Ultrasonic Vibration in Paper Drying Nozzles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper production methods are energy- and space-intensive due to inefficient drying processes, particularly in the dryer section of paper machines, which significantly impact production costs and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of ultrasonic generators into drying nozzles to excite drying fluids with vibrations, enhancing convection drying by disrupting moisture-saturated air cushions and transmitting vibrations through the web material to reduce moisture content across the entire thickness, combined with conventional drying methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional steam-heated drying cylinders are used, then the web can be dried to desired moisture content, but energy consumption is high and space requirements are large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoiddrying efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to the drying fluid stream, causing it to oscillate at high frequency. This vibration disrupts the boundary layer between the drying fluid and web surface, enhances mass transfer of moisture, and significantly improves drying efficiency while reducing energy consumption and equipment space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the conventional mechanical contact drying system (large heating cylinders) with a fluid stream-based drying system enhanced by ultrasonic vibration. This substitution eliminates the need for large thermal mass equipment, reducing both space requirements and energy consumption while maintaining or improving drying performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Area of stationary object

If conventional drying cylinders are used, then drying function is achieved, but the dryer section requires the most space in the paper machine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementsVSAvoiddrying capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Ultrasonic vibration is applied to the drying fluid stream to enhance its drying capability. This allows achieving the same or better drying capacity in a much more compact configuration, dramatically reducing the space required for the drying section while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from two-dimensional contact drying on large cylinders to a three-dimensional fluid stream drying process enhanced by ultrasonic vibration. This dimensional change allows for more efficient space utilization and compact equipment design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of energy

If ultrasonic vibration is applied to drying fluid, then drying efficiency increases and energy consumption decreases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic generator is integrated directly into the drying fluid delivery system, merging two functions (fluid delivery and vibration generation) into a single integrated component. This reduces overall system complexity despite adding ultrasonic functionality, as the vibration source becomes part of the existing fluid handling infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Significantly increases drying efficiency and reduces energy consumption while minimizing space requirements, allowing for higher machine output and lower investment costs by ensuring thorough drying of the web.

Implementation Method 1

The drying unit has at least one ultrasonic generator which is arranged in the area of the nozzle to excite vibrations in the drying fluid, wherein the ultrasonic generator is integrated into the nozzle so that the drying fluid flowing through the nozzle passes by the ultrasonic generator and is set into ultrasonic vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

The drying section includes at least one drying unit for reducing the moisture content of the web by convection drying

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection drying: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2900867B1Machine having a dryer section and method for drying a web of fibrous material
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 HEAT TECH
  • EP2900867B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2900867B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2900867B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a dryer section for drying a web (10) of fibrous material, particularly paper, cardboard, tissue/sanitary paper, having at least one drying unit (11) for reducing the moisture content of the web (10) by means of convection drying. The drying unit (11) has at least one nozzle (12) for applying a drying fluid to the web (10), at least one discharge device (13) for the moist air produced during convection drying, and transport means for moving the web (10) relative to the drying unit (11). The drying unit (11) has at least one ultrasonic generator (15), which is arranged, for excitating vibrations in the drying fluid, in the region of the nozzle (12) in such a manner that the reduction of the moisture content by ultrasound can be supported over the entire width of the web.