PROJECT OVERVIEW
High-Temperature Processing System for 450 °C Feed Temperature with Separate Product Feeds for Flakes and Pastilles
In a recent project, a processing system was implemented for handling a specialty pitch requiring feed temperatures of up to 450 °C onto a steel belt cooling system.
The installation includes two independent product feed systems:
- Flake feed system
- Pastille feed system
This configuration allows two distinct product forms to be processed within a single system, each with individual thermal and mechanical requirements.
KEY ENGINEERING ASPECTS
1. Steel Belt Material and Thermal Stability
Selecting the appropriate steel belt material was a central element of the design.
Key criteria included:
- temperature resistance up to 450 °C
- dimensional stability despite thermal expansion
- suitable surface characteristics for both flakes and pastilles
- resistance to thermal fatigue and long-term belt durability
2. Belt Tracking Under Elevated Temperatures
Operating at 450 °C significantly affects belt tension and geometry.
The engineering solution included:
- temperature-compensated belt tensioning
- precise tracking and alignment systems
- optimized layouts for pulleys and support elements
- minimization of thermally induced belt deviations
3. Cooling System for Controlled Heat Transfer
Flakes and pastilles behave differently in terms of heat transfer and cooling dynamics.
Therefore, the cooling system was designed with:
- segmented cooling zones
- adjustable cooling water parameters
- defined cooling profiles for both product forms
- controlled surface and core temperature control
4. Extraction of Volatile Components
Processing specialty pitch at high temperatures generates volatile compounds that must be safely and reliably removed.
5. Separate Product Feeds: Flakes and Pastilles
Integrating two product feed systems requires coordinated process design.
Flakes:
- wide and thin product layers
- high heat transfer
- controlled wetting of the steel belt
Pastilles:
- defined droplet/pastilles size
- precise pastille formation
Both product feed sections operate independently and can be adjusted based on process requirements.
CONCLUSION
This project demonstrates the range of technical considerations involved in processing high-temperature materials and multiple product forms on a steel belt cooling system.
The installation combines:
- high-temperature configuration,
- process-accurate belt engineering,
- flexible product feed options,
- and a coordinated thermal design approach.
