A screening system for titanium powder particle size classification and its working method

Abstract

This invention discloses a sieving system and its working method for titanium powder particle size classification. The system includes a sieving module, an air supply module, and a vacuum module. The sieving module includes a vacuum vibrating screen with a feed inlet, an exhaust port, an air inlet, a pressure detection port, and a discharge port. The feed inlet is connected to a material source via a feed pipe. The exhaust port is connected to the vacuum module via an exhaust pipe. The air inlet is connected to the air supply module via an air inlet pipe. The pressure detection port is connected to a pressure testing instrument via a pipe. The discharge port is connected to a receiving device via a discharge pipe. Valves are installed on the feed pipe, exhaust pipe, air inlet pipe, and discharge pipe. The working method includes target vacuum extraction to create an inert atmosphere, particle size classification sieving, and continuous sieving operation. This invention features minimal civil engineering work, rapid vacuum extraction, a simple process, quick start-up, continuous operation, safety and reliability, and low construction costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of metal powder preparation, and in particular relates to a screening system for titanium powder particle size classification and a working method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the development of industries such as additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy, the demand for the quality and quantity of titanium and titanium alloy powders is increasing. Titanium powder has a large surface free energy, so it is very active and very easy to oxidize, which affects the quality of the powder. Therefore, it is necessary to isolate the air during screening, and the screening process often needs to maintain an inert atmosphere. At present, most of the complete sets of screening equipment used in the market are imported equipment. The fully enclosed screening device wraps the entire screen body in a vacuum chamber, and the target vacuum is achieved by fully enclosing the vacuum chamber. However, the price of imported equipment is extremely high. It takes a long time to evacuate the vacuum chamber during use, and it is slow to start, resulting in low production efficiency. In addition, it is large in size during construction, the amount of civil engineering is large, and the construction period is long. It is not suitable for domestic small and medium-sized enterprises to build and use.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a screening system for titanium powder particle size classification that has a simple process, convenient control, fast vacuuming, small civil engineering workload, and is safe and effective. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a titanium powder particle size classification screening system and a working method thereof for titanium and titanium alloy powder making extension process, which has a simple and controllable process, can be quickly started, works continuously, is safe and reliable, and is easy to construct.

[0005] The objective of the present invention is achieved in this way, comprising a screening module, an air supply module, and a vacuum module, the screening module comprising a vacuum rotary vibrating screen, the vacuum rotary vibrating screen being provided with a feed port, an air suction port, an air inlet, a pressure detection port, and a discharge port, the feed port being connected to a material source through a feed pipe, the air suction port being connected to the vacuum module through an air suction pipeline, the air inlet being connected to an air supply module through an air inlet pipeline, the pressure detection port being connected to a pressure detection instrument through a pipeline, the discharge port being connected to a material receiving device through a discharge pipeline, and valves being provided on the feed pipe, the air suction pipeline, the air inlet pipeline, and the discharge pipeline.

[0006] The working method of using a screening system for titanium powder particle size classification comprises the following steps:

[0007] 1) Target vacuum extraction: connect the titanium powder feed tank and the titanium powder storage tank, open the valves on the exhaust pipe and the discharge pipe, start the vacuum pump group to extract the screening system to the target vacuum through the vacuum module;

[0008] 2) To form an inert atmosphere, close the valve on the exhaust pipe and open the gas supply valve on the air inlet pipe until the partial pressure of the inert gas reaches the system requirement;

[0009] 3) Particle size classification and screening: start the vacuum rotary vibrating screen in an inert atmosphere, open the material flow valve on the feed pipe, and start particle size classification. Titanium powders of different particle sizes enter their respective titanium powder storage tanks through their respective discharge ports;

[0010] 4) Screening continues. After completing the screening of one tank, close the valve at the connection between the feed pipe and the tank, close the discharge pipe to avoid destroying the inert atmosphere of the system, install the next titanium powder feed tank to be screened, and then open the valve to achieve continuous screening operation.

[0011] The present invention has the following technical effects:

[0012] 1. The present invention improves the vacuum of the rotary vibrating screen and cancels the vacuum chamber in the imported equipment, thereby reducing the precision requirements and assembly precision of the equipment processing and manufacturing, reducing the equipment floor space and construction volume, shortening the manufacturing and construction cycle, and reducing the volume of the vacuum environment to shorten the vacuum pumping time and improve work efficiency. The small volume also reduces the loss of inert atmosphere and saves the consumption of inert gas;

[0013] 2. The present invention has a simple structure and a simple installation process. It can be arranged according to the convenience of the site. The main modules are connected by pipes and flexible connectors. The material flow and air flow pipes can also be connected to the silo, factory pipes, etc. It has strong compatibility with the factory environment, reduces the cost of factory renovation, and is easy to build, use and promote. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the screening system of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the arrangement and connection of the core modules of the present invention (screening module, air supply module, vacuum module);

[0016] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the arrangement and connection of the screening module equipment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the appearance and interface of the vacuum rotary vibrating screen of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the arrangement and connection of the air supply module equipment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Partial magnification;

[0020] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Axonometric diagram of the upper right rear;

[0021] Figure 8It is a schematic diagram of the arrangement and connection of the vacuum module equipment of the present invention;

[0022] In the figure: 1-screening module, 2-air supply module, 3-vacuum module, 4-basic steel structure platform, 1A-vacuum rotary vibrating screen, 1B-titanium powder feed tank, 1C-titanium powder storage tank, 1D-valve, 1E-feed pipe, 1F-pneumatic butterfly valve, 1G-discharge pipe, 1H-guide pipe, 2A-inert gas bottle, 2B-gas collector, 2C-gas distribution bag, 2D-inlet hose, 2E-gas path valve, 2F-purge hose, 2G-pressure reducing valve, 2H-hose, 2I-inlet pipe, 2K-pneumatic vacuum valve, 3A-vacuum pump group, 3B-basket filter, 3C-vacuum hose, 3D-vacuum pipeline, K1-feed port, K2-vacuum port, K3-inlet port, K4-pressure detection port, K5-discharge port. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present invention is further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited in any way. Any changes or substitutions made based on the teachings of the present invention belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

[0024] As attached Figures 1 to 8 The present invention shown includes a screening module 1, an air supply module 2, and a vacuum module 3. The screening module 1 includes a vacuum rotary vibrating screen 1A. The vacuum rotary vibrating screen 1A is provided with a feed port K1, an air suction port K2, an air inlet K3, a pressure detection port K4, and a discharge port K5. The feed port K1 is connected to an upper material source through a feed pipe 1E, the air suction port K2 is connected to the vacuum module 3 through an air suction pipe, the air inlet K3 is connected to the air supply module 2 through an air suction pipe, the pressure detection port K4 is connected to a pressure detection instrument through a pipe, and the discharge port K5 is connected to a lower material receiving device through a discharge pipe. Valves are provided on the feed pipe, the air suction pipe, the air inlet pipe, and the discharge pipe.

[0025] The gas supply module 2 includes an inert gas cylinder 2A and a gas collector 2B. The inert gas cylinder 2A is connected to the gas inlet of the gas collector 2B through a pressure reducing valve 2G and a hose 2H. The gas outlet of the gas collector 2B is connected to the gas inlet K3 of the vacuum vibrating screen 1A through an inlet pipe 2I, a gas valve 2E, and an inlet hose 2D. The gas collector 2B can also be connected to a factory gas source or multiple gas cylinders to avoid changing the gas source during work to affect the quality of the final product.

[0026] The air inlet pipe 2I is provided with a branch pipe, which is connected to the air distribution bag 2C, and the air distribution bag 2C is connected to the material guide pipe 1H through the purge hose 2F. In order to avoid material blocking the pipe, the inert gas supply system is divided into two routes, one is connected to the air inlet K3 of the rotary vibrating screen, and the other is connected to the material guide pipe 1H through the air distribution bag 2C for intermittent auxiliary purge and unloading.

[0027] The branch pipe is provided with a pneumatic vacuum valve 2K. The inert atmosphere pressure in the system will gradually decrease during actual use. By controlling the opening and closing of the pneumatic vacuum valve 2K, the inert gas flow briefly purges the bend of the material guide pipe 1H to avoid material blocking the pipe and replenish the air pressure loss in the system.

[0028] The vacuum rotary vibrating screen 1A is a multi-stage vacuum rotary vibrating screen.

[0029] The vacuum module 3 includes an air pump group 3A, a basket filter 3B, and a vacuum hose 3C. The air pump group 3A is connected to the air suction port K2 of the vacuum vibrating screen 1A through a vacuum pipe 3D, a basket filter 3B, and a vacuum hose 3C, and a vacuum safety valve is provided at the connection of the air suction port K2.

[0030] The material source is a titanium powder feed tank 1B, which is connected to the feed port K1 through a feed pipe 1E, and a valve 1D is provided on the feed pipe to control the flow rate of the material. The feed tank 1B is arranged in the center with the vacuum rotary vibrating screen 1A to facilitate the rapid flow of the material.

[0031] The material receiving device is a titanium powder storage tank 1C, which is connected to the discharge port K5 of the vacuum rotary vibrating screen 1A through a material guide pipe 1H, a discharge pipe 1G, and a pneumatic butterfly valve 1F. The titanium powder storage tank 1C is placed on the first floor, as close to the center line of the equipment as possible without affecting the lifting, to avoid material flow blockage.

[0032] The titanium powder storage tank 1C is provided with a pressure relief valve. When the pressure is too high, the pressure relief valve is opened to release the pressure to ensure safety; it can also be opened when the material pipe is blocked, and the gas from the inert gas source is used to purge the system pipeline with high intensity to blow away the blocked material.

[0033] It also includes a basic steel structure platform 4, which includes a steel frame structure and an operating platform. The operating platform is connected to the steel frame structure by high-strength bolts. The material source, vacuum rotary vibrating screen, and material receiving device are arranged on the basic steel structure platform in three layers from top to bottom. The basic steel structure platform serves as the main structure to support the work of other modules, and can be built independently or relying on surrounding buildings.

[0034] The working method of the screening system for titanium powder particle size classification according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises the following steps:

[0035] 1) Target vacuum extraction: connect the titanium powder feed tank 1B and the titanium powder storage tank 1C, open the valves on the exhaust pipe and the discharge pipe, start the exhaust pump group 3A to extract the screening system to the target vacuum through the vacuum module 3;

[0036] 2) To form an inert atmosphere, close the valve on the exhaust pipe and open the gas supply valve on the air inlet pipe until the partial pressure of the inert gas reaches the system requirement;

[0037] 3) Particle size classification and screening: start the vacuum rotary vibrating screen 1A under an inert atmosphere, open the material flow valve 1D on the feed pipe 1E, and start particle size classification. Titanium powders of different particle sizes enter their respective titanium powder storage tanks 1C through their respective discharge ports K5;

[0038] 4) Screening continues. After one tank is screened, close the valve 1D at the connection between the feed pipe 1E and the tank, close the discharge pipe, install the next titanium powder feed tank 1B to be screened, and then open the valve 1D to achieve continuous screening. Close the discharge pipe to avoid destroying the inert atmosphere of the system.

[0039] The working principle and working process of the present invention are as follows: in an inert atmosphere, the material flow itself is used as the fluid properties of the metal powder and gravity to complete the action of entering the rotary vibrating screen from the feed tank, and after completing the screening of different particle size grades in the screen body, it smoothly enters the storage tank with the help of its own potential energy and intermittent airflow blowing.

[0040] Titanium powder has relatively active chemical properties, and the entire screening process must be carried out in an inert atmosphere. Therefore, the gas supply module and the vacuum module are used to replace the atmosphere in the system before the material flow enters the vacuum vibrating screen. After the feed pipe, the discharge pipe and the material tank are connected, the vacuum module is started to pump the system to the target vacuum, and then the inert gas supply valve is opened until the inert gas pressure in the system reaches the system screening requirements, and then the material flow valve is opened for particle size classification and screening. In order to achieve continuous work, an additional valve is installed at the connection between the feed pipe and the feed tank to control the start and stop of the discharge, and the discharge pipe is closed when the feed tank is replaced to avoid destroying the inert atmosphere in the system. At the same time, in order to ensure that the entire system can be quickly installed and easily maintained, the basic steel structure platform consists of two parts: the basic steel structure and the working platform. The working platform and the basic steel structure are connected with high-strength bolts, which are convenient for sequential hoisting during initial installation and rapid disassembly during equipment maintenance and replacement.

[0041] During operation, the system is assembled and debugged, the titanium powder feed tank 1B and the titanium powder storage tank 1C are connected, the valves on the exhaust pipe and the discharge pipe are opened, and the exhaust pump group 3A is started to evacuate the screening system to the target vacuum through the vacuum module 3; then the valve on the exhaust pipe is closed, and the air path valve 2E on the air inlet pipe is opened to supply inert gas into the system until the air pressure of the inert gas reaches the system requirement; the vacuum rotary vibrating screen 1A is started under an inert atmosphere, and the valve 1D on the feed pipe is opened to perform particle size classification and screening, and titanium powders of each particle size enter their respective titanium powder storage tanks through their respective discharge ports K5. Tank 1C; when the air pressure in the system drops to a certain level and fails to meet the screening air pressure requirement, open the pneumatic vacuum valve 2K, and the high-pressure gas at the air source end passes through the valve through the purge hose 2F behind the gas distributor 2C to purge the guide pipe 1H to avoid pipe blockage, and at the same time replenish the air pressure loss to make the air pressure in the system meet the requirements, and then close the pneumatic vacuum valve 2K to implement intermittent purge; after completing the screening of one tank, close the valve 1D at the connection between the feed pipe 1E and the material tank, close the discharge pipeline, and then install the next titanium powder feed tank to be screened, and then open the valve 1D to achieve continuous screening operation.

Claims

1. A screening system for titanium powder particle size classification, comprising a screening module (1), an air supply module (2), and a vacuum module (3), characterized in that: The screening module (1) comprises a vacuum rotary vibrating screen (1A), and the vacuum rotary vibrating screen (1A) is provided with a feed port (K1), an air extraction port (K2), an air inlet (K3), a pressure detection port (K4), and a discharge port (K5); the feed port (K1) is connected to a material source above via a feed pipe (1E), and the material source is a titanium powder feed tank (1B); a valve (1D) is provided on the feed pipe (1E), and the valve (1D) is used to control the flow rate of the material; the air extraction port (K2) is connected to a vacuum pump via an air extraction pipe. The vacuum module (3) is connected to the vacuum module (3), the vacuum module (3) includes an air pump group (3A), a basket filter (3B), and a vacuum hose (3C), the air pump group (3A) is connected to the air extraction port (K2) through a vacuum pipeline (3D), a basket filter (3B), and a vacuum hose (3C), and a vacuum safety valve is provided at the connection of the air extraction port (K2); the air inlet (K3) is connected to the air supply module (2) through an air inlet pipeline, and the air supply module (2) includes an inert gas bottle (2A), a gas collector (2 B), the inert gas cylinder (2A) is connected to the gas inlet of the gas collector (2B) through a pressure reducing valve (2G) and a hose (2H), and the gas outlet of the gas collector (2B) is connected to the gas inlet (K3) through an inlet pipe (2I), a gas path valve (2E), and an inlet hose (2D); the pressure detection port (K4) is connected to a pressure detection instrument through a pipeline; the discharge port (K5) is connected to a material receiving device below through a discharge pipeline, and the material receiving device is a titanium powder storage tank (1C), and the titanium powder storage tank ( 1C) is connected to the discharge port (K5) through a material guide pipe (1H), a discharge pipe (1G), and a pneumatic butterfly valve (1F); a branch pipe is arranged on the air inlet pipe (2I), the branch pipe is connected to the air distribution bag (2C), the air distribution bag (2C) is connected to the material guide pipe (1H) through a purge hose (2F), and a pneumatic vacuum valve (2K) is arranged on the branch pipe; valves are arranged on the air extraction pipeline, the air inlet pipeline, and the discharge pipeline; the working method of the screening system for titanium powder particle size classification comprises the following steps: 1) Target vacuum extraction: connect the titanium powder feed tank (1B) and the titanium powder storage tank (1C), open the valves on the exhaust pipe and the discharge pipe, start the exhaust pump group (3A) to extract the screening system to the target vacuum through the vacuum module (3); 2) Create an inert atmosphere, close the valve on the exhaust pipe, and open the valve on the intake pipe until the partial pressure of the inert gas reaches the system requirement; 3) Particle size classification and screening: start the vacuum rotary vibrating screen (1A) under an inert atmosphere, open the valve (1D) on the feed pipe (1E), and start particle size classification. Titanium powders of different particle sizes enter their respective titanium powder storage tanks (1C) through their respective discharge ports (K5); 4) Screening continues. After one tank is screened, close the valve (1D) at the connection between the feed pipe (1E) and the titanium powder feed tank (1B), close the discharge pipe, install the next titanium powder feed tank (1B) to be screened, and then open the valve (1D) to achieve continuous screening.

2. The screening system for titanium powder particle size classification according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vacuum rotary vibrating screen (1A) is a multi-stage vacuum rotary vibrating screen.

3. The screening system for titanium powder particle size classification according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a basic steel structure platform (4), the basic steel structure platform (4) including a steel frame structure and an operating platform, the operating platform being connected to the steel frame structure via high-strength bolts, and the material source, vacuum rotary vibrating screen, and material receiving device being arranged on the basic steel structure platform in three layers from top to bottom.

Images