US3169050A - Rotary cylinder drying drum with stress relieving expansion means - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 9, 1965 P, J. KRooN Y?" ROTARY CYLINDER nRyING DRUM wIIH sIREss RELIEVING ExPANsIoN MEANS Filed Jan. 25, 1961 5 Sheets-Sheet l E\' y 1 I l E l y I r E- A I f l E P/ETER J. KROON Feb. 9, 965

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 P. J. KRooN 3 ROTARY CYLINDER DRYING M WITH STRESS RELIEVING EXPANS MEANS Filed Jan. 25, 1961 INVENTOR. PIETER J. KROON ATTORNEY Fa. 9, i965 RooN SJQ@ DRgMMwITH STRESS P. J. K IROTARY CYLINDER DRYING RELIEVING EXPANSIO EIANS Filed Jan. 25, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fig. 4

'4 INVENTOR. PlETER J. KRooN A r, 15

gm x NB Pieter J. Kroon, Swarthmore, Pa., assigner to Scott Paper Company, Philadelphia, lita., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed dan. 25,'196, Ser. No, 84,833 8 Claims. (Cl. SLi- 124) This invention relates to rotary cylinder dryers and particularly to paper machine dryers, commonly referred to as Yankee dryers. u

Traditionally, the large (up to l to l2 feet in diameter) Yankee dryers used in paper machines have been made from cast iron or a mixture of cast iron and steel. Recently, attempts have been made to improve the performance of such dryers by making the outer shell, which provides the paper contacting surface, or metals having higher heat conductivity than cast iron (aluminum bronze for example) so that heat is transferred more readily from the heat transfer tiuid within the dryer shell out to the paper web.

it is an object of this invention to improve the performance and reliability of rotary cylinder dryers through a novel concept of dryer construction particularly useful for dryers having outer shells constructed of high conductivity material. The most immediate advantage achieved as a result of utilizing the construction of this invention is that the dryer is capable of drying the paper web more rapidly, and the paper machine with which the dryer is associated can be run at a higher speed thereby improving its output of paper.

In prior dryer designs, full advantage could not be taken of the heat conducting capabilities of shell materials because the structures were such as to limit the maximum temperatures and pressures to which the dryer could be subjected with safety. Of particular signiticance in limiting operating temperatures and pressures were the auxiliary stresses to which the dryer shell and the end wall structure were subjected by virtue of thermal expansion and contraction of the dryer components when the dryer was heated and while it was in use.

It is another object of this invention to minimize the etects of thermal expansion and contraction of the dryer components and to minimize or substantially eliminate the generation of stresses within the dryer components as a result of such expansion and contraction.

Achievement of this objective is facilitated by rendering independent the heating function of the dryer shell and the supporting function of the major support components of the dryer, such as the trunnions and the end wall structure supporting the shell on the trunnions. in accordance with this invention, heating fluid is conveyed through the dryer structure in heat transfer relationship with only the shell structure and not in heat transfer relationship with the support components, or supporting structure, of the dryer. Therefore, the support components are not called upon to contain the heating fluid passing through the dryer and remain relatively cool during operation of the dryer, thereby substantially eliminating many of the problems encountered in prior dryers with respect to operating and thermal stresses in the support components. lt thus becomes possible to simplify the design of the support components of the dryer and minimize their cost through the use of relatively inexpensive materials.

Obviously, the dryer outer shell will expand when contacted by heating fluid. In order to benefit from the advantages of a relatively cool supporting structure, the dryer shell structure must be connected to the supporting structure in such a manner that expansion and contrae-` giiigS@ Patented Feb. 9, 1965 tion of the shell structure does not create undesirable stresses in either structure.

it is a further object of this invention to provide novel connecting means for joining the dryer shell to its supporting structure which permits expansion and contraction of the heated shell structure with respect to the relatively cool supporting structure.

Brietly, the improved connecting means of this invention comprises a plurality of links arranged at each end of the dryer shell and pivotally connected at their ends to the shell and to a portion of the supporting structure. Each link is obliquely disposed with respect to a radial line passing therethrough from the rotary axis of the dryer and is arranged to swing on its pivotal connections as the dryer shell expands and contracts. These links maintain a positive driving connection between the supporting structure of the dryer and its shell, maintain concentricity of the shell, and yet, eiiectively preclude the transmission of radial expansion and contraction forces from the shell to the supporting structure and preclude the establishment of undesirable stresses in the shell.

Substantial improvements in dryer performance and reliability have been achieved in recent years through the use of a double-wall type shell construction in which the heat transfer tluid (steam, oil or other heated fluid) is confined to tiow through an annular heating chamber between co-axial shells. The basic concepts of this invention are readily applicable to dryers employing the double wall shell because steam, or other heating iiuid, is constrained to flow through but a relatively small portion of the total internal volume of the dryer, mainly within a thin annulus beneath the outer shell, and is therefore readily isolated from the supporting structure of the dryer. Further in accordance with this invention, the inner and outer shells, that is the two walls defining the heating chamber, are united at their ends by novel sealing means which insures reliable retention of heating tiuid iiowing through the dryer. Moreover, the novel connecting means discussed above is connected to this shell structure in such a manner that it is independent of the seal between the two shells so that the connecting means is not called upon to retain heating fluid within the dryer, thereby eliminating complicated and expensive sealing arrangements of certain prior dryers.

It is another object of this invention to improve the heating tiuid iiow pattern in a double-Wall type Yankee dryer. Particularly, this invention is concerned with achieving uniformity of iiow of heating tiuid over the inner surface of the dryer outer shell and, in a steam heated dryer, o1c effecting uniform and efficient removal of steam condensate; both of which features determine the uniformity with which the dryer is capable of heating and drying a paper web in contact with its outer surface.

It has long been recognized that non-uniformity of temperature of the paper contacting surface of a dryer does result in unsatisfactory drying of the paper web. So-called hot spots may be produced by the impingement of steam on a limited area of the dryer shell. Similarly, the `accumulation of condensate on limited areas of the shell inner surface results in a reduction in temperature of the shell in those areas. Accumulation of large quantities of condensate is objectionable because it reduces the overall performance of the dryer and may unbalance the rotating system.

This invention provides a novel system of supply and removal nozzles for conveying to and from the annular heating chamber. The supply nozzles introduce steam at numerous, uniformly spaced locations to distribute the incoming steam throughout the heating chamber. The supply nozzles are constructed in such a manner as to Cause the entering steam to sweep rapidly across the inner surface of the dryer shell, thereby insuring good heat transfer between the steam and the shell. The removal nozzles, which are also numerous and uniformly spaced around the dryer periphery, occupy positions intermediate the supply nozzles to receive spent steam and condensate which is swept toward the removal nozzles by the action of live steam entering the heating chamber. A novel supply conduit and header system provides for the flow of steam to and from the heating chamber in such a manner as to offer minimum resistance to expansion and contraction of the dryer shells.

Another feature of the invention concerns an improved construction for the removal nozzles of a steam heated Yankee dryer by which the nozzles are effective to accept and remove condensate from the inner surace of the dryer shell even when the shell undergoes extensive lexure, as when the shell is heavily loaded by a pressure roll or rolls running against its outer surface. A further feature of the invention resides in an improved mounting arrangement for the supply and removal nozzles which renders these nozzles accessible and removable without dismantling the dryer. This arrangement permits periodic inspection and replacement of worn or defective nozzles with minimum loss of operating time.

Other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description thereof wherein reference is made to the accompanying1 drawings in which:

`FIGURE 1 is an elevational View, partially in section, of a paper machine dryer embodying this invention;

FIGURE 2 is an end View, partially in section, of the dryer of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary end view of the dryer showing the relationship of the components thereof when the dryer is in a heated condition;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional View through a portion of the dryer shell taken generally as indicated by line IV-IV in `FIGUR-E 2;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional vieu.l through a steam supply header of the dryer; and

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged sectional View through a steam removal header of the dryer.

Referring particularly to FIGURE l, the dryer of this invention includes a heated shell structure 1t having a cylindrical paper contacting surface 12. The shell structure 11 includes an outer cylindrical shell 13, -which preferably is fabricated from aluminum bronze or other metal having good heat conducting characteristics. The shell structure also includes an inner cylindrical shell llt which is co-axially arranged within outer shell 13. Inner shell 14 is spaced from outer shell 13 by a small amount to provide a thin annular heating chamber t5 between the shells for the reception of a suitable heating fluid, such as steam. The ends of inner and outer shells 13 and i4 are united in IHuid-tight relationship by rim means, indicated generally at 16, comprising two ilange-like rims, or rim rings 17 which are welded, as indicated `at 13, or otherwise secured to the ends of the inner shell `llt. Also forming parts of rim means 16 are clamping rings t9 which are secured, respectively, to rim rings vI7 and outer shell f3 by means of screws 2l (see enlarged detail in FIGURE 4).

Shell structure 11 is supported for rotary movement about the axis of its shells 13 and M by means of a supporting structure, indicated generally by numeral 2u, comprising oppositely extending trunnions 22 and 23 and radially extending end walls, or webs, 24 which are welded or otherwise secured to trunnions 22 and 23. Trunnions 22 and 23 have journals 26 thereon which are adapted to be received in Suitable bearings (not shown) in which the dryer turns. Suitable driving means (also not shown) may be provided for turning the dryer. The periphery of each web 24 of the supporting structure is preferably reinforced by means of a ring 27 having a somewhat greater thickness than the sheet material from which the webs 24 "paese i are formed. The entire supporting structure, including trunnions Z2 and 23, webs 24 and rings 27 may be cast in one or more pieces.

This supporting structure may be further reinforced by including longitudinally extending torque tubes 28. The tubes 23 are preferably bolted or otherwise afxed at their ends to inner wall portions of webs 24 and Serve to stiffen, or rigidize, the supporting structure.

This invention contemplates that the supporting structure, i.e., the end webs 24, their reinforcing rings 27 and the trunnions 22 and 23, may be formed from carbon steel, cast steel, or other metal which is inexpensive by comparison to the high condictivity metal from which the dryer outer shell 13 is preferably made. In addition, as will be apparent from other portions of this description, the supporting structure 29 is not required to contain heating fluid circulated through the dryer, is not heated to any substantial extent by such fluid and, consequently, may be of relatively light construction as compared to earlier dryers.

When heating iluid is introduced into heating chamber I5 dryer shells I3 and ll iundergo thermal expansion, the most noticeable effect being experienced in circumferential and longitudinal directions. As can be readily appreciated, any significant increase in the circumferential dimensions of shells 13 and 14 must result in a proportionate increase in the diameter of shell structure lll. The supporting structure 2t) for shell structure l1 does not undergo like thermal expansion because, as mentioned previously, it is of relatively rigid construction and the several components thereof are preferably fabricated from materials having different thermal expansion characteristics than the materials used in shells 13 and 14. In addition, webs 24 and their reinforcing rings 27 are not contacted by the heating uid in shell structure 11 and, consequently, are not heated to the same extent as is the shell structure.

It should be apparent, therefore, that a serious problem exists with respect to connecting the expanding and contracting shell structure 1l. to its relatively rigid supporting structure 20. Directly and rigidly connecting these two assemblies of the dryer would result in warping or distortion of the supporting structure and the shell structure. Such distortions of the shell structure cannot be tolerated because the stresses which are likely to be induced therein could cause failure of the shell.

In accordance with this invention, shell structure 11 is connected to its supporting structure by means of a novel connecting arrangement which permits the shell structure to float on the supporting structure, so far as expansion and contraction of the shell structure are concerned, but which maintains a positive driving connection between the shell structure and its supporting structure and maintains concentricity of the shell structure.

This novel connecting arrangement includes a multiplicity of connecting links 3l, disposed at each end of the dryer shell structure and having their ends pivotally connected, respectively, to the shell rim means lo and the reinforcing rings 27 of the supporting structure. The connecting arrangement at one end of the dryer is substantially the same as that at the other end of the dryer and therefore but one end is shown and described in detail. Referring particularly to FIGURES 2 and 4, the pivotal connections between links 31 and rim means 16 are preferably provided by pins 32 passing through an inner flange portion of rim ring E7. The pins 32 are preferably equally spaced along the circumferential extent of each ring 1'7 and located equidistantly from the axis of rotation of the dryer. The inner pivotal connections for links 31 are preferably provided by similar pins 33 passing through openings provided therefor in reinforcing ring 27, which pins also are equidistantly spaced from the axis of rotation of the dryer.

FIGURE 2 illustrates the relative positioning of the components of the dryer when it is in an unheated, or

cool, condition. It will be noted that the inner pivot pin 33 of each link 31 is offset circumferentially from the outer pivot pin 32 for the link. In other words, the longitudinal center line of each link 3l is oblique with respect to a radial line passing therethrough from the axis of rotation of the dryer. The angle of Obliquity in the unheated dryerl is identied in FIGURE 2 as angle theta, which may be of the order of 30, as shown. it will also be noted that the inner periphery, or bore, of rim 17, forming a part of the shell structure, is in close proximity to the outer periphery of reinforcing ring 27 of the supporting structure when the dryer shell structure l1 is unheated (see FIGURES 2 and 4). In fact, the dryer assembly may be designed in such a manner that rings i7 and 27 are actually in contact when the dryer is not heated.

The elect crea-ted by heat being applied to shell structure ll, with resultant radial expansion of that structure, is illustrated in FIGURE 3 Ifrom which it will be noted that every incremental portion of the shell structure lll has moved away from the reinforcing ring 27 of the supporting structure. This relative movement of the shell structure 1l with respect to the supoprting structure of the dryer is permitted and controlled by the links 3l connecting these two assemblies. lt will be noted that movement of the shell structure 1l with respect to ring 2.7 is permitted by virtue of each link 3l swinging on its pivot pins 32 and 33; consequently, the angle between the centerline oi each link 3l and a radius passing therethrough decreases to a lesser value (note angle phi in FGURE 3). The links 31 are iboth numerous and closely spaced so that the dryer shell structure il is effectively connected, or linked, throughout its periphery to ring Z7 of the supponting structure. Concentricity of the shell structure is thereby maintained, although a pressure roll or rolls used in conjunction with `the dryer and which press aga-inst limited areas `of the dryer surface l2 may delect limited regions of the outer shell i3.

Two sets of links 3l are preferably employed at each end of the dryer shell and arranged as shown in FIGURE 4 with one set of links being disposed t-o the outside of reinforcing ring 27 and another set of links disposed adjacent t'he inside surface .of ring 27. lt is also desirable that provision be made for longitudinal expansion and contraction of the shell struct-ure ll independently of the cooler supporting structure Ztl. This is preferably achieved by Imaking rim ring i7 .of less thickness than reinforcing ring 27 so that a clearance space, indicated at 34 in FlGURE 4, is provided between the outer surface oi rim ring i7 and the inner surface of the outer set of links 3l. This permits rim ring i7 to slide outwardly on pivot pins 32 upon longitudinal expansion of the dryer shells a3 and ld without stressing and distorting supporting structure 2t). Clearance space 3d is preh erably provided at but one end of the dryer in order that the shell structure ll may -be restrained against longitudinal shifting on lthe supporting structure duning operation of t-he dryer.

It will be noted that the connecting arrangements cor prising links 31 and pins 32 and 33 are not called upon to perform any sealing fuction so `far .as heating chamber of shell structure il is concerned. This is considered to he a substantial improvement over certa-in prior dryer designs in which flexible joints, or connections, between the dryer shells and the supponting structure were also called upon to ret-ain hea-ting liuid within the contines of the dryer.

A fluid-tight connection must, of course, be provided between the inner shell i4 and the outer shell i3 and some provision should be made for differential expansion and contraction of the two shells. The problem of diiierential expansion and contraction of shells 13 and le can be alleviated to a cert-ain extent by constructing the shells of like materials or ot' different materials having approximately -the same coeilicient of thermal expansion. In a dryer utilizing aluminum bronze as the outer shell material, the inner shell is preferably made from stainless steel because this material has a coefcient of thermal expansion closely approximating that of aluminum bronze and offers the additional advantage of high strength. Stainless steel conducts heat more poorly than aluminum bronze and this too is a benecial characteristic in as much as the relative insulating eliect of the stainless steel inner shell assists in retaining heat in chamber l5 for transmission through the vouter shell 13 to the paper contacting surface l2.

Constructing inner and outer shells, 13 and ld, of materials having similar coeflicients of expansion does not, however, elimina-te :the problem of dillerential expansion and contraction of the two shells. Both shells may expand, ie., elongate, hy the same amount as the dryer is brought up to operating temperature. But the outer shell /Sl cools and contracts upon being contacted by a wet paper web. Therefore, in order to eliminate any possibility of distortion `of outer shell i3 as a result of differential ezpansion and contraction of the inner and outer shells, le and i3, it is desirable that .some provi-sion be made for permitting relative movement of these members. Such provision is incorporated in the dryer of this invention by employing a novel construction for clamping rings i9 which secure the ends of the outer shell i3 to nim rings 17. This construction is illustrated in FlG- URE 4 from which it is to be noted that each clamping rim i9 (only one being shown) is C-shaped in cross-section to embr ce ring-like projections 39 on outer shell i3 and rim ring i7. Spring-type washers 36 compressed beneath the heads of screws 2l bias clamping ring 19 against the end of outer shell i3 and against rim ring ll and permit ring i9 to tilt as relative longitudinal movement takes place between shells 13 and 14. This tilting action is Ifacilitated by bearing projections 33 provided `on each ring 19 and which engage outer shell 13 a-nd rim ring l?.

Clamping ring 19 in turn bears against a pack-ing assembly 37 which seals the joint between rrim ring i7 and outer shell 13 and prevents heating liuid vfrom escaping through that joint. Repair and replacement of packing asembly 37 is easily accomplished because access thereto may be had by removal of screws 2l and clamping ring 19 Without dismantling other portions of the dryer.

The improved floating-type connecting arrangement for the dryer shell structure ll may be used in dryers employing various systems for heating the dryer outer shell. The steam-heated dryer, however, is the one most commonly used in the papermaking industry today and this invention contemplates an improved system `for conveying steam to and removing steam and condensate from the heating chamber 15 of a shell structure which is supported for unrestricted expansion and contraction.

In accordance with `the invention, cam is introduced to the dryer by means of an inlet pipe el passing through trunnion Z3 and communicating with a supply manifold #l2 axially disposed in the dryer interior (see FGURE l). Communicating with manifold d2 are a plurality of curved supply conduits 43 which extend outwardly from and circumferentially of the manifold and communicate at their outer ends with a plurality of supply headers 44 on the inner surface of inner shell i4 (see FIGURE 2). The curvature of supply conduits d3 lends ilexibility to these conduits so that they are not unduly stressed by expansion and contraction of the dryer shell structure l1 under changing temperature conditions.

The several steam supply headers 44 are preferably welded or otherwise atlixed to the inner shell 14 and arranged to provide longitudinally extending header passages 45 at spaced intervals around the interior of the shell. Steam is distributed from each of the header passages 55 into a plurality of regions of the heating chamber l5 by means of supply nozzles 46 extending through aligned openings in each header 44 and the inner shell 14. Each nozzle 46, as shown in FIGURE 5, is preferably threadably received in or otherwise secured in its header 44 and provided with a suitable manually manipu* latable portion 47 which is accessible interiorly of the dryer, so that the nozzles may -be removed for inspection and replacement without the necessity for dismantling dryer shell structure 11 or headers 44.

Each supply nozzle 45 receives steam from its header passage 45 through inlet ports 43 and discharges this steam through outlet ports 49 in a radiating pattern, generally tangential to the inner surface of the outer shell 13. The outer end of each nozzle 46 is preferably closed by a baffle plate 50 which prevents steam impinging directly on the inner surface of the outer shell. The construction of the nozzles 46 is such as to distribute the incoming steam in a substantially uniform pattern over the entire inner surface of the dryer outer shell to avoid overheating any one region of the outer shell.

The resistance to steam flow offered by supply nozzles 46 tends to distribute the steam iiow uniformly throughout the several supply nozzles. To additionally insure equal distribution of steam to the several supply headers 44, it may be desirable to insert a number of identical, flow controlling orifice plates 5l in the several supply conduits 43 communicating with the supply headers. Each supply conduit 43 is preferably equipped with an orifice plate 5l in a fitting near the inlet end thereof, as shown in FIGURE l. These orifice plates 51 tend to minimize the etfects of differences in steam pressure along manifold 42 and the differences in resistance to fluid flow offered by the various conduits. Uniform distribution of steam to yall circumferential regions of heating chamber 15 is thereby assured.

Removal of steam and such condensate as may be formed is performed 'by a system commonly referred to as a blow through removal system, but the system of this invention possessses a number of features and advantages not present in prior systems of this type.

The removal system of this invention includes a plurality of removal nozzles 53 communicating with heating chamber 15 and arranged in a plurality of spaced, longitudinally extending rows in a manner to pass through and communicate with a plurality of longitudinally extending removal header passages 54 provided by removal headers 5S. Like certain prior removal nozzles, the outermost, or intake, end 55 of each removal nozzle 53 has a plurality of restricted inlet ports 57 disposed in close proximity to the inner surface of the dryer outer shell i3. In operation, steam entering ports 57 of the removal nozzles 53 is constricted in its liow path and the resultant high velocity achieved enables the steam iiow to carry along condensate liquid present on the inner surface of the outer shell i3 in the immediate vicinity of the intake ports. As can best be appreciated from FIGURE 2, rows of inlet nozzles 48 and removal nozzles 53 -are alternately disposed around the circumferential extent of heating chamber l5. A multiplicity of nozzles of both types are employed and the spacing of nozzles of diterent types is relatively small, of the order of 10 to 30 inches, so that steam issuing from inlet nozzles 46 is effective to sweep condensate Iacross the inner surface of shell 13 toward the several removal nozzles S3. By this arrangement, the entire inner surface of the outer shell 13 is continuously swept substantially clear of condensate, thereby preventing accumulation of sufficient condensate to interfere with the transfer of heat from the heating uid to the outer shell 13. `It `also follows that large accumulations of condensate, which might unbalance the dryer, are precluded from forming. An improvement in the rate of transfer of heat from the steam to the outer shell 13 is also realized as a result of the sweeping action or rapid movement, of the steam over the yinner surface of shell 13.

Clearly, for continued eliicient operation, the intake Ll O ports 57 of removal nozzles 53 must, within certain limits, retain their desired configurations and dimensions. It has been observed in prior steam heated dryers utilizing the blow through principle of steam removal that the removal nozzles become worn as the result of repeated liexure of the dryer outer shell under the action of press rolls running thereon. In such dryers it has been the practice to mount the removal nozzles in stationary fashion. Consequently, there is relative movement between the outer shell and the removal nozzles which promotes wear of the outer ends of these nozzles. In order to relieve this condition the removal nozzles 53 of this invention are constructed in such a manner that the outer, or intake, ends 56 thereof are movable with respect to a body or mounting portion 5S thereof. As shown in FIG- URE 6, the outer end 56 of the nozzle may be secured to a movable sleeve 59 having a rod el connected to its inner end, which rod, in turn, engages one end of a cornpression spring 62 carried in a cap 63 threaded into the inner end 64 of the nozzle. Spring 62 is effective to bias the outer end 56 of removal nozzle 53 into engagement with the inner surface of the outer shell, yet permit yielding movement of this end of the removal nozzle as the shell is deflected. Such yielding movement of the intake end of nozzle 53 is effective to substantially reduce Wear of the removal nozzle.

Each removal nozzle 53, like the several supply nozzles 47, is preferably removably secured within its header 55, so that inspection and replacement thereof is possible without dismantling other portions of the dryer structure. Large openings in the webs 24 at each end of the dryer provide ready access to the interior of the dryer and to nozzles 46 and 53.

Steam and condensate entering the several removal headers 55' are removed therefrom by means of a plurality of removal conduits 66, which communicate with a removal manifold 67 axially disposed in the dryer interior. Removal conduits ou are also curved in planes normal to the axis of the dryer as shown in FIGURE 2, in a manner like supply conduits 43, to impart flexibility to the removal conduits. As shown in FIGURE 1, removal manifold 67 is connected to a discharge pipe 68 which passes through trunnion 22 and serves as an exit means for spent steam and condensate leaving the dryer. It is desirable that inlet pipe 4l and discharge pipe 68, which pass through trunnions 23 and 22, respectively, be insulated therefrom by suitable heat insulation material, as indicated at 69 in FIGURE l, in order to minimize the quantity of heat applied to the supporting structure of the dryer. As mentioned previously, the other structural features of the dryer are such that very little heat is conducted to the supporting 29 from shell structure 1i.

The advantageous features of a Yankee dryer constructed in accordance with this invention may be summarized as follows:

(l) Heat is applied only to those portions of the dryer where heat is actually required with the result that the .ipporting structure, particularly the end Walls of the dryer remain relatively cool and warpage problems of the shell and the supporting structure normally associated with expansion adn contraction of the end walls are virtually eliminated.

(2) Elimination of temperature and pressure induced dlstortlon stresses in the end Walls of the dryer simplifies the construction and reduces the cost of the dryer supporting structure.

(3) The novel system of connecting links and clearance. spacing makes adequate provision for thermal expansion and contraction of the shell structure while precluding the transmission of distorting forces between the shell structure and the supporting structure and yet insures concentricity of the shell structure under varying temperature conditions.

(4) The novel system of multiple supply nozzles by which heating iluid is swept rapidly across the inner surtace of the dryer shell improves the rate of heat transfer between the heating fluid and the shell.

Effective removal of condensate is assured by a combination of steam sweeping action, promoted by the supply nozzles, and the ilexibly mounted removal nozzles, which are constructed for long life and reliable operation.

(6) The overall design and arrangement is such as to contribute to ease of component repair and replacement.

(7) A minimum number o'l` iiexible seals are present in the heating lluid circuit, there being but one at each end of the shell structure.

What l claim is:

l. ln a dryer of the rotary cylinder type, a cylindrical shell, means for heating said shell, means for supporting said shell for rotation about its axis, and means connecting said shell to said supporting means and permitting radial expansion and contraction of said shell independently of said supporting means, said connecting means comprising at least one set of links, means pivotally connecting each of said links to said supporting means at points equidistant from the axis of said shell, and means pivotally connecting each of said links to said shell at points equidistant from lsaid axis, the centerlines of all o' the links in said set being uniformly obliquely disposed with respect to radial lines passing therethrough from the axis of said shell.

2. In a dryer of the rotar f c linder tloe, a cylindrical i l i shell, means for conveying a heating medium in heatA transfer relationship with the inner surface of said shell, rim means connected to the ends of said shell, support means at each end of the dryer for supporting said shell for rotation about its axis, and means connecting said V rim means to said support means and permitting radial expansion and contraction of said shell independently ol' said support means,ksaid connecting means comprising a plurality of links pivotally connected at their endsfto said rim means and to said support means, respectively, l

the links at cach end of the dryer being arranged in a plane normal to the. axis of rotation of the dryer and being uniformly oblique with. respect to radiipassing therethroughV rom'said axis,

3. ln a dryer of therotary cylinder type, a cylindrical shell, means for conveying a heating mediumin heat transfer relationship with the inner surface of said shell,

a pair of rims connected to the endsv of said shell7 a ring member concentrically disposed within each of said rims, and means connecting said rims to-said'ring members and permitting radiall expansion and contraction. of saidV shell independently of said ring members, said connecting means comprising a plurality of links pivotally connected Y,

at their ends Vto said rims land to said ringmembersf respectively, the linksat each end ofgthe dryer Vbeing arranged in a'plane normal` to the axis of' rotationivo'` 'the dryer and being uniformly radii passing therethroughfrom said airis.

4. ln a dryer of therotary cylindrical shell, an inner -coaxial-'shell radially spaced from `the outer shell v'so as to provlde'therjebetween a 'chamber for receptionof a heating medium, lrimgrrieans 'jruniting the ends 'orf saidV shells, a journal atgeach"V end of therdryenI amring; member concentrically disposed within each of said rim'fineans'fand havnigits periphery in closeV oblique with respect to i."

cylinder type, an fouter,`

lll

cylindrical an inner co-axial shell radi from the outer shel so as to provide therebetween a chamber for reception oi a heating medium, rim means uniting the ends of said shells, a substantially rigid, unheated structure for supporting said shells for rotation about the common axis, said supporting structure comprising a journal at each end of the dryer, a ring member concentrically disposed within each of said rim means and having its periphery in close proximity to said rim means when said shells are unheated, and web means joining said ring members and said iournals, means connecting-said shells to said supporting structure and permitting radial expansion and contraction of said shells independently or said supporting structure, whereby radial expansion and contraction of said shells caused by heating and cooling of the shells docs not stress the shells or the supporting structure, means for supplying a heating medium to said chamber, means for removing spent heating medium from said chamber and means insulating said supplying means and said removing means from said supporting structure.

6. ln a dryer of the rotary cylinder cylindrical shell, an inner co-axial shell radially spaced from the outer shell so as to prot/'ide therebetween a chamber for reception of a heating medium, rim means uniting the ends of said shells, structure for supporting said shells for rotation about the common axis, said supporting structure including a trunnion at each end of the dryer, means connecting said shells to said supporting structure and permitting radial expansion and contraction of said shells independently or said supporting structure, whereby radial expansion and contraction of said shells caused by beati and cooling or" the shells docs not stress the shells or the supporting structure, means carried by said inner shell defining a plurality ol' spaced header passages, means providing communication between each v 1 Spoel type, an outer -o said passages and the chamber between said shells, a

manifold extending through at least one of said trunnions for conveying heating luid to the dryer and for removing .spent duidrom the dryer,` `tlexble supply conduits connecting every other one oisaid passages to said manifold and ilexible removal conduits connecting the other of said passages to said manifold. u

7. A dryer as speciedv in claim 6 including orice ln a dryer of the rotary cylinder-type, an'outer cylindrical shell, an inner co-axial shell radially spaced from the outer shell soasto provide therebetween a chamber for reception of a heating mcditnn,C means uniting the :ends of saidshells, al subslantiallyrigid, unhcate'd structure for supportingV said shells for rotation `about ,the

common'axis, said supportingstructure including a journal at each endl of the driyerfme'ans connectingsaidshells f tosaid supporting structure andpermtting radial expann and contraction o fsaid shells independently 'of said supporting structure, whereby radial expansion and conproximity to said'rim meansfwhen'.said'shells vare un heated, web meansjoining said ring members and said jfnn'nals'into a rigid structure,` and a' plurality of links pivotally connected aty their ends tosaid rim means and, torsaid ring members, respectively, ,the links at each end,

of the dryer being arrangc'din' a plane-normal to thel axis of rotation of the dryer and being uniformly oblique with respect toradii passing therethrough'tromthe axis of said shells, the construction and arrangement belingsuchthat said shells can expand andcontract independentlyfof said ring-members.v fr

-5. In a dryer of the Vrotary cylindertype, an outer assises' traction orfsaid shells Vcaused by heating and cooling .of tl'n'ezshel'ls does not stressthe shells or the Isupporting,` structure, `means `for supplying a heating medium to said chamber,`means lor removing spent heating medum from said chamber and means insulating said `supplying means and said removing means from said supporting'structure. References Cited in the le of this patent UNrTno'sTA'rns PATENTS nechwald 'j ocr. is, 1945 2,576,036 y ostertag er sii- -g Nov. 20, 1951 2,5285433 Ostertag Feb. 1 7, 1953 2,677,898 Ohlson'etal. May 11, 19,54 2,677,899 JOhlson et al. May 11, 1954 12,317,208 Hornbostel r Dec. 3l, 1957 l A t x FOREIGN Parleurs Germany July 30, 1933i,

Claims (1)

1. 5. IN A DRYER OF THE ROTARY CYLINDER TYPE, AN OUTER CYLINCRICAL SHELL, AN INNER CO-AXIAL SHELL RADIALLY SPACED FROM THE OUTER SHELL SO AS TO PROVIDE THEREBETWEEN A CHAMBER FOR RECEPTION OF A HEATING MEDIUM, RIM MEANS UNITING THE ENDS OF SAID SHELLS, A SUBSTANTIALLY RIGID, UNHEATED STRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING SAID SHELLS FOR ROTATION ABOUT THE COMMON AXIS, SAID SUPPORTING STRUCTURE COMPRISING A JOURNAL AT EACH END OF THE DRYER, A RING MEMBER CONCENTRICALLY DISPOSED WITHIN EACH OF SAID RIM MEANS AND HAVING ITS PERIPHERY IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO SAID RIM MEANS WHEN SAID SHELLS ARE UNHEATED, AND WEB MEANS JOINING SAID RING MEMBERS AND SAID JOURNALS, MEANS CONNECTING SAID SHELLS TO SAID SUPPOORTING STRUCTURE AND PERMITTING RADIAL EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF SAID SHELLS INDEPENDENTLY OF SAID SUPPORTING STRUCTURE, WHEREBY RADIAL EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF SAID SHELLS CAUSED BY HEATING AND COOLING OF THE SHELLS DOES NOT STRESS THE SHELLS OR THE SUPPORTING STRUCTURE, MEANS FOR SUPPLYING A HEATING MEDIUM TO SAID CHAMBER, MEANS FOR REMOVING SPENT HEATING MEDIUM FROM SAID CHAMBER AND MEANS INSULATING SAID SUPPLYING MEANS AND SAID REMOVING MEANS FROM SAID SUPPORTING STRUCTURE.

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