Rotatable Emptying Pipe for Constant Mass Flow Granule Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for emptying devices used in manufacturing granulates or extrudates result in non-constant mass flow, leading to long and unpredictable emptying times, and often result in granulate accumulation in lump form, requiring generous constructional space to prevent blockages.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a rotatable emptying pipe with a conveying device, which is positioned to transition between a closed and open position, allowing for the manufacture of an intermediate product within the device and its subsequent conveyance with a constant, adjustable mass flow through the emptying pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a lateral exit opening with gravitational conveying is used, then the device structure is simple, but the mass flow is not constant and emptying times are long and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The emptying pipe is made rotatable about an axis, allowing it to be brought between a closure position (during manufacturing) and an open position (during emptying). This dynamic repositioning enables controlled conveying of the intermediate product with constant mass flow, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and efficient emptying.
2Volume of moving object
If a lateral exit opening is used for emptying, then the constructional space can be compact, but granulate accumulates in lump form causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable emptying pipe with conveying device enables controlled discharge of granulate in a consistent manner, preventing lump formation and blockages while maintaining compact constructional space requirements.
3Reliability
If generous constructional space is provided, then blockages are prevented, but the device becomes larger and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic emptying pipe system prevents blockages through controlled conveying mechanics rather than increased space, achieving reliable operation with compact construction.
4Productivity
If the emptying pipe is rotatable between open and closure positions, then constant mass flow is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable emptying pipe mechanism provides constant mass flow control through its dynamic positioning between closure and open states, achieving improved productivity with a manageable increase in device 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 approach enables precisely definable and reproducible emptying times, dependent on product characteristics, by maintaining a consistent mass flow throughout the emptying process, thus improving efficiency and reducing the risk of blockages.
Implementation Method 1
with the help of a rotating stirring device and gravitational force, the manufactured granulate is conveyed downstream of the exit opening
Data Source
AI summary
A method for emptying a device for producing granules or extrudates. The device includes a container having an inlet for the material to be treated, an inlet for a liquid, a stirring device, an outlet for said intermediate product, and an emptying pipe having an inlet for the intermediate product and an outlet for the granules or extrudate as well as a conveying device conveying the intermediate product from the inlet of the emptying pipe in the direction of the outlet of the emptying pipe. The method includes the steps of: producing the intermediate product from the material to be treated and the liquid in the container; moving the emptying pipe from the closed position with respect to the container into an open position with respect to the container; and conveying the intermediate product from the container and via the conveying devices.