Positionable Gas Injection Nozzle for Underwater Pelletizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underwater pelletizing systems face issues with pellet agglomeration and hang-ups due to the fixed position of gas injection nozzles, which restricts the control of gas flow and leads to disruptions in the pelletization process.
Innovation Solution
A positionable nozzle assembly that allows manual or automated adjustment of the nozzle tube within the transport pathway, enabling optimal positioning and control of pressurized gas injection to enhance pellet slurry velocity and prevent agglomeration, with features such as sliding mechanisms and automated control systems for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed nozzle assembly is used for gas injection, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the nozzle cannot be adjusted to optimize pellet slurry velocity and prevents hang-up points from forming
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle tube is made movable within the elbow assembly, allowing it to be positioned at different locations along the transport pathway. This dynamic positioning capability enables optimization of gas injection points to control pellet slurry velocity and prevent agglomeration, while the nozzle remains part of a relatively simple overall assembly structure.
2Productivity
If the nozzle is positioned to maximize gas injection effectiveness, then pellet slurry velocity increases and retention time decreases, but the nozzle may become blocked by pellet agglomeration
Solution Approach 1:
The movable nozzle tube can be repositioned along the transport pathway to optimize gas injection effectiveness for maximizing pellet slurry velocity. When blockage risks arise, the nozzle can be moved to different positions to maintain reliable operation without requiring complete disassembly or system shutdown.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is fixed in position, then the assembly is easy to manufacture and install, but gas flow control is limited and cannot be optimized for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle tube is designed to be movable within the elbow assembly through a simple mechanical structure that allows repositioning. This provides adaptability for optimizing gas flow control under different operating conditions while maintaining relative ease of manufacture through the use of straightforward mechanical components such as slots and guide structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A positionable gas nozzle assembly (100) having a nozzle tube (110) for injecting and directing pressurized air or other inert gas into a pellet slurry so as to increase the velocity of the slurry from a pelletizer to and through a dryer. The variably positionable nozzle tube (110) can be inserted, retracted and/or intermediately positioned either manually or using an automated control system. The automated control system preferably includes a pneumatic cylinder (154) movably engaged with a carriage (160) that is fixedly coupled to the nozzle tube. The pneumatic cylinder contains a piston (172) that is magnetically coupled with the carriage such that movement of the piston in response to the injection of pressurized air into the cylinder also moves the carriage and the nozzle tube to obtain the variable positions.