Cryogenic Cooling in Rotary Drum Separator for Food Processing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separation technologies for substances of different flowability, such as in food processing, often interrupt the cold chain and fail to adequately cool the separation material during processing, leading to heating and reduced product quality.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic cooling device is integrated into the apparatus, using a cooling medium like liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide to directly cool the separation material within the hollow drum during processing, ensuring continuous cooling and minimizing mechanical stress-induced heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical pressing is used to separate substances of different flowability, then separation efficiency is improved, but temperature increases due to mechanical stress-induced heating
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful thermal effect is extracted and removed by introducing a cryogenic cooling medium (liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide) that absorbs the heat generated during mechanical pressing, thereby maintaining separation efficiency while preventing temperature increase
Solution Approach 2:
A cryogenic cooling medium is introduced as an intermediary substance between the pressing mechanism and the separation material. This mediator absorbs mechanical stress-induced heating through phase change and heat absorption, enabling continuous cold chain maintenance during the separation process
2Productivity
If continuous pressing operation is maintained to improve productivity, then separation throughput is improved, but cold chain interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cryogenic cooling medium is continuously supplied during the pressing operation, ensuring that cooling action is maintained throughout the entire separation process. This continuous cooling action maintains the cold chain while allowing uninterrupted high-throughput separation operations
Solution Approach 2:
The cryogenic cooling medium utilizes phase transitions (liquid to gas) as it absorbs heat during the pressing process. This phase change provides continuous heat absorption capability, maintaining cold chain stability while enabling continuous high-productivity separation operations
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 approach allows for continuous cold chain maintenance during separation, significantly reducing temperature increases and enhancing product quality by immediate and efficient cooling of the separation material within the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device (19) assigned to the hollow drum (12), with the cooling device (19) being configured and adapted to cool the separation material during processing by means of a cryogenic cooling medium (20)
Implementation Method 2
cool the separation material during processing by means of a cryogenic cooling medium (20)
Implementation Method 3
using a cooling medium like liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide to directly cool the separation material
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured to separate substances comprising: a frame structure; a hollow drum, wherein the hollow drum is driven in rotation and comprises a perforated circumferential surface and an at least partially open end side; a press belt wrapped around the perforated circumferential surface; a product intake wedge, wherein the product intake wedge guides a product flow into the apparatus; a support apparatus comprising a support element, wherein the support element is located on a side of the press belt opposite the hollow drum; and a device configured to discharge separation material pressed through the perforated circumferential surface, wherein: the separation material is pressed into a hollow space of the hollow drum, the separation material is pressed from the end side of the hollow drum, and a cooling device cools the separation material with a cryogenic cooling medium.