Triple-Pipe Capsule Forming Pipe Flow Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seamless capsule manufacturing apparatuses face instability in the flow of liquid coolant, leading to deformation of droplets and inconsistent formation of spherical capsules due to unbalanced flow and pulsatory motion.
Innovation Solution
A triple-pipe structure for the hardening liquid inflow section with a flow straightening block and a low pulsatory motion pump are used to stabilize the flow of the hardening liquid, ensuring a smooth liquid surface and preventing disturbances, thereby maintaining a stable flow and spherical capsule formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional double-pipe structure is used for liquid coolant supply, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flow stability and capsule formation consistency deteriorate due to unbalanced flow and pulsatory motion
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid coolant supply system is segmented into three separate pipes: a supply pipe for introducing liquid coolant, an overflow pipe for discharging excess liquid coolant, and a capsule forming pipe for capsule production. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each pipe's function, with the overflow pipe specifically designed to stabilize liquid levels and eliminate flow instability, thereby improving capsule formation consistency without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow pipe acts as an intermediary element between the supply pipe and the capsule forming environment. It mediates the liquid coolant flow by receiving excess liquid from the supply pipe and discharging it in a controlled manner, preventing direct pulsatory flow from affecting the capsule forming process and ensuring stable, consistent capsule formation
2Ease of operation
If the liquid coolant flow volume is not accurately controlled, then the ease of operation is improved, but the droplet shape stability deteriorates leading to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The overflow pipe enables the system to self-regulate liquid coolant levels automatically. When the liquid level rises due to excessive supply, the overflow pipe automatically discharges the excess liquid, and when the level drops, the overflow stops and supply continues. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex flow control systems while maintaining stable droplet shapes and preventing deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow pipe provides a passive feedback mechanism for liquid level control. The liquid level in the capsule forming pipe directly determines the flow through the overflow pipe - higher levels increase overflow discharge, lower levels reduce it. This automatic feedback stabilizes the liquid level and droplet shape without requiring active control systems
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple pipe structure is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the liquid surface smoothness deteriorates due to ripples and disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid coolant system is segmented into separate functional pipes, with the overflow pipe specifically dedicated to surface stabilization. This segmentation allows the overflow pipe to be optimized for creating a smooth liquid surface through its specific discharge configuration, while the overall system remains relatively simple and easy to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The overflow pipe addresses liquid surface stability by operating in a different dimensional approach - rather than trying to control flow rate precisely in the supply pipe, the system uses the overflow pipe to discharge excess liquid from the top surface, creating a calm, ripple-free liquid surface through gravitational flow control in a vertical dimension
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 solution ensures stable production of spherical seamless capsules by preventing deformation caused by flow disturbances, increasing yield and reducing production costs by maintaining a smooth liquid surface and consistent flow.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration exciter 52 is placed on an upper portion of a multiple nozzle 51. The vibration exciter 52 adds vibrations to the nozzle 51.
Implementation Method 2
The released droplet takes a spherical shape because of the surface tension thereof. The droplet is cooled down and solidified in the hardening liquid that circulates at a constant speed.
Implementation Method 3
A triple-pipe structure for the hardening liquid inflow section with a flow straightening block and a low pulsatory motion pump are used to stabilize the flow of the hardening liquid, ensuring a smooth liquid surface and preventing disturbances
Implementation Method 4
The released droplet takes a spherical shape because of the surface tension thereof.
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid coolant supply pipe (23) and an over flow pipe (24) are provided on the outer side of a capsule forming pipe (3) through which a liquid coolant (12) flows and into which liquid droplets (13) are dropped from a nozzle (2). The liquid coolant (12) is supplied to the liquid coolant supply pipe (23) by a low pulsatory motion type pump such as a rotary pump. The flow of the liquid coolant (12) is regulated by a flow straightening block (26) provided in the liquid coolant supply pipe (23), passes through a liquid coolant introducing section (31) having a curved surface, and then flows into the capsule forming pipe (3) from an upper portion opening (34) in a cap (29) mounted to the upper part of the capsule forming pipe. The liquid coolant (12) flows into the capsule forming pipe (3) and the excess of the liquid coolant (12) flows into the overflow pipe (24) from the entire periphery of the liquid coolant supply pipe (23).