Electron Beam Outlet Window Cooling for Particulate Sterilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for pasteurizing and sterilizing particulate material using electron beams face challenges in reliably and directly cooling the outlet window, leading to inefficient heat management and potential damage from indirect cooling methods.
Innovation Solution
A device with a protective element, such as a metal foil, is used between the electron source and the material channel, where a holding frame with a cavity allows for direct cooling fluid flow, ensuring effective thermal conductivity and independent cooling of the protective element, preventing heat accumulation and damage from the electron beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If indirect cooling method is used for the outlet window, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cooling reliability and effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into two independent parts: a primary cooling channel that directly contacts the outlet window for effective cooling, and a secondary cooling channel that provides additional cooling capacity. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective element (foil or grid) is introduced as an intermediary between the electron beam and the outlet window. This protective element can be directly cooled through the primary cooling channel, preventing heat accumulation and damage while allowing the electron beam to pass through.
2Ease of operation
If indirect cooling method is used for the outlet window, then the ease of operation is improved, but the temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into primary and secondary channels, allowing independent temperature control. The primary cooling channel directly contacts the outlet window to maintain precise temperature control, while the secondary channel provides additional cooling capacity without interfering with the primary temperature management.
3Reliability
If protective element is introduced between electron source and material channel, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thin protective foil or grid is introduced between the electron source and material channel. This thin protective element is sufficient to protect the outlet window from direct material contact while allowing electron beam transmission. The simplicity of this thin-film solution minimizes the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element is merged with the cooling system by integrating it into the primary cooling channel structure. This allows the protective element to be cooled directly while maintaining a compact overall device structure, reducing the complexity increase that would otherwise result from adding a separate protective component.
4Reliability
If direct cooling fluid flow is implemented through holding frame cavity, then the cooling effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding frame structure is given multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the protective element and simultaneously serves as a cooling channel through its cavity. This multi-functionality allows direct cooling fluid flow through the holding frame without significantly increasing device complexity, as the cooling function is integrated into an existing structural component.
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 solution provides reliable, direct, and homogeneous cooling of the outlet window, enhancing the service life of the protective element and maintaining optimal temperatures to prevent dust self-ignition and extend the device's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a holding frame which holds the protective element and which has a cavity through which a cooling fluid can flow
Implementation Method 2
When cooling fluid passes the outlet window of the electron source, it is mainly the air surrounding the window that is cooled
Implementation Method 3
at least one electron source for generating an electron beam. a treatment zone in which the material can be pasteurized and/or sterilized by means of the electron beam
Implementation Method 4
The fluid flowing through the secondary channel can be used to cool the electron source and in particular an outlet window of the electron source
Data Source
AI summary
A device(s) and method for pasteurizing and/or sterilizing particulate material using an electron beam. The device (10) includes at least one electron source (20) for generating an electron beam, a treatment zone (19) in which the material, particularly a freely falling material, can be pasteurized and/or sterilized by the electron beam, and a material channel (21) arranged in the region of the treatment zone (19) in which the material can be pasteurized and/or sterilized by the electron beam. A planar protective element (23), which is at least partially permeable by the electron beam, is arranged between the electron source (20) and the material channel (21). The device (10) includes a holding frame (120) which holds the protective element (23) and which has a cavity (121) through which a cooling fluid can flow.