U.S. patent application number 16/469755 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-12 for device for humidifying an air stream.
The applicant listed for this patent is EISENMANN SE, LAVAIR AG KLIMATECHNIK. Invention is credited to Peter Averhage, Michael Gunkel, Stephan Herrmann, Karl Maier, Norbert Pakatchi.
Application Number | 20200080736 16/469755 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60654971 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-12 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200080736 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herrmann; Stephan ; et
al. |
March 12, 2020 |
DEVICE FOR HUMIDIFYING AN AIR STREAM
Abstract
A device for conditioning room air and/or process air, having a
nozzle system that has a plurality of nozzles arranged in one or
more nozzle branches, for atomising liquid, and at least one pump
by means of which the liquid being atomised is pressurised, wherein
said nozzles are designed as swirl nozzles and/or the pump applies
a pressure to the liquid being atomised of between 3 and 50 bar.
The liquid, particularly water, can be atomised particularly finely
and a good degree of evaporation can be achieved, as a result of
which the amount of water loss is also reduced. The device has a
low susceptibility to failure, a long pump service life and low
maintenance requirements.
Inventors: |
Herrmann; Stephan;
(Waiblingen, DE) ; Pakatchi; Norbert; (Radolfzell
am Bodensee, DE) ; Gunkel; Michael; (Hildrizhausen,
DE) ; Averhage; Peter; (Waiblingen, DE) ;
Maier; Karl; (Tengen, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EISENMANN SE
LAVAIR AG KLIMATECHNIK |
Boblingen
Aach |
|
DE
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
60654971 |
Appl. No.: |
16/469755 |
Filed: |
December 8, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
December 8, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2017/082065 |
371 Date: |
June 14, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02B 30/545 20130101;
F24F 2006/146 20130101; F24F 6/14 20130101; F24F 11/0008
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00; F24F 6/14 20060101 F24F006/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 15, 2016 |
DE |
10 2016 124 478.3 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for humidifying an air stream, comprising: (a) a
nozzle system which has multiple nozzles for atomizing liquid, (b)
at least one pump, by means of which the liquid to be atomized is
subjected to pressure, wherein (c) the multiple nozzles are
designed in the form of swirl nozzles which are arranged in one or
more nozzle bars, and/or (d) the at least one pump is designed such
that the pressure of the liquid to be atomized is between 3 and 50
bar.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzles are
designed in the form of simplex nozzles.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multiple
nozzles each have at least one filter apparatus, which is
integrated into the nozzle.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one
pump is designed in the form of a centrifugal pump.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one
pump is designed in the form of a reciprocating-piston pump.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure
provided by the at least one pump is between 20 and 50 bar.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure
provided by the at least one pump is between 3 and 30 bar.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multiple
nozzles are arranged on a nozzle assembly which is equipped with
turbulators.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the turbulators are
arranged upstream of the multiple nozzles in the air stream.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at
least one adjustment apparatus for setting the orientation of one
or more of the multiple nozzles of the nozzle system.
11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein nozzles from the
multiple nozzles of a first nozzle bar have a degree of atomization
which differs from the degree of atomization of nozzles from the
multiple nozzles of a second nozzle bar.
12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein nozzles of the
multiple nozzles which follow one another along a nozzle bar each
have a different orientation.
13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
control apparatus, the control apparatus regulating the supply of
liquid to the multiple nozzles.
14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein multiple nozzle
bars are each coupled to a valve apparatus, by means of which the
supply of liquid to the corresponding nozzle bar is able to be
regulated.
15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein provision is made
of at least one sensor which is coupled to the control apparatus
and which serves for measuring humidity in the air stream.
16. An installation for the treatment of workpieces comprising: a
conditioning apparatus for waste air, wherein the conditioning
apparatus comprises an apparatus for humidifying an air stream as
claimed in claim 1.
17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressure
provided by the at least one pump is between 8 and 25 bar.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for humidifying an air
stream, having a nozzle system which has multiple nozzles for
atomizing liquid, and having at least one pump, by means of which
the liquid to be atomized is subjected to pressure, and to an
installation for the treatment of workpieces.
[0002] DE 41 10 550 C2 describes a device for humidifying air with
pressurized water, which consists of a supply container for the
water, a housing which is situated thereabove and through which the
air flows, a nozzle assembly arranged therein and a steplessly
regulable pump which delivers the water to said nozzle
assembly.
[0003] DE 42 291 72 C1 discloses an apparatus for humidifying an
air stream of an air-handling facility, in particular a process air
installation or room air installation, having a spray nozzle
arrangement for liquid atomization, in particular water
atomization, which has multiple spray nozzles, which are arranged
adjacent to one another with respect to the direction of air flow
and are situated in the air flow.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
apparatus for air humidification which, with regard to its
functionality, is improved in comparison with the prior art and is
particularly suitable for industrial use.
[0005] Said object is achieved by an apparatus of the type
mentioned in the introduction, wherein the nozzles are designed in
the form of swirl nozzles and are arranged in one or more nozzle
bars, and/or wherein the pump is designed such that the pressure of
the liquid to be atomized is between 3 and 50 bar. In this way,
fine atomization by the nozzles and/or a good degree of evaporation
can be achieved. At the same time, the quantity of water lost can
be reduced. The apparatus according to the invention is furthermore
distinguished by low susceptibility to faults, a long service life
of the pump and low maintenance effort. Moreover, the operating and
investment costs for the apparatus according to the invention are
relatively low, in particular in comparison with known air washers,
high-pressure humidifiers or hybrid humidifiers.
[0006] Advantageously, the nozzles may be designed in the form of
simplex nozzles. In this way, the robustness of the apparatus in
relation to light water impurities and the suitability for
industrial use can be further improved.
[0007] In an advantageous configuration, the nozzles may each have
at least one filter apparatus, which is integrated into the nozzle.
In this way, a compact design can be achieved and the robustness
can be further increased.
[0008] Preferably, the pump may be designed in the form of a
centrifugal pump. In this way, it is possible for the maintenance
effort to be further reduced and for the pump service lives to be
increased.
[0009] It may be expedient for the pump to be designed in the form
of a reciprocating-piston pump.
[0010] Advantageously, the pressure provided by the pump may be
between 20 and 50 bar. In this pressure range, it is possible to
achieve relatively fine atomization of the liquid with advantageous
operating costs.
[0011] The apparatus can be operated particularly favorably if the
pressure provided by the pump is between 3 and 30 bar, preferably
between 8 and 25. In this way, a favorable drop spectrum of the
atomization can be achieved, wherein, in particular in the case of
centrifugal pumps being used, the maintenance effort and the
operating costs are relatively low and the pump service lives are
relatively long.
[0012] The effectiveness of the humidification of the air stream
can be further improved if the nozzles are arranged on a nozzle
assembly which is equipped with turbulators.
[0013] It is particularly favorable for the humidification of the
air stream if the turbulators are arranged upstream of the nozzles
in the air stream.
[0014] Advantageously, the apparatus for humidifying the air stream
may have at least one adjustment apparatus for setting the
orientation of one or more nozzles of the nozzle system.
[0015] One solution which is particularly favorable with regard to
different humidity requirements is provided if the nozzles of a
first nozzle bar have a degree of atomization which differs from
the degree of atomization of the nozzles of a second nozzle
bar.
[0016] It may be expedient if nozzles which follow one another
along a nozzle bar each have a different orientation.
[0017] Advantageously, a control apparatus may be provided, with
the aid of which the supply of liquid to the nozzles is able to be
regulated, for example via the regulation of the pump rotational
speed. The atomization pressure and/or the volume flow may be set
in a manner dependent on the pump rotational speed.
[0018] It is preferably possible for multiple nozzle bars to each
be coupled to a valve apparatus, with the aid of which the supply
of liquid to the corresponding nozzle bar is able to be regulated.
In this way, the nozzle bars can be individually operated in a
clocked manner and/or activated or deactivated, whereby a variable
and particularly efficient operation of the apparatus is made
possible.
[0019] One solution which is particularly favorable in terms of
regulation is provided if provision is made of at least one sensor
which is coupled to the control apparatus and which serves for
measuring humidity in the air stream, preferably in the humidified
air stream.
[0020] Further advantageous configurations of the invention will
emerge from the following description. Here, exemplary embodiments
of the invention will be discussed in more detail on the basis of
the drawing without being restricted thereto. In the figures, in a
simplified schematic illustration:
[0021] FIG. 1 shows the structure of an air-conditioning system in
a basic illustration;
[0022] FIG. 2 shows a part of a nozzle assembly in a perspective
view;
[0023] FIG. 3 shows a turbulator apparatus in a perspective
view;
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a part of a nozzle assembly with a nozzle and
with a turbulator apparatus in a sectional view;
[0025] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a nozzle with a spray cone;
[0026] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a nozzle, around which air
flows, with a spray cone;
[0027] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a nozzle, around which air
flows, with a spray cone and with a turbulator apparatus;
[0028] FIG. 8 shows a nozzle assembly with multiple nozzle bars in
a perspective view;
[0029] FIG. 9 shows a nozzle assembly with multiple nozzle bars in
a perspective view;
[0030] FIG. 10 shows a nozzle bar in a perspective view;
[0031] FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal section of a treatment facility
for the treatment of vehicle bodies with a treatment tunnel which
is supplied with conditioned process air by means of an air-supply
device, said conditioned process air having been conditioned by
means of a conditioning apparatus, wherein the conditioning
apparatus comprises an air-conditioning system as per FIGS. 1 to
9.
[0032] FIG. 1 shows the basic structure of an air-conditioning
system for conditioning room and/or process air, which comprises an
apparatus for humidifying an air stream. The apparatus for
humidifying an air stream is, as per the example shown, designed in
the form of an air humidification device 4 having a reaction
chamber 6 and having a control apparatus 48. The reaction chamber 6
has an inlet 92 and an outlet 94 for the air stream. The air stream
to be conditioned is supplied to the air humidification device 4,
as indicated by the arrow 10, on the side of the inlet 92 and flows
through the reaction chamber 6 of the air humidication device 4 in
the direction of the arrows 10, 12. In the reaction chamber 6, the
air is conducted through a nozzle system 8 having multiple nozzles
14, wherein the nozzles are arranged in a so-called nozzle assembly
30. For the purpose of humidifying the air stream, a liquid,
preferably water, is atomized by means of the nozzles 14, wherein
the atomized liquid can be taken up by the air as moisture. On the
side of the outlet 94, the conditioned air stream exits the air
humidification device 4, as indicated by the arrow 12.
[0033] Water is supplied via supply lines 32 to the nozzles 14
arranged in the reaction chamber 6, wherein, by means of a pump 34,
the water is subjected to pressure and is pumped from a water
inflow 38 to the nozzles 14 of the nozzle system 8. It is possible
to provide in the water inflow 38 a fine filter, for example for
particles having a diameter of up to 10 .mu.m. Preferably, the
nozzle system 8 has multiple nozzle bars 28, wherein a nozzle bar
28 has in each case multiple nozzles 14. In the example shown, the
nozzle bars 28 extend perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.
One or more valve apparatuses 36 are provided between the pump 34
and the nozzles 14, wherein preferably, in each case one valve
apparatus 36 is provided per nozzle bar 28. As per the example
shown in FIG. 1, each nozzle bar 28 has a supply line 32 which is
provided with a valve apparatus 36. A valve apparatus 36 may be
designed for example in the form of a two/two-way valve. In the
example shown, the pump 34 and the valve apparatuses 36 are coupled
to the control apparatus 48. By means of the control apparatus 48,
it is possible in particular for the supply of liquid to the
nozzles 14 to be regulated.
[0034] The fact that the nozzles 14 are designed in the form of
swirl nozzles, preferably in the form of simplex nozzles, means
that the atomized liquid is able to form a very fine drop spectrum
even at relatively low pressure. A relatively fine atomization can
be achieved for example even starting from a pressure of
approximately 3 bar. Ideally, the liquid to be atomized is
subjected to a pressure in a range from approximately 3 bar to
approximately 50 bar. Depending on the configuration of the pump
and of the nozzle system 8, operation in a pressure range from
approximately 20 bar to approximately 50 bar can be an advantage.
Basically, the fineness of the atomized liquid spray and the
evaporation, in particular of water, increase with increasing
pressure. The use of swirl nozzles is particularly advantageous if
the pump 34 is designed in the form of a centrifugal pump,
preferably in the form of a multi-stage centrifugal pump. In the
case of the use, described here, in an air humidication system 4,
multi-stage centrifugal pumps are able to provide a pressure of up
to approximately 45 bar. Accordingly, it can be an advantage if the
liquid to be atomized is subjected to a pressure in a range from
approximately 3 bar to approximately 30 bar, preferably between 8
bar and 25 bar. In a further configuration, it is possible to
provide a reciprocating-piston pump as a pump 34 for the nozzle
system 8 of the air humidification device 4.
[0035] In the example shown, a straightener 16 for the air stream
is provided in the entry region of the air humidification device 4,
that is to say in a manner arranged upstream of the nozzle system 8
in the direction of the air stream. If appropriate, such a
straightener 16 may be dispensed with. Provided in the exit region
of the air humidification device 4, that is in a manner arranged
downstream of the nozzle system 8 in the direction of the air
stream, is preferably a separating system 18, with the aid of which
water not taken up by the air can be separated off. The separating
system 18 may, for example, be of single- or two-stage design. In
the example shown, the separating system 18 is of two-stage design
and has an agglomerator 20 and a drop separator 22 which is
arranged downstream of the agglomerator 20. The agglomerator 20
serves in particular for the separation and subsequent
post-evaporation of fine drops from an aerosol. For this purpose,
the agglomerator 20 may have for example at least one stainless
steel mesh and/or plastic mesh, through which the air or the
aerosol flows. If the agglomerator 20 is wetted with water, then it
may also serve as a post-evaporator and reduce variations in the
humidification of the air. For the purpose of collecting and/or
discharging residual water, the air humidification device 4 may be
equipped with a pan 24, which, in the example shown, has a fill
level sensor 26 and a water outflow 40. In the exemplary embodiment
shown, a valve (not separately provided with a reference sign) is
provided in the water outflow 40 such that the fill level in the
pan 24 increases when the valve is closed, said valve being opened
in the presence of a sensor signal of the sensor 26 so that the
residual water can flow out. In one modification (not shown
separately), the water outflow 40 may also be designed in the form
of a constantly open overflow, with the result that the valve in
the water outflow 40 and also the fill level sensor 26 may be
dispensed with. However, the fill level sensor 26 may also be used
with an overflow in order, possibly, to be able to detect a
blockage of the water outflow 40 if the water level in the pan 24
increases.
[0036] Arranged on the exit side of the air humidification device
4, that is to say preferably in a manner arranged downstream of the
separating system 18, is at least one sensor apparatus 42. Said
exit-side sensor apparatus 42 may have a moisture sensor and/or a
temperature sensor. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible
for at least one second sensor apparatus 44 to be arranged on the
entry side of the air humidification device 4, which second sensor
apparatus preferably has a moisture sensor. With the aid of these
sensor apparatuses 42, 44, the moisture content and/or the
temperature in the air stream can be detected. The sensor
apparatuses 42, 44 are coupled to the control apparatus 48.
[0037] A pressure sensor 46 for detecting the water pressure is
provided between the pump 34 and the nozzles 14. This at least one
pressure sensor 46 is coupled to the control apparatus 48.
[0038] The one or more sensor apparatuses 42, 44, coupled to the
control apparatus 48, and/or the pressure sensor 46 transmit(s)
signals to the control apparatus 48, wherein it is possible for the
signals to be processed by the control apparatus 48 and used for
the regulation of the air humidification device 4. For regulating
the air humidification device 4, the control apparatus 48 transmits
adjustment signals to actuators of the air humidification device 4,
for example to the pump 34, an adjustment apparatus 80 (see FIGS. 9
and 10) for the nozzles 14 and/or one or more valve apparatuses
36.
[0039] For regulating the air humidification device 4, it is
preferably possible for use to be made of measurement values of the
humidity sensor of the exit-side sensor apparatus 42. Since
adiabatic cooling is realized in the reaction chamber 6, it may be
expedient if, additionally, use is made of measurement values of a
temperature sensor of the exit-side sensor apparatus 42. The
regulation accuracy can be further improved if, additionally, use
is made of measurement values of the moisture sensor of the
inlet-side sensor apparatus 44.
[0040] The control apparatus 48 may be provided with a user
interface and preferably has display and operator control
elements.
[0041] The liquid stream flowing into the nozzle system 8, in
particular a water stream, can be set by means of the control
apparatus 48. Preferably here, the liquid atomization is adapted to
the humidity requirements, that is to say to the requirements for
the conditioned air, by clocked operation of the individual nozzle
bars. The three nozzle bars 28 of the air humidification device 4
are able to be activated separately in accordance with the
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
[0042] The activation of the nozzle bars 28 can be realized for
example in accordance with the procedure described below or a
modification thereof: In a manner dependent on the humidity
requirements for the conditioning of the air stream, in the case of
an increasing humidity requirement, firstly a first nozzle bar 28,
for example the highest nozzle bar 28, is activated and is
subjected to pulse width modulation at a ratio of 0 to 100%, with a
minimum pulse width taken into consideration. If the humidification
capacity with permanent valve opening for the first nozzle bar 28
is insufficient, then a second nozzle bar 28, for example the
nozzle bar 28 situated below the first one, is activated and is
subjected to pulse width modulation in an identical or similar
manner. Further nozzle bars 28 are activated in accordance with
this principle until all the nozzle bars 28 are completely open and
the maximum humidification capacity of the air humidification
device 4 has thereby been set. In the case of a decreasing humidity
requirement, the individual nozzle bars 28 are, in an analogous
procedure, deactivated in succession in reverse order or
deactivated simultaneously.
[0043] The pressure, provided by the pump 34, of the liquid can be
detected by means of the pressure sensor 46 and, for example via
the rotational speed of the pump 34, set to a predefined value. In
the case of part load, it is possible under some circumstances that
the delivery rate of the pump 34 is so low that, even at a minimum
rotational speed of the pump 34, the predefined pressure is
exceeded. For such a case, a bypass duct (not illustrated in more
detail) having an activatable proportional valve may be provided,
with the aid of which the pressure can be adjusted in a regulated
manner to the predefined value. Even if all the valve apparatuses
36 are closed, it is possible for pressure to be released via the
bypass duct in this manner. Additionally, for the purpose of
preventing pressure overloading in the event of a defect of the
proportional valve, it is possible for a further bypass duct having
an overflow valve to be provided. In a simplified configuration
without an activatable proportional valve, the overflow valve may
also be used for pressure regulation, wherein the pump 34 can be
operated with rotational speed regulation or at constant rotational
speed.
[0044] FIG. 2 shows, in a perspective view, a part of a nozzle
assembly 30 with a nozzle 14 which is arranged on a section of a
distributing line 50 of the nozzle assembly 30. Such a distributing
line 50 may be equipped with multiple further nozzles 14 (not
illustrated in more detail here). In the example shown, the nozzle
14 is arranged in a tube piece 52. The head 58 of the nozzle 14
projects from the tube piece 52 and has an outlet opening 56. The
tube piece 52, for example a sleeve, is connected to the
distributing line 50, wherein the tube piece 52 may expediently be
welded to the distributing line 50. In the example shown, the tube
piece 52 has an outer thread 54, with the aid of which an
attachment part can be fastened to the tube piece 52. The nozzle 14
is expediently designed in the form of a swirl nozzle and may have
a swirl body (not illustrated in more detail), which is arranged in
the interior of the nozzle 14. The tube piece 52 may have an inner
thread (not illustrated in more detail), into which the nozzle 14
can be screwed. In the case of a swirl nozzle or a simplex nozzle,
the liquid to be atomized passes through the outlet opening 56 of
the nozzle 14 preferably as a rotating liquid film ring and
subsequently forms a liquid film cone, which, owing to its
instability, disintegrates into small liquid droplets.
[0045] FIG. 3 shows, in a perspective view, a turbulator apparatus
60 for influencing the air flow at a nozzle 14, on the head 58 of
which an outlet opening 56 for water is provided. The turbulator
apparatus 60 has at least one fixed wing 62 and may be designed for
example in the form of a sheet metal part. In the example shown,
the turbulator apparatus 60 has multiple wings 62. Said wings 62
serve as turbulators for the air flow and are arranged upstream of
the nozzle 14, in particular the outlet opening 56 of the nozzle
14, in the air stream. The turbulator apparatus 60 may expediently
be screwed onto an outer thread 54 of the tube piece 52
accommodating the nozzle 14 (see FIG. 2). Here, the turbulator
apparatus 60 is designed and arranged such that the wings 62 have a
swirl direction which counteracts unscrewing of the turbulator
apparatus 60 from the outer thread 54.
[0046] FIG. 4 shows, in a simplified sectional view, a distributing
line 50 of a nozzle assembly 30 with a tube piece 52 which carries
a nozzle 14. In the example shown, the nozzle assembly is equipped
with turbulators. For this purpose, it is possible, as illustrated
in FIG. 4, for the pipe piece 52 to be equipped with a turbulator
apparatus 60 which has multiple turbulators which are designed in
the form of wings 62. A nozzle 14, in the head 58 of which an
outlet opening 56 for water is provided, is screwed in the tube
piece 52. Provided between the nozzle 14 and the tube piece 52 is a
sealing apparatus 64, which can preferably be designed in the form
of an O-ring.
[0047] The nozzle 14 shown in FIG. 4 is designed in the form of a
simplex nozzle. This simplex nozzle is equipped with at least one
filter apparatus, wherein, in the example shown, the nozzle 14 has
a primary filter 68 and a secondary filter (which is not
illustrated in more detail). The primary filter 68 comprises a
so-called drop stop, as is known per se. In this way, the function
of a kind of overpressure valve is achieved, such that, below a
threshold pressure, no water can emerge. Preferably, the at least
one filter apparatus is integrated into the nozzle 14.
[0048] A swirl body (not illustrated in more detail) may be
provided in the interior of the simplex nozzle in a manner arranged
downstream of the at least one filter apparatus, said swirl body
being provided on its side which faces the outlet opening 56 of the
nozzle 14 with one or more ducts 66 for the liquid. The water is
able to pass to the outlet opening 56 of the nozzle 14 through the
at least one duct 66.
[0049] In one exemplary configuration for an industrial
application, the tube piece 52 may have a diameter of approximately
2 to 3 cm, wherein the distributing line 50 of the nozzle assembly
30 may have a diameter of approximately 5 cm, and wherein the
turbulator apparatus 60 may generally have an outer diameter of up
to 30 cm.
[0050] FIGS. 5 to 7 show side views of a nozzle 14 for atomizing
water in a highly simplified basic illustration, wherein the nozzle
14 is arranged on a nozzle assembly 30. The water emerging from the
nozzle 14 forms a spray cone 70, 74 or 78, wherein the spray cones
70, 74 and 78 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 each differ from one another. A
measure for the size of such a spray cone 70, 74 or 78 is for
example the opening angle thereof.
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates, by way of example, the spray cone 70 of
the nozzle 14 if air does not flow around the latter.
[0052] FIG. 6 shows the nozzle 14 in an air flow 72, wherein the
spray direction of the nozzle 14 is oriented in the direction of
the main flow direction of the air flow 72. Due to the air flow 72,
the opening angle of the spray cone 74 of the nozzle 14 shown in
FIG. 6 is less than the opening angle of the spray cone 70 of the
nozzle 14 without air flow as per FIG. 5.
[0053] FIG. 7 shows the nozzle 14 in an air flow 76, wherein
provision is made of a turbulator apparatus 60 for influencing the
air flow 76. In FIG. 7, for greater clarity, the wings of the
turbulator apparatus 60, which wings form the turbulators, are not
provided with reference signs. Due to the effect of the turbulator
apparatus 60 on the air flow 76, the opening angle of the spray
cone 78 as per FIG. 7 is greater than the opening angle of the
spray cone 74 as per FIG. 6. In a corresponding configuration of
the turbulator apparatus 60, the air flow 76 can be influenced such
that the opening angle of the spray cone as per FIG. 7 is greater
than the opening angle of the spray cone 70 for a nozzle 14 without
air flow as per FIG. 5. In the example shown, the turbulator
apparatus 60 is arranged directly upstream of the nozzle 14 in the
air flow 76.
[0054] FIGS. 8 and 9 show, in a simplified basic illustration, the
nozzle assembly 30 of an air humidification device 4. The nozzle
assembly 30 has multiple nozzle bars 28, which, in the examples
shown, each extend horizontally in the reaction chamber 6 of the
air humidification device 4 and are arranged parallel to one
another. It is possible for the nozzle bars 28 to also be provided
in a differently formed arrangement in the reaction chamber 6. In
this regard, for example, the nozzle bars 28 may extend vertically
or else diagonally in the reaction chamber 6. Preferably, the
nozzles are arranged distributed at least virtually over the entire
cross section of the reaction chamber 6.
[0055] In the exemplary embodiments as per FIGS. 8 and 9, in each
case one distributing line 50a, 50b or 50c is provided for each
nozzle bar 28. Each distributing line 50a, 50b, 50c carries
multiple nozzles 14, which, for the sake of greater clarity, are
provided with reference signs only in part. The nozzles 14 may be
designed such that, and/or operated such that, the degrees of
atomization of nozzles 14 which are arranged on different
distributing lines 50a, 50b, 50c differ from one another. In this
regard, for example, the nozzles 14 arranged on the lower
distributing line 50c may atomize the liquid more finely than the
nozzles 14 of the middle distributing line 50b, wherein the nozzles
14 of the upper distributing line 50c atomize the liquid even more
coarsely than the nozzles 14 arranged on the middle distributing
line 50b. In an alternative configuration, it is also possible for
all the nozzles 14 of the nozzle assembly 30 to atomize the liquid
in a manner which is at least virtually the same.
[0056] The angle of inclination of the nozzles 14 may be set during
the mounting of the nozzle assembly 30. In an alternative
configuration, the angle of inclination of the nozzles 14 may be
varied by means of one or more actuators. As per FIGS. 8 and 9, it
is possible to provide as an actuator for setting the orientation
of the nozzles 14 an adjustment apparatus 80, which may be designed
for example in the form of a motor, for example in the form of an
electric motor, or in the form of some other drive unit, for
example in the form of an adjustment cylinder. By means of the
adjustment apparatus 80, it is possible for example for one or more
distributing lines 50a, 50b, 50c to be rotated together or
independently of one another, whereby the orientation of the
nozzles 14 arranged on the distributing lines 50a, 50b and 50c is
changed. If a distributing line 50a, 50b, 50c is rotated about its
axis, then at the same time the nozzles 14 arranged on the
distributing line 50a, 50b, 50c are pivoted. Consequently, by means
of the adjustment apparatus 80, the angle of inclination of one or
more groups of nozzles 14 can be set. Preferably, the adjustment
apparatus 80, as an actuator, is coupled to the control apparatus
48 (see FIG. 1).
[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the nozzles 14 of all the
distributing lines 50a, 50b, 50c have the same orientation. As per
the example shown, the nozzles 14 of all the distributing lines
50a, 50b, 50c are arranged horizontally and parallel to one
another. It is also possible for the angles of inclination of the
nozzles 14 on different distributing lines 50a, 50b, 50c to differ
from one another. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the nozzles 14 of
the lowermost distributing line 50c for example have an angle of
inclination of approximately 30.degree. to the horizontal, while
the nozzles 14 of the remaining distributing lines 50a, 50b are
oriented horizontally.
[0058] FIG. 10 shows, in a perspective and simplified basic
illustration, a nozzle assembly 30 with nozzles 14 of a nozzle bar
28 that are arranged along a section of a distributing line 50. The
nozzles 14 arranged along the distributing line 50 have different
orientations, wherein, in the example shown, nozzles 14 which
follow one another along the distributing line 50 each have a
different orientation. Here, as per the example shown, adjacently
arranged nozzles 14 have, in each case alternately, a positive
angle of inclination and a negative angle of inclination to the
horizontal, wherein the difference in the angle of inclination
between adjacent nozzles 14 is approximately 60.degree. as per FIG.
10. In one advantageous configuration, it is possible for multiple
nozzle bars 28 with alternately differently oriented nozzles 14,
illustrated by way of example in FIG. 10, to be provided in the
reaction chamber (see FIG. 1) of an air humidification device 4.
These nozzle bars 28 may in turn be designed and arranged such that
a kind of two-dimensional nozzle matrix having nozzles 14 which, in
both dimensions of the matrix, are in each case alternately
differently oriented is formed.
[0059] Depending on the application and place of use of the air
humidification device 4, the reaction chamber 6 (see FIG. 1) may
have a cross-sectional area of up to 50 m.sup.2 and more.
Typically, the cross-sectional area of the reaction chamber 6 is up
to approximately 4 m.sup.2 in a room-air application and between
approximately 4 m.sup.2 and approximately 50 m.sup.2 in an
industrial applications. In one exemplary configuration for an
industrial application, it is possible to provide, per meter of a
nozzle bar 28, one nozzle 14 on the nozzle bar 28.
[0060] A concept on which the invention is based can be summarized
as follows: The present invention relates to an apparatus for
conditioning room and/or process air, having a nozzle system 8
which has multiple nozzles 14, which are arranged in one or more
nozzle bars 28 and serve for atomizing liquid, and having at least
one pump 34, by means of which the liquid to be atomized is
subjected to pressure, wherein the nozzles 14 are designed in the
form of swirl nozzles, and/or wherein the pump 34 subjects the
liquid to be atomized to a pressure of between 3 and 50 bar.
According to the invention, the liquid, in particular water, can be
particularly finely atomized and a good degree of evaporation can
be attained, whereby the quantity of water lost is reduced too. The
apparatus according to the invention is distinguished by low
susceptibility to faults, a long service life of the pump 34 and
low maintenance effort.
[0061] FIG. 11 shows a treatment facility 96 having a treatment
booth 98 of an installation, denoted overall by 100, for the
treatment of workpieces 102. In this exemplary embodiment, the air
stream to be treated is at least partially waste air 104 that is
formed during the work process which proceeds in the treatment
facility 96.
[0062] Such a treatment facility 96 may be used for example in the
automotive industry in installations for the treatment of vehicle
bodies and, there, in particular at treatment booths in which
coated vehicle bodies are treated in the context of a painting
process. These include in particular painting booths, but also for
example evaporation booths, cooling booths and dryers, with in each
case one treatment tunnel. Therefore, as an example of workpieces
102, in each case vehicle bodies are shown here. The workpieces 102
may however also be other workpieces and, in particular, attachment
or structural parts of vehicle bodies, such as bumpers, side
mirrors or the like. Smaller workpieces 102 may, if appropriate, be
arranged on a workpiece carrier (not shown separately).
[0063] The above-discussed air humidification device 4 is part of a
conditioning device 106 in which the air stream, which contains the
waste air 104, is conditioned to form conditioned process air
108.
[0064] The treatment booth 98 of the treatment facility 96 delimits
a working space in the form of a treatment tunnel 110, which has a
tunnel entry and a tunnel exit through which the workpieces 102 to
be treated are conveyed by means of a conveying system 112, as is
known per se and which does not need to be discussed in further
detail.
[0065] The treatment tunnel 110 has an air outlet 114 and an air
inlet 116, between which the conditioning apparatus 106 is arranged
such that it is possible for waste air 104 to be drawn in from the
treatment tunnel 110, conveyed through the conditioning apparatus
106 and, after conditioning has been carried out, supplied to the
treatment tunnel 110 again as process air 108 in a circulating
manner. The returned process air 108 is, in a manner known per se,
guided via nozzles (not illustrated separately) to the workpieces
to be treated.
[0066] In this way, it is possible to maintain in the treatment
tunnel 110 the temperature required for effective treatment and
treatment conditions. In one modification (not shown separately),
the treatment tunnel 110 may also be subdivided into multiple
tunnel sections, each of which has a separate air outlet and air
inlet, which are connected to the conditioning apparatus 106. If
appropriate, it is also possible for each tunnel section present to
be assigned a dedicated conditioning device 106, such that, in each
tunnel section, different temperatures and treatment conditions can
be set, as is most favorable for the treatment process in each
case.
[0067] The conditioning apparatus 106 defines a flow path for the
air flow with multiple conditioning stages 118. In the exemplary
embodiment discussed here, six conditioning stages 118 are present
by way of example, which comprise a pre-heating device 118.1, a
first filter device 118.2, a cooling device 118.3, a post-heating
device 118.4, an air humidification stage 118.5 in the form of the
air humidification device 4 and a second filter device 118.6. The
air stream with the waste air 104 is conveyed through the
conditioning stages 118 with the aid of a blower 120.
[0068] A supply line 122 connects the air outlet 114 of the
treatment tunnel 110 to the conditioning apparatus 106. A valve 124
is arranged in the supply line 122 such that the volume flow of the
waste air 16 to the entry connection unit 36 can be set.
[0069] The conditioning apparatus 106 is also connected to a
fresh-air line 126, via which fresh air can be introduced the air
stream. The volume flow of the fresh air to the conditioning
apparatus 106 can be set by means of a valve 128. The conditioning
process for the waste air 104 from the treatment tunnel 110
therefore also includes the admixture of a fraction of an admixing
gas, in the present case a fraction of fresh air. Therefore,
generally, a mixture of the waste air 104 and fresh air 56 always
flows through the conditioning device 106.
[0070] On the exit side of the conditioning apparatus 10, a
process-air line 130 having a valve 132 leads to the air inlet 116
of the treatment facility 96, with the result that the flow circuit
is closed.
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