Radiant Conveyor Drying System With Overhead Heating And Convection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drying systems for plant products lack efficient moisture removal, as they often rely on stationary heating, auger mechanisms, or convection systems with inefficient radiant heat distribution, and fail to continuously remove byproducts during the drying process.
Innovation Solution
A radiant conveyor drying system with layered drying units, a conveyor system, and a convection air direction mechanism that uses radiant elements above the product and a triangular chamber design to facilitate continuous byproduct removal, along with a programmable logic controller for optimal moisture control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If stationary heating is used, then product can be heated uniformly, but continuous operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from stationary heating to a moving conveyor system that carries product through heating zones. The conveyor continuously moves product through multiple heating sections, enabling both uniform heating and continuous operation. The dynamic movement of product through fixed heating elements resolves the contradiction between heating uniformity and continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous operation by maintaining constant movement of product through the drying system. The conveyor system ensures uninterrupted flow of product through multiple heating zones, eliminating idle time and enabling continuous drying operation while maintaining temperature uniformity through multiple sequential heating sections.
2Productivity
If auger type mechanism is used to advance product, then product can be moved through system, but controlled environment for accurate drying is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the auger mechanical advancement system with a conveyor belt system. This substitution provides a controlled environment where product movement is smooth and predictable, allowing for precise control of drying parameters. The conveyor system enables accurate drying by maintaining consistent product positioning and movement through the heating zones, eliminating the uncontrolled environment of auger mechanisms.
3Power
If radiant heating elements are positioned beside product, then heating can occur, but efficient distribution of radiant heat is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by positioning radiant heating elements above the product rather than beside it. This inversion allows radiant heat to distribute more efficiently across the product surface from above, improving heat distribution efficiency while maintaining heating capability. The overhead positioning enables better coverage and reduces energy loss from sideward radiation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If convection element output is positioned beside radiant heating elements, then both heating methods can be applied, but efficient distribution of radiant heat is not produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges convection and radiant heating methods into a unified system where both mechanisms work together efficiently. The convection elements are positioned to work in conjunction with the overhead radiant heating elements, creating a synergistic effect that improves overall heat distribution efficiency while maintaining the versatility of using both heating methods simultaneously.
5Productivity
If layered orientation of drying layers is provided, then multiple products can be dried simultaneously, but means to remove byproduct during harvesting is not included
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional drying system that handles both primary product drying and byproduct removal. The layered structure accommodates multiple drying sections while integrating byproduct removal mechanisms throughout the system. This universal design allows the same system to perform both drying and byproduct separation functions, increasing simultaneous processing capacity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 system ensures efficient moisture removal and continuous byproduct removal, maintaining optimal product moisture levels and preventing damage from excess moisture or brittleness, while allowing for continuous operation and controlled drying environments.
Implementation Method 1
a radiant heating element in communication with a conveyor system. The radiant heating element is positioned above the plant product in close proximity to a conveyor belt
Implementation Method 2
a convection element positioned to direct air towards the plant product. The convection element is positioned to direct air towards the plant product rather than beside or nearly planar to the radiant heating element
Implementation Method 3
The radiant heating element is positioned above the plant product in close proximity to a conveyor belt, facilitating efficient heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A system according to the present invention provides a radiant conveyor drying system and method of operation. The radiant conveyor drying system generally comprises an input assembly, a drying assembly and an exit assembly mechanically fixed to one another. The drying assembly comprising at least one drying unit in communication with one another to provide for passage of product between the respective drying units and the input assembly and the exit assembly. The drying unit comprising a conveyor belt and a drying unit heating assembly. The drying unit heating assembly comprising a plenum and a heating chamber. The drying unit further comprising a burning unit in communication with the heating chamber to provide for radiant heat to contact the product traveling on the conveyor through the drying unit. The drying unit further comprising a blower fan in communication with the plenum to provide for convective air advancing from the plenum, over and through the radiant heat, to the product. Wherein the radiant heat is disbursed throughout the product. A first embodiment of the invention controlling hear generated by the burning unit of each respective drying unit. A second embodiment of the invention controlling heat generated by the burning unit and rate of the conveyor of each respective drying unit. A method of operation of the radiant conveyor drying system is described.