Apparatus for fluidized bed treatment of materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidization systems in the food processing industry rely on mechanical components that are prone to wear and tear, leading to reduced effectiveness and increased risk of breakdown, especially when handling delicate products, and often cause product damage due to mechanical agitation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus eliminates mechanical components within the freezer by using a gas distribution system with perforated conveyor belts and stationary plates to create zones of greater and lesser fluidization, relying on controlled gas flow to achieve fluidization without mechanical agitation, thus reducing wear and tear and gentler product handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical components are used to establish fluidization zones, then fluidization can be achieved, but reliability decreases due to wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fluidization components (eccentric rollers, mechanical agitators) with a gas distribution system that uses controlled airflow through perforated plates and conveyor belts to create fluidization zones. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and tear while maintaining fluidization functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by introducing gas flow through a distributed network of perforated plates and conveyor belts to create zones of greater and lesser fluidization. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical systems, improving reliability by eliminating moving mechanical parts while achieving the desired fluidization effect.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mechanical agitation is used to create fluidization zones, then fluidization is achieved, but product damage increases for delicate food products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates zones of greater and lesser fluidization by strategically positioning perforated plates and conveyor belts to deliver varying gas flow rates to different regions of the product bed. This local variation in gas flow intensity achieves effective fluidization while allowing delicate products to be handled more gently in lesser fluidization zones, reducing product damage.
Solution Approach 2:
By using controlled gas flow through the product bed instead of mechanical agitation, the system achieves fluidization without the harsh mechanical contact that damages delicate food products. The pneumatic approach inherently provides gentler handling while maintaining fluidization effectiveness.
3Use of energy by moving object
If mechanical components are used for fluidization, then fluidization zones can be created, but energy consumption increases due to motors and mechanical drive systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates motors and mechanical drive systems by replacing them with a gas distribution system that uses airflow to create fluidization zones. This substitution removes the energy-intensive mechanical components while maintaining the fluidization function, directly improving energy efficiency and simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas distribution system allows the fluidization process to be controlled by adjusting gas flow parameters rather than requiring complex mechanical control systems. The system self-regulates fluidization zones through distributed gas injection, reducing the need for external mechanical actuation and improving energy efficiency.
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 enhances the reliability and energy efficiency of the fluidization process, allowing for more gentle handling of delicate products and reducing the risk of mechanical failure, while maintaining effective treatment of particulate materials as individual pieces.
Implementation Method 1
When upwardly rising air is introduced through a perforated trough or foraminous conveyor belt, fluidization of particulate material on the belt, such as foodstuffs, is initiated. In a fluidized state, particulate foodstuffs receive efficient freezing or heating treatment and maintain their particulate nature.
Implementation Method 2
a refrigeration unit (6) to generate cooled air
Implementation Method 3
one or more gas circulation fans (8) driven by external motors (10) to circulate gas through tunnel (2) in a cyclical flow
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and method for treatment of a particulate material employs a conveyor belt for supporting the particulate material for transport and a source of gas for delivery through the conveyor belt to fluidize the particulate material. A gas distribution system is used for controlling the gas flow to create regions of greater and lesser fluidization. This approach avoids the use of mechanical agitation of the conveyor belt which improves efficiency and reliability. The apparatus and method find particular application in the handling of particulate foodstuffs in bulk when treatment such as freezing, heating, or blanching of individual food particles is required.