Ink Jet Printer Solvent Recovery via Condenser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous ink jet printing systems face issues with solvent evaporation leading to increased costs and undesirable odors due to the need for frequent solvent addition to maintain ink viscosity, as well as inefficient solvent recirculation and air venting to atmosphere.
Innovation Solution
A system that recovers solvent from air in the gutter line using a condenser and heater to condense and reuse solvent, reducing ambient air introduction and solvent loss, with controlled gutter airflow for reliable clearing and ink viscosity management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air is used to clear the gutter in conventional systems, then solvent is carried away with the exhaust air, but this causes solvent loss and increases operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent captures the harmful solvent-laden exhaust air that would otherwise be vented to atmosphere, and converts it into a beneficial resource by condensing the solvent for reuse in the ink supply system. The condenser recovers solvent from the gutter clearing air stream, transforming a waste stream into a valuable resource that reduces operating costs and solvent consumption.
2Stability of the object's composition
If solvent is added to maintain ink viscosity, then ink viscosity is maintained, but solvent consumption increases and creates undesirable odors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers solvent that would otherwise be discarded through exhaust ventilation and gutter clearing operations. The condenser captures solvent vapor from these air streams and condenses it back to liquid form, which is then returned to the ink supply system. This recovery process reduces the need for continuous solvent addition to maintain ink viscosity, thereby reducing both solvent consumption and associated odors.
3Productivity
If ambient air is introduced into the ink system, then gutter clearing is effective, but solvent evaporation increases and requires more makeup solvent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where solvent recovered from exhaust air and gutter clearing operations is condensed and fed back into the ink supply system. This closed-loop approach compensates for solvent loss from ambient air introduction by continuously recovering and returning evaporated solvent, thereby reducing the need for makeup solvent while maintaining effective gutter clearing operations.
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 approach reduces solvent consumption and costs, minimizes solvent odor and VOC emissions, and enhances system reliability by reusing condensed solvent, allowing for efficient operation in high humidity environments without an air dryer.
Implementation Method 1
A condenser is in fluid communication with the makeup tank and the return line for condensing solvent from the makeup tank
Implementation Method 2
A condenser and/or a heater is used to prevent liquid condensate from returning to the gutter
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous ink jet printer including an ink tank for holding ink, an ink nozzle in fluid communication with the ink tank for ejecting ink droplets, and a gutter for receiving, through an ink-receiving inlet thereof, ink droplets which are not used for printing. A gutter flow path starts at the ink-receiving inlet for ink that has entered the gutter through the ink-receiving inlet, and provides fluid communication to the ink tank. A return line is in fluid communication with the gutter for conveying air to enter the gutter flow path. A makeup tank is in vapor communication with the ink tank to allow air to be conveyed from the ink tank to the makeup tank. A condenser is in fluid communication with the makeup reservoir and the return line for condensing solvent.