KR20240058073A - Compact, high-performance ventilation device - Google Patents

Abstract

A high-performance ventilation device is provided. The aeration device includes an aeration roll configured to rotate about a first axis, and a high flow circulating air path within the device including a path extending through the supply conduit, through the aeration roll, and also through the exhaust conduit. The aeration device also includes a plurality of turning vanes located within the high flow circulation path positioned to guide the flow of air through the device. The ventilation device has a length, width, and height, which together define a volume with a compact configuration. The high-flow circulating air path inside the device has a length, and the ratio of the volume of the aeration device to the length of the high-flow circulating air path is less than 20 m2.

Description

Compact, high-performance ventilation device

The present invention relates, in part, to a compact, high-performance aeration device for manufacturing web products.

The through-air apparatus includes a rigid air-permeable web-carrying structure, commonly known as a through-air roll. The web is placed on a ventilation roll, and as the web-carrying structure rotates, a fan blows air through the walls of the ventilation roll to process the web. Ventilation rolls typically have a plurality of openings that allow air to pass through the rolls.

Systems and methods related to aeration drying are commonly referred to through use of the abbreviation "TAD". Systems and methods related to through-air bonding are commonly referred to through use of the abbreviation "TAB".

In one embodiment, a high performance ventilation device is provided. The aeration device has a high flow circuitous air path within the device including an aeration roll configured to rotate about a first axis, and a path extending through the supply conduit, through the aeration roll, and also through the exhaust conduit. air path). The aeration device also includes a plurality of turning vanes located within the high flow circulation path positioned to guide the flow of air through the device. The ventilation device has a length, width, and height, which together define a volume with a compact configuration. The high-flow circulating air path inside the device has a length, and the ratio of the volume of the aeration device to the length of the high-flow circulating air path is less than 20 m2.

1 is a perspective view of a ventilation device according to one embodiment;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of an aeration device including an aeration roll and an exhaust conduit according to one embodiment;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of an aeration device including a supply conduit according to one embodiment;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view cut through the center of an aeration device illustrating a circulating air path through an exhaust conduit according to one embodiment;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view cut through the supply conduit illustrating the circulating air path through the supply conduit;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view cut through the front of the aeration device illustrating the circulating air path from the supply conduit to the aeration roll;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a panel according to one embodiment;
Figure 8 is a volumetric comparison of one embodiment compared to three conventional bonder systems;
9 shows a comparison of front elevations of one embodiment compared to three conventional bonder systems;
Figure 10 shows a footprint comparison (i.e. top view) of one embodiment compared to three conventional bonder systems;
Figure 11 is a chart illustrating various dimensions and data for one embodiment compared to three conventional bonder systems;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a portion of an aeration device including an extraction conduit according to one embodiment;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of a portion of an aeration device including an extraction conduit having a first outlet and a second outlet according to one embodiment; and
Figure 14 is a perspective view of a ventilation device according to one embodiment where all load bearing surfaces of the external support system are within a common horizontal plane.

The present disclosure relates to aeration devices configured to manufacture various products such as paper, tissue, and/or nonwoven webs. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the device may be configured as a through-air dryer (TAD) and/or a through-air bonder (TAB), depending on the context in which it is used. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that aeration devices can be used to manufacture a variety of web products that are rolled into a finished final product form. It should also be recognized that the product may not be rolled and/or may be cut into a finished end product. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that the aeration device can be configured to manufacture a variety of products, including but not limited to a variety of films, fabrics, or other web type materials, and that the device can be used to dry, heat bond, sheet transfer, water extract, web It will also be appreciated that the method may be used in a variety of processes that may include mass transfer, heat transfer, material displacement, web handling, and quality monitoring, including but not limited to tensioning, and porosity measurement.

As described in more detail below, the aeration device includes a rigid, air-permeable web-carrying structure, known as an aeration roll, configured to rotate relative to other portions of the device. The web is placed on a ventilation roll, and as the web moves, fans can process the web by blowing air through the walls of the ventilation roll. The vent roll typically has a plurality of openings that allow air to pass through the structure.

As an overview, the web (i.e., product) is typically in the form of a sheet, which is partially wound around the aeration roll of the aeration device. The web is wound around a portion of the roll, for example in the range of 90 to 360 degrees, and typically 180 to 300 degrees, around the roll. Fans/blowers are used to circulate air across the product, and ventilation rolls are typically located within the hood to optimize air flow characteristics. As the product moves with the rotating aeration roll through the active area of the device, a fan/blower circulates air through the walls of the aeration roll to treat the product. A heater may be provided to circulate heated air through the ventilation roll.

One embodiment of aeration device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1 . As shown, the aeration device 100 includes an aeration roll 10 configured to carry a web 18 and rotate about a first axis 12 . As described in more detail below, aspects of the present invention relate to an aeration device (100) having a high flow circular flow path within the device. The system includes a fan (60) that directs system air (also known as process air) along a flow path and into the ventilation rolls (10). As explained in more detail below, this circular flow path allows the overall volume of the device to be smaller than conventional venting devices.

Aerators 100 are often very large machines. For example, vent roll 10 may have a length between 1 foot and 30 feet and a diameter between 1 foot and 22 feet.

The present inventors recognized that conventional aerators generally fall into two categories: (1) small aerators, which are difficult to meet product quality requirements and may have lower production throughput; or (2) high-performance, high-throughput aeration devices that require large machine air systems that may be difficult to fit into some machine spaces. Additionally, the cost of these large and cumbersome high-performance aerator systems can be high. Additionally, large, high-performance machines also typically involve large shipping sizes from the point of manufacture and long lead times from sale to delivery, including having large void volumes during shipping due to the way conventional ducts are constructed. has Machine installation can be complex, requiring significant calendar time, technology, and building space.

By recognizing some of the problems associated with conventional designs, aspects of the present disclosure provide the benefits of lower capital costs to the consumer, shorter lead times, and a smaller overall size, meaning less building space is required. It is aimed at a compact ventilation device that includes some of the features of a large, high-performance ventilation device.

End-user product characteristics drive the need for tight air flow and temperature uniformity for ventilation devices. For example, current technology allows machine builders of vented bonders to meet high performance requirements of +/- 1.5°C for air temperature and 15% peak to peak for air pressure supplied to the products to be joined. Requires the provision of a large outside air system. As described in more detail below, in one embodiment, aeration device 100 utilizes a unique combination of different technologies to meet these high performance requirements while maintaining a small machine footprint and/or small machine volume. use.

Additionally, as described in more detail below, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a ventilation device utilizing panelized construction. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, aeration device 100 is comprised of a plurality of panels 120 that are assembled together to form aeration device 100 . The inventors have recognized that such a modular, panelized design may allow for ease of manufacturing, provide compact shipping, and/or may also improve accessibility and maintenance. Additional details regarding these panels 120 are disclosed in Figure 7 and are described in greater detail below.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, the interior of device 100 will now be described. 2 and 3 show different parts of aeration device 100 according to one embodiment. The aeration device 100 includes an aeration roll 10, a supply conduit 80, and an exhaust conduit 90. Figure 2 shows the ventilation roll 10 (with the supply conduit 80 omitted) and the exhaust conduit 90, and Figure 3 shows the ventilation roll 10 (with the exhaust conduit 90 omitted). and supply conduit 80. As an overview, air moves through supply conduit 80, through vent roll 10, and then through exhaust conduit 90. In one embodiment, this is a recirculating air path. In one embodiment, there is a make-up air damper to allow some fresh air to enter the air path and a dump to allow air to exit the air path to the atmosphere. This defines a high flow circulating air path extending through the supply conduit (80), vent roll (10), and exhaust conduit (90). As explained in more detail below, this circular flow path allows the overall volume of the device to be smaller than that of conventional aeration devices. The inventors have recognized that having a winding and/or meandering air flow path allows achieving a particular desired overall air flow path length within a smaller volume. Additional details regarding embodiments with an extraction conduit configured to dump to the atmosphere are described below and shown in Figures 12 and 13.

As shown, in one embodiment, supply conduit 80 has a first supply conduit 82 located on the right side of device 100 and a second supply conduit 84 located on the left side of device 100. Branched, the exhaust conduit 90 is configured to be interposed between the first supply conduit 82 and the second supply conduit 84. The inventors have recognized that sharing a common wall between the supply conduit 80 and the exhaust conduit 90 is one way to achieve a more compact design. In other words, the first side of the common wall may function as part of the supply conduit 80 while the second opposing side of the common wall may function as part of the exhaust conduit 90. Additional details of both the supply conduit 80 and the exhaust conduit are described below.

The inventors have recognized that this design allows ventilation device 100 to have high-performance air flow characteristics in a compact space. As shown in Figure 1, the ventilation device 100 has a length (L), a width (W), and a height (H), which together define a volume. As described further below, in one embodiment, the high flow circulating air path within the device has a length, and the ratio of the volume of the aeration device 100 to the length of the high flow circulating air path is less than 20 m2. As discussed in more detail below, the air path length determines how air molecules are vented along the centerline of the conduit (i.e., the duct network defined by vent roll 10, exhaust conduit 90, and supply conduit 80). It is calculated as the total distance traveled by a molecule of air as it circulates through the device, completing one full cycle and thus returning to its origin. As shown in FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the length L of the device 100 is defined as a dimension substantially parallel to the first axis 12 (i.e., the axis of rotation of the ventilation roll 10). In other words, the first axis 12 is substantially parallel to the length L of the ventilation device 100 .

Referring now to Figures 4-6, one embodiment of a high flow circulating air path within an aeration device is shown in greater detail. 4 illustrates the circulating air path through the exhaust conduit 90 (also known as the suction side of the main fan 60). Figure 5 illustrates the circulating air path through the supply conduit 80 (also known as the pressure side of the main fan 60). Figure 6 illustrates a hood formed by supply conduit 80 wrapped around vent roll 10. 4 and 6, air passes through the interior of the ventilation roll 10 as shown by arrow A. Air moves along the first axis 12 of the ventilation roll 10, out of the exhaust end of the roll 10 and into the exhaust conduit 90 as shown by arrows B and C.

As shown in FIG. 4 , exhaust conduit 90 may include a plurality of turning vanes 20a, 20b positioned to guide the flow of air through device 100. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that turning vanes 20a, 20b assist airflow in making smoother, more gradual changes in direction within exhaust conduit 90, resulting in reduced turbulence. Downstream of the turning vanes 20a, 20b, the exhaust conduit 90 includes a flow straightener 30 that is used to guide the flow of air by straightening the air flow within the conduit. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a flow straightener is typically a passage of duct positioned along the axis of the air stream to minimize the lateral velocity component caused by the swirling motion of the air flow. As shown, a heating source 40 may also be provided within the exhaust conduit 90 to heat the air. Air may be moved by the heating source 40 as shown by arrow D. The air then passes through a plurality of mixing plates (50) located adjacent to the heating source (40). It should be appreciated that the plurality of mixing plates 50 are configured to mix the air to distribute heat more evenly and thus achieve a more uniform temperature profile. It is contemplated that heating source 40 may be an electric heater, heat exchanger, direct stationary burner, indirect stationary burner, or any other source of heat energy.

After passing the heating source 40 and mixing plates 50, the air flow exits the exhaust conduit 90 and enters the supply conduit 80. As shown in Figure 3, air is drawn through one or more fans 60 located at the inlets of the first supply conduit 82 and the second supply conduit 84. As shown in the figure, regardless of whether the air passes through the first or second supply conduits 82, 84, the overall air flow path remains the same as shown in FIG. 5. The air initially passes upward through the supply conduit 80 as shown by arrow E and passes through a first static mixer 70a. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a static mixer is a device for continuous mixing of fluid materials without moving the components. As shown in Figure 5, the supply conduit 80 may include a plurality of turning vanes 20c and then one or more additional static mixers 70b, 70c as shown by arrow F. there is. The air flow then passes through an additional set of turning vanes 20d and extends down to the outer diameter of the ventilation roll 10 as shown by arrow G. As discussed above, the air flow path then passes through the vent roll as shown by arrow A in FIGS. 4 and 6. This recirculating air path is repeated.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exact location of components within exhaust conduit 90 and supply conduit 80 may vary depending on different embodiments. Various air mixing devices (turning vanes (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d), flow straighteners (30), mixing plates (50), and static mixers (70a, 70b, 70c) all provide flow and temperature uniformity. To help increase the performance of the ventilation device 100. In one embodiment, mixing is initiated and allowed throughout the circulating air path. There may be forced mixing upstream of fan 60 and there may also be static mixing downstream of fan 60. There may also be local directional mixing between turning vanes 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. 4 and 5, in one embodiment, turning vanes 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d direct the air path within supply conduit 80 and/or exhaust conduit 90 at least approximately 90 degrees. It is configured to rotate. It should be understood that in other embodiments, other geometries may be provided.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7 , which illustrates a panel 120 that can be used to build the walls of the ventilation device 100 . As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation device 100 may have a panelized structure including a plurality of panels 120. As shown in Figures 1 and 7, the panels 120 may have a substantially rectangular or square shape. In one embodiment, panels 120 are used to form both the exterior walls shown in FIG. 1 as well as the interior walls shown in FIGS. 2-6 that define the circulating air path. The panelized construction differs substantially from conventional ventilation devices, which are generally manufactured from traditional duct structures. Traditional duct construction may be undesirable because it typically requires large shipping sizes from the point of manufacture, and also because conventional ducts can contain a large amount of void volume during shipping due to the way they are constructed. there is. The inventors have shown that instead of individual duct sections joined together to create an air system conduit, these panels 120 can be used to create a pattern of paneled chambers to form the supply conduit 80 and exhaust conduit 90. was recognized. This can be advantageous for ease of manufacture, shipping and also ease of installation. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 7, panel 120 includes an inner panel portion 150 and an outer panel portion 160. Interposed between the inner and outer panel portions 150 and 160 are insulation portions 130 and panel standoffs 140 for rigidity. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, there may be shared common walls between the supply conduit 80 and the exhaust conduit 90. 7 , inner panel portion 150 may function as part of supply conduit 80, while outer panel portion 160 may function as part of exhaust conduit 90. It should be recognized that this may result in an overall compact vent design.

Referring now to Figures 8-11, a comparison of the overall size of aeration device 100 compared to conventional systems will now be more fully described. As mentioned above, one of the advantages of the present disclosure is that the circulating air path within device 100 allows the aeration device to have a more compact configuration compared to conventional aeration devices with comparable air path lengths. Figure 8 is a volumetric comparison of one embodiment of aeration device 100 compared to three conventional aeration bonder systems. As shown, the venting device 100 described above has a smaller length, smaller width and smaller height, which also results in a much smaller volume. 1 and 8, in one embodiment, device 100 has a substantially cubic shape.

8-11, it should be understood that the dimensions of the boxes illustrated are rectangular cubes (ie, right-angled rectangular prisms) surrounding the entire duct system and its supports. Cross-Machine Length (length L, shown in Figure 1) is the distance across the width of the web, or from the tending side to the drive side of the system's projection on the ground. It's a street. This dimension may also be referred to as Cross Direction Length. Machine Direction Length (“MD” and also width W shown in Figure 1) is the distance of the projection of the system onto the ground in the direction of movement of the produced web. The machine height is the height from the base level to the top of the duct system (height H shown in Figure 1).

9 is a front elevation comparison of one embodiment of aeration device 100 compared to three conventional aeration bonder systems. As shown, the vent 100 described above has a smaller width and height than three conventional vent bonder systems.

Finally, Figure 10 is a footprint comparison (i.e., top view) of one embodiment compared to three conventional vented bonder systems. As shown, venting device 100 has a much more compact footprint due to the smaller length and width.

Figure 11 is a chart illustrating various dimensions and data for one embodiment compared to the three conventional bonder systems shown in Figures 8-10. Air path length is measured as the total distance an air molecule must travel as it circulates through an air system along the centerline of the duct network/conduit and returns to its origin to complete one full cycle. In one particular embodiment, the air path length of the aeration device 100 described above is approximately 29.5 meters. In other embodiments, the air path length is at least approximately 20 meters, 25 meters, 30 meters, 35 meters, 40 meters, 45 meters, or 50 meters. It should be appreciated that these lengths may be adequate to provide the high performance air flow requirements described above. In particular, the chart of FIG. 11 illustrates that, for one embodiment of the aeration device 100, the ratio of the volume of the aeration device to the length of the high flow circulating air path is less than 20 m 2 . This contrasts with conventional bonders A, B, and C, where the ratio of the volume of the ventilation device to the air path length is all between 30 and 40 m2. In particular, for conventional bonder A, the ratio of the volume of the ventilation device to the air path length is 36.9 m2, for conventional bonder B, the ratio of the volume of the ventilation device to the air path length is 32.7 m2, and finally, , for the conventional bonder C, the ratio of the volume of the ventilation device to the air path length is 30.0 m2.

It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the ratio of the volume of the ventilation device to the length of the high flow circulating air path is less than 30 m2. In other embodiments, the ratio of the volume of the ventilation device to the length of the high flow circulating air path is less than 20 m2, 15 m2, 10 m2, or 5 m2. As shown in Figure 11, in one embodiment, the ratio of the volume of the ventilation device to the length of the high flow circulating air path is approximately 10.3 m2.

Referring now to FIG. 12 , one embodiment of an aeration device comprising an extraction conduit 170 in fluid communication with a high flow circulating air path will now be described. As shown, extraction conduit 170 includes an outlet 172 configured to extract air within device 100 to the atmosphere. Extracting air to the atmosphere can ensure proper balance in the ventilation system. The amount of air extracted to the atmosphere may be a function of product permeability, combustion process, and/or other variables.

The location of the extraction conduit 170 and how the air is being removed can affect the overall efficiency of the system. As shown, in this particular embodiment, extraction conduit 170 is located proximate to exhaust conduit 90 which can minimize pressure loss within the circulating air path. However, in other embodiments, it is contemplated that the extraction conduit 170 is located adjacent to other portions of the high flow circulating air path, such as, but not limited to, the supply conduit 80 and the vent roll 10.

As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 , there is a diverter 174 in the extraction conduit 170 configured to help control the amount of air being extracted through outlet 172 to the atmosphere. In one embodiment, diverter 174 is capable of extending and retracting into exhaust conduit 170 to control the amount of air extracted to the atmosphere. As shown in Figure 12, the diverter may include a curved portion, for example, may be scoop-shaped to guide air through the extraction conduit to outlet 172. It is contemplated that diverter 174 may also be configured to minimize pressure loss within the circulating air path. As also shown in FIG. 12 , there may be a plurality of turning vanes 176 positioned within the extraction conduit 170 to guide the flow of air through the extraction conduit 170 and further reduce pressure loss. Additionally, as discussed above, fans and/or dampers may be provided within the high flow circulating air path to control the rate of air flow through device 100.

13 shows another embodiment of an aeration device with an extraction conduit 170. Many of the components shown in FIG. 13 are similar to the previously described components shown in FIG. 12 and are therefore given the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, extraction conduit 170 includes a first outlet 178 configured to extract air within the device to the atmosphere. In this particular embodiment, the first outlet 178 is located on the rear side of the extraction conduit 170 compared to the outlet 172 shown in FIG. 12 which is located on the front side of the extraction conduit 170. As shown, there may be a plurality of turning vanes 176 positioned within the extraction conduit to direct the flow of air through the extraction conduit 170 and out through the first outlet 178. As shown in FIG. 13 , turning vanes 176 may be inclined or curved backwards toward outlet 178 (this is in contrast to turning vanes 176 shown in FIG. 12 which are inclined forward toward outlet 172 ). lim).

In one embodiment, the extraction conduit 170 shown in FIG. 13 also includes a second outlet 180 configured to inspect the interior of the device. As shown in FIG. 13 , second outlet 180 may include an inspection door that can be selectively opened by an operator to provide access into the circulating air path. The inventors have recognized that it may be desirable to have a second outlet 180 spaced apart from the first outlet 178 so that the interior of the device can be inspected. As shown, extraction conduit 170 may include a branched conduit including a first outlet 178 and a second outlet 180 which, together with an adjacent exhaust conduit 90, may be substantially connected to each other. It is considered that it may be T-shaped. It should be understood that the first and second outlets 178, 180 may also be configured to extract air from either or both the first or second outlets 178, 180 to the atmosphere.

Figure 14 illustrates one embodiment of a ventilation device similar to the previously described ventilation device shown in Figure 1, and thus similar components are given the same reference numerals. 14 further illustrates an external support system 200 coupled to the supply conduit 80 and the exhaust conduit 90, where the external support system 200 supports the supply conduit 80 and the exhaust conduit 90 to the ground. It is configured to be fixed to (210). As discussed above, supply conduit 80 and exhaust conduit 90 may have a compact design with shared common walls. As discussed above and as shown in FIG. 14, these supply and exhaust conduits 80, 90 may be made of a plurality of panels 120 that form the outer wall of the ventilation device 100. It should be noted that the interior of the supply conduit 80 and exhaust conduit 90 are not visible in FIG. 14 . In this particular embodiment, the external support system 200 includes a plurality of vertical columns and horizontal beams including a frame system extending between the supply conduit 80 and exhaust conduit 90 and the ground 210. . As noted below, other types of external support systems may be used in other embodiments. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 , all load bearing surfaces from the supply conduit 80 and exhaust conduit 90 to the external support system 200 are in a common horizontal plane 220 . As shown, common horizontal plane 220 is substantially parallel to ground 210 .

In contrast, in previous vent designs, the inventors have recognized that the load bearing surfaces of the air system (i.e., supply conduit and exhaust conduit) relative to the external support system are not all in a common horizontal plane. For example, in previous designs, load bearing surfaces were located in multiple planes. In previous designs, expansion relief joints were typically required at the load-bearing surfaces to compensate for thermal growth in the ventilator. The inventors have recognized that this is undesirable. The inventors have discovered that one of the advantages of having all the load bearing surfaces of the supply conduit 80 and exhaust conduit 90 for the external support system 200 in a common horizontal plane 220 as shown in FIG. 14 is the expansion relief. It was further recognized that the need for joints was eliminated. The common horizontal plane 220 can also utilize a single central fixed support that minimizes thermal expansion near the vent roll 10, which also reduces the required seal gap clearance around the roll 10 and improves process efficiency. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, other types of external support systems may be utilized with the unique common horizontal plane 220 mentioned above, as the present disclosure is not so limited.

In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the aeration device 100 also includes a cart 14 configured to receive the aeration roll 10 . As shown, cart 14 may include a plurality of wheels 16, such that cart 14 slides out of device 100 (along first axis 12) to transport aeration roll 10. It is configured for loading onto a cart (14). The cart 14 and aeration roll 10 are then configured to slide into the aeration device. It should be appreciated that the cart 14 configuration may allow the aeration roll 10 to be more easily accessed for maintenance.

It should be understood that the specific type of vent roll 10 may vary as the present disclosure is not so limited. In one embodiment, the vent roll 10 may be a trough style roll, as may be obtained from Valmet Inc. (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,038, incorporated by reference in its entirety). In other embodiments, the vent roll 10 may be configured differently and may be, for example, a HONEYCOMB ROLL®, available from Valmet Inc.

Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 2-5 , in one exemplary embodiment, ventilation roll 10 has a single exhaust end coupled to exhaust conduit 90. It should also be appreciated that the concepts described above may be incorporated into venting devices having different exhaust configurations, including but not limited to dual exhaust end configurations. Moreover, although an axial exhaust configuration is shown in Figures 2-5, it is contemplated that the device may include an axial or radial exhaust configuration.

Additionally, since the present invention is not so limited, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that in one embodiment, the above-described aeration device may be used in an aeration bonder, and in another embodiment, the above-described aeration device may be used in an aeration dryer. will recognize

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will recognize various other means and/or methods for obtaining one or more of the functions and/or results and/or advantages described herein. Structures will readily be envisioned, and each such variation and/or modification is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to ascertain, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present invention relates to each individual feature, system, article, material, and/or method described herein. Additionally, any combination of such features, systems, articles, materials, and/or methods may be used herein, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent. included within the scope of the invention.

All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or the ordinary meaning of the defined term.

As used in this specification and claims, “a” and “an” should be understood to mean “at least one,” unless clearly stated to the contrary.

As used in the specification and claims, the phrase “and/or” refers to “either or both” of the elements so combined, i.e., elements that exist contiguously in some instances and disjunctively in others. It should be understood to mean. Unless clearly indicated to the contrary, elements other than those specifically identified by the “and/or” clause may optionally be present, which may or may not be related to the elements specifically identified.

All references, patents, patent applications, and publications cited or referred to in this application are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims (26)

As a high-performance ventilation device,
a ventilation roll configured to rotate about a first axis;
a high flow circulating air path within the aeration device including a path extending through a supply conduit, through the aeration roll, and also through an exhaust conduit;
a plurality of turning vanes located within the high flow circulation path positioned to guide the flow of air through the ventilation device;
Includes,
The ventilation device has a length, width and height that together define a volume with a compact configuration;
The high-flow circulating air path within the aeration device has a length, and the ratio of the volume of the aeration device to the length of the high-flow circulating air path is less than 20 m2. In claim 1,
A high performance aeration device, further comprising one or more flow straighteners positioned within the high flow return air path positioned to direct the flow of air through the aeration device. In claim 1,
and wherein the vent roll has a single vent end coupled to the vent conduit. In claim 1,
A high performance ventilating device having a panelized structure comprising a plurality of panels assembled together to form the venting device. In claim 1,
The first axis is parallel to the length of the ventilation device. In claim 1,
wherein the supply conduit of the high flow circulating air path within the aeration device branches to include a first supply conduit located to the right of the aeration device and a second supply conduit located to the left of the aeration device. Aeration device. In claim 6,
wherein the exhaust conduit is interposed between the first supply conduit and the second supply conduit. In claim 6,
and wherein the second supply conduit is a mirror image of the first supply conduit. In claim 6,
The first supply conduit located to the right of the aeration device includes a first set of turning vanes configured to rotate the air path and a second set of turning vanes configured to rotate the air path. Aeration device. In claim 9,
The second supply conduit located to the left of the aeration device includes a third set of turning vanes configured to rotate the air path, and a fourth set of turning vanes configured to rotate the air path. High-performance ventilation device. In claim 9,
wherein the first and second sets of turning vanes are each configured to rotate the air path within the first supply conduit by at least 90 degrees. In claim 1,
A high performance aeration device, further comprising one or more static mixers in the high flow circulating air path positioned to direct the flow of air through the aeration device. In claim 2,
wherein the exhaust conduit further includes a heating source, and the one or more flow straighteners are positioned adjacent the heating source. In claim 1,
The exhaust conduit further includes a heating source, and the exhaust conduit further includes a plurality of mixing plates adjacent the heating source. In claim 1,
Wherein the ratio of the volume of the aeration device to the length of the high flow circulating air path is less than 10 m2. In claim 1,
further comprising a cart configured to receive the ventilation roll,
The cart has a plurality of wheels, and the cart and the aeration roll are configured to slide into the aeration device. In claim 1,
A high-performance ventilation device, wherein the ventilation device has a cubic shape. In claim 1,
further comprising an extraction conduit in fluid communication with the high flow circulating air path,
Wherein the extraction conduit is configured to extract air inside the aeration device to the atmosphere. In claim 18,
wherein the extraction conduit is located proximate to the exhaust conduit. In claim 18,
wherein the extraction conduit comprises a branched conduit comprising a first outlet configured to extract air within the aeration device to the atmosphere and a second outlet configured for inspection of the interior of the aeration device. In claim 20,
A high-performance ventilation device, wherein the branched conduit is T-shaped. In claim 18,
further comprising a diverter within the extraction conduit,
Wherein the diverter is capable of extending and retracting into the exhaust conduit to help control the amount of air extracted to the atmosphere. In claim 18,
A high performance aeration device, further comprising a plurality of turning vanes positioned within the extraction conduit to guide the flow of air through the extraction conduit. In claim 18,
A high performance aeration device, further comprising at least one of a fan and a damper in the high flow return air path configured to control the rate of air flow through the aeration device. In claim 1,
further comprising an external support system coupled to the supply conduit and the exhaust conduit,
The external support system is configured to secure the supply conduit and the exhaust conduit to the ground, and wherein all load bearing surfaces from the supply conduit and the exhaust conduit to the external support system are in a common horizontal plane. In claim 25,
The common horizontal plane of the external support system allows the use of a single fixed support.

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