Rotating Oven Bottom Loading Inversion for Heat Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotary kilns experience significant heat loss and protective gas leakage through side loading and removal openings, leading to high energy consumption and the need for additional structural restraints to maintain a protective gas atmosphere, while also occupying large spaces for proper operation.
Innovation Solution
The rotary kiln design features rotatably driven covers with holders on the underside for loading and unloading, with the loading and removal openings located at the bottom, and an integrated transport device in the ceiling, minimizing heat and gas losses by loading and unloading from the underside and using articulated-arm robots for efficient object handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If loading and removal openings are provided in the side walls of the heating chamber, then objects can be easily loaded and removed, but excessive heat loss and protective gas loss occur through these openings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by providing loading and removal openings in the bottom of the heating chamber instead of in the side walls. This allows objects to be loaded and removed from below while the side walls remain completely closed, eliminating heat loss through side openings. The articulated-arm robots perform loading and removal operations from the bottom side, making the inverted arrangement operationally feasible.
2Ease of operation
If side loading and removal openings are used, then object handling is simplified, but protective gas flows out in large quantities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by providing loading and removal openings in the bottom of the heating chamber instead of in the side walls. This allows objects to be loaded and removed from below while the side walls remain completely closed, eliminating protective gas loss through side openings. The articulated-arm robots perform loading and removal operations from the bottom side, making the inverted arrangement operationally feasible.
3Loss of energy
If conventional side opening design is used, then a certain level of heat loss occurs, but a relatively large amount of space is required next to the openings for proper operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by providing loading and removal openings in the bottom of the heating chamber instead of in the side walls. This allows objects to be loaded and removed from below while the side walls remain completely closed, eliminating heat loss through side openings. The articulated-arm robots perform loading and removal operations from the bottom side, making the inverted arrangement operationally feasible.
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 design reduces heat and gas losses, resulting in lower operating costs and a compact structure, allowing for efficient heating and processing of objects while maintaining a protective gas atmosphere with reduced space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary kiln has a heating chamber which is heated to a predetermined temperature in a conventional manner by direct or indirect heating
Implementation Method 2
The rotary kiln has a heating chamber which is heated to a predetermined temperature in a conventional manner by direct or indirect heating
Implementation Method 3
at least one section of the cover is designed as a rotatably driven cover that carries several holders for receiving the objects on its underside facing the heating chamber
Implementation Method 4
The objects are preferably brought into the heating chamber from below through the loading opening by means of a first articulated-arm robot and placed on the holders formed on the cover
Implementation Method 5
The aforementioned articulated-arm robot or another, second articulated-arm robot reaches into the removal opening from below through the bottom of the heating chamber and removes the objects from the holders
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The rotating furnace comprises a heating chamber (19), in which a filling opening (20) is formed for bringing the objects (P) to be heated into the heating chamber, and a rotationally driven, circulating device (22) for transporting the objects through the heating chamber to an outlet, at which the objects are removed from the heating chamber. The heating chamber comprises side panels (16, 17), a base (18) and a cover (23). A section of the cover is formed as rotationally driven circular lid, which carries a holder for receiving the objects on its lower surface turned to the heating chamber. The rotating furnace comprises a heating chamber (19), in which a filling opening (20) is formed for bringing the objects (P) to be heated into the heating chamber, and a rotationally driven, circulating device (22) for transporting the objects through the heating chamber to an outlet, at which the objects are removed from the heating chamber. The heating chamber comprises side panels (16, 17), a base (18) and a cover (23). A section of the cover is formed as rotationally driven circular lid, which carries a holder for receiving the objects on its lower surface turned to the heating chamber. The filling opening and/or the outlet are formed as slots in the base of the heating chamber. The slots run perpendicular to the direction of motion of the objects in the heating chamber. A base central strut is surrounded by the heating chamber. The filling opening and the outlet are arranged next to each other in a circumferential direction of the heating chamber around an angle of 20-50[deg] . The cover is rotatably inserted into a circular recess. A rotary drive for the lid is arranged in the central struts. An articulated arm robot (R) is intended for placing the objects on the holder or for removing from the holder. The heating chamber stands on supports and a free space is formed below the base.