Vibratory Cooling Screen for Pellet Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for cooling, classification, and fines removal in pellet manufacturing are inefficient and prone to contamination, with limited flexibility in handling different pellet sizes and materials.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooling apparatus with conically shaped screens and directional cooling fluid flow, combined with vibratory motion to reduce piling and enhance cooling efficiency, allowing for efficient classification and dedusting within a sealed enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional dryer/cooler/classifier device is used, then drying and cooling functions are provided, but the device is prone to contamination and has limited flexibility in handling different pellet sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a dryer module with a first drying screen, a cooler module with a second cooling screen, and a classifier module. Each module can be independently configured and maintained, reducing cross-contamination between functions and allowing optimization for different pellet sizes through modular screen replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying and cooling functions are extracted into separate modules rather than combining them in a single chamber. This separation prevents contamination between the drying and cooling processes, while each module can be independently designed to handle specific pellet size ranges through interchangeable screens.
2Temperature
If pellets are cooled using conventional methods, then cooling is provided, but piling of pellets occurs reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The second cooling screen is configured to vibrate during the cooling process. This vibration prevents pellets from piling up on the screen surface, ensuring uniform contact between all pellets and the cooling screen, thereby improving cooling efficiency and uniformity across the entire pellet batch.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling screen is configured with a conical shape rather than a flat surface. This curvature promotes uniform distribution of pellets across the screen surface and facilitates consistent cooling by ensuring all pellets are positioned optimally relative to the cooling fluid flow path.
3Reliability
If a sealed enclosure is used, then contamination is reduced, but access for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed enclosure is segmented into multiple access points and removable panels located at convenient positions. This allows maintenance personnel to access internal components such as screens and fluid distribution systems without opening the entire enclosure, maintaining the sealed environment while facilitating easy maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Removable panels and access doors act as intermediaries between the sealed enclosure and the external environment. These elements can be opened for maintenance and then sealed again, allowing routine maintenance without compromising the overall sealed environment that prevents contamination.
4Temperature
If cooling fluid flows through the housing wall, then cooling is provided, but the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing wall serves multiple functions: it provides structural containment, acts as a cooling fluid distribution manifold, and serves as a support structure for the screens. By integrating the cooling fluid flow path into the housing wall itself rather than adding separate cooling channels, the design achieves effective cooling while minimizing structural complexity.
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
The solution improves cooling efficiency, reduces contamination, and facilitates easy maintenance and scalability, enabling effective classification and dedusting of pellets while maintaining a compact footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The first cooling screen is configured to move the particulate product along a surface by gravity when the first cooling screen is subjected to vibration
Implementation Method 2
when the first cooling screen is subjected to vibration
Implementation Method 3
A first duct is coupled to the first cooling screen and is configured to move cooling fluid through the first cooling screen through a wall of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A cooler for particulate product includes a substantially enclosed housing. A first cooling screen is disposed in the housing and is configured to receive the product. The first cooling screen is configured to move the product along a surface by gravity when the first cooling screen vibrated. A duct is coupled to the first cooling screen to move cooling fluid through the first cooling screen. A second cooling screen is disposed in the housing below the first screen and is configured to receive the product after discharge from the first screen. The second screen is configured to move the particulate product along a surface when vibrated. A second duct is coupled to the second screen to move cooling fluid through the screen. A collector receives the particulate product after moving along a surface of the second screen. A vibrator is coupled to the housing and vibrates the housing.