Liquid Processing Apparatus Temperature Regulation via Valve Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid processing apparatuses face instability in temperature regulation, leading to variations in the temperature of the liquid supplied to processing units, which can result in non-uniform processing and increased risk of dew condensation and watermark formation on objects being processed.
Innovation Solution
A liquid processing apparatus with a supply line and return line configuration that allows for the circulation of temperature-regulated liquid, including a liquid-supply switching valve to manage the flow between the supply line and return line, ensuring consistent temperature regulation and preventing heat loss during pauses in liquid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the liquid supply is stopped during processing pauses, then energy consumption is reduced, but the temperature of the supply line and valve decreases causing temperature instability upon restart
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-heated by circulating heated liquid through it during periods when the processing unit is not actively receiving liquid. This preliminary heating action ensures that when liquid supply restarts, the valve does not cause significant heat loss, thereby maintaining temperature stability without continuous energy consumption during active processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous circulation of heated liquid through the supply line and valve even during processing pauses, ensuring the thermal field remains stable. This continuous thermal action prevents temperature drops in the supply line and valve, eliminating temperature instability upon restart while minimizing energy consumption through efficient heat retention
2Quantity of substance
If the valve heat capacity is large, then the valve can store more heat, but the temperature of the supplied liquid varies significantly when supply is stopped and restarted
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is pre-heated by circulating heated liquid through it during idle periods. This preliminary heating utilizes the valve's large heat capacity advantageously by filling it with thermal energy before processing restart, ensuring that the stored heat is released during active processing rather than causing temperature drops upon restart
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the heated liquid source and the processing unit. It regulates the liquid flow through the valve, ensuring that the valve's heat capacity is optimally utilized to maintain stable liquid temperature during supply interruptions and restarts, rather than allowing significant temperature variations
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 configuration stabilizes the temperature of the liquid supplied to processing units, reducing the risk of non-uniform processing and dew condensation, thereby enhancing the reliability and consistency of the processing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid supply mechanism 15 configured to supply a liquid 300; a supply line 30 connected to the liquid supply mechanism 15
Implementation Method 2
when a heated drying liquid is used in a drying process of an object to be processed, an endothermic amount from the object to be processed is decreased upon evaporation of the drying liquid
Implementation Method 3
an endothermic amount from the object to be processed is decreased upon evaporation of the drying liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The liquid processing apparatus includes: a liquid supply mechanism; a supply line connected to the liquid supply mechanism, the supply line having a discharge opening for discharging a temperature-regulated liquid; a processing unit supporting the discharge opening of the supply line; a return line configured to return the liquid supplied to the supply line to the liquid supply mechanism; and a liquid-supply switching valve configured to switch between supply of the liquid, which is used in a processing of an object to be processed in the processing unit, and stoppage of the liquid supply. The liquid-supply switching valve is disposed on the supply line on a route of the liquid returning from the supply line to the liquid supply mechanism through the return line.