Paper Web Drying Using Electromagnetic Standing Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current paper drying methods in the papermaking industry are inefficient due to low thermal efficiency and high machinery requirements, with significant space needs and reliance on steam, which is not effectively utilized.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating an electromagnetic alternating field between a transmitter and a reflector, creating a standing wave that the paper web passes through, allowing it to be dried selectively at antinodes, eliminating the need for steam and optimizing energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If steam drying is used in traditional dryer sections, then the paper web can be dried effectively, but the thermal efficiency is low and the space requirement is considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional thermal steam drying system with an electromagnetic field-based drying system. The mechanical/thermal system (steam generation, piping, condensation) is substituted by an electromagnetic system using transmitters, reflectors, and standing wave fields, eliminating the need for large steam infrastructure and improving thermal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental drying parameter from thermal energy (steam) to electromagnetic energy (microwaves/high-frequency waves). This parameter change enables selective heating of water molecules through dielectric heating, achieving higher efficiency and reduced space requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional steam drying components are used, then drying can be achieved, but the apparatus structure becomes complex with many components for generating and guiding steam
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical steam generation and guiding system is replaced by a simplified electromagnetic field system. Instead of boilers, steam pipes, valves, and condensers, the invention uses electromagnetic transmitters and reflectors to create standing wave fields, dramatically reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the unnecessary steam generation and guiding components from the drying system. By removing the entire steam infrastructure and retaining only the essential drying function through electromagnetic fields, the apparatus structure is simplified.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electromagnetic waves are used for drying, then energy efficiency improves and space is reduced, but the field strength must be optimized to avoid excessive electromagnetic radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts potentially harmful excessive electromagnetic radiation into beneficial standing wave patterns. By using reflectors to create standing waves with defined nodes and antinodes, the electromagnetic energy is concentrated where needed (antinodes) while minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic electromagnetic field action through standing waves, which create alternating regions of high and low field strength. This periodic structure allows for controlled energy delivery to the paper web while managing overall radiation levels through the wave pattern geometry.
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 significantly enhances energy efficiency, reduces machinery complexity, and allows for a more compact drying section, as only water is heated, minimizing damage to the paper and reducing electromagnetic radiation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitter generates an electromagnetic alternating field between the at least one transmitter and at least one reflector... the energy emitted by the transmitter is not absorbed by the water contained in the paper web, is reflected at least once and thus again contributes to the alternating field
Implementation Method 2
the energy emitted by the transmitter is not absorbed by the water contained in the paper web, is reflected at least once and thus again contributes to the alternating field
Implementation Method 3
A standing wave is generated and the paper web is guided at least once through an antinode of the standing wave
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to a device for drying a paper web. In order to improve the efficiency in drying a paper web, a method or a device is proposed wherein an alternating electromagnetic field (3) is produced by at least one transmitter (2, 6) and the paper web (1) is lead through the alternating field at least once. The energy efficiency is very high in the proposed method because no energy-absorbing medium is heated except the water in the paper.