Thermal processing apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spiral conveyor-based thermal processing systems face challenges in achieving uniform thermal treatment of work products due to the indirect exposure of inner products to the thermal processing medium, resulting in less efficient heating or cooling compared to linear systems.
Innovation Solution
A thermal processing apparatus with a powered conveyor belt moving in a spiral path and a ceiling with strategically positioned openings allows a portion of the thermal processing medium to flow directly into the spiral path, ensuring more uniform treatment across the width of the conveyor by redirecting the medium through openings in the top sheeting, thereby enhancing access and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a spiral conveyor configuration is used to achieve a long processing path in a small footprint, then the space efficiency is improved, but the uniformity of thermal treatment across the conveyor width deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling is segmented into multiple zones with different opening configurations. Multiple openings are distributed across the ceiling surface, creating distinct flow zones that collectively address the uniformity problem across the entire conveyor width while maintaining the compact spiral structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ceiling are given different properties through strategically positioned openings. The openings are located at specific positions and orientations to create localized flow patterns that compensate for the radial distance variation, ensuring each zone receives appropriate thermal treatment.
2Length of moving object
If work products are arranged in stacked layers in a spiral configuration, then the processing path length is increased in a compact space, but the direct accessibility to thermal processing medium deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal processing medium is introduced from a third dimension (vertical direction through ceiling openings) rather than only from horizontal sides. This dimensional change allows the medium to penetrate directly through the stacked layers, improving accessibility without requiring lateral space expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling openings act as intermediaries that facilitate the introduction of thermal processing medium directly into the spiral conveyor path. These openings serve as access points that bridge the external medium source and the internal stacked product layers.
3Quantity of substance
If work products are located at the inside of the conveyor where they become closer together, then the space utilization is improved, but the amount of processing medium received per unit work product deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling openings are strategically positioned and oriented to create localized flow patterns that compensate for the closer spacing of inner work products. By adjusting the location and orientation of openings, the system delivers concentrated medium flow to zones where products are more densely packed.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening configuration exhibits asymmetry in position and orientation to match the asymmetric distribution of work products across the conveyor width. Inner zones with closer product spacing receive different flow characteristics compared to outer zones, achieving uniform per-product treatment despite varying local densities.
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 configuration ensures more uniform thermal processing of work products across the entire width of the conveyor belt, improving the efficiency of heating or cooling by allowing a controlled percentage of the thermal medium to directly enter the spiral path, addressing the uneven treatment issues in spiral conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
through a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
circulation system is used to collect gaseous thermal processing medium from the tiers of the spiral conveyor belt stack and direct such thermal processing medium along an upward path
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor belt (36) is arranged in at least one spiral conveyor unit (32) or (34) is arranged in tiers forming at ascending spiral stack (38) and/or a descending spiral stack (40). A ceiling or top sheet (58) is positioned over the spiral stack. A circulation fan (60, 62) draws spent thermal processing medium laterally from the tiers of the spiral stack, up the exterior of the stack and across the top of the stack above the ceiling or top sheet and through a heat exchanger (64) located above the ceiling. The treated thermal processing medium is then routed across the remainder of the diameter of the spiral stack and then down the side of the spiral stack diametrically opposite to the circulating fan thereby to enter the spiral stack in a lateral direction diametrically toward the circulating fan. At least one opening (70, 100, 200) is formed in the ceiling between the heat exchanger and the diametrically distal end of the spiral stack from the circulating fan thereby to provide an alternative flow path for a portion of the thermal processing medium to enter the spiral stack from above, thereby resulting in more uniform treatment of the work product being carried by the conveyor of the spiral stack.