Method for Energy Optimization of the Drying Process of Products Treated with Organic Solvent-Containing Substances

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This patent describes an energy-efficient drying method for products treated with substances containing organic solvents. The method involves heating the product using infrared (IR) radiation to evaporate the solvent, extracting the resulting solvent vapor, burning at least part of the vapor in a specialized burner, and using the IR radiation generated during combustion to further heat the product. The process is designed to avoid the formation of explosive mixtures and minimize the need for external energy sources by utilizing the energy content of the solvent vapor itself.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Coil coating processes in the metal industry (e.g., drying painted aluminum sheets)
• Industrial drying of products coated with solvent-based materials, such as textiles, films, or laminates
• Printing industry where solvent-based inks are used
• Manufacturing lines dealing with solvent-laden coatings, adhesives, or resins
• Waste treatment systems where organic solvent evaporation needs safe and energy-efficient handling

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significant reduction in external energy (fuel) consumption by using the evaporated solvent as a fuel source
• Minimization of explosion risks by operating above the upper explosive limit and/or carefully controlling system pressure and oxygen ingress
• Enhanced process safety compared to conventional drying approaches
• Efficient direct use of the heat generated by solvent vapor combustion via IR radiation, leading to better heat transfer and energy savings
• Lower exhaust gas volumes, reducing the burden on emission handling and air treatment systems
• Potential for recovery and reuse of excess solvent vapor, reducing waste and operational costs

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a method for drying a product (2) in a drying system, the product (2) having been treated with a substance containing an organic solvent, said method comprising the steps: a) heating the product (2) by means of infrared radiation (21) and evaporating the solvent, forming a solvent vapour; b) discharging the solvent vapour from the drying system; c) supplying at least a part of the solvent vapour to a burner (3) and burning the solvent vapour with the burner (3); and d) using the infrared radiation arising during the combustion of the solvent vapour (21) to heat the product (2) in step a).