Wood Chip Dewatering via Permeable Conveyor and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dewatering wood chips using compression do not consistently achieve high moisture removal efficiency, leading to suboptimal energy economy and potential reabsorption of water.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a first and second roll forming a nip with an endless conveyor that is permeable to water, equipped with a suction device to remove water from the wood chips, and optionally additional rolls and cleaning devices to enhance dewatering efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If heat is applied to evaporate moisture from wood chips, then water is removed from the wood chips, but the process is time-consuming and requires large amounts of energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal evaporation process with a mechanical compression system. Wood chips are fed into a press where a moving pressurizing element applies mechanical force to squeeze water from the chips, eliminating the need for heat application and associated high energy consumption while achieving effective dewatering.
2Use of energy by moving object
If roller compression is used to dewater wood chips, then energy consumption is reduced, but water reabsorption occurs and dewatering efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary compression to wood chips before they enter the main pressing zone. The chips are pre-compressed to a lower density, which opens up their cellular structure and creates pathways for water to be more effectively removed during subsequent compression, preventing water reabsorption and improving overall dewatering efficiency while maintaining energy economy.
3Quantity of substance
If compression pressure is increased to improve dewatering, then moisture content is reduced, but equipment wear increases and lifespan decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-compression step reduces the density of wood chips before they enter the high-pressure pressing zone. This preliminary action creates channels and pathways within the chip structure that allow water to be expelled more easily at lower pressures, thereby achieving effective dewatering while reducing the mechanical stress and wear on pressing equipment, extending its operational lifespan.
4Quantity of substance
If wood chips are compressed between rolls, then water is pressed out, but water reabsorption occurs after pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary compression to wood chips before main pressing, which structurally prepares the chips by creating permanent channels and openings in their cellular structure. This preliminary action ensures that when compression is applied, water is effectively expelled through these pre-formed pathways and cannot easily reabsorb, maintaining stable low moisture content after the pressing process.
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 apparatus effectively reduces moisture content in wood chips while minimizing reabsorption and clogging, achieving efficient dewatering with improved energy economy and extended equipment lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
an endless conveyor (5) which is permeable to water and forms a loop around the first roll (3)
Implementation Method 2
at least one suction device (6) located inside the loop of the endless conveyor (5) and arranged to suck water through the endless conveyor (5) when water is pressed out of the wood chips (2) in the nip
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus (1) for dewatering wood material (2), a first roll (3) and a second roll (4) form a nip (N1) in which water can be pressed out of the wood chips (2). An endless permeable conveyor (5) is arranged to pass through the nip (N1) and carry wood chips (2) through the nip (N1). A method of dewatering wood material uses the inventive apparatus.