Long-cut pasta transfer device with vertical trajectory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatment systems for long-cut pasta result in high temperatures entering the cooling device, leading to uncontrolled evaporation, energy inefficiency, and the need for lengthy and costly cooling devices, as well as issues with condensation and corrosion due to humidity fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A treatment system that includes a transfer device with a vertical and downward trajectory for the pasta, accompanied by ventilation means to reduce the pasta's temperature before it enters the cooling device, using ambient air or conditioned air to cool the pasta, thereby reducing the temperature and humidity differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the pasta is directly transferred from the drying device to the cooling device, then the cooling process can be simplified, but the high temperature of the pasta causes uncontrolled evaporation and requires a much longer cooling device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a transfer device between the drying device and cooling device that performs a preliminary cooling function. This transfer device, with its vertical trajectory and ventilation means, pre-cools the hot pasta before it enters the main cooling device, thereby reducing the thermal load on the cooling device and allowing it to be more compact.
2Reliability
If the cooling device is made longer to ensure gradual cooling, then the cooling quality improves, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device performs preliminary cooling action on the pasta before it enters the main cooling device. By pre-cooling the pasta through the vertical trajectory with ventilation means, the main cooling device receives pasta at a lower temperature, which allows the cooling device to be shorter while still achieving gradual cooling of acceptable quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling process is segmented into two distinct stages: first, preliminary cooling in the transfer device with vertical trajectory; second, main cooling in the horizontal cooling device. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function, with the transfer device handling the initial thermal load reduction and the cooling device focusing on gradual cooling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pasta temperature is reduced before cooling, then energy consumption decreases, but the cooling process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer device acts as an intermediary element between the drying device and the cooling device. It performs a simple cooling function using ventilation means and a vertical trajectory, reducing the pasta temperature before it enters the main cooling device. This intermediary approach reduces energy consumption in the cooling process without requiring complex systems, as the transfer device uses basic convection principles.
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 lowers the pasta's temperature before it enters the cooling device, reducing energy consumption, preventing excessive drying, and minimizing the size and cost of the cooling device while maintaining product quality.
Implementation Method 1
ventilation means arranged in such a way to send a first air flow, generated by them, toward long-cut pasta supported by the support means while they travel the first section and/or the second section of the trajectory
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a treatment system (1) for long-cut pasta (2) comprising: support means (3) on which to hang long-cut pasta (2) in such a way that it protrudes from the support means (3) with at least one first end portion (4a) of its, substantially straight and arranged in a substantially vertical position; a drying device (5), for drying and stabilising long-cut pasta (2); a cooling device (6), for cooling long-cut pasta (2); a transfer device (7), positioned between the drying device (5) and the cooling device (6), wherein long-cut pasta (2) coming out of the drying device (5) is passed before reaching the cooling device (6), said transfer device (7) comprising transport means (9) configured to transport the support means (3) along a trajectory (10) which comprises a first section (101), having a vertical component directed upwards, and a second section (102), having a vertical component directed downwards, wherein said system comprises ventilation means (11) arranged in such a way as to send a first air flow (12), generated by them, toward long-cut pasta (2) supported by the support means (3) while they travel the first section (101) and/or the second section (102) of the trajectory (10).