Gas Distribution Channel Layout for Uniform Granular Product Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for drying granular products face issues with uneven drying results due to complex geometries and limited adaptability to changing fill levels, leading to unsatisfactory drying performance.
Innovation Solution
A gas guiding installation with a central distribution channel connected to axially spaced outlets via connection channels, featuring a functional channel with multiple outlets arranged between connection channels, allowing for uniform drying across a large area regardless of fill level, and enabling easy integration with existing apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inlet chamber supplies the entire annular chamber, then the structure is simpler, but the drying uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gas distribution system is divided into multiple inlet chambers (first inlet chamber and second inlet chamber) that are axially spaced apart, with functional channels distributing gas through multiple outlets. This segmentation allows different regions of the product bed to receive gas independently, improving drying uniformity across the entire product mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane gas distribution approach to a three-dimensional distribution system with inlet chambers spaced along the axial dimension. The functional channels extend radially outward with outlets positioned at specific depths, creating a spatially distributed gas delivery system that addresses uniformity issues in the vertical and radial dimensions.
2Productivity
If the tunnel geometry is specifically adapted to each individual case, then the drying efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to changing fill levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The immersion member is designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing the depth of immersion and the position of outlets relative to the product bed to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the system to adapt to different fill levels while maintaining optimal drying efficiency through controlled gas distribution at varying depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas distribution system is designed with multiple inlet chambers and functional channels that can operate effectively across a range of fill levels. The modular structure with axially spaced inlet chambers and radially extending functional channels creates a universal design that maintains drying efficiency whether the drum is partially or fully filled with product.
3Device complexity
If the outlets are arranged radially, then the structure is simpler, but the drying area is limited to an annular configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the gas distribution from a two-dimensional radial arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration. Functional channels extend radially outward from the central axis, with outlets positioned at specific depths below the surface. This creates a volumetric distribution pattern that expands the effective drying area beyond the limited annular configuration of radial-only outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet arrangement is segmented into multiple functional channels with outlets positioned at different radial distances and depths. This segmentation allows gas to be delivered to multiple discrete zones within the product bed, collectively creating a larger effective drying area compared to a single radial arrangement.
4Quantity of substance
If the fill level is high with great tunnel height, then more product can be processed, but the drying uniformity deteriorates due to product drying from below
Solution Approach 1:
The gas distribution system transitions from bottom-only gas delivery to three-dimensional gas delivery with inlet chambers positioned axially throughout the product bed depth. Functional channels extend radially outward at specific depths, delivering gas directly to product layers at multiple vertical positions, thereby achieving uniform drying even when the drum is highly filled.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides locally optimized gas distribution by positioning inlet chambers and functional channels at specific axial locations and depths. Each region of the product bed receives gas delivery tailored to its local position, with outlets placed at depths optimized for that particular zone, ensuring uniform drying quality throughout the entire product mass regardless of overall fill level.
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
The solution provides uniform drying intensity and reduced process times, allowing for increased spray rates without altering air quantity, while maintaining minimal turbulence and ensuring effective drying even at varying fill levels.
Implementation Method 1
A gas guiding installation featuring a central distribution channel connected to outlets via functional channels, which are axially spaced and arranged to provide a large drying area with uniform drying intensity
Data Source
AI summary
An installation for guiding a gas for devices used to treat granular products by drying, film-coating or coating includes: a central distribution channel that can be connected to a gas supplying device and is connected to outlets for the gas, that are arranged at a distance from the central distribution channel in an axial direction, via connection channels. The installation includes a functional channel which is arranged at a distance from the distribution channel and has a plurality of outlets, and the functional channel includes at least two axially interspaced inlet regions, each being connected to the distribution channel via a connection channel. The outlets are arranged, in the axial direction on the functional channel, between the mouth of two connection channels, which are adjacently arranged in the axial direction, in the functional channel.