Spheronizer Disc Cleaning Using Fluid Jet and Vacuum Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The outer circumference of rotating discs in spheronizers and other fine-particle processing devices often becomes clogged with wet powders, requiring labor-intensive and time-consuming cleaning methods that can introduce metal fragments or lead to defective products.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a cover and nozzle system that injects a fluid and uses vacuum suction to remove adhering wet powders from the disc without disrupting its functionality, allowing for rapid and reliable cleaning without stopping the device's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If irregularities are formed along the outer circumference of the rotating disc to regulate particles into spherical shapes, then the particle regulation effect is improved, but the irregularities become clogged with wet powders requiring labor-intensive cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning function from manual operations by introducing an automated cleaning device with a cover, nozzle, and vacuum suction system. The cover is positioned close to the rotating disc surface, and the vacuum suction means automatically removes wet powders from the irregularities without requiring manual scraping, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining particle regulation effectiveness and enabling easy cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a cover as an intermediary component between the nozzle and the rotating disc surface. The cover is arranged close to the cleaning target surface and works with the vacuum suction means to create a controlled cleaning environment, allowing effective removal of wet powders from irregularities without direct contact that would disrupt particle regulation functionality
2Ease of operation
If manual scraping with spatula or brush is used to clean wet powders from irregularities, then cleaning can be performed, but metal fragments may be generated and mixed in product
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical scraping system (spatula or brush) with a fluid-based cleaning system consisting of a nozzle for injecting fluid and vacuum suction means. This substitution eliminates direct mechanical contact between cleaning tools and the rotating disc, preventing generation of metal fragments that would contaminate the product while maintaining effective cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic and hydraulic principles by injecting fluid through a nozzle and using vacuum suction to remove wet powders from the irregularities. This fluid-based approach replaces mechanical scraping, eliminating metal fragment generation while effectively cleaning the particle regulation surface
3Ease of operation
If water or drug solution is used for cleaning the rotating disc, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but drying or wiping is required taking additional time and may produce defective products
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cleaning and drying functions into a single integrated operation. The cover is positioned close to the rotating disc surface to contain the cleaning area, and the vacuum suction means simultaneously removes wet powders and excess fluid in one step. This eliminates the separate drying or wiping step, reducing time loss and preventing defective products from fluid remaining on the surface
4Ease of operation
If the spheronizer operation is stopped for cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but productivity is reduced due to significant labor and time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous operation of the spheronizer by implementing an automated cleaning device that can clean the rotating disc without stopping the device. The cover, nozzle, and vacuum suction means work together to remove wet powders from irregularities during continuous operation, eliminating production interruptions and maintaining productivity while ensuring effective cleaning
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
Enables efficient and reliable removal of wet powders from rotating discs, maintaining the effectiveness of particle regulation into spherical shapes and reducing the risk of product contamination or defects.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum suctioning means for suctioning and discharging a fluid in a space formed between the cover and the cleaning target surface to the outside
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle for injecting a fluid to the cleaning target surface covered with the cover
Data Source
AI summary
In a spheronizer for transforming columnar granulated product, which is fed in a wet condition, into spherical shapes, irregularities on a top surface of a particle-regulating disc are easily clogged, in particular, in an outer circumference. In view of this, a cleaning device (32) is provided for rapidly and reliably removing wet powders adhering to the particle-regulating disc. The cleaning device (32) is provided with a cover (33) covered on a part of the outer circumference of a rotating particle-regulating disc. The cover (33) is formed with a nozzle (39). The nozzle (39) injects a fluid to a cleaning target surface covered with the cover (33). The fluid in a space formed between the cover (33) and the cleaning target surface is suctioned and discharged from a vacuum connection port (36) to the outside.