Rotary Atomizer Dryer Antiblocking Agent Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spray drying processes using rotary atomizers are hindered by the susceptibility of transverse pipes to fouling and the rigid construction, which prevents effective cleaning and uniform coating of polymer particles with antiblocking agents, leading to issues with powder blocking and caking.

Innovation Solution

Conveying antiblocking agents through an annular gap surrounding the rotary atomizer housing, allowing for uniform coating of polymer particles with antiblocking agents without disruptive internal structures in the dryer tower.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If antiblocking agent is introduced through a transverse pipe in a rotary atomizer dryer, then the polymer particles can be coated with antiblocking agent, but the transverse pipe becomes susceptible to fouling and the rigid construction hinders dryer operation and cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform coating of polymer particles with antiblocking agentVSAvoiddryer cleaning operation and wall accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the antiblocking agent introduction function from the transverse pipe system and relocates it to the dryer wall. The antiblocking agent is now introduced through a conveying line that runs along the dryer wall and discharges into the drying chamber, separating the introduction function from the atomizer assembly and eliminating the fouling-prone transverse pipe connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of introducing the antiblocking agent through the atomizer (inside-out approach), the invention introduces it through the dryer wall (outside-in approach). This inversion allows the conveying line to run externally along the dryer wall, making the system accessible for cleaning while still achieving uniform particle coating through the conveying air flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a rigid transverse pipe construction is used to convey antiblocking agent, then the structure is stable, but it prevents the use of blowers for cleaning dryer walls and hinders operational flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability of conveying systemVSAvoiddryer cleaning capability and operational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the rigid transverse pipe construction with a flexible conveying line that can be positioned and adjusted as needed. This dynamic configuration allows the conveying line to be relocated or removed for blower cleaning operations, providing operational flexibility while maintaining reliable antiblocking agent delivery through the flexible conduit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If antiblocking agent is introduced with conveying air below the atomizer disk, then coating can be achieved, but the transverse pipe construction is very susceptible to fouling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating uniformity of dispersion powderVSAvoidfouling of transverse pipe
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the antiblocking agent introduction function from the internal transverse pipe system and relocates it to an external conveying line along the dryer wall. This separation removes the fouling-prone internal connection while maintaining the coating function through external air conveyance into the drying chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying air acts as an intermediary medium to transport the antiblocking agent from the external conveying line into the drying chamber. This intermediary approach allows the antiblocking agent to be delivered without requiring internal pipes that are susceptible to fouling, as the conveying air carries the agent through the chamber atmosphere to the particle cloud.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 method ensures complete and uniform coating of polymer particles with antiblocking agents, reducing oversize particle formation and preventing caking on the dryer walls, thereby enhancing the flowability and storage stability of the dispersion powders.

Implementation Method 1

the polymer dispersion (feed) generally being atomized at the upper end of the dryer by means of a single-component nozzle under pressure or atomized together with compressed air via a two-component nozzle or multi-component nozzle or atomized via a rotary atomizer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomization:

Implementation Method 2

the antiblocking agent is conveyed by means of conveying air, in whole or in part, into an annular gap which is surrounded by a Housing the rotary atomizer concentrically arranged cylindrical molding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the antiblocking agent serves to ensure the pourability and storage stability of the polymer powder (dispersion powder) obtained after spray drying. By powdering the particle surface with anti-blocking agent, the proportion of coarse particles in particular is reduced due to lower agglomerate formation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 4

Process for producing dispersion powders by spray drying aqueous polymer dispersions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP2739673B1Process for producing dispersion powders
Publication Date: 2015.10.07 WACKER CHEMIE AG
  • EP2739673B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention provides a process for producing dispersion powders by means of spray drying of aqueous polymer dispersions and addition of antiblocking agents in a rotary atomization dryer, characterized in that the antiblocking agent is conveyed by means of delivery air, wholly or partly, into an annular gap which is formed by a moulding arranged concentrically around the housing of the rotary atomizer, and which ends at a distance above the upper edge of the atomizer plate of the rotary atomizer.