Apparatus and method 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 fail to provide adjustable fluidization levels necessary for optimal treatment.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a gas distribution method using a conveyor belt with perforations and a gas distribution system that creates zones of greater and lesser fluidization without mechanical agitation, utilizing external motors and gas circulation fans to control the gas flow, eliminating the need for mechanical components within the treatment enclosure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical components are used for fluidization, then fluidization can be initiated, but reliability decreases due to wear and tear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fluidization components (eccentric rollers, mechanical agitators) with a pneumatic system that uses gas flow distribution through the conveyor belt to achieve fluidization. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and tear while maintaining effective fluidization, directly resolving the reliability issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a pneumatic system where gas is distributed through the conveyor belt to create fluidization zones. This pneumatic approach replaces mechanical agitation methods, reducing component wear and improving system reliability while maintaining the desired fluidization effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If mechanical agitation is used for fluidization, then fluidization is achieved, but product damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct integrityVSAvoidmechanical damage to product

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical agitation with pneumatic fluidization, where gas flow through the conveyor belt creates the necessary fluidization without direct mechanical contact with the product. This eliminates mechanical damage to delicate food products while maintaining effective fluidization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gas flow acts as an intermediary between the fluidization system and the product, transferring the fluidization effect without requiring direct mechanical contact. This intermediary approach protects delicate products from mechanical damage while achieving the desired fluidization state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If mechanical components are used inside treatment enclosure, then fluidization zones can be created, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluidization effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the motor and mechanical drive components from inside the treatment enclosure, placing them externally. Only gas distribution components remain inside, reducing the energy environment within the enclosure and improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining fluidization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces energy-intensive mechanical agitation systems with a more energy-efficient pneumatic system. Gas distribution through the conveyor belt requires less energy than mechanical agitation, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective fluidization zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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, gently handling delicate products and maintaining their particulate nature, while reducing wear and tear, and allowing for adjustable fluidization levels.

Implementation Method 1

means for distributing a gas flow to fluidize the particulate material on the means for supporting the particulate material to create regions of greater and lesser fluidization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluidization: Fluidisation

Data Source

PatentUS9833014B2Apparatus and method for fluidized bed treatment of materials

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 FPS FOOD PROCESS SOLUTIONS CORP

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.