Dry Ice Cutter-Die Crusher for Uniform Blasting Particles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry ice blasting systems face limitations in efficiently crushing dry ice pellets of varying sizes, often requiring large and complex roller crushers that are unreliable and time-consuming to adjust, and produce particles of mixed sizes and shapes, which affects cleaning efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A dry ice blasting apparatus with a hopper and crusher system that uses cutters and dies of larger diameters to crush pellets from 1.6 mm to 30 mm under their own weight, producing uniform particles of 1 mm to 1.5 mm for increased density and velocity, and includes a pneumatic line and nozzle for effective cleaning, with a design that allows for easy die replacement without disassembling the unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If roller crushers are used to crush dry ice pellets, then the pellets can be crushed, but the device becomes large and complex, requiring rollers with diameter of 320 mm-400 mm for large pellets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional roller crushing mechanism with a cutting-based mechanism. A circular cutter with cutting edges rotates within a circular die, cutting dry ice pellets into uniform particles as they pass through. This substitution of crushing mechanics with cutting mechanics enables compact device design while achieving precise particle size control, eliminating the need for large rollers.
2Manufacturing precision
If roller crushers are used to crush dry ice pellets, then the pellets can be crushed, but adjustment is time-consuming and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls particle size by changing the rotational speed of the circular cutter and the feed rate of pellets, rather than adjusting mechanical gaps or roller pressures. This parameter-based control method improves reliability by eliminating complex mechanical adjustments while maintaining precise particle size control through easily adjustable operational parameters.
3Manufacturing precision
If roller crushers are used to crush dry ice pellets, then the pellets can be crushed, but labor and time are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous crushing operation where pellets are fed continuously into the rotating cutter-die assembly, and crushed particles are discharged continuously. The circular cutter rotates continuously, cutting pellets as they pass through the die openings. This continuous action eliminates idle adjustment time and maximizes throughput while maintaining uniform particle size, directly improving productivity.
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 system achieves more aggressive and effective cleaning with reduced labor and time, improved reliability, and increased throughput by producing uniform dry ice particles for enhanced contaminant removal and easier maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A rotating cutter die (21) with a cutting edge is located between a stationary cutter die (18) and a flat throughput die (9), wherein the rotating cutter die (21) is cut between the stationary cutter die (18) and the flat throughput die (9) to thereby crush the pellets of solid cryogenic substance
Implementation Method 2
the flat throughput die (9) is made with holes (17) therein, wherein the holes (17) are made to allow holding the crushed particles of solid cryogenic substance with a size larger than a width of the holes (17)
Implementation Method 3
wherein the compressed air is fed into the feeding unit (5), and the crushed particles of solid cryogenic substance are transported over a pneumatic line from the feeding unit (5) to the nozzle (2)
Implementation Method 4
the crushed particles of solid cryogenic substance are accelerated in such medium as compressed air
Implementation Method 5
When colliding with a surface, dry ice sublimates (evaporates) with an extremely fast heat transfer process between the ice pellets and the surface
Implementation Method 6
High temperature difference between the ice particles and the surface to be cleaned also causes a thermal shock that destroys the contaminating coating
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to apparatuses for cleaning surfaces from contamination. The apparatus comprises a body, a shaft with a rotation axis, wherein such shaft is mounted to allow rotation in the body. The apparatus comprises a stationary cutter die secured to the body, and a flat throughput die secured to the body and placed below the stationary cutter die in a plane parallel to the plane of the stationary cutter die. The apparatus also comprises a rotating cutter die between the mounting plane of the upper stationary cutter die and the mounting plane of the flat throughput die, and is made to allow cutting the pellets of solid cryogenic substance in the plane of contact between the stationary cutter die and the rotating cutter die and/or in the plane of contact between the flat throughput die and the rotating cutter die. The invention allows improved performance of the dry ice blasting process.