Rotatable Conveying Elements for Biomass Drying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drying systems for biomass, such as sewage sludge, often struggle with ensuring good mixing of the material on the drying surface, leading to inefficient drying processes.

Innovation Solution

A drying device with rotatable conveying elements mounted perpendicular to the traction means' conveying direction, allowing for improved mixing and distribution of biomass on the drying surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional conveying elements are used that are fixed to the traction means, then the structure is simple, but the mixing of material on the drying surface is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing qualityVSAvoidconveying element mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying elements are mounted rotatably on the carrier instead of being fixed, allowing them to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the conveying direction. This dynamic mounting enables the conveying elements to automatically mix the material on the drying surface while being conveyed, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective mixing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the conveying elements are mounted rotatably perpendicular to the conveying direction, then the mixing effect is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial distribution uniformityVSAvoidmounting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable conveying elements serve dual functions: they convey the material along the drying surface while simultaneously mixing and distributing it uniformly. This multi-functionality achieves improved material distribution without requiring separate mixing devices, thus limiting the increase in structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If large drying surfaces are used to ensure adequate mixing space, then the mixing quality improves, but the drying system occupies large area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing effectivenessVSAvoiddrying system footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on large drying surface area to achieve mixing, the invention introduces a vertical rotation dimension to the conveying elements. This allows mixing to occur through vertical rotation motions rather than requiring extensive horizontal space, thus reducing the drying system's footprint while maintaining mixing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 ensures thorough mixing and distribution of biomass, enhancing the drying efficiency and effectiveness, particularly when combined with heated drying surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

the conveying elements for mixing the material on the at least one drying surface are mounted so as to be rotatable with respect to the at least one traction means about at least one axis of rotation running perpendicular to the conveying direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical mixing: Stirring

Implementation Method 2

The drying surfaces in known systems can, in particular, be more than 100 meters long... The drying process typically takes place in suitable buildings... to support the drying process under the influence of solar radiation, the drying surface can also be heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

For applying and/or conveying the material, in particular the biomass, conveying elements movable or moved by at least one traction means are provided... onto which moisture-containing material, in particular biomass, can be applied flatly for drying

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4001225B1Device and compact plant for drying, in particular biomass
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 BOEHM DRYRUN GMBH
  • EP4001225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4001225B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4001225B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for drying, in particular for drying biomass, with at least one drying surface (11, 12) onto which material, in particular biomass, can be spread over a surface for drying. For spreading and/or conveying the material, in particular the biomass, conveying elements (16) are provided that are movable or movable by at least one traction element (14) and are at least indirectly attached to the at least one traction element (14) and are movable by it in the conveying direction. According to the invention, the conveying elements (16) are rotatably mounted about at least one axis of rotation perpendicular to the conveying direction for mixing the material on the at least one drying surface (11, 12) with respect to the at least one traction element (14). The invention further relates to a compact drying system with at least one such device for drying material, in particular biomass.