Sizing Mandrel Geometry for Low-Temperature Explosive Emulsion Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging systems face limitations in processing high-volume, low-temperature explosive emulsions due to increased pressure requirements, which can slow production rates and lead to undesirable pressures, especially when producing small-diameter chubs at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
A modified sizing mandrel with an increased inner diameter, thinner wall, and shorter length, along with a rotating table and heat-seal module, allows for efficient packaging of low-temperature explosive emulsions at rates above 250 parts per minute and pressures up to 11 bars, using a tubular film casing and adhesive heat-sealing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional sizing mandrels are used for high-volume packaging of low-temperature explosive emulsions, then production speed can be increased, but pressure requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the sizing mandrel by changing its geometric parameters: increasing the inner diameter, decreasing the wall thickness, and reducing the overall length. These parameter changes allow the mandrel to accommodate low-temperature explosive emulsions at high production speeds (above 250 parts per minute) while maintaining pressure below 11 bars, resolving the contradiction between productivity and pressure requirements
2Strength
If conventional sizing mandrels with thicker walls are used, then structural strength is improved, but pressure buildup increases during high-speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifically changes the wall thickness parameter of the sizing mandrel, reducing it from conventional thicker walls to a thinner wall design. This parameter change allows the mandrel to operate at lower pressures (below 11 bars) during high-speed packaging while maintaining sufficient structural strength through optimized geometry and material selection
3Productivity
If smaller diameter chubs are produced at higher speeds, then productivity increases, but pressure requirements double compared to hot emulsions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the sizing mandrel parameters including increasing the inner diameter and reducing length, which specifically enables the production of small-diameter chubs at high speeds (above 250 ppm) without the pressure doubling that occurs with conventional mandrels. The optimized geometry reduces resistance to flow and allows efficient packaging of small chubs at lower pressures
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems, devices, methods with thin walled sizing mandrels that are capable of packaging low temperature explosives emulsions at high volumes and lower pressures. The packaging systems can include a rotating table having a vertical column comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart clippers; a pump; and a tubular sizing mandrel in fluid communication with the pump. The tubular sizing mandrel has a downstream end segment that merges into a segment with a plurality of radially spaced apart, longitudinally extending flat outer surfaces, the flat surfaces can be bounded laterally (circumferentially) by chamfered edges.