Plastic Reduction Device with Convection Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for processing plastic waste face challenges in continuous operation, efficient drying, and reliable comminution, often requiring high energy consumption, maintenance, and resulting in compacted material that needs additional handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rotatable rotor body equipped with knives for comminution, integrated air inlets and outlets for convection drying, and a dosing screw for continuous discharge, allowing for efficient drying and comminution without centrifuges, enabling direct conveyance to an extruder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If centrifugal force is used to accelerate separation of liquid from plastic, then drying efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and material becomes compacted
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the drying process into two distinct zones: a centrifugal separation zone for liquid removal and a loosening zone with lifting elements that prevent compaction. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without the negative effects of the other
Solution Approach 2:
Lifting elements act as intermediaries between the centrifugal force and the plastic material. These elements capture and lift the material against the centrifugal force, preventing permanent compaction while maintaining drying efficiency
2Productivity
If centrifugal force is used to separate liquid from plastic, then drying efficiency is improved, but material compaction increases requiring additional loosening effort
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the drying process into two distinct zones: a centrifugal separation zone for liquid removal and a loosening zone with lifting elements that prevent compaction. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without the negative effects of the other
Solution Approach 2:
Lifting elements act as intermediaries between the centrifugal force and the plastic material. These elements capture and lift the material against the centrifugal force, preventing permanent compaction while maintaining drying efficiency
3Object-affected harmful factors
If radial blower with thick walls is used to expel dried material, then noise is reduced and structural integrity is improved, but energy input increases due to heavy masses
Solution Approach 1:
The blowing function is extracted from the main centrifugal structure and placed in a separate, optimized blower unit. This allows the blower to be designed specifically for its function with thinner walls and less mass, reducing energy consumption while maintaining noise reduction through proper positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a simplified blower design that copies only the essential function of material expulsion without replicating the heavy structural walls. The blowing function is achieved through a lighter, more efficient configuration
4Productivity
If continuous conveying is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the drying function and the continuous conveying function into a single integrated structure. The centrifugal drying chamber and the blower system work together in one continuous flow, eliminating the need for separate drying and conveying equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifugal drying device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it dries the plastic material through centrifugal separation, prevents compaction through lifting elements, and conveys the dried material continuously through the integrated blower system
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
Enables continuous operation with reduced energy consumption, prevents material compression, and ensures uniform drying and comminution, allowing for seamless integration with downstream processes without intermediate storage.
Implementation Method 1
a comminuting device projecting into or arranged in the container for comminuting the material
Implementation Method 2
integrated air inlets and outlets for convection drying
Implementation Method 3
a dosing screw for continuous discharge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for reducing thermal plastic goods (2), comprising a container (3) for receiving the in particular loosely packed plastic goods (2) and a reducing device (4) projecting into the container or arranged therein for reducing the plastic goods and the conveyance thereof to a discharge opening (5), characterized by air inlets (6) in the region of the reducing device and air outlets (7) in the container wall (8).