Segmented Cooling Nozzle Structure for High-Pressure Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling nozzles for extruders, particularly those used in high-pressure applications, face issues with process reliability, product homogeneity, and structural integrity, leading to compromised product texture and appearance due to non-uniform flow velocity and bending moments.
Innovation Solution
A cooling nozzle design featuring an annular extrudate flow channel with segmented outer and inner walls, supported by multiple structural elements, allowing for uniform product distribution and enhanced stability, along with independent coolant channels for efficient heat transfer and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flat cooling nozzles are used at high throughput, then cooling capacity is improved, but flow velocity homogeneity deteriorates and structural strength worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling nozzle is divided into multiple segments along its length, with each segment having independent cooling channels. This segmentation allows the nozzle to maintain a compact cross-sectional area (preserving flow homogeneity) while increasing the total cooling surface area through multiple sections (improving cooling capacity at high throughput).
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the cross-sectional area of the nozzle to improve cooling capacity, the invention extends the cooling function along the longitudinal dimension by creating multiple cooling segments. This transforms the problem from a 2D cross-sectional area issue to a 3D longitudinal arrangement, maintaining flow homogeneity while achieving high throughput cooling.
2Productivity
If flat cooling nozzles are used at high throughput, then cooling capacity is improved, but structural strength deteriorates due to bending moments
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into multiple independent sections that can be manufactured separately with optimized wall thicknesses. Each segment is structurally self-sufficient, avoiding the bending moment issues that would affect a single large flat nozzle. The segments are then assembled to form the complete cooling system.
3Productivity
If continuous annular extrudate flow channel is used, then cooling efficiency is improved, but cleanability deteriorates due to web attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous annular flow channel is divided into separate cooling segments. This segmentation removes the need for internal webs that would obstruct cleaning, while maintaining the annular flow path geometry that provides efficient cooling. Each segment can be independently accessed and cleaned without disassembling the entire nozzle.
4Reliability
If cooling nozzle is designed for high pressure (50 bar), then process reliability should be improved, but existing designs cannot withstand the higher loads
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is divided into multiple segments that can be manufactured with optimized wall thicknesses and structural features for high-pressure resistance. Each segment is designed to withstand the full operating pressure, and the segmented construction allows for better stress distribution compared to a single monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling nozzle segments are designed to utilize composite material structures, combining different materials or material configurations to achieve both high strength for pressure resistance and appropriate thermal conductivity for cooling efficiency. This allows the nozzle to reliably withstand 50 bar pressures while maintaining effective cooling performance.
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 design ensures robust process reliability at high pressures, maintains uniform flow velocity, and improves product texture and appearance by preventing non-homogeneous flow patterns and facilitating easy maintenance and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
at least one coolant flow channel (7a, 7b, 7b') with which the extrudate flow channel (6) is in heat transfer connection
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a food or animal feed extruder cooling nozzle (1) having an annular segment-shaped extrudate flow channel (6) with an inner wall (14) and an outer wall (9), wherein the outer wall (9) of the extrudate flow channel (6) is formed from at least a first segment (10) and a second segment (11), and the inner wall (14) is connected at a first position to a first support structure (13) extending over the entire length of the cooling tool (1) and at least a second position to a second support structure (13). The present invention further relates to a food or animal feed extruder comprising such a cooling nozzle, and to a method for producing a wet-textured product using such a cooling nozzle.