Granule Conditioning Apparatus with Pneumatic Mixing and Gas Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conditioning systems for powders and granular materials are structurally complex, costly, and inefficient, leading to prolonged processing times, incomplete treatment, and quality issues due to material aggregation and uneven distribution of conditioning agents.
Innovation Solution
A versatile apparatus and process that integrates a pneumatic mixer with adjustable blower members and conditioning units to deliver controlled gas flows and additives, ensuring homogeneous mixing and conditioning within a single, simplified system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated conditioning systems are used for each type of conditioning, then the material can undergo specific chemical/physical modifications, but the structural complexity of the production line increases and material transfer steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple conditioning functions (humidifying, drying, chemical treatment, coating) into a single integrated conditioning chamber. Different conditioning agents can be simultaneously or sequentially introduced through separate injection systems into the same chamber where material is tumbled, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated conditioning stations and reducing structural complexity while maintaining comprehensive conditioning capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The conditioning chamber is designed as a universal system that can perform multiple types of conditioning operations on the same material batch. The chamber accommodates various injection systems for different conditioning agents (liquids, gases, powders) and can be configured for humidifying, drying, chemical treatment, or coating operations without requiring separate dedicated chambers for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If material is transferred between multiple conditioning stations, then different conditionings can be applied, but the overall processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conditioning operations are merged into a single continuous process within one chamber. The material is loaded once and remains in the chamber while different conditioning agents are introduced through separate injection systems, allowing sequential or simultaneous conditioning without intermediate transfer steps, thereby reducing total processing time while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows preliminary introduction of conditioning agents during the tumbling process. Multiple agents can be pre-positioned or introduced in sequence while the material is being tumbled, ensuring that all conditioning actions occur within the same operational cycle without requiring separate processing stages or material transfers
3Manufacturing precision
If atomised liquid is delivered to powders in accumulation chambers, then chemical/physical modification can occur, but only the uppermost surface powders are covered and material underneath remains untreated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses mechanical tumbling motion to continuously move and redistribute the powder material within the chamber. This dynamic motion ensures that all powder particles are periodically exposed to the surface where conditioning agents can be applied, preventing accumulation and ensuring uniform coverage throughout the entire material batch rather than just the uppermost layer
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs pneumatic injection systems that introduce conditioning agents as sprays or vapors throughout the tumbling chamber. The pneumatic delivery mechanism distributes agents more uniformly across the moving material mass, ensuring penetration and coverage of all particles regardless of their position in the chamber, overcoming the limitation of surface-only treatment in static accumulation chambers
4Reliability
If conditioning operations are performed in static chambers, then material can be treated, but particles tend to aggregate forming agglomerations that compromise product quality
Solution Approach 1:
The tumbling motion created by the inclined rotating element continuously agitates and redistributes the material particles throughout the chamber. This mechanical movement prevents particles from settling and aggregating in static positions, maintaining particle dispersion and ensuring uniform exposure to conditioning agents, thereby preserving material homogeneity and preventing agglomeration during the conditioning process
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
Significantly reduces conditioning time while maintaining product quality by ensuring uniform treatment and minimizing material aggregation, thus enhancing productivity and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one blower member (1a) associated with said duct (C) for delivering a flow of mixing gas of the granules, powders/liquids inside the hopper (T)
Implementation Method 2
a first member (12) for conditioning the flow of mixing gas arranged upstream of each blower member (1a) to adjust at least the pressure and/or humidity and/or temperature values
Implementation Method 3
delivering a flow of mixing gas of the granules, powders/liquids inside the hopper (T)
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and process for the conditioning of granules, powders and/or liquids, including: a hopper for containing the granules, powders and/or liquids equipped, on an external surface thereof, with at least one manifold defining a respective duct in fluid communication with the inside of said hopper; at least one blower member associated with said duct for delivering a flow of mixing gas or other gaseous mixing means of the granules, powders and/or liquids inside the hopper; and a first member for conditioning the flow of mixing gas arranged upstream of said blower member to adjust at least the pressure and/or humidity and/or temperature values and/or to supply the flow with an additive in a liquid or gaseous or vaporous form.