Moving-Belt Drying Plant With Catalytic Emission Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drying installations for moving web materials, such as paper, often require heat treatment without contact to preserve surface quality, but they have high environmental impact due to emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides.

Innovation Solution

A drying installation with a gas flow circulation system and a treatment device that includes an oxidation and reduction catalyst, regulated to maintain optimal temperatures (≥130°C to 400°C) for efficient conversion of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, using sensors and fresh air control to manage emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If combustion products are discharged directly from the drying installation, then the installation operates with simple structure and high drying efficiency, but harmful emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxidesVSAvoidcomplexity of treatment device
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts harmful combustion products (carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides) from the drying installation through a dedicated extraction pipe system. The treatment device is positioned downstream to specifically target and remove these harmful emissions, separating the purification function from the main drying process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a catalyst as an intermediary substance that facilitates the conversion of harmful combustion products into less harmful substances. The catalyst acts as a mediator between the extracted combustion products and the desired clean emission state, enabling chemical transformation without direct intervention in the drying process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the catalyst temperature is maintained at optimal levels (≥130°C to 400°C), then the treatment efficiency is maximized, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption for temperature maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs temperature sensors and regulation means that continuously monitor catalyst temperature and adjust heating or cooling accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the catalyst maintains optimal temperature range (≥130°C to 400°C) for maximum treatment efficiency while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling when temperature is already within the optimal range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the temperature parameter of the catalyst based on operational conditions. By changing the temperature parameter within the optimal range (130°C to 400°C) according to the load and emission levels, the system maintains high treatment efficiency while optimizing energy consumption across different operating scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the catalyst operates for extended periods, then continuous emission treatment is achieved, but catalyst performance degrades due to clogging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation timeVSAvoidcatalyst performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic regeneration or cleaning cycles for the catalyst. After a certain period of continuous operation, the system activates regeneration mechanisms (such as thermal regeneration or chemical cleaning) to remove accumulated deposits and restore catalyst performance, enabling long-term continuous operation without permanent degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates preliminary protective measures against catalyst clogging, such as filtration systems upstream or preventive cleaning mechanisms. By taking preliminary action to prevent deposit accumulation before it significantly impacts performance, the system maintains reliable continuous operation for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Reduces the ecological footprint by effectively treating combustion products, maintaining high efficiency and minimizing emissions, even during transient operations, with prolonged catalyst performance through unclogging mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a catalyst for the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

a catalyst for the reduction of nitrogen oxides NOx to nitrogen N2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 3

radiant or heating elements, burning gas or a gas mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation: Radiation

Implementation Method 4

convection heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4290163B1Drying plant
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 SOLARONICS
  • EP4290163B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a drying installation (1) for the continuous drying of a material in a moving belt (2). The installation comprises: - radiant or heating elements (6) burning gas, - a gas flow circulation system (8) configured to draw in combustion products generated by the radiant or heating elements (6). The gas flow circulation system (8) also includes an extraction duct (16) configured for venting at least a portion of the combustion products drawn in by the gas flow circulation system (8) from the installation (1).The installation (1) also includes a carbon monoxide and possibly nitrogen oxide treatment device (18), the treatment device (18) comprising an oxidation and possibly reduction catalyst (20) and being mounted on or downstream of said extraction line (16) in order to treat the carbon monoxide and possibly the nitrogen oxides contained in the combustion products. The installation (1) includes, in particular, a control means (22) configured to regulate the temperature of the catalyst (20) to a temperature greater than or equal to 130°C.