Heat-shrinking Apparatus for Shrink Labels Using Superheated Steam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat-shrinking apparatuses for cylindrical labels face challenges in uniform heating, leading to distorted designs and the issue of water droplets being deposited on the labels and containers, which is problematic especially when filling liquids.
Innovation Solution
A heat-shrinking apparatus using superheated steam for uniform heating, combined with a heated air system to evaporate any water droplets, and a steam condensing device to manage surplus steam efficiently, preventing water deposition and enhancing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hot air is used to heat the cylindrical label, then the heating process is faster, but the label cannot be heated uniformly causing design distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal parameters by using superheated steam instead of hot air, and controls the steam temperature and supply timing to achieve both rapid and uniform heating. The steam temperature is maintained between 100-200°C to prevent condensation while ensuring uniform heat distribution across the label surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition properties of steam, specifically using superheated steam that has not yet condensed. The steam is supplied in a controlled manner to the label surface, leveraging its high heat capacity and uniform distribution capability during the phase transition from steam to condensed water, while preventing actual condensation through temperature control.
2Manufacturing precision
If steam is used to heat the cylindrical label, then the label can be heat-shrunk uniformly, but water drops are deposited on the label and container surface
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the steam temperature parameter to maintain it between 100-200°C, which is above the dew point but below temperatures that would cause excessive condensation. This parameter control allows the steam to provide uniform heat without condensing into water drops on the label and container surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a steam supply control mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the steam source and the label. This control system regulates steam flow rate, temperature, and distribution to achieve uniform heating while preventing condensation, effectively mediating between the heating requirement and the condensation problem.
3Manufacturing precision
If steam is supplied into the heating treatment chamber, then the label can be heat-shrunk uniformly, but surplus steam causes water drops to deposit on the container
Solution Approach 1:
The invention controls the steam temperature parameter to be maintained between 100-200°C, preventing condensation on the container surface. The steam supply rate and distribution are also optimized to ensure complete condensation of surplus steam before it contacts the container, eliminating water drop deposition while maintaining uniform label heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful surplus steam into a beneficial resource by controlling its condensation process. The surplus steam is directed to condense in a controlled manner, releasing latent heat that can be utilized for preheating purposes or other process requirements, thereby converting what would be waste into a useful energy source.
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 apparatus ensures beautiful, undistorted labels with no water droplets on the surface, allowing for efficient and space-saving operation, suitable for various containers including those with paper labels and food cups where moisture should be avoided.
Implementation Method 1
a steam supply device that heat-shrinks the shrink label of the label covered body passing through the heating treatment chamber by supplying superheated steam into the heating treatment chamber
Implementation Method 2
a heated air blowing device that evaporates water drops by blowing the heated air generated by the heated air generating device to the label covered body on which the water drops are deposited
Implementation Method 3
the heated air generating device having a preheating device that preheats the air by using surplus steam in the heating treatment chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat-shrinking apparatus for shrink labels which is capable of uniformly heat shrinking a shrink label covering a portion or the entirety of an article, and which is capable of completing heat shrinking in a state in which water drops are not deposited on the article and the surface of the shrink label. Accordingly, the present invention is provided with: a heat treatment chamber (2) having, provided therein, a steam discharge unit (12) for discharging superheated steam in order to heat shrink a cylindrical label (L) fitted to a container (PC), and a heated air blowing unit (14) for causing deposited water drops to evaporate by blowing heated air on the container (PC) after the cylindrical label (L) has been heat shrlUlk; a superheater (22) which heats steam generated by a steam boiler (20), to generate the superheated steam; a preheating lUlit (27) which uses the surplus steam inside the heat treatment chamber (2) to preheat air used to generate the heated air; a heated-air-generating heat exchanger (15) which uses steam to heat the preheated air to a prescribed temperature; and a condensing heat exchanger (31) for condensing the surplus steam.