Ultrasonic-Assisted Drying of Heat-Sensitive Materials
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional drying methods for heat-sensitive materials, such as food and pharmaceuticals, are energy-intensive and often result in thermal degradation, with existing ultrasound-assisted drying technologies facing inefficiencies in energy transfer and compatibility with continuous processing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing an ultrasound emitter that transmits energy indirectly through a fluid to a transmission platform, allowing efficient energy transfer to materials while enabling operation with traditional air drying or freeze drying processes, facilitating continuous processing and reducing thermal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional drying methods are used, then drying process is simple, but energy consumption is high and thermal degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic vibration technology with traditional drying systems to create an ultrasonic-assisted drying system. The ultrasonic emitter is integrated into the drying apparatus, allowing simultaneous application of ultrasonic energy and thermal drying, thereby reducing energy consumption and preventing thermal degradation while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an ultrasonic emitter as an intermediary component that mediates between the energy source and the material being dried. The ultrasonic waves act as an intermediate mechanism to enhance moisture removal efficiency, reducing the thermal load and energy requirements of the traditional drying system
2Loss of energy
If freeze drying is used, then product quality is high, but operational cost and energy consumption are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the drying process by applying ultrasonic vibration at specific frequencies and amplitudes. This modifies the drying mechanism to enhance moisture removal at lower temperatures, achieving cost-effective drying while preserving product quality through controlled parameter adjustment
3Productivity
If atmospheric freeze drying is used, then equipment cost is low and continuous operation is possible, but drying rate is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration in the form of ultrasonic waves to the drying process. The ultrasonic emitter generates high-frequency vibrations that intensify moisture removal from the material surface, significantly increasing the drying rate while maintaining atmospheric pressure operation and continuous processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely thermal or atmospheric drying mechanism with an ultrasonic-assisted mechanism. The ultrasonic emitter substitutes for complex vacuum systems or high-temperature heating mechanisms, achieving high drying rates through mechanical vibration while keeping equipment simple and operation continuous
4Productivity
If direct contact ultrasound emitter plates are used, then ultrasound energy transfer is direct, but surface area available for drying gas interaction is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ultrasound emission function from the drying surface, allowing the ultrasonic emitter to operate independently while maintaining full surface area availability for gas interaction. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both efficient ultrasound energy transfer and full compatibility with traditional air flow drying processes
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 leads to significant energy savings, increased production throughput, reduced drying times, and improved product quality by minimizing thermal degradation, as demonstrated by enhanced drying kinetics and rehydration profiles of apple samples.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasound emitter; an ultrasound transmission platform that directly or indirectly supports said material; a fluid retained between said emitter and said platform, through which ultrasound energy is transferred
Implementation Method 2
a gas stream device that directs drying gas to said material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process and apparatus for ultrasonic assisted drying of materials, in particular, but not exclusively, for the low temperature drying of materials that are heat sensitive. In particular, there is provided an apparatus for dehydration of water containing material comprising: an ultrasound emitter; an ultrasound transmission platform that directly or indirectly supports said material; a fluid retained between said emitter and said platform, through which ultrasound energy is transferred; and a gas stream device that directs drying gas to said material. There is also provided a method of dehydration of water containing material comprising locating the material either directly or indirectly on an ultrasound transmission platform of a dehydration apparatus that comprises: an ultrasound emitter; a fluid retained between said emitter and said platform, through which ultrasound energy is transferred; and a gas stream device that directs drying gas to said material; and exposing said material to ultrasound energy and drying gas flow for a time and under conditions suitable to achieve desired extent of dehydration of said material. In another aspect there is provided a material that has been dehydrated using the method or apparatus described above.