially toward the front.

[0060] The first lower roller, the first upper roller, the second lower roller, the second upper roller, the third lower roller, the third upper roller, and the fourth lower roller can be arranged sequentially toward the front.

[0061] A conveying belt (420) can be in close contact with a plurality of conveying rollers (410). This conveying belt (420) can be moved by the rotation of the conveying rollers (410). The conveying belt (420) can convey the raw material along a forming conveying path (P1) and a pre-drying conveying path (P2).

[0062] This conveying belt (420) can be sequentially wound around each of the first lower roller, the first upper roller, the second lower roller, the second upper roller, the third lower roller, the third upper roller, and the fourth lower roller. For example, the conveying belt (420) can be arranged to be wound around the lower part of the first lower roller, then around the upper part of the first upper roller, then around the lower part of the second lower roller, then around the upper part of the second upper roller, then around the lower part of the third lower roller, then around the upper part of the third upper roller, and then around the lower part of the fourth lower roller.

[0063] That is, the conveying belt (420) may be provided so that a plurality of regions extending in the vertical direction are formed along the front-back direction. Through this conveying belt (420), a conveying path of a raw material having a length greater than the front-back width of the housing (220) may be formed.

[0064] This conveyor belt (420) may have a mesh shape with multiple holes formed therein. Since this conveyor belt (420) has a mesh shape, it has the advantage of allowing hot air to be evenly applied to one side of the raw material in contact with the conveyor belt (420). This conveyor belt (420) may be provided as a single unit.

[0065] The control unit (500, controller) can control the forming unit (100), the pre-drying unit (200), the main drying unit (300), the winding unit (not shown), and the cleaning unit (700). For example, the control unit (500) can independently control the rotation speed of the plurality of transport rollers (410), the temperature at which the raw material is heated, the humidity at which the raw material is humidified, and the wind speed of the hot air.

[0066] This control unit (500) can be implemented as a process that is electrically connected to the forming unit (100), the pre-drying unit (200), the main drying unit (300), the winding unit (600), and the cleaning unit (700), and has the function of deciphering and executing a command based on pre-input information.

[0067] The winding unit (600) can wind the raw material discharged along the discharge path (Po) after drying in the main drying unit (300) around a winding rotation axis extending in the left and right directions. This winding unit (600) can be rotated by the movement of the conveying belt (420) while in contact with the conveying belt (420). In other words, the winding unit (600) can be rotated by the movement of the conveying belt (420) without a separate driving device. This winding unit (600) can include a pipe, a winding roller, and a roller support.

[0068] The winding roller may form a winding axis. In addition, a winding roller with the winding roller inserted may be mounted on a roller support. The winding roller may wind the raw material around the winding axis. The winding roller may be rotated around the winding roller by the movement of the conveying belt (420) while in contact with the conveying belt (420). In addition, the winding roller and the winding roller may be supported while mounted on a roller support.

[0069] The cleaning unit (700) can remove foreign substances formed on the conveying belt (420). This cleaning unit (700) can spray cleaning fluid toward the conveying belt (420). For example, the cleaning unit (700) can have a nozzle structure that sprays cleaning fluid (e.g., water or air). This cleaning unit (700) can be placed inside the forming unit (100).

[0070] In addition, the cleaning unit (700) can spray fluid onto the conveying belt (420) passing through the first molding conveying path (P111). The first molding conveying path (P11) can form a part of the molding conveying path (P1). This first molding conveying path (P11) can be formed in a cleaning section located downstream of the inlet section where the raw material is introduced among the molding unit (100) based on the molding conveying path (P1). In addition, the second molding conveying path (P12) can be formed in a section remaining in the molding conveying path (P1) excluding the first molding conveying path (P1). This cleaning unit (700) can be named 'CIP (cleaning in place)'.

[0071] These cleaning units (700) may be provided in multiples. Each of the multiple cleaning units (700) may be independently controlled by the control unit (500). These multiple cleaning units (700) may include an upper cleaner (710) and a lower cleaner (720).

[0072] The upper cleaner (710) may be positioned above the conveyor belt (420) located in the cleaning section. The upper cleaner (710) may spray cleaning fluid downward onto the upper portion of the conveyor belt (420).

[0073] The lower cleaner (720) may be positioned lower than the conveyor belt (420) located in the cleaning section. The lower cleaner (720) may spray cleaning fluid upwards onto the lower portion of the conveyor belt (420).

[0074]

[0075] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 3, a drying device (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. When describing a drying device (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, differences from one embodiment of the present invention will be primarily explained.

[0076] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the inside of a drying device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of pre-drying units (200) may be provided. The plurality of pre-drying units (200) may include a first pre-drying unit (200a) and a second pre-drying unit (200b).

[0078] The first pre-drying section (200a) can dry raw materials transported along the first pre-drying transport path (P21). The first pre-drying transport path (P21) can be connected to the forming transport path (P1).

[0079] In addition, the control unit (500) can control the first pre-drying unit (200a) so that the raw material introduced into the first pre-drying unit (200a) is heated to the first temperature. In addition, the control unit (500) can control the first pre-drying unit (200a) so that the raw material introduced into the first pre-drying unit (200a) is not humidified. The drying performed in the first pre-drying unit (200a) can be referred to as 'constant-rate drying'.

[0080] The second pre-drying unit (200b) can additionally dry the raw material dried in the first pre-drying unit (200a). For example, the raw material can be sequentially dried three times in the first pre-drying unit (200a), the second pre-drying unit (200b), and the main drying unit (300).

[0081] This second pre-drying unit (200b) can dry raw materials transported along the second pre-drying transport path (P22). The second pre-drying transport path (P22) can be connected to the first pre-drying transport path (P21) and the main drying unit (300).

[0082] Additionally, the control unit (500) can control the second pre-drying unit (200b) so that the raw material introduced into the second pre-drying unit (200b) is heated to a second temperature. The second temperature may be lower than the first temperature. In other words, the raw material may be heated to a relatively high temperature in the first pre-drying unit (200a), and the raw material may be heated to a relatively low temperature in the second pre-drying unit (200b).

[0083] In addition, the control unit (500) can control the second pre-drying unit (200b) so that humidified hot air is applied to the raw material introduced into the second pre-drying unit (200b). For example, since the raw material is controlled to be humidified by the humidified hot air in the second pre-drying unit (200b), shrinkage of the raw material can be prevented. For example, even if the conveying belt (420) is provided as a single belt and the raw material is not physically pressed against the conveying belt (420), shrinkage of the raw material can be effectively prevented during drying by the humidifying process in the second pre-drying unit (200b). The drying performed in the second pre-drying unit (200b) can be referred to as 'decrease-rate drying'.

[0084] The time for performing constant-rate drying and decreasing-rate drying may be the same. In addition, the degree to which the moisture content of the raw material decreases during the time for constant-rate drying may be greater than the degree to which the moisture content of the raw material decreases during the time for decreasing-rate drying. In other words, the degree to which the moisture content of the raw material dried in the first pre-drying unit (200a) decreases may be greater than the degree to which the moisture content of the raw material dried in the second pre-drying unit (200b) decreases.

[0085]

[0086] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 4, a drying device (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. When describing a drying device (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention, differences from one embodiment of the present invention will be mainly explained.

[0087] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the inside of a drying device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the drying device (1) may be provided with a plurality of conveying belts (420). The plurality of conveying belts (420) may include a first conveying belt (421) and a second conveying belt (422).

[0089] The first conveying belt (421) can be pressed against one side of the original material. The second conveying belt (421) can be pressed against the other side of the original material. For example, one side of a sheet-shaped original material can be pressed against the first conveying belt (421), and the other side, which is the opposite side of the one side, can be pressed against the second conveying belt (421).

[0090] The first transport belt (421) and the second transport belt (422) can be placed in a close contact state with each other in the section where the pre-drying transport path (P2) is formed, and can be placed in a separated state with each other in the remaining sections.

[0091] When the first conveying belt (421) and the second conveying belt (422) are in close contact, the first conveying belt (421) and the second conveying belt (422) can compress the raw material in a direction toward each other. For example, the first conveying belt (421) and the second conveying belt (422) can transport the raw material along the pre-drying conveying path (P2) in a compressed state. That is, the conveying belt (420) according to another embodiment of the present invention can be provided as a double belt composed of two belts.

[0092] Additionally, the transfer belt (420) may further include a forming transfer belt that moves within the forming section (100). The forming transfer belt may be provided as a separate belt from the first transfer belt (421) and the second transfer belt (422).

[0093] When the raw material is transferred from the forming section (100) to the pre-drying section (200), the raw material can be transferred from the forming transfer belt to the first transfer belt (421) and the second transfer belt (422). In order to prevent the raw material from being damaged due to the speed difference between the forming transfer belt and the first transfer belt (421) and the second transfer belt (422) during this raw material transfer process, the control section (500) can control the speed of the forming transfer belt and the first transfer belt (421) and the second transfer belt (422), respectively.

[0094] For example, the drying device (1) may further include a distance detection sensor arranged between the forming section (100) and the pre-drying section (200). The distance detection sensor may detect whether the target distance, which is the distance between the distance detection sensor and the raw material, is less than a preset value.

[0095] The control unit (500) can reduce the speed of the first conveying belt (421) and the second conveying belt (422) based on the detection result of the distance detection sensor if the target distance is less than or equal to a preset value. In addition, the control unit (500) can increase the speed of the first conveying belt (421) and the second conveying belt (422) if the target distance exceeds a preset value.

[0096]

[0097] Hereinafter, a method for drying a raw material (S10) will be described with reference to FIG. 5. The method for drying a raw material (S10) may include a forming step (S100), a pre-drying step (S200), a main drying step (S300), a winding step (S400), and a cleaning step (S500).

[0098] Figure 5 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a method for drying a raw material according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Hereinafter, a method (S10) for drying a raw material in a drying device (1) equipped with a single conveying belt (420) and a single pre-drying unit (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0100] In the forming step (S100), the raw material to be formed can be formed into a sheet shape. For example, in the forming step (S100), the raw material cut into a predetermined shape can be placed on a conveying belt (420) to form a continuously continuous sheet. In addition, in the forming step (S100), after the raw material is placed on the conveying belt (420), the raw material can be compressed to the conveying belt (420) through a vacuum dehydration process. The vacuum level in this vacuum dehydration process can be, for example, 120 mbar to 170 mbar.

[0101] In the pre-drying step (S200), the raw material formed in the forming step (S100) may be heated while being transported along the pre-drying transport path (P2). This pre-drying step (S200) may be performed after the forming step (S100).

[0102] In the main drying step (S300), the raw material dried in the preliminary drying step (S200) may be additionally dried. This main drying step (S300) may be performed after the preliminary drying step (S200).

[0103] Additionally, the method for drying raw materials (S10) may further include a detachment step. The detachment step may be performed after the main drying step (S300). In this detachment step, the raw materials compressed on the conveyor belt (420) may be detached from the conveyor belt (420). For example, in the detachment step, air may be sprayed onto one side of the conveyor belt (420) (the side opposite to the side of the conveyor belt (420) where the raw materials are compressed).

[0104] In the winding step (S400), the raw material that has been dried in the main drying step (S300) can be wound. In this winding step (S400), the raw material can be wound after being detached from the conveying belt (420). This winding step (S400) can be performed after the detaching step.

[0105] In the cleaning step (S500), foreign substances remaining on the conveying belt (420) from which the raw material was removed in the winding step (S400) can be cleaned. For example, the cleaning step (S500) can be performed by an upper cleaner (710) and a lower cleaner (720) placed within the forming part (100). This cleaning step (S500) can be performed after the winding step (S400).

[0106]

[0107] Hereinafter, a method (S10) for drying a raw material in a drying device (1) having a single conveying belt (420) according to another embodiment of the present invention and a pre-drying unit (200) comprising a first pre-drying unit (200a) and a second pre-drying unit (200b) will be described. When describing the method (S10) for drying a raw material according to another embodiment of the present invention, the differences from the method (S10) for drying a raw material according to one embodiment of the present invention will be mainly explained.

[0108] A method (S10) for drying a raw material according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a forming step (S100), a pre-drying step (S200), a main drying step (S300), a detachment step, a winding step (S400), and a cleaning step (S500). Each of the forming step (S100), the main drying step (S300), the detachment step, the winding step (S400), and the cleaning step (S500) according to another embodiment of the present invention refers to the description of the forming step (S100), the main drying step (S300), the detachment step, the winding step (S400), and the cleaning step (S500) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] The pre-drying step (S200) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a constant-rate drying step and a decelerating-rate drying step.

[0110] In the constant-rate drying step, the raw material can be heated at a first temperature for a first time in the first pre-drying section (200a). In this constant-rate drying step, the moisture content of the raw material can be reduced by a first change amount.

[0111]

[0112] *In the rate-of-drying step, the raw material may be heated in the second pre-drying section (200b) at a second temperature for a second period of time. The second period of time may be the same as the first period of time. In this rate-of-drying step, the moisture content of the raw material may be reduced by a second amount of change. The second amount of change may be less than the first amount of change.

[0113]

[0114] Hereinafter, a method (S10) for drying a raw material in a drying device (1) equipped with a first transport belt (420) and a second transport belt (422) and a single pre-drying unit (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. When describing the method (S10) for drying a raw material according to another embodiment of the present invention, the differences from the method (S10) for drying a raw material according to one embodiment of the present invention will be mainly explained.

[0115] A method (S10) for drying a raw material according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a forming step (S100), a handing step, a pressing step, a preliminary drying step (S200), a main drying step (S300), a detachment step, and a winding step (S400). Each of the forming step (S100), the main drying step (S300), the detachment step, and the winding step (S400) according to another embodiment of the present invention refers to the description of the forming step (S100), the main drying step (S300), the detachment step, and the winding step (S400) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] In the transfer step, when the molded raw material is transferred to the pre-drying unit (200), if the target distance is less than or equal to a preset value, the speed of the first transfer belt (421) and the second transfer belt (422) may be reduced. In addition, in the transfer step, after the molded raw material is transferred to the pre-drying unit (200), if the target distance is greater than a preset value, the speed of the first transfer belt (421) and the second transfer belt (422) may be increased.

[0117] In the compression step, the raw material transferred from the molding unit (100) to the pre-drying unit (200) can be compressed by the first conveying belt (421) and the second conveying belt (422).

[0118] In the pre-drying step (S200), hot air may be applied to the raw material located inside the pre-drying unit (200). The temperature of this hot air, that is, the hot air temperature, may be, for example, 20 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius. This hot air temperature may be controlled by, for example, a heater (210) and a blower (not shown). In addition, the hot air may be supplied with heat by steam, hot water, etc.

[0119] Additionally, in the pre-drying step (S200), the raw material may be humidified by hot air. The humidity of the hot air may be, for example, 10% to 70%. The humidity of the hot air may preferably be 50% to 70%. The humidity of the hot air may be controlled by a two-fluid nozzle that sprays water into micro-sized fine droplets. For example, the two-fluid nozzle may humidify the raw material by spraying the fine droplets onto the heater (210) and the blower. As another example, the humidity of the hot air may be controlled by supplying low-pressure steam into the interior of the pre-drying unit (200).

[0120] Additionally, in the pre-drying step (S200), the amount of hot air can be controlled. For example, the amount of hot air can be controlled by controlling the rotational speed of a supply air blower using an inverter. Alternatively, the amount of hot air can be controlled by controlling the opening rate of a damper installed in a supply air duct or blower outlet.

[0121] In this pre-drying step (S200), when the temperature inside the pre-drying unit (200) rises above the first critical temperature (e.g., 30 degrees Celsius), the control unit (500) can control the pre-drying unit (200) so that the amount of hot air is gradually reduced by 1% to 5%.

[0122] In addition, in the pre-drying step (S200), when the temperature inside the pre-drying unit (200) drops below the second critical temperature (e.g., 25 degrees Celsius), the control unit (500) can control the pre-drying unit (200) so that the amount of hot air is gradually increased in units of 1% to 5%.

[0123] In this pre-drying step (S200), the state of the hot air can be adjusted based on the current difference value, which is the difference value between the current moisture content of the raw material and the target moisture content. For example, in the pre-drying step (S200), when the current difference value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the pre-drying unit (200) can be controlled by the control unit (500) so that the hot air temperature (or air volume) is adjusted to a first hot air temperature (or first air volume). The predetermined threshold value can be, for example, 3% to 20%.

[0124] Additionally, in the pre-drying step (S200), when the current difference value is less than a predetermined threshold value, the pre-drying unit (200) can be controlled by the control unit (500) to adjust the hot air temperature (or air volume) to a second hot air temperature (or second air volume). The second hot air temperature can be lower than the first hot air temperature, and the second air volume can be lower than the first air volume.

[0125] Meanwhile, the moisture content of raw materials can be measured manually or automatically. For example, automated measurement methods can include both contact and non-contact methods. Preferred methods for measuring the moisture content of raw materials include non-contact methods such as near-infrared (NIR) moisture analysis and microwave measurement.

[0126] Additionally, the speed of the transport belt (420) moving along the pre-drying transport path (P2) within the pre-drying step (S200) may be, for example, 0.1 m / min to 2 m / min.

[0127]

[0128] Hereinafter, each of the first and second experimental examples, which are experimental processes in which a raw material is dried in a drying device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail.

[0129]

[0130] Experimental Example 1

[0131] 1.5 kg of Goheungsan raw material stored at low temperature and frozen is cut into pieces of 2 mm to 5 mm in size using a 5Φ, 2-blade knife in a cutter and placed in a 1000 L raw material stirring tank with 500 L of water and stirred. At this time, the concentration of the raw material is 3 g / L.

[0132] In a state where water and raw materials are uniformly mixed in a primary mixing tank, they are supplied to a distributor using a mono pump and transported to a forming unit (100) through a pipe. The raw materials mixed with water are first dehydrated in a low-pressure vacuum of 20% on a conveying belt (420) located inside the forming unit (100), and then adhered to the conveying belt (420) to form a sheet. The formed sheet... At this time, the speed of the conveying belt (420) is 0.12 m / min.

[0133] The formed raw material sheet passes through a three-stage high vacuum (50%) box, whereby residual dehydration on the surface is performed, and the raw material sheet is absorbed by a conveying belt (420) and transported to a pre-drying unit (200). At this time, the moisture content of the raw material sheet is 85%.

[0134] The raw material sheet transferred to the pre-drying section (200) is continuously transferred along the upper pre-transfer roller (411) and the lower pre-transfer roller (412) while maintaining an appropriate tension, and the lower pre-transfer roller (410) is driven in a dumbbell shape with only the edges in contact with the raw material sheet.

[0135] In addition, the heater (210) temperature was set to 60 degrees Celsius and the blower inverter was set to 58%. Humidification was performed by supplying moisture to the interior of the pre-drying section (200) using two two-fluid nozzles. At this time, the internal temperature of the pre-drying section (200) was measured to be 26.3 degrees Celsius and the humidity to be 56%. In addition, when drying the raw material in the pre-drying section (200), the speed of the conveying belt (420) was 0.12 m / min, which is the same as the speed of the conveying belt (420) in the forming section (100) because it has a single belt structure.

[0136] The continuous dried raw material sheet that had completed drying had a width identical to that formed in the forming section (100), a shrinkage rate of 0%, and a moisture content of the raw material measured in AND MX-50 (halogen lamp heating type) of 11.74%. Finally, it was cut into 210 mm X 190 mm, identical to the standard of dried laver on the market, to produce 2.27 g of dried raw material (dried laver).

[0137] [Table 1] below is a table showing the comparison of the characteristics of dried seaweed (comparative example) on the market and dried seaweed produced according to the first experimental example described above.

[0138] ClassificationAppearanceThickness(per sheet)Weight(per sheet)Tensile strength(kgf)Moisture contentComparison Example 210Х190mm0.3mm2.4~2.8g0.4312%First Experimental Example 210Х190mm0.17mm2.27g3.1811.74

[0139] Looking at [Table 1], it can be seen that most of the characteristics of dried seaweed according to the first experimental example and dried seaweed according to the comparative example according to one embodiment of the present invention are similar, and the tensile strength of dried seaweed according to the first experimental example is superior to that of dried seaweed according to the comparative example.

[0140] Experimental Example 2

[0141] 1.5 kg of Goheungsan raw material stored at low temperature and frozen is cut into pieces of 2 mm to 5 mm in size using a 5Φ, 2-blade knife in a cutter and placed in a 1000 L raw material stirring tank with 500 L of water and stirred. At this time, the concentration of the raw material is 3 g / L.

[0142] In a state where water and raw materials are uniformly mixed in a primary mixing tank, they are supplied to a distributor using a mono pump and transported to a forming unit (100) through a pipe. The raw materials mixed with water are first dehydrated in a low-pressure vacuum of 20% on a conveying belt (420) located inside the forming unit (100), and then adhered to the conveying belt (420) to form a sheet. The formed sheet... At this time, the speed of the conveying belt (420) is 0.15 m / min.

[0143] The formed raw material sheet passes through a three-stage high vacuum (50%) box, whereby residual dehydration on the surface is performed, and the raw material sheet is absorbed by a conveying belt (420) and transported to a pre-drying unit (200). At this time, the moisture content of the raw material sheet is 85%.

[0144] The raw material sheet transferred to the pre-drying section (200) is continuously transferred along the upper pre-transfer roller (411) and the lower pre-transfer roller (412) while maintaining an appropriate tension, and the lower pre-transfer roller (410) is driven in a dumbbell shape with only the edges in contact with the raw material sheet.

[0145] In addition, the heater (210) temperature was set to 60 degrees Celsius and the blower inverter was set to 60%. Humidification was performed by supplying moisture to the interior of the pre-drying section (200) using two two-fluid nozzles. At this time, the internal temperature of the pre-drying section (200) was measured to be 29 degrees Celsius and the humidity to be 71%. In addition, when drying the raw material in the pre-drying section (200), the speed of the conveying belt (420) was 0.15 m / min, which is the same as the speed of the conveying belt (420) in the forming section (100) because it has a single belt structure.

[0146] The continuous dried raw material sheet that had completed drying had a width identical to that formed in the forming section (100), a shrinkage rate of 0%, and a moisture content of the raw material measured in AND MX-50 (halogen lamp heating type) of 11.22%. Finally, it was cut to 210 mm X 190 mm, identical to the standard of dried laver on the market, to produce 2.35 g of dried raw material (dried laver).

[0147] [Table 2] below is a table showing the comparison of the characteristics of dried seaweed (comparative example) on the market and dried seaweed produced according to the second experimental example described above.

[0148] Classification Appearance Thickness (per sheet) Weight (per sheet) Tensile strength (kgf) Moisture content Comparison Example 210 Х 190 mm 0.3 mm 2.4~2.8 g 0.4 3 12% Experimental Example 1 210 Х 190 mm 0.2 1 mm 2.3 5 g 2.8 3 11.22

[0149] Looking at [Table 2], similar to the first experimental example, most of the characteristics of dried seaweed according to the second experimental example according to one embodiment of the present invention and dried seaweed according to the comparative example are similar, and it can be seen that the tensile strength of dried seaweed according to the second experimental example is superior to that of dried seaweed according to the comparative example.

[0150]

[0151] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described above as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. That is, within the scope of the purpose of the present invention, all components may be selectively combined and operated one or more times. In addition, terms such as "include," "comprise," or "have" described above, unless specifically stated to the contrary, mean that the corresponding component may be inherent, and therefore should be interpreted as including other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted as being consistent with the contextual meaning of the related technology, and shall not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

[0152] The above description is merely an illustrative illustration of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. A molding section provided to mold the raw material to be molded; A pre-drying section in which a pre-drying transport path is formed inside for transporting the raw material discharged from the molding section, and which heats the raw material moving along the pre-drying transport path so that the raw material is dried; and Including a main drying unit that further heats the raw material discharged from the above pre-drying unit so that the raw material is further dried. Drying device.

2. In paragraph 1, The above pre-drying section is, It includes a plurality of heaters arranged in the up-down and forward-backward directions and applying hot air to the raw material. At least a portion of the above pre-drying transport route, Among the above plurality of heaters, the first heater and the second heater, which are two heaters adjacent to each other in the front-back direction, are located between them. Drying device.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first heater and the above second heater, They are arranged so as to face each other in the forward and backward direction with at least a part of the above-mentioned pre-drying transport path in between, One of the first heater and the second heater heats one side of the raw material, and the other of the first heater and the second heater heats the other side of the raw material. Drying device.

4. In paragraph 1, It further includes a transport section that forms the above pre-drying transport path and transports the raw material along the above pre-drying transport path, The above transfer part, a plurality of conveying rollers; and It includes a conveying belt that is in close contact with the plurality of conveying rollers and conveys the raw material along the pre-drying conveying path by the rotation of the plurality of conveying rollers. Among the above plurality of transport rollers, when the transport roller placed in the internal space of the preliminary drying section is called a preliminary transport roller, The above spare transport rollers are provided in multiples, The above-mentioned plurality of spare conveying rollers are, Positioned so as to be spaced apart from each other in the forward, backward, and up and down directions, Drying device.

5. In paragraph 4, The above conveyor belt, Equipped with one belt with one side of the above raw material in close contact with the other side, Drying device.

6. In paragraph 4, The above conveyor belt, A first conveying belt, one side of which is in contact with the original material; and It includes a second conveying belt with one end of the raw material in contact with the other end, The above first conveying belt and the above second conveying belt, The raw materials are arranged to be moved along the pre-drying transport path while being pressed in the direction of each other. Drying device.

7. In paragraph 4, The above conveyor belt, Having a mesh shape with multiple holes formed, Drying device.

8. In paragraph 4, The above conveying rollers, It is designed to rotate around a roller rotation axis, which is a rotation axis extending in the left and right directions. On the outer surface of the above conveying roller, A roller groove having an annular ring shape is formed by being inserted toward the roller rotation axis and surrounding the roller rotation axis. Each of the left and right sides of the above conveying rollers, Surrounding the above roller home, but with the upper ends spaced apart from each other in the left and right directions, Drying device.

9. In paragraph 4, The above plurality of spare transport rollers are, A plurality of upper spare transport rollers arranged at the upper part of the internal space of the above-mentioned spare drying section; and It includes a plurality of lower spare transport rollers arranged at the lower part of the internal space of the above-mentioned preliminary drying section, The above plurality of upper spare transport rollers and the above plurality of lower spare transport rollers, Alternating in the forward and backward direction, Drying device.

10. In paragraph 9, The above conveyor belt, Each of the plurality of upper auxiliary conveying rollers is in close contact with the upper outer surface, and each of the plurality of lower auxiliary conveying rollers is in close contact with the lower outer surface. Drying device.

11. In paragraph 9, The above pre-drying section is, It includes a plurality of heaters arranged in the up-down and forward-backward directions, The above plurality of heaters, It is arranged lower than the upper part of the upper spare transport roller and higher than the lower part of the lower spare transport roller. Drying device.

12. In paragraph 1, The above pre-drying section is provided in multiples, The above-mentioned pre-drying units are, A first pre-drying section into which the raw material discharged from the above molding section is introduced; and Including a second pre-drying unit into which the raw material discharged from the first pre-drying unit is introduced, Drying device.

13. In paragraph 12, Further comprising a control unit for controlling the first pre-drying unit and the second pre-drying unit, The above control unit, The first pre-drying unit is controlled so that the raw material introduced into the first pre-drying unit is heated to a first temperature, and the second pre-drying unit is controlled so that the raw material introduced into the second pre-drying unit is heated to a second temperature lower than the first temperature. Drying device.

14. In paragraph 13, The above control unit, Controlling the second pre-drying unit so that humidified hot air is applied to the raw material introduced into the second pre-drying unit. Drying device.

15. In paragraph 1, It further includes a winding unit that winds the raw material discharged from the main drying unit around a rotating axis extending in the left and right directions. Drying device.

16. In paragraph 4, It further includes a cleaning unit that is provided to clean foreign substances formed on the above conveyance belt, Inside the above molded part, Connected to the above pre-drying transport path, a molding transport path through which the raw material is transported is formed, The above cleaning unit, Based on the above molding transport path, the transport belt located in the cleaning section, which is located downstream from the inflow section, which is the section where the raw material to be molded is introduced into the molding section, is provided for cleaning. Drying device.

17. In paragraph 16, The above cleaning unit, An upper cleaner positioned above the conveying belt in the cleaning section and spraying cleaning fluid onto the upper portion of the conveying belt; and A lower cleaner disposed below the conveying belt located in the cleaning section and spraying cleaning fluid to the lower portion of the conveying belt. Drying device.

18. A molding step in which the raw material to be molded is molded in the molding section; A pre-drying step in which the molded raw material is dried while moving along a pre-drying transport path; and Including a main drying step in which the raw material dried in the above preliminary drying step is additionally dried, How to dry raw materials.

19. In paragraph 18, In addition to the above main drying step, the drying step further includes a winding step in which the dried raw material is wound around a predetermined rotation axis. How to dry raw materials.

20. In paragraph 18, It further includes a cleaning step in which foreign substances formed on a conveying belt that moves the above raw material along the above pre-drying conveying path are cleaned, In the above cleaning step, Based on the above pre-drying transport path and the connecting forming transport path, the transport belt moving in the cleaning section, which is located downstream from the first section, which is the section where the raw material to be formed is introduced into the forming section, is cleaned. How to dry raw materials.

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