Bead Dryer Drum With Vacuum Extraction to Prevent Moisture Reincorporation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grinding and drying systems fail to effectively remove aqueous solutions from materials due to reincorporation during the grinding process, leading to inefficiencies in drying and increased wear on machinery components.

Innovation Solution

A ball dryer system with a drum containing beads and air suction means creates a negative pressure environment, using centrifugal force to project materials and beads for mechanical crushing and moisture extraction, combined with air vacuum to facilitate efficient drying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high rotational speed is used to project materials against crusher walls, then grinding efficiency is improved, but wear on crusher components increases and machine availability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrinding efficiencyVSAvoidmachine availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by rotating the lower wall of the drum at controlled speeds to dynamically project materials and beads against each other. This dynamic motion enables effective grinding and drying while maintaining lower rotational speeds compared to traditional high-speed ball mills, thereby reducing wear on crusher components and improving machine availability while still achieving good grinding efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces beads as an intermediary element that mediates the grinding process. The beads act as intermediate crushing elements between the material and the drum wall, enabling effective size reduction through bead-material and bead-bead interactions. This intermediary mechanism achieves grinding efficiency without requiring high rotational speeds, thus reducing wear on the crusher structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If aqueous solution is extracted from material, then drying is improved, but the extracted solution is reincorporated into the material reducing drying effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidmoisture removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by using air suction means connected to the drying chamber to continuously remove and extract the aqueous phase as it is released from the material during drying. This prevents the extracted moisture from being reincorporated into the material, maintaining a concentration gradient that drives continuous effective drying and improving overall drying efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic principles through air suction means that create negative pressure in the drying chamber. This pneumatic system continuously extracts moisture-laden air from the drying chamber, preventing moisture reincorporation and maintaining optimal drying conditions throughout the process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

The system enhances drying efficiency by reducing moisture content and increasing product density while minimizing material wear and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

said lower wall is rotatable relative to said side wall, along an axis of rotation oriented coaxially with said longitudinal axis, and cooperates with rotational operating means, so that, when said lower wall is rotated, the products to be dried are projected into the drying chamber, possibly in the direction of said upper wall, and said beads are held at the level of the lower annular slot by a centrifugal force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

air suction means, connected to said drying chamber, for creating a negative pressure in said drying chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

when said lower wall is rotated, the products to be dried are projected into the drying chamber, possibly in the direction of said upper wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP4656991A1Ball dryer, suitable for drying products, in particular in the form of particles or fragments
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 ENERTHIQUE
  • EP4656991A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4656991A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4656991A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bead dryer (1), adapted for drying products, particularly in the form of particles or fragments. The bead dryer (1) comprises a drum (2), delimiting a drying chamber (3), and air suction means (6) for creating a negative pressure in said drying chamber (3). The drum (2) includes: - at least one discharge opening (26) comprising a lower annular slot (26), and - a lower wall (23) that is rotatable relative to said side wall (21).