Annular-Gap Nozzle Radial Spray for Uniform Particulate Granulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for treating particulate material face challenges in achieving uniform granulation and coating, as material particles tend to form unwanted agglomerates due to uncontrolled movement and adhesion when wetted with sticky spray liquids, leading to uneven grain size distribution and coating thickness.
Innovation Solution
An annular-gap nozzle is centrally arranged in the apparatus, producing a planar spray pancake that moves particles radially outward, combined with a flow of process air that carries them upward and then back inward, preventing agglomeration and ensuring uniform treatment, with additional support air to prevent particle accumulation and enhance coating efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If spray nozzles are inserted into the wall to spray sticky medium toward the toroidal ring, then granulation can be achieved, but material particles form unwanted agglomerates due to uncontrolled movement and adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of spraying from the wall toward the toroidal ring, the invention inverts the approach by placing nozzles at the bottom to spray upward onto falling particles. This reversal of spray direction ensures particles are coated during their natural downward trajectory, preventing uncontrolled agglomeration while maintaining granulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces process air as an intermediary medium that carries spray droplets upward and controls particle movement. The air cushion created by process air directs particles through a controlled flight path, preventing direct particle-to-particle contact and adhesion while enabling uniform coating application
2Productivity
If spray nozzles are used to apply coating layer, then coating can be achieved, but coating layer thickness is uneven due to particle adhesion and uncontrolled movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional coating approach by spraying from the bottom upward rather than from the wall inward. This ensures particles pass through the spray zone in a controlled manner, receiving uniform coating application during their downward fall, thereby achieving consistent coating thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains continuous coating application by spraying throughout the entire downward trajectory of particles. The process air continuously carries spray droplets upward, ensuring every particle receives coating during its flight, resulting in uniform and complete coverage
3Productivity
If material particles are wetted with sticky spray liquid, then granulation and coating can occur, but particles adhere to form unwanted agglomerates
Solution Approach 1:
Process air serves as an intermediary that separates particles during the spraying process. The air cushion created by process air prevents direct particle contact while carrying spray droplets to coat particles individually, eliminating sticky adhesion and unwanted agglomerate formation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by introducing process air through the bottom to create an air cushion that directs particle movement. This pneumatic field controls particle trajectories and maintains separation, preventing adhesion while enabling effective granulation and coating
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration achieves harmonious and uniform treatment of particulate material, preventing agglomerates and ensuring all sprayed substance is incorporated into the material, with effective granulation, coating, and drying even in large batches, maintaining a clean bottom surface and minimizing losses.
Implementation Method 1
an annular-gap nozzle is arranged centrally in the bottom, the orifice of this annular-gap nozzle being designed in such a way that a planar spray pancake which runs approximately parallel to the bottom plane can be sprayed
Implementation Method 2
combined with a flow of process air that carries them upward and then back inward
Implementation Method 3
with additional support air to prevent particle accumulation and enhance coating efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for treating particulate material has a process chamber for receiving and treating the material. A bottom is composed of a plurality of overlapping guide plates which are placed one above the other and between which annular slots for process air to pass through are formed. An annular-gap nozzle is arranged centrally in the bottom, the orifice of this annular-gap nozzle being designed in such a way that a planar spray pancake which runs approximately parallel to the bottom plane can be sprayed.