Pulp Dryer Edge Zone Cover Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulp dryers face issues with dust formation due to contact between the edges of the pulp web and drying deck structures, leading to process disruptions and occupational hazards, with previous solutions being ineffective or not easily retrofittable to existing dryers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of cover elements in the lateral edge zones of drying decks to cover air removal gaps, creating an enhanced air pressure that supports the pulp web edges and prevents sagging, thereby minimizing contact with the drying deck and dust formation, which can be easily retrofitted to existing pulp dryers without altering the air flow or blowing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number or size of blow holes at the edges of the blow means is increased to provide more effective blowing action and air cushion at the edge region, then the air cushion support at edges is improved, but the device complexity increases and retrofittability to existing dryers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the drying system into functional zones by introducing cover elements that segment the air removal gaps at specific locations. Instead of modifying all blow holes throughout the drying means, the solution selectively addresses edge regions by covering air removal gaps with removable covers, thereby segmenting the air flow control to where it is most needed without complicating the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover elements act as intermediary components that mediate between the existing drying means and the pulp web edges. These covers are placed in the air removal gaps to locally modify air flow and enhance the air cushion at critical edge zones, providing a simple intermediate solution that does not require redesigning the fundamental drying means structure.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If cover elements are arranged to cover air removal gaps at lateral edge zones, then dust formation is reduced and web support is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover elements are designed as simple, inexpensive, and easily replaceable components. They are not permanent integral parts of the drying deck but rather removable covers that can be installed or removed as needed. This approach allows dust prevention functionality to be added without permanently complicating the drying deck structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies the cover elements only at specific lateral edge zones where air removal gaps exist, rather than modifying the entire drying deck uniformly. This localized application addresses dust formation at the critical edge regions where pulp web contact occurs, without adding unnecessary complexity to other areas of the drying system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the air removal gaps are covered at lateral edge zones, then the air cushion stability is improved, but the air flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover elements are positioned only at lateral edge zones where air removal gaps cause instability in the air cushion. By locally covering only these specific gaps rather than all air removal gaps throughout the drying means, the invention stabilizes the air cushion at critical locations while maintaining air flow efficiency in other regions, thus minimizing energy loss.
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
The solution effectively reduces or eliminates dust formation by maintaining a stable air cushion along the pulp web edges, preventing sagging and ensuring a contactless transfer, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency without affecting the overall air balance or requiring redesign of the drying system.
Implementation Method 1
a pulp web is conveyed along a multi-layered path by floating the pulp web in a contactless manner on an air cushion. The air cushion both dries and carries the pulp web through the pulp dryer. Air cushion is formed by drying means, which comprise blow openings arranged to blow hot air towards the pulp web.
Implementation Method 2
cover elements are arranged to cover at least a part of at least some of the air removal gaps... creating an enhanced air pressure that supports the pulp web edges and prevents sagging
Implementation Method 3
The pulp web is brought into the pulp dryer through its first end, the so-called wet end, and conveyed on a drying deck of the pulp dryer to the second end of the dryer... The pulp web typically has a dry solids content of 48 - 54 %. The dry solids content of the pulp web leaving the pulp dryer is approximately 85 - 95 %
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a pulp dryer, which comprises a first end wall and a second end wall, arranged parallelly at a distance from each other, wherein an entrance opening for a pulp web is arranged in the first end wall and an exit opening for the pulp web is arranged in the second end wall. The pulp dryer further comprises a plurality of horizontal superposed drying decks arranged between the first and the second end wall, the drying decks comprising a plurality of elongated drying means for drying and supporting the pulp web. The drying means have a first end and a second end, a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, parallelly with the first and second end walls, and a blow surface with blow openings. The drying means are arranged side-by-side so that air removal gaps are formed between the adjacent drying means. At least one of the drying decks comprises an edge zone, where cover elements are arranged to cover at least part of at least some of the air removal gaps.