Fluidized Bed Dryer Drying Encapsulated Granules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The drying efficiency of seamless capsules using rotary drum-type through-flow dryers is low, and while fluidized bed dryers offer higher efficiency, the drying time remains long, with high-temperature, low-humidity drying air risking deformation of the capsule coating.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a fluidized bed dryer with controlled drying air conditions, shifting from a constant-rate to a decreasing-rate drying phase by measuring water content and temperature, and adjusting gas flow to increase evaporative capacity without causing coating deformation, with the ratio of evaporating water content to surface area maintained below 10 or 7 during the constant-rate phase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If high-temperature, low-humidity drying air is supplied in a large amount to decrease drying time, then drying efficiency is improved, but deformation of the capsule coating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant-rate drying to decreasing-rate drying based on moisture content thresholds. The drying air supply conditions are dynamically adjusted according to the measured moisture content of the coating material, allowing the system to adapt drying intensity to the actual drying state and prevent coating deformation while maintaining efficient drying
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes drying parameters (temperature, humidity, air flow rate) based on the drying stage. During constant-rate drying, parameters are set to maximize drying efficiency; during decreasing-rate drying, parameters are adjusted to prevent coating deformation. This parameter change strategy resolves the contradiction between drying speed and coating quality
2Productivity
If a fluidized bed dryer is used to improve drying efficiency, then drying efficiency is improved, but drying time remains long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the drying process into distinct stages (constant-rate drying and decreasing-rate drying) with different air supply conditions. This staged approach allows the system to achieve both high drying efficiency and reduced drying time by optimizing parameters for each stage rather than using constant conditions
3Speed
If drying air supply is increased to reduce drying time, then drying speed is improved, but coating deformation occurs due to excessive evaporation rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by supplying drying air at different intensities for different drying stages. During constant-rate drying, excessive drying capacity is provided to maximize speed; during decreasing-rate drying, the air supply is reduced to appropriate levels that prevent coating deformation. This partial action strategy resolves the contradiction between drying speed and coating quality
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 shortens the drying time for encapsulated granular materials without deforming the capsule coating, maximizing drying ability while preventing deformation during the constant-rate phase and achieving efficient drying in the decreasing-rate phase.
Implementation Method 1
a first drying step of floating and fluidizing the encapsulated material using a fluidized bed dryer while measuring the water content or temperature of gas exhausted from the dryer after floating and fluidizing the encapsulated material
Implementation Method 2
The step of drying the coating materials comprises a first drying step of floating and fluidizing the encapsulated material using a fluidized bed dryer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for shortening the drying time for drying an encapsulated material including a coating material containing water without causing deformation of the coating when drying. The method employs a fluidized bed dryer for drying coating materials that contain water and that form a coating when the water evaporates. A first drying step involves floating and fluidizing the encapsulated material and limiting a theorisable evaporating water content ?W so that dimples or deformation do not occur in the coating of the encapsulated granular material while measuring a water content or temperature of gas exhausted from the fluidized bed dryer; and a second drying step, performed after the measure water content is reduced below a prescribed amount or the measured temperature has increased, of blowing in gas to the fluidized bed dryer so that the theorisable evaporating water content ?W rises above that during the first drying step.