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Title:
APPARATUS FOR DRYING MOISTURE CONTAINING PRODUCTS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2012/026804
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) including: a plurality of metal plates (10) on which the products (2) are placed, each metal plate (10) provided with an internal hollow into which a fluid (51) is introduced, whereby the fluid(51) is in thermal conduction with the products (2); a drying chamber (30) enclosing the metal plates (10); a conveyance system (40) for conveying the products over a surface of the metal plates (10) and along a given path from an inlet (32) to an outlet (34) of the drying chamber (30); and a feeding means for placing the products (2) on the metal plates (10) at a location close to the inlet (32) whereby the products, upon being placed on the metal plates (10) at a location close to the inlet (32) is dragged over the metal plates (10) by the conveyance system (40) until they reach the outlet (34).

Inventors:
CHANG KHONG KEONG (MY)
Application Number:
PCT/MY2011/000197
Publication Date:
March 01, 2012
Filing Date:
August 25, 2011
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
CHANG KHONG KEONG (MY)
International Classes:
F26B17/02; F26B3/02; F26B3/18; F26B3/32; F26B15/18
Foreign References:
US3206866A1965-09-21
US5634281A1997-06-03
US4785554A1988-11-22
US3744145A1973-07-10
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
LOK, Choon Hong (Suite 6.03 6th Floor,Wisma Miram, Jalan Wisma Putra Kuala Lumpur, MY)
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Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) comprising:

a plurality of thermal transfer plates (10), each of the thermal transfer plate (10) being provided with an internal hollow into which a fluid (51) may be introduced; a drying chamber (30) enclosing the plurality of thermal transfer plates (10); and a conveyance system (40) for conveying the moisture containing products (2) over a surface of the thermal transfer plates (10) and along a given path from an inlet (32) to an outlet (34) of the drying chamber (30);

whereby the moisture containing products, upon being placed on the thermal transfer plates (10) at a location close to the inlet (32) are dragged over the thermal transfer plates (10) by the conveyance system (40) until the products (2) reach the outlet (34).

2. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 1, further comprising a feeding means for placing the moisture containing products (2) on the thermal transfer plates (10) at a location close to the inlet (32).

3. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveyance system (40) comprises:

left and right rotating conveyor chains (42) forming two continuous loops, the pair of conveyor chains (42) flanking the thermal transfer plates (10) from the inlet (32) to the outlet (34);

a guide means on each side of the apparatus for guiding the conveyor chains (42); a plurality of drags (41) connected to the conveyor chain (42) to extend partially across the thermal transfer plates (10), alternate drags (41) being connected to the left and right rotating conveyor chains (42); whereby the rotation of the conveyor chains (42) causes the plurality of drags (41) to move over the surface of. thermal transfer plates (10) thus dragging the moisture containing products (2) along.

4. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 3, wherein the guide means comprises a set of tracks (47), each set of tracks comprising a top left track (471), a bottom left track (472), a top right track (473), and a bottom right track (474), the top left (471) and bottom left (472) tracks guiding one of the conveyor chains (42) and the the top right (473) and bottom right (474) track guiding the other of the two conveyor chains (42) from the inlet (32) to the outlet (34).

5. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 4, wherein the conveyance system (40) is divided into a plurality of levels, the conveyance system further comprising:

a plurality of rollers (46), with each roller located at each end of each the level, the rollers allowing the conveyor chain (42) to change direction;

additional sets of tracks (47) for each additional level.

6. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the conveyance system (40) further comprises a plurality of shafts (43) with each shaft (43) transversely connecting a point on the first conveyor chain (42) to a corresponding point on the second conveyor chain (42) to hold the drag (41).

7. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 4, wherein the thermal transfer plates (10) are fixed vertically in between a pair of the bottom tracks (472, 474) on a higher level and a pair of the top tracks (471, 473) on a lower level.

8. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim

7, further comprising a plurality of fastening means (44, 45) for horizontally securing the thermal transfer plates (10).

9. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the fastening means (44, 45) is a flexible fastening means

(45) to allow for expansion of the thermal transfer plates (10) during heating or contraction of the thermal transfer plates (10) during chilling.

10. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein each flexible fastening means (45) includes a resilient means (451), the resilient means (451) providing for the flexible quality of the flexible fastening means (45).

11. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim

8, wherein the thermal transfer plates (10) are filled with a hot fluid (51).

12. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 11, further comprising a heated fluid delivery system (50) for supplying the hot fluid

(51) into the thermal transfer plates (10), the heated fluid (51) delivery system including a fluid heating device (52) for heating the fluid (51) and piping (53) for delivering the heated fluid (51) from the fluid heating device (52) to the thermal transfer plates (10) and back to the fluid heating device (52) in a continuous flow. 13. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 12, wherein the tracks (47) are provided with apertures that allow hot air from the fluid heating device (52) to flow into the drying chamber (30) to dry the moisture containing products (2).

14. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 11, wherein the heated fluid (51) is hot oil.

15. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to any of claim 8, wherein the thermal transfer plates (10) are filled with a cold fluid (51). 16. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim 6, wherein the cold fluid is a chilled vapour.

17. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to claim

16. wherein the drying chamber (30) is in a vacuum state.

18. An apparatus for drying moisture containing products (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the thermal transfer plates (10) are metal plates.

Description:
APPARATUS FOR DRYING MOISTURE CONTAINING PRODUCTS FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for drying products containing moisture. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Industrial and commercial dryers are well known in the art. There are several established methods for drying products containing moisture. Despite differences in the appearance of the apparatus used to dry the moisture containing products, the established methods share common operating features. Most of these methods employ a degree of heating to the products resulting in moisture contained within the material to evaporate. The resulting vapour is then either removed or allowed to escape from the dryer, thus yielding a drier material.

The main problem with these methods is that the drying rate is limited by the capacity of a particular apparatus to transfer heat energy from the heat source, such as gas burners or steam pipes, to the moisture containing products. In most methods, the poor transfer of heat energy creates further problems of overheating at localized portions of the material thus resulting in uneven drying of the entire product. Fire hazards are also increased because of this. Agitation or tumbling of the material is often carried out in an effort to lessen the damaging effects of the overheating and to prevent uneven drying. This causes the energy demand to rise.

What is desired is an apparatus for drying products that contain moisture that reduces the inefficiency of the heat transfer from the source to the moisture containing product. What is also desired is an apparatus for drying products that contain moisture that allow for a more uniform heating of the moisture containing product.

What is also desired is an apparatus for drying products that contain moisture that reduces fire hazard. Overcoming these issues will result in a method and apparatus for drying products containing moisture that substantially reduces energy usage, particularly that for producing heat, for the process and at the same time reduce the incidence of uneven drying of the product, as well as reducing the risk of unwanted fires.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention provides an apparatus for drying moisture containing products, i.e., removing water or other vaporizable liquid from the material. The drying process of the invention includes placing the material to be dried on heated metal plates and conveyed along a path within a drying chamber.

This invention relates to an apparatus for drying moisture containing products including: a plurality of metal plates on which moisture containing products are placed, each metal plate provided with an internal hollow into which a fluid is introduced, whereby the fluid is in thermal conduction with the moisture containing products; a drying chamber enclosing the metal plates; and a conveyance system for conveying the moisture containing products over a surface of the metal plates and along a given path from an inlet to an outlet of the drying chamber; whereby the moisture containing products, upon being placed on the metal plates at a location close to the inlet is dragged over the metal plates by the conveyance system until they reach the outlet. The apparatus further comprises a feeding means for placing the moisture containing products on the metal plates at a location close to the inlet. The conveyance system includes two rotating conveyor chains forming two continuous loops, the pair of conveyor chains flanking the metal plates from the inlet to the outlet of drying chamber. A guide means is provided on each side of the apparatus for guiding the conveyor chains (42). The guide means comprises a set of tracks, each set of tracks comprising a top left track, a bottom left track, a top right track, and a bottom right track. The top left and bottom left tracks guide a first of the two conveyor chains and the top right and bottom right track guide a second of the two conveyor chains from the inlet to the outlet. A plurality of drags connected to the conveyor chain, each drag held between a left and right track. The rotation of the conveyor chains causes the drags to move over the thermal transfer plates thus dragging the products along. The conveyance system is divided into a plurality of levels, and is provided with a plurality of rollers, with one roller located at each end of each level, so as to allow the conveyor chain to change direction at each level. Each level has a set of tracks. A plurality of shafts is provided to give structural rigidity to the conveyance system, with each shaft transversely connecting a point on the first conveyor chain to a corresponding point on the second conveyor chain to hold the drag.

In a first embodiment, the thermal transfer plates are held in between a pair of slots.

In a second embodiment, the thermal transfer plates are fixed vertically in between a pair of bottom tracks on a higher level and a pair of the top tracks on a lower level to make the design simpler.

A plurality of fastening means is provided for horizontally securing the thermal transfer plates to the drying chamber. At least one of the fastening means is a flexible fastening means to allow for expansion of the metal plates. Each flexible fastening means includes a resilient means such as spring that provides for the flexible quality of the flexible fastening means. In a first embodiment, the tracks are provided with apertures that allow hot air to flow into the drying chamber to dry the moisture containing products. In this embodiment, the thermal transfer plates are filled with hot oil. A heated fluid delivery system is provided for supplying heated oil into the thermal transfer plates, the heated fluid delivery system including a heating device for heating the oil and piping for delivering the heated oil from the fluid heating device to the thermal transfer plates and back to the fluid heating device in a continuous flow. The tracks are further provided with apertures that allow hot air from the fluid heating device to flow into the drying chamber to dry the moisture containing products. In a second embodiment, the thermal transfer plates are filled with a cold vapour. In this embodiment, the drying chamber is made to be in a vacuum state.

Other objects and advantages will be more fully apparent from the following disclosure and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a drying apparatus in an embodiment of this invention.

Figure 2a shows a side view of a drying apparatus in a first embodiment of this invention.

Figure 2b shows a side view of a drying apparatus in a second embodiment of this invention.

Figure 3 shows a top view of a drying apparatus in an embodiment of this invention. Figure 4 shows a top view of a metal plate in an embodiment of this invention.

Figure 4a shows an exploded view of a fixed fastening means in an embodiment of this invention.

Figure 4b shows an exploded view of a flexible fastening means in an embodiment of this invention.

Figure 5 shows a front view of the metal plate in an embodiment of this invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

It should be noted that the following detailed description is directed to an apparatus to facilitate drying of moisture containing products and is not limited to any particular size or configuration but in fact a multitude of sizes and configurations within the general scope of the following description.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the views, Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of a drying apparatus in an embodiment of this invention. The reference number (2) designates the moisture containing product to be fed into and dried by this apparatus. A drying chamber (30) formed by an outer shell (300) of the apparatus encloses a conveyance system (40) and a plurality of thermal transfer plates (10). In one embodiment, the thermal transfer plates (10) are metal plates. The moisture containing products (2) are placed on the plurality of thermal transfer plates (10). Each thermal transfer plate (10) is provided with an internal hollow into which a heated fluid (51) is introduced, whereby the heated fluid is in direct thermal radiation with the moisture containing products (2). In a preferred embodiment, the heated fluid (51) is oil. Alternatively, each thermal transfer plate (10) is provided with an internal hollow into which a cold fluid (51) is introduced. In a preferred embodiment, the cold fluid (51) is a chilled vapour and the drying chamber (30) is in a vacuum state. The conveyance system (40) functions are to convey the moisture containing products (2) along a given path from an inlet (32) to an outlet (34) of the drying chamber (30).

The conveyance system (40) includes: two rotating conveyor chains (42) forming two continuous loops, the pair of conveyor chains (42) flanking the thermal transfer plates (10) from the inlet (32) to the outlet (34) of drying chamber (30). A guide means on each side of the apparatus for guiding the conveyor chains (42). The guide means comprises a set of tracks (47) is provided to guide the conveyor chains (42) around. A plurality of drags (41) connected to the conveyor chain (42) to extend partially across the thermal transfer plates (10), alternate drags (41) being connected to the left and right rotating conveyor chains (42). The rotation of the conveyor chains (42) causes the drags (41) to move over the thermal transfer plates (10) thus dragging the products (2) along. The conveyance system (40) is divided into a plurality of levels, and is provided with a plurality of rollers (46), with one roller (46) located at each end of each level, so as to allow the conveyor chain (42) to change direction at each level. Each level has a set of tracks (47). A plurality of shafts (43) is provided to give structural rigidity to the conveyance system (40), with each of the shaft (43) transversely connecting a point on the first conveyor chain (42) to a corresponding point on the second conveyor chain (42) to hold the drag (41).

Still referring to Figure 1, a heated fluid delivery system (50) is provided for supplying heated fluid, such as oil, into the thermal transfer plates (10). The heated fluid delivery system (50) includes a fluid heating device (52) for heating the fluid and piping (53) for delivering the heated fluid from the fluid heating device (52) to the thermal transfer plates (10) and back to the fluid heating device in a continuous flow. A pressure differential means such as a pump is provided to make the heated fluid flow around the system.

Referring now to Figure 2a, a first embodiment is illustrated with each thermal transfer plate (10) held in between a pair of slots (49). A drying chamber (30) formed by an outer shell (300) of the apparatus encloses a conveyance system (40) and a plurality of thermal transfer plates (10). In one embodiment, the thermal transfer plates (10) are metal plates. The moisture containing products are placed on the plurality of thermal transfer plates (10). Each thermal transfer plate (10) is provided with an internal hollow into which a heated fluid (51) is introduced, whereby the heated fluid is in direct thermal radiation with the moisture containing products (2). In a preferred embodiment, the heated fluid (51) is oil. Alternatively, each thermal transfer plate (10) is provided with an internal hollow into which a cold fluid (51) is introduced. In a preferred embodiment, the cold fluid (51) is a chilled vapour and the drying chamber (30) is in a vacuum state. The conveyance system (40) functions are to convey the plurality of thermal transfer plates (10) along a given path from an inlet to an outlet of the drying chamber (30).

The conveyance system (40) includes: two rotating conveyor chains (42) forming two continuous loops, the pair of conveyor chains (42) flanking the thermal transfer plates (10) from the inlet (32) to the outlet (34) of drying chamber (30). A set of tracks (47) is provided, each set of tracks comprising a top left track (471), a bottom left track (472), a top right track (473), and a bottom right track (474). The top left (471) and bottom left (472) tracks guide a first of the two conveyor chains and the top right (473) and bottom right (474) track guide a second of the two conveyor chains from the inlet to the . outlet. A plurality of drags (41) connected to the conveyor chain (42), each drag (41) held between a left (471, 473) and right (472, 474) track. The rotation of the conveyor chains (42) causes the drags (41) to move over the. thermal transfer plates (10) thus dragging the products along. A plurality of shafts (43) is provided to give structural rigidity to the conveyance system (40), with each the shaft (43) transversely connecting a point on the first conveyor chain (42) to a corresponding point on the second conveyor chain (42).

Referring now to Figure 2b, a second embodiment is illustrated. A drying chamber (30) formed by an outer shell (300) of the apparatus encloses a conveyance system (40) and a plurality of thermal transfer plates (10). In a preferred embodiment, the thermal transfer plates (10) are metal plates. The moisture containing products are placed on the plurality of thermal transfer plates (10). Each thermal transfer plate (10) is provided with an internal hollow into which a heated fluid (51) is introduced, whereby the heated fluid (51) is in direct thermal radiation with the moisture containing products (2). The heated fluid (51) can be oil. The conveyance system

(40) functions are to convey the moisture containing products (2) along a given path from an inlet (32) to an outlet (34) of the drying chamber (30).

The conveyance system (40) includes: two rotating conveyor chains (42) forming two continuous loops, the pair of conveyor chains (42) flanking the thermal transfer plates (10) from the inlet (32) to the outlet (34) of drying chamber (30). A set of tracks (47) is provided, each set of tracks (47) comprising a top left track (471), a bottom left track (472), a top right track (473), and a bottom right track (474). The top left (471) and bottom left (472) tracks guide a first of the two conveyor chains (42) and the top right (473) and bottom right (474) track guide a second of the two conveyor chains (42) from the inlet (32) to the outlet (34). A plurality of drags (41) connected to the conveyor chain (42), each drag (41) held between a left (471, 473) and right (472, 474) track. The rotation of the conveyor chains (42) causes the drags

(41) to move over the thermal transfer plates (10) thus dragging the products (2) along. A plurality of shafts (43) is provided to give structural rigidity to the conveyance system (40), with each of the shaft (43) transversely connecting a point on the first conveyor chain (42) to a corresponding point on the second conveyor chain (42). In this second embodiment, each thermal transfer plate (10) is fixed in between a pair of bottom tracks (472, 474) on a higher level and a pair of the top tracks (471, 473) on a lower level to negate the need for slots and make the design simpler. The tracks (47) are further provided with apertures that allow hot air to flow into the drying chamber (30) to dry the moisture containing products (2). The hot air can be produced by the fluid heating device (52).

Figure 3 shows a top view of each layer of the conveyor system (40). The moisture containing products are placed on thermal transfer plates (10) which are flanked by a pair of conveyor chains (42). Each conveyor chain (42) forms one continuous loop passing through all the levels and such that rotation of the conveyor chain (42) causes the tracks (41) to move within the drying chamber (30). An inlet (55) for the heated oil (51) is provided at the side of each level for introducing the heated oil (51) into the thermal transfer plates (10). An outlet (56) is also provided for the heated oil (51) to flow back into the heated fluid system (shown in Figure 1). Figure 4 shows a top view of a single thermal transfer plate (10) in an embodiment of this invention having a rectangular shape. The thermal transfer plate (10) is received by slots (42) on either side. Each thermal transfer plate (10) is provided with an internal hollow into which a heated fluid (51) is introduced, whereby the heated fluid (51) is in direct thermal radiation with the moisture containing products. Fastening means (44, 45) are positioned near each corner of the thermal transfer plate (10) and horizontally securing the thermal transfer plates (10). At least three of the fastening means are flexible fastening means (45) to accommodate expansion of the thermal transfer plate (10) due to heat or contraction of the thermal transfer plates (10) during chilling. The remaining fastening means is a fixed fastening means (44). Each flexible fastening means (45) includes a resilient means (451), the resilient means (451) providing for the flexible quality of the flexible fastening means (45). The resilient means (451) can be a spring. Referring to Figure 4a, there is shown an exploded view of the flexible fastening means (45). A spring (451) provides the flexibility of the flexible fastening means (45). The spring (451) allows the thermal transfer plate (10) a degree of movement to accommodate for expansion due to heat and other factors. A fixed nut (452) joins the flexible fastening means (45) to an oil inlet valve (453). Figure 4b shows an exploded view of the fixed fastening means (44) for comparison with the flexible fastening means (45).

Figure 5 shows a front view of the thermal transfer plate (10).

While several particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to embrace such changes, modifications, and areas of application that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.