Heated Vacuum Auger Feeder for Drying Insulation Powder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for loading filler insulation materials into vacuum insulated structures are inefficient due to the need to remove adsorbed water before achieving desired vacuum levels, which prolongs the process and reduces energy efficiency in refrigeration systems.
Innovation Solution
A heated vacuum auger feeder is used to dry and degas the filler insulation material by applying heat and vacuum, reducing the moisture and gas content, allowing for faster and more efficient loading into the vacuum insulated structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional loading methods are used to load filler insulation material into vacuum insulated structures, then the material can be loaded, but adsorbed water and gas remain in the material, requiring extended vacuum pumping time to achieve desired vacuum levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by drying and degassing the filler insulation material before loading it into the vacuum insulated structure. The heating element heats the material to evaporate adsorbed water, and the vacuum pump removes gases and vapors before the material is transferred to the VIP cavity. This pre-treatment eliminates the need for extended vacuum pumping after loading, thus increasing productivity without sacrificing vacuum quality.
2Reliability
If heat is applied to dry the filler insulation material, then adsorbed water is removed, but energy is consumed in the heating process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the temperature and vacuum pressure parameters during the drying and loading process. The heating element raises the temperature of the filler material to a level sufficient to evaporate adsorbed water but not so high as to cause material degradation. Simultaneously, the vacuum pump maintains reduced pressure to facilitate vapor removal. By optimizing these parameters, the process achieves reliable vacuum levels while minimizing energy consumption.
3Productivity
If the filler insulation material is not dried before loading, then the loading process is faster, but the vacuum level cannot be achieved and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by drying and degassing the filler insulation material before loading it into the vacuum insulated structure. The heating element heats the material to evaporate adsorbed water, and the vacuum pump removes gases and vapors before the material is transferred to the VIP cavity. This pre-treatment eliminates the need for extended vacuum pumping after loading, thus increasing productivity without sacrificing vacuum quality.
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 significantly reduces the amount of adsorbed water and gas in the filler insulation material, enabling faster achievement of vacuum levels and improving the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems by enhancing the loading process.
Implementation Method 1
A heated vacuum auger feeder is used to dry and degas the filler insulation material by applying heat and vacuum
Implementation Method 2
A heated vacuum auger feeder is used to dry and degas the filler insulation material by applying heat and vacuum
Data Source
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AI summary
An auger feeder includes a hopper having an inner hopper wall and an outer hopper wall where the inner hopper wall includes an air permeable surface. A space is positioned between the inner and outer hopper walls. A heater is coupled to an outside edge of the inner hopper wall or a n outside edge of the outer hopper wall while a feed screw is positioned along an inside edge of the inner hopper wall. The auger feeder additionally includes an evacuator coupled to a vacuum port that is positioned in the outer hopper wall. The auger feeder also includes an aperture exit positioned at a bottom of the inner and outer hopper walls.