Cooling Roll Non-Perpendicular Flow Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional chill rolls used in the production of plastic films often result in transverse markings on cast films, particularly when slow-running, which cannot be effectively explained or prevented by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

The chill roll design incorporates non-perpendicular coolant flow direction changes, using deflection devices such as cone tips and angled riser pipes to minimize turbulence, and employs a countercurrent cooling principle with degressive cooling channels to improve coolant flow and reduce vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional chill rolls with perpendicular coolant flow transitions are used, then the cooling function is provided, but transverse markings appear on cast films

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm surface qualityVSAvoidtransverse markings
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the flow direction angle parameter from the conventional 90 degrees to angles between 45-60 degrees or 120-135 degrees. This parameter modification reduces turbulence intensity and prevents the formation of transverse markings on the cast film surface while maintaining effective cooling function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces curved transition sections instead of sharp perpendicular angles in the coolant flow paths. The curved geometry of the transition sections between coolant inlets/outlets and the cooling channels reduces flow separation and turbulence, thereby eliminating the harmful transverse markings on the film.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Loss of energy

If slow-running cooling rollers are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but transverse markings become more pronounced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidfilm surface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the flow direction angles to 45-60 degrees or 120-135 degrees, the patent enables slow roller speeds to be used without generating transverse markings. The optimized angle parameters reduce turbulence at low rotational speeds, allowing energy-efficient operation while maintaining film quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If right-angle changes in coolant flow direction are provided, then device complexity is minimized, but turbulence is generated causing vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoolant flow path designVSAvoidvibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces sharp right-angle transitions with curved transition sections in the coolant flow paths. These curved sections, with radii specifically designed relative to the channel dimensions, reduce flow separation and turbulence, thereby minimizing vibrations while adding minimal geometric complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the dynamic characteristics of coolant flow by using angled transitions (45-60 degrees or 120-135 degrees) that reduce flow separation and turbulence intensity. This dynamic optimization reduces vibrations transmitted to the roller and cast film without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 significantly improves the quality of cast films by eliminating or suppressing transverse markings, resulting in better film properties and a more uniform cooling effect.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling medium can be supplied to at least one of the cooling channels (21) and/or to the flow chamber (11) via a supply line (25), wherein at least one change in the flow direction of the cooling medium is generated by a non-perpendicular arrangement of corresponding pipe or channel sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The coolant is supplied to one end of the cooling roller and discharged to the opposite end. This is usually done via radial riser pipes, through which the coolant is fed radially into the flow chamber located below the roller shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3479982B1Cooling roll
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 BRUCKNER MASCHINEHAU GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3479982B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3479982B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3479982B1 patent drawingFigure 4~4b

AI summary

An improved cooling roller is characterized, among other things, by the fact that various flow deflection devices (41, 41'; 141, 141') are provided between different pipe sections of the coolant flow pipe system (KD) passing through the cooling roller, which are designed in such a way that the coolant flow undergoes a non-perpendicular change in flow direction.