Rotary Crystallization Apparatus Hygiene and Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crystallization conveyor belts in industries like foodstuffs and pharmaceuticals face hygiene issues due to microorganism colonization and require large installation spaces, with mixing of crystallizing products leading to inconsistent crystallization stages.
Innovation Solution
A compact crystallization apparatus with a rotatable receiving unit featuring a circular or annular surface for defined recrystallization, eliminating the need for conveying devices and allowing for continuous, hygienic crystallization without mixing, using a rotary drive for rotation and a discharge screw for efficient product discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linear crystallization conveyor belt is used, then crystallization can be achieved, but the installation space requirement becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear conveyor belt with a rotary receiving unit featuring a circular or annular surface. This curvature transformation allows the crystallization process to occur on a rotating surface, dramatically reducing the linear space requirement while maintaining crystallization functionality. The rotary unit can be positioned in a compact footprint compared to an extended linear conveyor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational movement to the receiving unit, transforming it from a static linear conveyor to a dynamic rotary system. This dynamic approach allows the same crystallization surface to be reused continuously as the unit rotates, improving space utilization and enabling continuous operation without requiring a long linear path.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fabric belt is used for crystallization, then cleaning is possible, but microorganism colonization occurs leading to hygiene issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a smooth, non-porous surface on the rotary receiving unit that can be easily cleaned and sanitized. Unlike fabric belts that have pores and crevices where microorganisms can embed and proliferate, the smooth surface prevents microbial colonization and allows for effective cleaning, making it suitable for hygienic applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention actually does the opposite - it uses a non-porous smooth surface to prevent microorganism colonization. The smooth, impermeable surface eliminates the pores and textures that would otherwise trap microorganisms and cleaning agents, thereby solving the hygiene problem while maintaining cleanability.
3Area of stationary object
If a rotary receiving unit is used, then space requirement is reduced, but the preliminary product must be discharged at a specific position
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary receiving unit is designed with a specific discharge position where crystallized material can be efficiently removed. The system segments the crystallization process into distinct zones: material application area, crystallization zone, and discharge zone. This segmentation allows for simple discharge mechanisms at specific positions while maintaining continuous operation throughout the rotation cycle.
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 apparatus achieves high-quality crystallization with a high conversion rate and purity, meeting hygiene standards and reducing space requirements through defined crystallization conditions and easy cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
a rotatable receiving unit (103) having on an upper side thereof a circular and/or annular surface for the crystallization so that, in rotation of the rotatable receiving unit (103), the received preliminary product can be recrystallized in a defined manner
Implementation Method 2
A crystal layer in a crystallizer in particular forms when the substance to be crystallized wets and/or covers a surface of the crystallizer, which surface is usually cooler
Data Source
AI summary
A crystallization apparatus for a crystallization of a preliminary product. The crystallization apparatus includes an inlet for receiving the preliminary product, a rotary drive, and a rotatable receiving unit having, on an upper side thereof, a circular surface and/or an annular surface for the crystallization so that, when the rotatable receiving unit is rotated, the preliminary product received can be recrystallized in a defined manner on the circular surface and/or the annular surface and can be discharged as a crystallized product.