Segmented Cryogenic Pelletizing Channel for Adjustable Dwell Time
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for pelletizing or granulating substances with cryogenic coolants face challenges such as the need for large cooling paths, high maintenance costs due to moving parts at low temperatures, and inflexibility in accommodating substances with different freezing behaviors, leading to inconsistent cooling performance.
Innovation Solution
A device with a channel arrangement composed of segments that can be adjusted to vary the contact time between the coolant and the substance, featuring decoupling devices between segments to control the effective channel length and a vibrating sieve conveyor for separation, allowing for flexible operation and maintenance-friendly design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a long cooling path is used to achieve sufficient dwell time and cooling, then the cooling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The channel arrangement is divided into multiple individual channels that can be independently adjusted in length and configuration. This segmentation allows the total cooling path to be extended without creating a single complex continuous structure, enabling sufficient dwell time while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design
2Ease of operation
If a vibrating screen is used to separate pellets from coolant at low temperatures, then the separation function is achieved, but the reliability and maintenance issues worsen due to moving parts at cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrating screen mechanism is completely removed from the cryogenic environment. Instead, a simple gravity-based separator positioned outside the cold zone performs the separation function. This extracts the problematic moving parts from the low-temperature zone, eliminating reliability issues while maintaining effective pellet-coolant separation through gravitational settling
3Device complexity
If a permanently installed cooling trough with fixed geometry is used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different substances with varying freezing behaviors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The channel arrangement transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamically adjustable configuration. Individual channels can be independently modified in length, inclination, and positioning to match the specific thermal and flow characteristics of different substances being processed, enabling adaptation to varying freezing behaviors while maintaining relatively simple structural elements
4Temperature
If the channel arrangement is extended to increase dwell time, then the cooling performance is improved, but the residence time becomes firmly defined and inflexible for different products
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling path is segmented into multiple independent channels with adjustable lengths. By selectively activating or deactivating individual channels, the total effective cooling path and corresponding residence time can be precisely tailored for each substance being processed, providing both sufficient cooling performance and flexible residence time adjustment
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
Enables adjustable dwell time and improved cooling efficiency for substances with varying properties, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing hygiene, particularly suitable for biotechnology and pharmaceutical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a device for pelletizing or granulating a liquid or pasty substance with a cryogenic coolant
Implementation Method 2
the substance to be pelletized in the operating state of the device through the channel arrangement flowing stream of the coolant is introduced
Implementation Method 3
a vibrating sieve conveyor for separation
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Device comprises: a conveying device (6), by which a cryogenic coolant (7) is transported to an inclined channel assembly (10); an input device (25), by the material to be palletized is introduced into the stream of the coolant flowing through the channel assembly in the operating state of the device; and a separating device (15) for separating the pelletized or granulated substance from the coolant. The channel assembly is constructed from consecutive segments in the flow direction of the coolant. A device for coupling pelletized or granulated substance from channel assembly is provided. Device comprises: a conveying device (6), by which a cryogenic coolant (7) is transported to an inclined channel assembly (10); an input device (25), by the material to be palletized is introduced into the stream of the coolant flowing through the channel assembly in the operating state of the device; and a separating device (15) for separating the pelletized or granulated substance from the coolant. The channel assembly is constructed from consecutive segments in the flow direction of the coolant. A device for coupling the pelletized or granulated substance from the channel assembly is provided respectively between two segments of the channel assembly.