EP3705230A1 - Vorrichtung und verfahren zur erzeugung von eispellets - Google Patents

Vorrichtung und verfahren zur erzeugung von eispellets Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3705230A1
EP3705230A1 EP20159291.2A EP20159291A EP3705230A1 EP 3705230 A1 EP3705230 A1 EP 3705230A1 EP 20159291 A EP20159291 A EP 20159291A EP 3705230 A1 EP3705230 A1 EP 3705230A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ice pellets
pellet
liquefied gas
pellets
generation region
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP20159291.2A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Andrew Norton
Siddharthagautham Angara
Sai Mamidipudi
Liam Utley
Oliver Dawkins
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rolls Royce PLC
Original Assignee
Rolls Royce PLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rolls Royce PLC filed Critical Rolls Royce PLC
Publication of EP3705230A1 publication Critical patent/EP3705230A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C1/00—Producing ice
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C1/00—Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effects; Use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods
    • B24C1/003—Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effects; Use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods using material which dissolves or changes phase after the treatment, e.g. ice, CO2
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C7/00—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
    • B24C7/0046—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts the abrasive material being fed in a gaseous carrier
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C7/00—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
    • B24C7/0046—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts the abrasive material being fed in a gaseous carrier
    • B24C7/0053—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts the abrasive material being fed in a gaseous carrier with control of feed parameters, e.g. feed rate of abrasive material or carrier
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C9/00—Appurtenances of abrasive blasting machines or devices, e.g. working chambers, arrangements for handling used abrasive material
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B19/00—Machines, plants or systems, using evaporation of a refrigerant but without recovery of the vapour
    • F25B19/005—Machines, plants or systems, using evaporation of a refrigerant but without recovery of the vapour the refrigerant being a liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/10—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using liquefied gases, e.g. liquid air
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C1/00—Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effects; Use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods
    • B24C1/08—Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effects; Use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for polishing surfaces, e.g. smoothing a surface by making use of liquid-borne abrasives
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C1/00—Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effects; Use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods
    • B24C1/08—Methods for use of abrasive blasting for producing particular effects; Use of auxiliary equipment in connection with such methods for polishing surfaces, e.g. smoothing a surface by making use of liquid-borne abrasives
    • B24C1/086—Descaling; Removing coating films
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C7/00—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
    • B24C7/0046—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts the abrasive material being fed in a gaseous carrier
    • B24C7/0069—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts the abrasive material being fed in a gaseous carrier with means for preventing clogging of the equipment or for preventing abrasive entering the airway
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2600/00—Control issues
    • F25C2600/04—Control means

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for generating ice pellets, in particular an apparatus and method which allows for improved control of the physical properties of the pellets that are generated.
  • shot blasting is typically used in many applications.
  • these techniques may be used to remove a cracked or poorly adhered coating from a target, to "blend" the edges of an area in order to smooth the boundary between a component and a coating, to provide a level of roughness to allow adhesion with a new coating, or to remove contaminants or other surface features from the surface of a target.
  • These techniques may be used in diverse fields, including the aerospace industry and the food industry.
  • the hard particles typically used in such a process can cause unwanted effects when they are left behind.
  • the properties of the particles, such as their hardness or size is not carefully controlled, the amount of material removed by the blasting process may be difficult to control.
  • apparatuses and methods for blasting which allow the properties of the particles to be controlled and to provide particles which do not cause contamination or damage to other components.
  • the hardness of the pellets which are produced depends on the temperature at which they are produced. In particular, the hardness increases as the temperature at which the pellets are produced falls. Accordingly, as this temperature may vary, the hardness of the ice pellets may vary, which may make it difficult to control the abrasion process. Further, when the ice pellets collect at the bottom of the tank, they may coagulate, forming a mass which may block the nozzle.
  • an apparatus for generating ice pellets comprising a pellet generation region, at least one nozzle configured to supply a plurality of water droplets to the pellet generation region, a liquefied gas supply configured to deliver a liquefied gas to the pellet generation region to thereby freeze the water droplets to generate a plurality of ice pellets, at least one temperature measuring device configured to obtain data indicative of the temperature of the ice pellets at generation, and a control system configured to adjust the flow rate of water and/or liquefied gas to thereby control the temperature of the ice pellets at generation.
  • a temperature measuring device may be located in or proximate to the pellet generation region.
  • the apparatus may comprise a conduit configured to receive generated ice pellets from the pellet generation region, and a pellet gun configured to receive ice pellets from the conduit and propel them towards a target.
  • a temperature measuring device may be located in the pellet gun.
  • the pellet gun may comprise an unblocking device configured to dislodge ice pellets from the conduit.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a particle filter configured to pass generated ice pellets smaller than a threshold size.
  • the particle filter may comprise a mesh.
  • the particle filter may comprise a rotatable disc comprising a plurality of holes.
  • the particle filter may comprise a first rotatable disc comprising a first plurality of holes, a second rotatable disc comprising a second plurality of holes, and a distributor configured to selectively direct the ice pellets to the first rotatable disc or the second rotatable disc, wherein the average size of the first plurality of holes is smaller than the average size of the second plurality of holes.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a pellet storage region configured to store generated ice pellets.
  • the apparatus may further comprise an air feed configured to deliver air to the pellet storage region.
  • the air feed may be configured to direct air to form a fluidised bed with the ice pellets.
  • the air feed may be configured to direct air to form a cyclonic air current.
  • the apparatus may comprise a sampling port configured to allow removal of the ice pellets.
  • the at least one nozzle may comprise a variable aperture.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a blade or jaws configured to mechanically deform the generated ice pellets.
  • an apparatus for generating ice pellets comprising a pellet generation region, at least one nozzle configured to supply a plurality of water droplets to the pellet generation region, a liquefied gas supply configured to deliver a liquefied gas to the pellet generation region to thereby freeze the water droplets to generate a plurality of ice pellets, and a particle filter configured to pass generated ice pellets smaller than a threshold size.
  • the particle filter may comprise a mesh.
  • the particle filter may comprise a rotatable disc comprising a plurality of holes.
  • the particle filter may comprise a first rotatable disc comprising a first plurality of holes, a second rotatable disc comprising a second plurality of holes, and a distributor configured to selectively direct the ice pellets to the first rotatable disc or the second rotatable disc, wherein the average size of the first plurality of holes is smaller than the average size of the second plurality of holes.
  • the apparatus may further comprise: at least one sensor configured to obtain data indicative of the particle size distribution of the ice pellets at generation; and a control system configured to adjust the flow rate of water and/or liquefied gas based on the output of the sensor.
  • an apparatus for generating ice pellets comprising a pellet generation region, at least one nozzle configured to supply a plurality of water droplets to the pellet generation region, a liquefied gas supply configured to deliver a liquefied gas to the pellet generation region to thereby freeze the water droplets to generate a plurality of ice pellets, at least one sensor configured to obtain data indicative of the particle size distribution of the ice pellets at generation, and a control system configured to adjust the flow rate of water and/or liquefied gas based on the output of the sensor.
  • the liquefied gas may be liquefied nitrogen, liquefied oxygen, liquefied helium or a combination thereof.
  • a method of generating ice pellets comprising the steps of: supplying a plurality of water droplets to a pellet generation region, delivering a liquefied gas to the pellet generation region to thereby freeze the water droplets to generate a plurality of ice pellets, measuring the temperature of the generated ice pellets, and adjusting the flow rate of water and/or liquefied gas to thereby control the temperature of the generated ice pellets.
  • a method of blasting comprising the steps of: generating ice pellets as described above, and propelling said ice pellets towards a target.
  • Figure 1 shows an apparatus 100 for generating ice pellets according to the present disclosure.
  • the apparatus comprises a pellet generation region 101, and at least one nozzle 102 configured to supply a plurality of water droplets to the pellet generation region.
  • the apparatus also includes a liquefied gas supply 103 configured to deliver liquefied gas to the pellet generation region 101 to thereby freeze the water droplets to generate a plurality of ice pellets.
  • the apparatus 100 also includes at least one temperature measuring device 104 configured to obtain data indicative of the temperature of the ice pellets at generation, and a control system 105 configured to adjust the flow rate of water and/or liquefied gas to thereby control the temperature of the ice pellets at generation.
  • the apparatus 100 may include a main body 110 taking the form of a container, or hopper, as shown in Figure 1 .
  • the main body 110 may be of any suitable shape, such as a cylindrical shape with a domed top, and a lower substantially conical region.
  • the shape of the container is not limited thereto and may be of any suitable shape.
  • the apparatus is provided with at least one nozzle 102 which sprays water so as to form a plurality of water droplets.
  • a plurality of nozzles 102 may be provided, which results in a plurality of individual streams of water droplets being generated.
  • the nozzles 102 may be grouped together in a central boss in a manner similar to a shower head, or may be separately mounted in the apparatus.
  • the nozzles 102 are provided near the top of the apparatus when in use, which means that the water droplets fall under the influence of gravity towards the lower part of the apparatus.
  • the nozzle or nozzles may have a variable aperture, which may allow for control of the stream of water droplets, namely of the flow rate and size of the droplets.
  • the nozzle or nozzles may also be removable from the apparatus, in order to allow different types or arrangements of nozzles to be installed in the apparatus, or to allow inspection or cleaning of the nozzles or the inside of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus 100 is provided with a liquefied gas supply 103, which allows a liquefied gas, such as liquid nitrogen, to be supplied to the apparatus.
  • the liquefied gas supply 103 may take the form of a pipe running around the periphery of the container, with outlets in the pipe allowing liquid nitrogen to escape from the pipe into the container.
  • the pipe may be mounted to the container or apparatus using a plurality of brackets (not pictured).
  • the area around the liquefied gas supply 103 forms a pellet generation region 101, in which the liquefied gas interacts with the water droplets to freeze them, thus turning the water droplets into ice pellets.
  • any other suitable liquefied gas may be used as long as its temperature when liquid is sufficiently low in order to freeze the water droplets.
  • any gas which has a temperature lower than the freezing point of water when liquefied may be used.
  • suitable liquefied gases include, but are not limited to, liquid oxygen and liquid helium.
  • the liquefied gas may comprise a mixture of elements such as atmospheric gases, and may be, for example, liquefied air.
  • the liquefied gas supply 103 may comprise a number of outlets distributed around the edge of the container thus spraying liquefied gas in a generally inward direction. Thus this may provide, as the pellet generation region 101, a layer, or curtain, of liquefied gas through which the water droplets pass and are thereby frozen.
  • the liquefied gas supply is shown in Figure 1 as being a pipe with a number of outlets, it will be understood that any other suitable means of supplying liquefied gas to the region through which the water droplets pass may be used. For example, a lattice array, spiral array or curved array may be used as the liquefied gas supply.
  • the water droplets are generated by the nozzles 102, fall through the pellet generation region 101, and are frozen by the liquefied gas supplied by the liquefied gas supply 103 to form ice pellets.
  • the apparatus is further provided with at least one temperature measuring device 104 in or proximate to the pellet generation region 101, and is configured to obtain data indicative of the temperature of the ice pellets at generation.
  • Any suitable device for measuring the temperature may be used, such as an infrared camera or a thermocouple.
  • the device may be positioned just below the pellet generation 101 such that it measures the temperature of the ice pellets which have just been generated in the pellet generation region.
  • the apparatus further comprises a control system 105, which is configured to adjust the operating parameters of the device in order to control the temperature of the ice pellets at generation.
  • the control system is in communication with the temperature measuring device 104, which allows the output of the temperature measuring device 104 to be input to the control system 105, thus allowing adjustments by the control system based on the output of the temperature measuring device.
  • the operating parameters which may be adjusted by the control system 105 include the flow rate of water, and/or the flow rate of liquefied gas.
  • the change in temperature caused by the control system can be measured by the temperature measuring device 104, and the output fed back to the control system 105 in order to form a feedback loop, which may provide control of the temperature of the ice pellets at generation.
  • the control system 105 may also be configured to control a variable aperture of the nozzle or nozzles. By controlling the temperature of the ice pellets at generation, their hardness can be controlled. This may allow better control of a blasting process, when the ice pellets are used in a blasting process.
  • the apparatus 100 may further comprise a conduit 106 which is configured to receive the generated ice pellets from the pellet generation region. This may be of particular use when the apparatus is used to generate ice pellets which are subsequently used in a blasting process.
  • Such a conduit may be provided at the bottom of the apparatus or container when in use, such that the generated ice pellets fall under the influence of gravity to enter the conduit 106.
  • the conduit may be, for example, a flexible pipe, and may further be thermally insulated in order to avoid melting of the ice particles during their transit through the conduit 106.
  • a pellet gun 107 which is configured to receive ice pellets from the conduit 106, and propel them towards a target. Such a configuration may be used in order to carry out a blasting process.
  • the pellet gun 107 may use compressed air or suction in order to propel the ice pellets.
  • the pellet gun 107 may be mounted to a device allowing manipulation of the pellet gun 107 around six degrees of freedom (i.e. rotational and translational movement), such as a robotic arm, or a guide tube which can be inserted into a small space. This may allow the direction of the blasting process to be very finely controlled.
  • the pellet gun 107 may further comprise a temperature measuring device 108.
  • This temperature measuring device 108 in the pellet gun 107 may be provided in addition to, or instead of, the temperature measuring device 104 which is located in or proximate to the pellet generation region 101.
  • the temperature measuring device 108 located in the pellet gun 107 may allow the temperature of the generated ice pellets to be monitored.
  • the temperature of the ice pellets in the pellet gun 107 may permit indirect monitoring of the temperature of the pellets at generation. The information obtained from this monitoring may then be fed into the control system, which in turn may adjust the flow rate of water and/or liquefied gas to control the properties of the ice pellets.
  • the temperature measuring device 108 located in the pellet gun 107 may allow a check to be made that the properties of the ice pellets have not changed substantially between being generated and being transported to the pellet gun, or may allow the properties of the generated pellets to be modified in order to anticipate changes in their properties which occur between generation and expulsion from the pellet gun 107. It will also be understood that the temperature measuring device 108 may be provided in the conduit 106 instead of in the pellet gun 107, or may be provided where the pellet gun 107 is joined to the conduit 106.
  • the pellet gun 107 may further comprise an unblocking device which is configured to dislodge ice pellets from the conduit 106 or from inside the pellet gun 107 itself.
  • the unblocking device may use a mechanical or pneumatic system to dislodge ice pellets from the conduit when needed. For example, if the ice pellets increase in temperature in the conduit, they may coagulate thus blocking the conduit 106. Therefore, the unblocking device allows such blockages to be dislodged and a steady stream of ice particles to be provided.
  • the apparatus 100 may further comprise a particle filter 109, configured to pass generated ice pellets which are smaller than a threshold size.
  • the particle 109 allows ice pellets which are smaller than a certain size to pass through, and blocks ice pellets which are larger than a threshold size from passing through. This may provide a further control over the size of the ice pellets, which may in turn provide for more accurate control of a blasting process.
  • a threshold size may be chosen according to the desired function of ice pellets, and the particle filter 109 may be changeable in order to allow a variety of different threshold sizes to be chosen.
  • the particle filter 109 may be provided inside the main body 110 of the apparatus, as shown in Figure 1 , or may be provided in a separate component which is configured to receive the ice pellets from the main body of the apparatus. In either case, it may be configured to filter the pellets as they exit the pellet generation region 101 or at a location further downstream.
  • the particle filter 109 may provide sufficient control over the properties of the pellets such that the temperature measuring device 104 and control system 105 may be omitted.
  • the particle filter 109 may be formed of, or include, a mesh.
  • the size of the holes in the mesh may determine the threshold size.
  • the mesh may be located on a motorised device which moves the mesh to thereby dislodge the larger particles (i.e. ice pellets) which have not passed through the mesh and allow the smaller particles to pass through, thus avoiding blockage.
  • a waste container may be provided, and arranged relative to the particle filter 109 such that particles which are too large to pass through the filter are directed to the waste container, and can be removed from the apparatus.
  • This may be done by, for example, by angling the particle filter 109 in the apparatus, or making the particle filter dome shaped, such that the particles roll down the surface of the particle filter 109, and particles which are too large to pass through the filter are collected in the waste container.
  • An air knife or cyclonic system may also be used to move the particles which are too large to pass through the filter away from the particle filter 109 and towards the waste container.
  • a mechanical system may be provided to press the pellets against the filter, and either push the pellets through the particle filter 109 or move them to the edge of the filter and towards the waste container.
  • the mesh may be coated with a hydrophobic or similar coating in order to improve the flow of particles through the mesh.
  • the particle filter 109 may use the principle of a powder feeder, including a rotatable disc 210 comprising a plurality of holes 211.
  • the other components of the apparatus 100 may be the same as described above.
  • the rotatable disc is configured to rotate about an axis X. Ice pellets may accumulate on the rotatable disc 210, and particles below a threshold size may fall through the holes 211 in the disc when the holes pass beneath the ice pellets.
  • the size of the holes 211 can be chosen in order to achieve the desired size of ice pellets. Further, the ice pellets which are too large to pass through the holes may be centrifuged to the outside of the rotatable disc so that they do not block the holes.
  • the ice pellets which are too large may be disposed of by being directed to a waste container.
  • the number and pattern of holes is not limited to that shown in Figure 2 , and that any suitable pattern and number of holes may be used. Alternatively, a single hole may be used at a suitable location on the rotatable disc 210.
  • the particle filter 109 may comprise a first rotatable disc 301 comprising a first plurality of holes 302, and a second rotatable disc 303 comprising a second plurality of holes 304.
  • the pellet generation region 101, nozzles 102 and liquefied gas supply 103 are not shown in Figure 3 , but they are substantially similar to those shown above.
  • the first rotatable disc 301 and second rotatable disc 303 may work in a similar way to the rotatable disc 210 as described above in relation to Figure 2 .
  • the first rotatable disc 301 and second rotatable disc 303 may rotate about the parallel axes Y and Z.
  • a distributor 306 which is configured to selectively direct the generated ice pellets to the first rotatable disc 301 or to the second rotatable disc 302.
  • the distributor 306 can direct, or distribute, the generated ice pellets such that they fall onto the first rotatable disc 301 or the second rotatable disc 302.
  • the average size of the first plurality of holes 302 is smaller than the average size of the second plurality of holes 304, thus allowing different sizes of particles to pass through each of the rotatable discs 301, 303.
  • the size of the holes in the two rotatable discs are different from each other, which allows the extent or proportion of ice pellets that are allowed to pass through to be varied.
  • the number or pattern of holes may differ between the two rotatable discs 301, 303. Again, as described in relation to the rotatable disc of Figure 2 , particles which are too large to pass through the holes in each respective rotatable disc may be centrifuged to the outside of the disc.
  • the distributor 306 may include a fixed part 305, and a moveable part 307.
  • the fixed part 305 is configured to collect the ice pellets after they are generated in the pellet generation region 103, and may take the form of a funnel, or may be of any other suitable form.
  • the moveable part 307 is configured to receive the ice pellets from the fixed part and which can move to be positioned such that it directs ice pellets to either the first rotatable disc 301 or the second rotatable disc 303.
  • the moveable part 307 may take the form of a channel which is attached to the fixed part 306 by moveable joints 308.
  • the apparatus 100 may further comprise a pellet storage region 401 which is configured to store generated ice pellets.
  • the generated pellets may rest in the pellet storage region 401, which may be the lower part of the apparatus when in use.
  • the remaining components of the apparatus are as described above and are omitted for clarity.
  • the particle filter 109 may be positioned between the pellet generation region 101 and the pellet storage portion 401.
  • an air feed 402 is provided which is configured to deliver air to the pellet storage region. This may help to prevent the generated ice pellets sticking together or coagulating, thus avoiding blockages.
  • the air feed may be configured to direct air such that it forms a fluidised bed with the ice pellets.
  • the air may surround the individual ice pellets and prevent them from coagulating.
  • the air feed 402 may be configured to direct air to form a cyclonic air current.
  • the air may form a swirling flow around the individual ice pellets, which keeps them separated from each other and prevents them coagulating.
  • the air supplied by the air feed may be cooled to the temperature of the ice pellets, or to a temperature cooler than the ice pellets, so that the air does not cause melting of the ice pellets.
  • the air feed need not supply atmospheric air, but may also supply any other gas suitable for forming a fluidised bed, cyclonic air current, or any other current of gas suitable for stopping clogging of the pellets.
  • Figure 4 shows a single inlet of the air supply 402
  • the air feed may supply air at multiple locations in, or proximate to, the storage portion 401.
  • a mechanical device such as a stirrer, may also be provided instead of or in addition to the air supply 402 in order to keep the ice pellets separated from each other and prevent them coagulating.
  • the apparatus 100 may also comprise a sample port, configured to allow removal of the ice pellets.
  • the sample port may be provided in the pellet storage portion 401.
  • the sample port may comprise an opening which allows removal of a sample of the ice pellets, which may be useful in testing or verifying the properties of the ice pellets.
  • the sample port may also allow for equalisation of pressure between the inside of the apparatus and the atmosphere.
  • the apparatus may include jaws or blades configured to mechanically deform the generated ice pellets. For example, it may be desired to increase the surface roughness of the ice pellets in order to increase their abrasive properties. This process may be implemented immediately after generation (i.e. in or proximate the pellet generation region 101) or, where one is present, in the pellet storage region 401.
  • the blades may rotate in a similar manner to a blender, or the jaws may crush the pellets as the pellets pass therethrough.
  • the apparatus may include at least one sensor configured to obtain data indicative of the particle size distribution of the ice pellets at generation. This data may indicate the proportion of particle sizes in certain ranges, an average particle size or any other suitable measure of particle size distribution.
  • the output of the sensor may be fed to the control system 105, which may then adjust the flow rate of water and/or liquefied gas based on the output of the sensor. This may provide a further way of controlling the properties (e.g. temperature and particle size) of the generated particles.
  • a sensor may be provided in or proximate to the pellet generation region 101, and/or in the pellet gun 107 (where present).
  • the senor may provide sufficient control over the properties of the pellets such that the temperature measuring device 104, 108 and/or particle filter 109 may be omitted.
  • the sensor may use an interferometric technique, or any other suitable method, and may further be configured to measure particle flux or velocity.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
EP20159291.2A 2019-03-04 2020-02-25 Vorrichtung und verfahren zur erzeugung von eispellets Withdrawn EP3705230A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1902893.5A GB201902893D0 (en) 2019-03-04 2019-03-04 Apparatus and method for generating ice pellets

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3705230A1 true EP3705230A1 (de) 2020-09-09

Family

ID=66377470

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP20159291.2A Withdrawn EP3705230A1 (de) 2019-03-04 2020-02-25 Vorrichtung und verfahren zur erzeugung von eispellets

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20200282514A1 (de)
EP (1) EP3705230A1 (de)
GB (1) GB201902893D0 (de)
SG (1) SG10202001742YA (de)

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4748817A (en) * 1986-10-06 1988-06-07 Taiyo Sanso Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for producing microfine frozen particles
US5196049A (en) * 1988-06-06 1993-03-23 Osprey Metals Limited Atomizing apparatus and process
US5283989A (en) * 1990-05-30 1994-02-08 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Apparatus for polishing an article with frozen particles
US5445553A (en) * 1993-01-22 1995-08-29 The Corporation Of Mercer University Method and system for cleaning a surface with CO2 pellets that are delivered through a temperature controlled conduit
US6024304A (en) * 1993-10-22 2000-02-15 Cold Jet, Inc. Particle feeder
US6494049B1 (en) * 1998-04-24 2002-12-17 Dippin' Dots, Inc. Control system for cryogenic processor for liquid feed preparation of free-flowing frozen product
WO2007054312A1 (de) * 2005-11-10 2007-05-18 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Vorrichtung und verfahren zum strahlen von trockeneis-pellets
US7464564B2 (en) * 2003-09-22 2008-12-16 Dippin' Dots, Inc. Method and apparatus for combining cookie dough and ice cream
DE102011008139A1 (de) * 2011-01-08 2012-07-12 Tq-Systems Gmbh Verarbeitungsmaschine für Trockeneis
US20130139853A1 (en) * 2010-08-16 2013-06-06 Desisa Gmbh Device and Method for Dispensing Dry Ice Snow

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4748817A (en) * 1986-10-06 1988-06-07 Taiyo Sanso Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for producing microfine frozen particles
US5196049A (en) * 1988-06-06 1993-03-23 Osprey Metals Limited Atomizing apparatus and process
US5283989A (en) * 1990-05-30 1994-02-08 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Apparatus for polishing an article with frozen particles
US5445553A (en) * 1993-01-22 1995-08-29 The Corporation Of Mercer University Method and system for cleaning a surface with CO2 pellets that are delivered through a temperature controlled conduit
US6024304A (en) * 1993-10-22 2000-02-15 Cold Jet, Inc. Particle feeder
US6494049B1 (en) * 1998-04-24 2002-12-17 Dippin' Dots, Inc. Control system for cryogenic processor for liquid feed preparation of free-flowing frozen product
US7464564B2 (en) * 2003-09-22 2008-12-16 Dippin' Dots, Inc. Method and apparatus for combining cookie dough and ice cream
WO2007054312A1 (de) * 2005-11-10 2007-05-18 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Vorrichtung und verfahren zum strahlen von trockeneis-pellets
US20130139853A1 (en) * 2010-08-16 2013-06-06 Desisa Gmbh Device and Method for Dispensing Dry Ice Snow
DE102011008139A1 (de) * 2011-01-08 2012-07-12 Tq-Systems Gmbh Verarbeitungsmaschine für Trockeneis

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201902893D0 (en) 2019-04-17
US20200282514A1 (en) 2020-09-10
SG10202001742YA (en) 2020-10-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0273596B1 (de) Verfahren und Vorrichtung für die Behandlung von Produktteilchen
US5445553A (en) Method and system for cleaning a surface with CO2 pellets that are delivered through a temperature controlled conduit
US5203794A (en) Ice blasting apparatus
US5820447A (en) Ice blasting cleaning system
JP4169362B1 (ja) ドライアイスブラスト装置
CN110090818B (zh) 一种智能色选装备高精细气流自适应控制方法
EP1462546A2 (de) Kaltgasspritzdüse gefertigt mit Polybenzimidazole
CA2463819C (en) Device and process for generating carbon dioxide snow
KR102132782B1 (ko) 용융재 처리 플랜트
CN104773478B (zh) 旋风式火力发电厂煤仓清堵设备及使用方法
CN108680451B (zh) 高温高速气固磨损试验装置
KR19990013800A (ko) 액체 이산화탄소의 흐름으로부터 미세 스노우 입자를 제조하기 위한 장치
EP3705230A1 (de) Vorrichtung und verfahren zur erzeugung von eispellets
JP2007203448A (ja) ドライアイスブラスト装置
US4730627A (en) Method and apparatus for treating particulate material
EP1042056B1 (de) Verfahren und vorrichtung zur herstellung von granulaten aus einem schmelz von chemischen produkten
WO2012089359A1 (en) Device and method for particle blasting with frozen gas particles
CA2175301C (en) Improved pressurization system for abrasive supply pot
US7878143B2 (en) Film-forming apparatus, film-forming method and particle-supplying apparatus
KR20200011981A (ko) 에어로졸을 제공하기 위한 에어로졸 장치 및 방법
US6485569B1 (en) Spray chamber and system and method of spray coating solid particles
JP7240535B2 (ja) 粉体供給システム、粉体供給システムの操作方法、及び三次元ワークピースを生産するための装置
MizAk et al. Problems with abrasive dosing in erosive wear process modelling
DK2363377T3 (en) Apparatus for producing carbon dioxide snow
SE412712B (sv) Forfarande och anleggning for framstellning av pulver genom granulering av smelta

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

18W Application withdrawn

Effective date: 20201111