Proportional Metering Pump for Continuous Release Agent Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for pastillating flowable products using a release agent between a belt and product drops face issues with concentration variability due to decomposition over time, requiring constant agitation and relying on operator diligence, leading to inconsistent product quality and increased space and investment needs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a revolving belt and drop former that continuously mixes a liquid release agent from two components using a proportional metering pump, ensuring constant concentration and reducing the risk of decomposition, along with an intermediate tank for storage and temperature control, monitors filling levels and flow, and operates without external drives, simplifying design and maintaining consistent product quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a large quantity of release agent is produced in a tank, then the release agent can be stored for extended operation, but the concentration varies over time due to decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The release agent is divided into two separate components (first component and second component) that are stored independently in separate containers. These components are mixed in-situ at the point of application using a mixing device, eliminating the need for large storage tanks and continuous stirring while maintaining stable concentration throughout operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the release agent is continually stirred or agitated, then the concentration remains uniform, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the flow of the release agent components themselves through the piping and metering system to achieve mixing, eliminating the need for external stirring equipment. The proportional metering pump and mixing device utilize the natural flow and pressure differential to mix the components uniformly without additional mechanical agitation.
3Ease of operation
If the concentration depends on operator diligence, then flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A control unit is provided that monitors and controls the metering of the two release agent components to ensure they are mixed in the correct proportions. The control unit receives signals from sensors and adjusts the metering rates automatically, eliminating dependence on operator skill while maintaining precise and consistent concentration throughout operation.
4Volume of stationary object
If no intermediate storage tank is provided, then space and investment are reduced, but the release agent must be mixed continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing device is designed to mix the two release agent components continuously as they flow through the system, eliminating the need for batch mixing in large tanks. The proportional metering pump ensures continuous supply of both components at controlled rates, and the mixing device maintains uniform concentration throughout operation without requiring large intermediate storage capacity.
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 ensures a consistent release agent composition, reduces the need for large storage tanks and stirring equipment, maintains product quality independently of operator diligence, and minimizes space and investment requirements while preventing decomposition and adhesion issues.
Implementation Method 1
a proportional metering pump is provided for continuously mixing the release agent from at least two liquid components
Implementation Method 2
means for wetting the belt with a liquid release agent are provided upstream of that region in which the product drops are deposited on the belt, wherein the release agent prevents or reduces the adhesion of the product drops to the belt
Implementation Method 3
the product drops in the course of transportation on the upper run of the belt solidify to form pastilles
Data Source
AI summary
A device for pastillating a flowable product, in particular a melt. The device has a revolving belt and a drop former, and the drop former deposits product drops on an upper run of the belt. The product drops, in the course of transportation on the upper run of the belt, solidify to form pastilles, and an arrangement for wetting the belt with a liquid release agent is provided upstream of that region in which the product drops are deposited on the belt. The release agent prevents or reduces the adhesion of the product drops to the belt, and a proportional metering pump is provided for continuously mixing the release agent from at least two liquid components during the operation of the device.