Venturi Dryer Screw Feeder Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

During the drying of hydrocarbonous particulate material in a venturi dryer, there is a risk of particulate material falling from the drying section into the gas feeding section, leading to overheating and subsequent hydrocarbon and CO emissions due to high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

The method involves feeding particulate material into the drying section of the venturi dryer at multiple points, with screw feeders connected in a way that their central axis is not aligned with the venturi dryer's central axis, ensuring even distribution and reducing the likelihood of material falling into the venturi throat, thereby minimizing emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If particulate material is fed into the drying section through a single central opening, then the feeding structure is simple, but the distribution of particulate material is uneven and material may fall into the venturi throat causing emissions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution evenness of particulate materialVSAvoidnumber of feeding openings and screw feeders
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single central feeding opening is divided into multiple feeding openings (at least two) distributed around the periphery of the drying section. Each feeding opening is equipped with its own screw feeder, segmenting the feeding function to achieve more uniform material distribution while preventing material from falling into the venturi throat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the drying section are targeted with localized feeding openings positioned at specific locations (e.g., opposite sides or distributed around the periphery). Each local feeding point is optimized to deliver material to specific zones, ensuring even distribution throughout the drying section without concentrating material in the center.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the screw feeder rotation axis is aligned with the venturi dryer central axis, then the structure is symmetric and simple, but material is directed towards the middle of the drying section where it can fall into the venturi throat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk of material falling into venturi throatVSAvoidalignment configuration of screw feeders
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw feeders are positioned asymmetrically relative to the venturi dryer's central axis. The rotation axis of each screw feeder is offset from the central axis, and the feeding openings are arranged at positions that direct material away from the center toward the periphery of the drying section, preventing material from falling into the venturi throat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The feeding geometry is shifted from a central axial arrangement to a peripheral distributed arrangement. Instead of feeding material along the central axis, the screw feeders are positioned at radial distances from the axis, introducing a radial dimension to the feeding pattern that directs material toward the walls of the drying section rather than the center.

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

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 a more even distribution of particulate material within the drying section, lowering the risk of material falling into the gas feeding section and reducing unwanted emissions by maintaining a controlled temperature and preventing overheating.

Implementation Method 1

a venturi dryer (1) having a venturi throat (2) and a drying section (3) in fluid connection with the venturi throat (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

The material feeding means (4) comprises at least two screw feeders (6) each comprising a spiral blade (7) rotatable about a rotation axis (C) so as to feed particulate material (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew conveyor mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3080534B1Method and arrangement for drying particulate material and use of the method or of the arrangement
Publication Date: 2018.03.14 OUTOTEC FINDLAND OY
  • EP3080534B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3080534B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3080534B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for drying particulate material (10). The arrangement comprising a venturi dryer (1) having a venturi throat (2) and a drying section (3) in fluid connection with the venturi throat (2). The venturi dryer (1) has an inner space that is symmetrical with respect to a central axis (B), and material feeding means (4) for feeding particulate material (10) into the drying section (3). The venturi dryer (1) has a gas feeding section (9) for feeding gas (11) through the venturi throat (2) into the drying section (3). The material feeding means (4) comprising at least two screw feeders (6) comprising a spiral blade (7). Each of said at least two screw feeders (6) opening up into the drying section (3) at a feeding opening (8) between the screw feeder (6) and the drying section (3).