Device for air classification of classifiable material and process for operating such a device

Description

1 / 20 DEVICE FOR AIR CLASSIFICATION OF CLASSIFIABLE MATERIAL AND PROCESS FOR OPERATING SUCH DEVICE

[0001] The invention relates to a device for air separation of sortable material, according to the general concept of claim 1 of the patent.

[0002] The invention also relates to a methodology for operating a device for air separation of sortable material, in accordance with the general concept of claim 15 of the patent.

[0003] Such devices are used industrially to classify solids into different sorts according to defined criteria, such as density, inertia, and size. As a rule, in addition to similar materials, mixtures are also sorted, for example, in recycling, in order to obtain homogeneous sorts. The implementation of sorting processes and associated devices are complex systems that require significant maintenance time in 24 / 7 operations or in large-scale industrial applications.

[0004] In the manufacture of panels from raw materials containing lignocellulose, undesirable substances such as silicates, sand, and dust are commonly found, but especially in the recycling of wood waste, metals, plastics, and other undesirable substances must be separated before the clean material can be used in large-scale industrial facilities for the manufacture of material panels, plastic panels, or mixed panels. This is usually done using an ascending tube separator, in which an air stream is passed through a vertical gallery against gravity. The heavier material is not carried by the air stream and falls downwards, while the lighter material is carried to the top of the gallery. The material to be separated is usually fed into the air stream from the side. In addition to the basic physical principle, a zigzag air classifier is commonly used in Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 10 / 115 2 / 20 air classification technology for lignocellulosic materials, resulting in greater separation accuracy. In this air classifier, the airflow is guided through zigzag channels, which can cause the airflow and the materials to be classified to be continuously redirected.

[0005] EP 1 874 489 B1 describes a multi-stage sorting or cleaning process for separating foreign bodies, minerals, plastic, glass and the like, in which a blow sorting device, as described above, is used in a second stage, which is the basis of the invention. A perforated plate is disposed between the material feed and the air supply for the airflow, through which (incorrect) sorting of heavier material (glass, minerals, metal) can generally pass. This perforated plate generally serves as a flow brake or to equalize the incoming air, towards the deflector located in the housing of the sorting device. The perforated plate may be arranged at an angle.

[0006] Materials that are too large for the openings in the plate can thus slide to the side and enter another outlet for a distinct separation.

[0007] This device has proven its worth in principle for classifying materials, but it has weaknesses in 24 / 7 industrial application and in ease of maintenance. Particularly with complex input materials, such as wood waste, prolonged or continuous operation is a problem, sometimes impossible.

[0008] Furthermore, with a suitably inclined and therefore self-cleaning deflector arrangement, the wind separation efficiency of the screen is significantly impaired because, due to the inclination, the deflector is not arranged perpendicularly to the direction of the main flow in terms of fluid mechanics. Each opening acts as a nozzle in terms of fluid mechanics, which are therefore directed at an angle against a wall of the casing. In addition, it has been shown that larger foreign objects tend to get stuck or wedged in the openings and therefore, Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 11 / 115 3 / 20 pieces do not slide out of the air sieve along the slope, but result in a greater accumulation of material on the screen or perforated plate.

[0009] The objective of the present invention is to provide a device for air separation, or a wind-powered sieve, and a method for operating such a device, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages regarding maintenance compared with previous technology. It should also be possible to obtain greater separation accuracy, as well as greater ease of maintenance, even though the wind-powered separator is structurally simpler. Furthermore, the task should be extended to include the ability to adjust the device according to the material to be classified, its properties, or its quantity per unit of time.

[0010] The invention is based on a device for air sorting of sortable material with a housing for an airflow that acts predominantly against gravity, with an air supply disposed in the structure, a material inlet for the material to be sorted and at least a first outlet for a first selection and a second outlet for a second selection, and a deflector disposed between the air supply and the material inlet along the length and width of the equipment as a resistance to the flow with a variety of openings for predetermined distribution and / or alignment of the airflow, wherein the plane of the deflector is disposed perpendicularly or at an angle to the airflow.The solution to the device's purpose lies in the fact that, to adjust the airflow and / or clean the deflector, control devices are installed to change the alignment of the openings and / or control devices to change the cross-section of the openings individually, in their entirety, or in groups.

[0011] The solution to the need consists of a method that alters the alignment of the passage openings and / or the cross-section of individual openings; all or grouped together, in order to adjust the airflow and / or clean the passage, preferably downstream. Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 12 / 115 4 / 20

[0012] Preferably, several segments are arranged to form the passage. These should be arranged so that they can move or be moved differently in relation to each other.

[0013] The actuators for moving the segments can be driven mechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically and / or electrically.

[0014] It is particularly preferable that the segment be laid out essentially in its entirety along the length or width of the compartment and, together with the other segments, form the flow control deflector. In addition, the deflector can not only act as a flow brake or to equalize or align the airflow, but can also function as a sieve for fractionation.

[0015] In this configuration, the first selection A would be an ideal selection, the second selection B would be excessively large particles, and the third selection would be, for example, heavy material such as metals, stones, sand, or the like.

[0016] In principle, a pneumatic separator of this type should produce at least two selections: a valid selection for further use and a distinct selection that is subsequently processed, re-separated, or eliminated. In a pneumatic separator of this type, the valid selection A is carried upwards by the pneumatic separator and directed to its intended use, while the heavier particles or particles that do not belong to the valid selection are not carried sufficiently by the airflow and fall against the airflow. Depending on the design of the deflector and the pneumatic classifier, the material that does not rise can be re-selected by the deflector. For example, the heavy material can fall or trickle through the deflector openings as a fraction, while the larger material that does not rise remains in the deflector as another fraction and can be discharged from the side of the casing, for example, by means of vibration through an inclined deflector.

[0017] Depending on the material input used, the material may become Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 13 / 115 5 / 20 trapped in the openings and unable to fall or be discharged laterally. Depending on the degree of contamination, this material accumulates to a greater or lesser degree during operation and is normally removed from the deflector during maintenance work. These additional irregular resistances to flow increase the effort required to produce an adequate airflow, partially or extensively reduce the cleaning performance of the pneumatic classifier, and lead to lower separation efficiency and, consequently, lower overall efficiency.

[0018] The solution according to the invention alters or changes the alignment of the deflector plate openings relative to the airflow, resulting in a cleaning effect in which the deflector plate is cleaned, for example, by foreign material sliding laterally or by segments exiting the airflow or changing their angle relative to the airflow. In the latter case, the screen openings change their position or alignment, if necessary, until the foreign objects fall out of the openings. The regular airflow in the compartment or screening area is taken as a reference or guide for the alignment of the openings. However, the cleaning effect can also be achieved or performed without airflow or using a stronger airflow.

[0019] It is preferable that individual segments be pivotable on an axis. The segments may be arranged to pivot laterally on an axis or, preferably, to rotate on a central axis. When pivoting the segments, foreign objects resting on the segments or material trapped in the openings may fall out and are eventually discharged, see Figures 2 to 4.

[0020] Depending on the application and need, the shafts can be fixed or movable in, on, or to the housing. For example, the shafts can be arranged along a guide and / or through a conveyor device in a reversible or continuous manner. In a preferred application, the segments can exit the airflow or enter a separate area in the housing, away from the airflow, where they can change position and be cleaned accordingly, see Figure 6. Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 14 / 115 6 / 20

[0021] Alternatively or cumulatively, the segments can be aligned parallel or orthogonally to the airflow in the lower run or in the return run of the continuous conveyor. In the case of parallel alignment, the airflow would no longer be impeded and the classified material could pass (only) through the upper run without any problems and be discharged from the pneumatic classifier below, see Figure 6.

[0022] In a suitable version, the segments can be arranged so that they touch each other to form the screen. In this case, continuous rotation would be recommended, with the deflector opening and closing again after a 180° rotation of the segments, see Figure 2 or 3. The segments can also overlap at least partially or rest on the axes of adjacent segments. In this case, a reverse movement would be recommended.

[0023] Alternatively or cumulatively, the segments can be designed to be flat, cross-shaped, or star-shaped in cross-section, or perpendicular to their axis. In such an application, it would not be necessary to perform a full 180° rotation to close the opening again. Correspondingly smaller rotation angles may be required, see Figure 4.

[0024] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, if there are several segments on an axis, the first and second segments can be arranged with different openings relative to each other. This makes it possible to advantageously design the deflector so that its permeability to airflow and also to the material to be classified can be adjusted and adapted to the mode of operation without the need to manually replace the deflector. At the same time, the cleaning effect can still be achieved by rotating / turning the screen segments.

[0025] In an alternative or even cumulative embodiment, the deflector or deflector segments may be designed with at least two layers in the direction of airflow, each layer having the same and / or Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 15 / 115 7 / 20 different openings, and the layers being arranged so that they can be adjusted or moved relative to each other to adjust the effective cross-section of the opening, see Figure 5. There are few limits to the possibilities here. For example, the entire deflector could consist of two layers whose openings can be moved relative to each other in order to influence the airflow accordingly or adjust the screening effect of both the pneumatic sorter and the deflector. Furthermore, the deflector could be cleaned by enlarging the opening so that very large or tangled foreign objects could fall through.

[0026] It may also be advantageous to offset the layers to adjust the cross-section of the opening relative to the flow brake along the width and for a cleaning effect along the length of the casing. For the cleaning effect, for example, the cross-section of the opening could be disproportionately larger.

[0027] In addition, it is also possible to arrange several segments with different adjustment or opening patterns, in order to further vary the opening adjustment options.

[0028] Especially in the case of multiple segments, only some of them can be adjusted in relation to the cross-section of the opening, or the adjustment means are applied in groups, or the openings are moved or rotated in groups.

[0029] The same effect can also be advantageously applied to layers of individual segments, so that, favorably and according to the invention, the segmented arrangement allows adjusting different flow velocities in the length and / or width of the pneumatic classifier or in the cross-section of the air flow, or compensating for flow differences related to the design or material.

[0030] In addition to equalizing the airflow through and after the deflector, in another preferred embodiment, it is advantageous to design the supply line for the classifying air in the housing laterally through the housing. Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 16 / 115 8 / 20 or, at least, introduce it into the housing at an angle from below, so that the material or fraction that passes through the baffle and is sieved can fall freely downwards and be discharged from there by a discharge device, such as a screw conveyor or a rotary valve, from the compartment.

[0031] In this sense, it may be advantageous to place air deflectors in the airflow deflection area or at the level of the air supply and in the direction of the flow before the introduction of the material, preferably in the direction of the flow before the sieve. This supports the deflection and evens out the airflow, which is usually deflected around an imaginary axis.

[0032] In the specific embodiment according to the invention, the air supply is arranged at an angle to the airflow in the housing. Air deflectors serve to optimize the deflection of the airflow vertically. These are preferably spaced and / or cascaded along the height of the air supply.

[0033] The deflectors are particularly preferably designed and arranged as a row of geometrically optimized guide vanes for flow diversion with low losses and / or to prevent flow separation. It is preferable that the guide vanes completely cover the axial extent of the axis of rotation and preferably absorb only part of the airflow aligned orthogonally with it, leaving the remaining areas of the airflow for other guide vanes arranged behind or in cascade.

[0034] It would be preferable to arrange the air deflectors in the flow direction on the outlet side of the deflector plate along the length or width of the casing, at the same distances as the deflector plate. In this distance range without deflectors, the deflector plate can, if necessary, exert its equalizing effect along the length and width of the casing. In an alternative embodiment, the air deflectors can be arranged radially spaced on a deflection axis and / or cascaded along the cross-section of the airflow. The deflection effect can be further optimized. Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 17 / 115 9 / 20 due to the spaced and / or staggered arrangement along a radius.

[0035] Alternatively or in addition to air deflectors, other guide plates may be arranged in the outer radial area, preferably at the end of the deflection area or in the vertical area of ​​the casing after deflection.

[0036] The guide plates are preferably arranged at a different distance from the deflector on the outlet side of the air deflectors in the direction of flow, near or in front of the deflector, in order to guide the airflow. The guide plates are preferably spaced from the deflector air guide plates and, more preferably, arranged in areas with a greater distance between the air guide plates and the deflector, see Figure 7.

[0037] The following drawings or explanations would also be beneficial for understanding the invention:

[0038] A zigzag guide for the airflow can be arranged in the direction of the airflow after the material is introduced. This serves to improve the efficiency of air separation. Physically, larger or excessively heavy particles are slowed down by contact with the zigzag guide plates and are not thrown as an ideal fraction to the top.

[0039] It is preferable that the axis for rotating or tilting the segments be arranged along the entire length or width of the housing. However, it must be arranged at least in the airflow area. The axis does not need to be mechanically continuous, but can also be implemented in a unilateral or bilateral suspension.

[0040] From a process engineering perspective, it can be useful for the deflector to switch to a cleaning mode at specific intervals during operation or during an operational pause, and for the segments to be rotated, tilted, or moved. This widens the openings or alters their alignment relative to the normal flow direction, either directly or as a result, particularly to separate foreign objects that have become trapped in the Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 18 / 115 10 / 20 openings.

[0041] Rotation or tilting preferably occurs in a fixed manner along an axis. The angle of rotation or tilting of the segments is determined by their design and arrangement. For example, in a star-shaped segment structure with four segments, a 90° rotation may be sufficient, but other angles of rotation or tilting would also be conceivable, for example, 120° for three radially arranged segments, or a multiple of the tilting angle required to restore a usable opening. For example, it is also possible to rotate 360°. After the cleaning rotation, the segment returns to its original position. In addition, reverse rotation movements would also be conceivable, such as 180° in one direction and 180° back.

[0042] In addition, it may be useful to provide corresponding safety elements or sensors which, in the event of blockage of the segments or actuators, send a feedback signal to personnel to initiate maintenance of the device.

[0043] Advantageously, it is now possible to clean the screen without having to provide excessive angled tilts or vibration elements, which end up reducing cleaning performance and increasing environmental pollution caused by noise or wear.

[0044] In a particularly favorable embodiment of the separator, the feed material is divided by the air separator into a first fraction A, a second fraction B, and a third fraction C, wherein, above the screen, the first fraction A is discharged upwards by the airflow and the third fraction C is discharged laterally, while the second fraction B passes through the screen against the airflow as a screen passage. In this context, it is particularly foreseen that the screen can be cleaned, preferably by briefly altering the position or orientation of the openings or enlarging the cross-section of the openings, preferably carrying out this alteration for a short period of time. A system is particularly preferable for this purpose. Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 19 / 115 11 / 20 automated control, which performs or activates the necessary change at predetermined intervals or based on a control circuit, based on measuring devices for or on the discharge of fractions or by the dynamic pressure of the airflow before and / or after the screen.

[0045] The present invention is particularly intended for use in a device or separator where a deflector or corresponding screen is used to separate a specific fraction. The openings or sieves that are arranged at a sufficient angle to gravity and / or airflow have a type of self-cleaning effect or do not exhibit any significant passage through the sieve and therefore no second fraction B.

[0046] The cleaning effect can preferably be achieved during a stoppage of the separator, in the sense of a lack of feed and / or airflow. In this case, the suspended solids that are not being discharged as the first fraction A, but remain in the separator during airflow, can be separated as a second additional fraction B' and, in the absence of additional material feed, discharged through the baffle when the airflow is deactivated and this material remains stationary on the baffle. Furthermore, when the feed is interrupted, the oversized material that has accumulated and / or become trapped on the screen can also be advantageously discharged as a separated fraction B* when the second fraction B exited the classifier during normal operation.

[0047] Among other things, the invention preferably provides that the openings and / or their opening cross-section are arranged or used in a first operating position to sieve the fractions and that, in a second operating position, preferably for a short period of time, the possibility of falling or passing through the sieve is enlarged or increased by changing the deflector.

[0048] It is particularly recommended that the segments rotate in such a way that the openings are no longer arranged or located in the airflow or are arranged or located in exactly the opposite direction. Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 20 / 115 12 / 20

[0049] In a cumulative or alternative application, preferably for a device for classifying at least three fractions, an opening is provided consisting of several segments, wherein the adjacent segments are preferably closed to each other at their joints and the airflow can only pass through the segments or the openings in the segments.

[0050] Alternatively, it can also be provided that the openings in the joints or between the segments correspond approximately to the openings in the segments, so that the effect would be the same for the openings in the joints due to the change in the position of the segments. The term “joint between segments” refers to the adjacent or closed arrangement between two segments, preferably in the operating position.

[0051] In another particularly recommended embodiment, it should be noted that the segments are provided with perforated plates or with a plurality of openings suitable for airflow, so that a single opening is not preferably arranged along the entire width W, but rather a plurality of openings arranged in the segment along the width W and also along the length L.

[0052] Alternatively or cumulatively, the screen can be segmented longitudinally and / or transversally. The segments would then be arranged longitudinally and / or transversally along its length, that is, along the length L or width W of the intended screen.

[0053] Depending on the device design, there is therefore an operating position of the deflector in which, preferably for a longer period for a given material, the openings or segments remain stationary in an operating position and the deflector's function for airflow and / or for the second fraction B is fulfilled. In a second cleaning position, the cleaning effect is achieved and the deflector or segments are cleaned. The cleaning position may be static, for example, remaining in a different position for a short period of time, but it may also Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 21 / 115 13 / 20 can be dynamic, for example, by performing one or more movements or one or more rotations for cleaning.

[0054] The present separator or device will be primarily applicable to biomass or materials containing lignin. This may be, in particular for materials containing lignin, screening prior to the production of particleboard, fiberboard (MDF, HDF) or OSB (oriented strand board). In this example, the material at the material input would then consist of fresh shredded wood, possibly with bark, minerals or foreign bodies (nails, staples, etc.) or wood waste with impurities such as paint layers, metal sheets, plastics, metals, etc.). However, green plants or other biomass with varying degrees of lignification, up to and including none, may also be sorted by this device or separator.

[0055] The second fraction is preferably intended for the separation of minerals, silicates or similar materials. The screen, preferably designed as a segmented perforated metal sheet, must have openings large enough so that the loss of material or passage through the screen contains as much mineral matter as possible, but the loss of usable material, such as wood, is as small as possible.

[0056] In another preferred embodiment, the size of the openings or the mesh of the screen can be adjusted differently along the length of the screen. For example, it is advantageous for the holes or openings in the screen to become continuously or gradually larger along the material flow (from the material inlet to the discharge of the third fraction C).

[0057] This has the advantage that only fine foreign matter or minerals are initially separated by the small openings and the lighter and / or smaller part of the first fraction A is carried away by the airflow from the material inlet, while larger openings are arranged along the length L further on, through which larger mineral particles can be separated without an excessive amount of material from the first fraction A passing through the screen to the third fraction C. Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 22 / 115 14 / 20

[0058] Alternatively or cumulatively, different hole patterns can also be selected, for example, elongated holes.

[0059] The advantage of this is that less or no effort is required for subsequent cleaning of the third fraction C (screen overflow). In addition, the loss of material from the first fraction A or the third fraction C is reduced, which would otherwise be discharged in part as miscellaneous grains into the fraction.

[0060] As regards the openings and their position and orientation, it is preferable that the openings or the screen be set or arranged in a predetermined working position, in order to allow the predetermined effect as a screen for the airflow, but also as a sieve for the material not carried by the airflow. The openings or the cross-section of the opening are therefore preferably arranged in a plane.

[0061] For cleaning purposes, these openings are preferably adjusted and / or moved in terms of their orientation, preferably with the segments containing the openings. For cleaning purposes, these openings or segments therefore preferably assume a second cleaning position or are guided along a dynamic movement or cleaning motion.

[0062] Other advantageous measures and conceptions of the object of the invention are evident from the secondary claims and the following description with the schematic drawing.

[0063] Shown: Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an air separation device according to the invention, with a cross-sectional view of the compartment perpendicular to the plane of the drawing below it. Figure 2 shows the structure of a segmented deflector with three different positions of the segments relative to the axes. Figure 3 shows the structure of an alternative segmentation with Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 23 / 115 15 / 20 segments arranged on both sides of the axis of rotation with different positions and an example of a foreign body being ejected from a segment by its rotation. Figure 4 shows another preferred embodiment of a star- or cross-shaped segment and, if necessary, a preferred embodiment with different apertures. Figure 5 shows a segment in a layered design with an adjustable opening cross-section. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a screen formed from an assortment of moving segments along a helical conveyor. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a diversion of the air supply to the airflow in the housing with air deflectors and guide plates.

[0064] The drawing shows in Figure 1 a schematic side view of a device 1 for separating air from a material 18, which is fed to the device 1 through a material inlet 17. The device 1 preferably has a rectangular body with a width W and a length L, in which a vertical airflow 2 separates the material 18 entering the body 10 into different fractions.

[0065] The objective is that the selected material be transported as the first fraction 3 with the airflow 2 upwards to the discharge 13 of fraction A and, from there, be fed for later use in a manufacturing process.

[0066] In the case of wood materials, for example, this could be the production of chipboard, fiberboard (MDF, HDF) or OSB (oriented strand board).

[0067] In this example, material 18 in material entry 17 would consist of fresh shredded wood, possibly with bark, minerals or foreign objects (nails, staples, etc.) or wood waste with impurities, such as Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 24 / 115 16 / 20 such as layers of paint, foil, plastics, metals, etc.

[0068] Heavy minerals or foreign objects, such as nails and screws, are not carried upwards by the airflow and fall below the material inlet 17 onto a screen 6, which has openings 9 for the passage of airflow 2 and the second fraction 4.

[0069] An air supply 12 disposed on the side of the housing 10 allows a sealing screw conveyor to be disposed in the lower area and discharge the second fraction 4 through the discharge 14. Fraction B, which consists mainly of heavy material, is generally discarded or recycled.

[0070] In a preferred and optional embodiment, a third fraction 5 may be generated, which generally consists of reusable material of excessive size, for example, pieces of wood that are too thick or too heavy. This third fraction 5 moves along the deflector 6, away from the material inlet 17 towards the discharge 15.

[0071] This can be achieved by airflow 2, by an inclined arrangement of the deflector 6, as shown in Figure 1, or by other means of conveyance. The air deflectors 11, which are blade-shaped along the width W, are arranged to deflect the incoming air through the air supply 12 orthogonally to the visible airflow 2. The air deflectors are cascaded and spaced apart, and their total number forms a stepped representation of the height of the incoming air. Preferably, the downstream ends of the air deflectors 11 are spaced from the screen 6 so as not to reduce the flow braking effect through the openings 9 of the screen 6.

[0072] To improve the sorting effect of device 1, a zigzag guide 16 for the airflow 2, formed by corresponding plates, can be arranged in the upper area of ​​the compartment.

[0073] Figure 2 schematically shows the structure of a segmented deflector 6. The segments 8 are articulated to shafts 7, which form an axis Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 25 / 115 17 / 20 rotation for the segments. Mechanical, electric or pneumatic actuators 24 are suitable for rotating the shafts 7 with the segments fixed to them 180° counterclockwise. The second line shows the initial rotation process, while the third line shows the completed rotation process.

[0074] Figure 3 shows an alternative structure of the screen segmentation 6 with segments 8 arranged on both sides of the (rotating) axis 7 or with a segment 8 and an axis 7 arranged centrally. A foreign object 20, such as a screw or a nail, is placed in the left segment 8, which cannot fall through the opening 9. The cleaning function is shown in the second line by a delayed position of segment 8 from left to right. After activation of the actuator 24, the segment begins to rotate counterclockwise, with segment 8 positioned vertically in the center, and shortly before completing a 180° rotation, the foreign object 20 falls.

[0075] Figure 4 shows another preferred embodiment of a star or cross-shaped segment. In this embodiment, the cross-shaped segment 8 has smaller openings 9 than the segment 8' arranged at a 90° angle. In addition to the possibility of adjusting the effect of the deflector 6 in relation to a flow brake, but also as a screen, the cleaning effect is also provided by the fact that the cross-shaped segment can be rotated.

[0076] Figure 5 shows another preferred embodiment of an opening 6 with a segment 8 in a layered construction and therefore with an adjustable opening cross-section 19. Both layers 21, 22 have openings 9, which can be of different sizes if necessary. By moving layers 21, 22 relative to each other using suitable adjustment means, the opening cross-section 19 can be increased or decreased. In addition to adjusting the function of screen 6, it is also possible to perform cleaning when larger heavy particles cannot pass through screen 6. In this case, layers 21, 22 are displaced relative to each other so that the largest possible opening cross-section 19 can be achieved. Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 26 / 115 18 / 20 defined. Layers 21 and 22 can be offset relative to each other by shifting one layer, but it would also be conceivable to shift a layer along the width W of the housing to adjust the cross-section of the opening and shift a layer along the length W or vice versa to perform a cleaning function; therefore, in the latter case, the cross-section of the opening could be disproportionately increased to enhance the cleaning effect.

[0077] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the formation of a screen 6 from a series of moving segments 8 along an endless circulating conveyor 23. The segments are moved clockwise along the length L of the housing 10 by an actuator 24 and are suspended at the bottom 25 on shafts 7 parallel to the airflow 2.

[0078] The conveyor diverts the segments 8 to the upper part, where they lie flat against each other, in stages, or on corresponding supports, forming a deflector 6 at the top. For example, the shafts 7 can serve as supports. The endless circulating conveyor device 23 is preferably formed by two external chains to which the segments 8 are articulated via the shafts 7. Foreign objects 20 on the screen 20 fall off in a discharge during the transition to the lower part 25 due to a flap effect caused by gravity. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the foreign objects 20 do not fall off but remain in a different section. The removal of the other section is significantly improved with this embodiment. Due to the segments “hanging” in the lower section, only one screen 6 is effectively in operation.However, with appropriate guides, segments 8 could also be aligned orthogonally to airflow 2 in the lower section, so that the flow brake is passed twice to equalize airflow 2 through the separating air. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of another advantageous embodiment of a separating air bypass after supplying air 12 to airflow 2 in housing 10. Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 27 / 115 19 / 20 with air deflectors 11 and guide plates 26.

[0079] An imaginary deflection axis 27 with a radius has been schematically drawn to represent the deflection area or the deflection radius. As shown in Figure 1, the air deflectors 11 are spaced at the height of the airflow, offset and arranged, in principle, in cascade to cover and deflect the height of the horizontal airflow. The air deflectors 11 preferably extend across the entire width W of the compartment.

[0080] With a practically horizontal arrangement of a deflector 6, the distance between deflector 6 and air deflectors 11 may be excessively large. In order to avoid uncontrollable airflow, it may be necessary to place guide plates 26 between air deflectors 11 and deflector 6 in the area of ​​the greater distance 1638. List of reference symbols 1638: Device Airflow (visualization) Fraction (A) Fraction (B) Fraction (C) Screen Axle Segment Opening Carcass Air deflectors Air supply Discharge (fraction A) Discharge (fraction B) Discharge (fraction C) Zigzag guide Feeding of material Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 28 / 115 20 / 20 Material Cross-section of the opening Foreign body Layer (first) Layer (second) Transporter Actuator Lower route Guide plates Deflection axis L Length of 10 W Width of 10 Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 29 / 115

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Device for air classification of classifiable material with a compartment (10) for an airflow (2) acting preferably against gravity, with an air supply (12) disposed in the compartment (10), a material inlet (17) for the material (18) to be classified and at least one first outlet (13) for a first fraction (3) and a second outlet (14) for a second fraction (4) and a deflector (6) disposed between the air supply (12) and the material inlet (17) along the length (L) and width (W) of the compartment (10) as a resistance to the flow with a plurality of openings (9) for the predetermined distribution and / or alignment of the airflow (2), wherein the plane of the deflector (6) is preferably disposed perpendicularly or at an angle to the airflow (2),characterized by the fact that actuators (24) are arranged to alter the alignment of the openings (9) and / or actuators (24) to alter the cross-section of the opening (19) of individual openings, all or grouped (9).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that several segments (8) are arranged to form the opening (6), wherein, preferably, one segment (8) extends substantially through the entire length (L) or width (W) of the compartment (10).

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the individual segments (8) are arranged in a pivoting manner on an axis (7), preferably on a central axis (7).

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the shafts (7) are arranged in a fixed or movable manner, preferably along a guide and / or a conveyor device (23), reversing or rotating infinitely.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the lower path (25) or in the return path of the infinitely circulating conveyor device (23), the segments (8) are aligned parallel or orthogonally to the airflow (2).

6. Device according to at least one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the segments (8) are arranged in a manner Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 30 / 115 2 / 3 juxtaposed to form the deflector (6), overlapping at least partially or resting on the axes (7) of the adjacent segments (8).

7. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (8) are designed to be flat, cross-shaped or star-shaped in cross-section or perpendicular to their axis (7).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that, in the case of several segments (8) on a shaft (7), the first and second segments (8) are arranged with openings (9) that differ from each other.

9. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deflector (6) or the segments (8) of the deflector (6) are designed with at least two layers in the direction of the airflow (2), each layer (21, 22) having identical and / or different openings (9) and the layers (21, 22) so that they can be adjusted relative to each other in order to define the effective opening cross-section (19).

10. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that air deflector plates (11) are arranged at the level of the air supply (12) and in the direction of the flow upstream of the material inlet (17), preferably in the direction of the flow upstream of the deflector (6).

11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the air supply (12) is arranged at an angle to the airflow (2) in the compartment (10) and the air deflectors (11) for diverting the airflow (2) vertically are preferably spaced and / or cascaded along the height of the air supply (12).

12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the deflector plates (11) are arranged as a row of geometrically optimized and flow-optimized guide vanes, preferably with a paddle-shaped contour, for flow deflection with low losses and / or to avoid flow separations.

13. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the air deflectors (11) are arranged in the direction of flow on the outlet side of the deflector (6) along the length (L) or width (W) of the compartment, with equal distances from the deflector (6). Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, page 31 / 115 3 / 3 14. Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the air deflectors (11) are arranged radially on a deflection axis (27) and / or cascaded across the cross-section of the airflow, wherein, preferably, if a distance between the air deflectors (11) and the deflector (6) is different on the outlet side, other guide plates (26) are arranged in the direction of the flow near or in front of the deflector (6) to guide the airflow, wherein these guide plates (26) are spaced from the air deflector plates (11) and are preferably arranged in areas with a greater distance between the air deflectors (11) and the deflector (6).

15. Process for operating a device (1) for air classification of classifiable material, with a compartment (10) for an airflow (2) preferably acting against gravity, with an air supply (12) disposed in the compartment (10), a material inlet (17) for the material (18) to be classified, at least one first discharge (13) for a first fraction (3) and a second discharge (14) for a second fraction (4) and a deflector (6) disposed between the air supply (12) and the material inlet (17) along the length (L) and width (W) of the compartment (10) with a plurality of openings (9) for predetermined distribution and / or alignment of the airflow (2), characterized in that, to adjust the airflow (2) and / or clean the deflector (6), preferably downstream of the flow, the alignment of the openings (9) of the deflector (6) and / or the cross-section of the opening (19) of individual openings, all or grouped (9) is changed.Petition 870250087354, dated 09 / 26 / 2025, p. 32 / 115.

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