Oxidation Furnace Blowing Box Segmentation for Compact Fiber Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oxidation furnaces for fiber treatment have inefficiencies in air flow through the interstices between blowing boxes, leading to untreated sections of fibers due to the lack of defined air flow, resulting in larger furnace volumes and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
The design includes two stacks of blowing boxes arranged vertically with additional hot air outlet openings along the center line, allowing air to flow through the gaps between boxes, enhancing oxidative treatment and enabling a more compact furnace structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional blowing boxes with continuous sides and limited outlet openings are used, then the structure is simple, but hot air does not flow through the interstices between blowing boxes, resulting in significant untreated sections of fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The blowing boxes are segmented into upper and lower parts with discrete outlet openings, allowing hot air to flow through multiple paths including the interstices between boxes. This segmentation enables complete oxidative treatment of fibers while maintaining structural manageability
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the blowing boxes are designed with different properties: the upper and lower outlet openings provide localized air flow paths, while the spacing between boxes creates interstices for additional air flow. This local differentiation ensures comprehensive fiber treatment
2Temperature
If blowing boxes have large dimensions for adequate air distribution, then air distribution is sufficient, but the furnace volume increases and the furnace cannot be built lower
Solution Approach 1:
The design utilizes vertical spacing between upper and lower blowing boxes to create three-dimensional air flow paths through the interstices. This dimensional approach allows adequate air distribution without increasing horizontal furnace dimensions, enabling a more compact overall furnace volume
3Productivity
If fibers pass through interstices without defined hot air flow, then the structure is simple, but oxidative treatment does not occur in these sections
Solution Approach 1:
The arrangement of upper and lower outlet openings creates a feedback mechanism where hot air flow through the interstices is naturally directed by the pressure differential and geometric configuration, ensuring defined flow paths that promote oxidative treatment without complex control systems
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 configuration improves air flow around fibers, reduces furnace height, saves resources, and enhances product quality by ensuring all sections of the furnace contribute to the oxidative process, leading to cost savings and improved efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heater located in the flow path of the hot circulating air
Implementation Method 2
at least one fan that circulates the hot air through the injection device, the process space and the two suction devices
Implementation Method 3
oxidation furnace for the oxidative treatment of fibers
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an oxidation furnace (1) for the oxidative treatment of fibres (20), especially for producing carbon fibres, which, in known ways, comprises a process chamber (6) arranged inside a housing (2), a blowing device (13) arranged in the centre of the process chamber (6), a suction device (14, 15) respectively arranged in the two opposite end regions of the process chamber (6), at least one ventilator (21) that circulates the hot air through the blowing device (13), the process chamber (6) and the suction devices (14, 15), and at least one heating device (18) arranged in the flow path of the hot circulated air. The blowing device (13) comprises a plurality of vertically interspaced blowing boxes (18; 118) comprising an inlet, and, respectively on opposite sides, outlets for the hot air. Optionally, two stacks of vertically interspaced blowing boxes (18) are provided, said blowing boxes being interspaced one behind the other in the direction of movement of the fibres (20), and/or the built-in boxes (118) in a stack comprise at least one additional outlet (130) in the upper side and the lower side, for hot air. In this construction, the effective length of the sections in which the fibres are subjected to the oxidising process is extended, compared to conventional constructions, so that the furnace can especially be built at a lower level.