Conical Nozzle Box for Uniform Drying Air Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drying systems face inefficiencies in energy usage and uneven drying due to high fan power consumption and temperature variations across the width of drying materials, particularly in impingement jet ventilation systems.

Innovation Solution

The nozzle box design reduces the ratio of nozzle openings per square meter, increasing air outlet speed and pressure loss to enhance air distribution while maintaining power consumption at state-of-the-art levels, with features like conical shape, multiple nozzle rows, and radiation plates to focus heat evenly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the ratio of nozzle openings per square meter is increased to improve air distribution, then drying uniformity improves, but fan power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying uniformityVSAvoidfan power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces the nozzle opening ratio from conventional values (typically 1.5-2.0% or higher) to a specific range of 0.5-1.5%, particularly 0.8-1.2%. This parameter change optimizes the balance between air distribution effectiveness and energy consumption, achieving uniform drying with lower fan power requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The nozzle box is designed with a conical shape, where the cross-section decreases in the flow direction. This curved geometry naturally guides the air flow more effectively toward the drying material, improving air distribution uniformity without requiring excessive nozzle openings or higher fan power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Productivity

If air outlet speed is increased to intensify drying, then drying efficiency improves, but pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The conical nozzle box shape creates a gradual pressure gradient that accelerates air flow efficiently. The curved walls guide the air smoothly, reducing turbulence and unnecessary pressure losses while maintaining high outlet speeds for intensive drying.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

By optimizing the nozzle opening ratio to 0.5-1.5%, the system achieves an optimal balance where sufficient air outlet speed (3-6 m/s) is maintained for intensive drying while pressure loss is kept within acceptable limits for energy-efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If conventional nozzle box design is used with high fan power, then drying intensity is sufficient, but energy consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying intensityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The conical geometry of the nozzle box improves air flow guidance and distribution efficiency, allowing the system to achieve the same or better drying intensity with lower fan power consumption compared to conventional cylindrical or rectangular nozzle boxes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The optimized nozzle opening ratio (0.5-1.5%) combined with the conical shape creates a more efficient air distribution system that maintains high drying intensity while reducing the energy required to drive the air flow through the drying chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design achieves more intensive and even drying with reduced energy usage, improved air distribution, and lower maintenance effort, resulting in more efficient drying of panel-shaped materials like plasterboards.

Implementation Method 1

the drying air is brought in from the side of the drying system in nozzle boxes, also known as drying chambers, and blown perpendicularly onto the surface of the drying material via air outlet nozzles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpingement jet ventilation: Jet

Implementation Method 2

which has a conical shape in at least one direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the drying air in the nozzle box

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConical flow distribution: Geometry

Implementation Method 3

The drying of board-like materials such as gypsum boards is preferably carried out by predominantly convective heat transfer in the form of heated air flowing over them

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvective heat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3765806B1Nozzle box for a drying device for drying plate-like materials
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 GRENZEBACH BSH
  • EP3765806B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3765806B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a nozzle box (7, 7') arranged in a drying device transversely to a plate (8) to be dried in the drying device by means of drying air. The nozzle box (7, 7') has a conical shape at least in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the drying air in the nozzle box (7, 7'), and a drying surface provided with nozzles (18) and facing the plate (8), wherein the drying air flows from a plurality of nozzles (18) arranged in rows in the drying surface onto the plate (8). The nozzle box (7, 7') is characterised in that the ratio of the sum of the openings of the nozzles (18) per square metre to the drying area is less than 1.1%.