GB378384A - Improved method of and apparatus for drying materials - Google Patents

Abstract

378,384. Regulating condition and flow of drying-air ; drying furs &c. SHERMAN, A. E., 58, Dantzic Street, Manchester, JONES, E. R., Jesmond Dene, Shepperton, Middlesex, and LAVENDER, P. C., 3, Grange Road, Southport, Lancashire. May 1, 1931, No. 12918. [Classes 34 (i) and 34 (ii).] The drying of materials in a chamber is controlled by the admission of atmosphere to the circulating air and by subjecting a variable proportion of the circulating air to the action of a desiccating agent. The speed of drying may be gradually increased, commencing slowly. The desiccating element may be byepassed at the commencement, being subsequently brought into action by hand or automatically. In Fig. 1, the air is circulated through a drying-chamber A by a fan E, valves D<1>, D4 controlling respectively admission of air from, and exhaust of air to, the atmosphere. Valves D<2>, D3 control the byepass C of the air-heating and drying element G, H. The air-heater consists of steam pipes G, and may alternatively be situated in the duct B. The air-dryer H comprises a pump M<1>, Fig. 3, feeding sprays Q of glycerine (or calcium chloride solution), the glycerine falling over plates R between which the air passes and being continuously dehydrated by steam pipes N over which it is sprayed at Q<1> by a pump M<2>. The air may be introduced into the chamber A through holes X in a duct T surrounding the chamber. The air may be further heated by steam pipes W, Fig. 1a, in the duct T, the pipes having helical baffle-fins V<1>. The air entering at considerable velocity through the holes X strikes the opposite sides of the chamber and sets up eddying currents. In Fig. 4, furs or skins to be dried are nailed to boards a which are pushed over stationary rollers a<2> and allowed to rest vertically against rods a<1> depending from the roof. The air passes parallel to the surface of the furs. An intermittent air-current may be produced by means of a rotary valve in the inlet to the chamber, assisting in the formation of eddy currents. The cross-sectional area of the inlet or outlet opening may be varied to vary the air-velocity and to produce eddy currents. Materials may be stationary or moving, supported on shelves or trays, or on a conveyer-belt, &c. The material may be acted on by a jigging device such as is described in Specification 378,096.