Simulation analysis and optimization of adsorptive accelerating drum in PROTOS 1-8 filter cigarette maker

To prevent the ternary cavity filter rods from deformation or falling out during transferring process, an adsorptive accelerating drum was designed for a PROTOS 1-8 filter cigarette maker. The effects of factors, including fluid inlet radius, the length of lateral fluid region, rotational speed, runner outlet hole diameter, and drum groove width, on the suction of the drum grooves and the stress on the filter rods were investigated with an ANSYS finite element analysis software in combination with the FLUENT and transient structure modules. It was found that the outlet hole diameter and the drum groove width were the primary influencing factors. The response surface optimization method was used to determine the optimal parameters for the accelerating drum, they were: outlet hole diameter 4.0 mm and drum groove width 7.4 mm. Three modified PROTOS 1-8 cigarette makers were tested with "Septwolves (Guanhai Demi-slim)" brand cigarettes in Longyan Tobacco Industrial Limited Corporation, the results showed that the number of filter rod falling out per maker reduced from 41 to 14 times/day. This method supports the promotion of operation stability of cigarette makers.