Waste transport system in fiber production

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for regulating the volumetric flow rate distribution or pressure distribution in a waste transport system during fiber production comprising a series of cleaning machines. A waste transport system is provided comprising a network of pipes consisting of a manifold and suction lines leading to the cleaning machines, the lines branching from the manifold. Each suction line is equipped with a volumetric flow rate adjustment element, and the manifold is connected to a negative pressure source. The actual volumetric flow rate in the manifold is measured using a volumetric flow rate meter, and the suction power of the negative pressure source is adjusted by a target / actual volumetric flow rate comparison. Alternatively, the waste transport system has a negative pressure regulator for each cleaning machine, and the suction power of the negative pressure source is controlled by the interconnection of the negative pressure regulators or operates at a constant pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the volumetric flow rate distribution or pressure distribution in a waste transport system during fiber preparation comprising a series of cleaning machines. Background Technology

[0002] In fiber preparation in a spinning mill, supplied fibers or fiber bundles are prepared for use on a spinning machine. In fiber preparation, the fibers to be prepared for spinning undergo several processing stages. In the first stage, the fibers are removed from the fiber bales in the form of fiber bundles. A so-called bale opener is typically used for this purpose. These fiber bundles are transported out of the bale opener by means of a pneumatic fiber bundle conveyor and, for example, transferred to a downstream cleaning machine. Fiber preparation also includes a series of cleaning machines through which the fibers or fiber bundles pass. The sequence and design of the cleaning machines are adapted to the fibers to be processed and are used to clean, mix, and separate the fiber bundles into individual fibers and to parallel them. The arrangement of the individual cleaning machines in fiber preparation can be designed in different ways. This depends particularly on the raw materials to be processed and the product to be obtained.

[0003] The cleaning machines used are, for example, primary cleaners, fine cleaners, foreign matter separators, and combing machines or carding machines. Other types of machines, such as storage units or mixers, may also be equipped with cleaning modules, which are also part of the cleaning machine. Fibers or fiber bundles are typically transported between machines by means of transport air via a pneumatic transport system. The transport air is discharged through a separate exhaust system in front of the cleaning machine as needed. Within the cleaning machine itself, so-called debris is generated, which includes dust particles, foreign matter, seeds or stem parts, dust particles, or short fibers or fiber knots (called nepses) separated from the fibers or fiber bundles during the cleaning process. A constant pressure in the transport airflow through the cleaning machine is important for proper operation.

[0004] A carding machine separates fiber bundles into individual fibers and shapes them into slivers, forming the end of fiber preparation. Downstream from the carding machine, the fibers are transferred to the spinning process in the form of slivers. In the spinning process, the slivers are processed by a drawing frame, combing machine, or spindle for use in the final spinning process.

[0005] Various methods for transporting waste generated in various cleaning machines are known from the prior art. EP1841908A1 discloses a foreign matter separator in which waste is fed into garbage bags. It is also known from the disclosure of DE 10347006A1 to transport waste from the discharge point to a central waste disposal unit using a fan specifically designed for this purpose. EP 0494181A1 discloses a cleaning machine in which waste is carried into a collection channel. The collection channel is then emptied mechanically or by means of a continuous transport airflow.

[0006] The drawback of known methods is that the proposed waste transport system requires cumbersome and complex mechanical handling of the waste that appears, or must rely on continuous high suction power to remove the waste. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the problem solved by the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus that allows for the automated operation of a waste transportation system, thereby making it possible to reduce and optimize energy consumption for waste transportation.

[0008] This problem is solved by the method according to the invention for adjusting the volumetric flow rate distribution or pressure distribution in a waste transport system in fiber preparation having a series of cleaning machines, and fiber preparation including a series of cleaning machines and a waste transport system.

[0009] To address this problem, a novel method is proposed for adjusting the volumetric flow rate or pressure distribution in a waste transport system during fiber preparation involving a series of cleaning machines. A waste transport system is provided comprising a network of pipes consisting of manifolds and suction lines leading to the cleaning machines, the lines branching from the manifolds and connecting to a negative pressure source. Each suction line is equipped with a volumetric flow rate adjustment element, and the actual volumetric flow rate in the manifold is measured using a volumetric flow rate meter. The suction power of the negative pressure source is adjusted by a target / actual volumetric flow rate comparison. Measurement methods known from the prior art (such as venturi tubes or anemometers) can be used to measure the volumetric flow rate. In the context of this application, suction power refers to the power that the negative pressure source must provide to generate a specific volumetric flow rate at a specific negative pressure. In this sense, suction power at high negative pressure and low volumetric flow rate corresponds to suction power at low negative pressure and high volumetric flow rate. For example, if a fan is used as the negative pressure source, the suction power is equivalent to the electrical power required by the fan's drive to generate a certain volumetric flow rate with a given negative pressure.

[0010] Flow rate plays a crucial role, particularly in determining the conveying capacity and operational reliability of a waste transport system. The waste particles to be removed are transported by conveying air through suction lines and manifolds. It is important that the conveying speed not drop below a certain level to prevent particles from settling in the lines. However, to avoid unnecessary energy consumption, high unnecessarily high conveying capacity or suction power should be avoided for safety reasons. Because the suction lines are equipped with volumetric flow rate adjustment elements, such as flow restrictors, butterfly valves, or sliders, the available total volumetric flow rate is correspondingly distributed between the suction lines. Since the cleaning machine is in operation, the control system can set a target volumetric flow rate. The negative pressure source is now adjusted in such a way, based on an actual / target comparison, to achieve the most constant possible volumetric flow rate in the manifold.

[0011] In a solution to the problem of replacing volumetric flow rate measuring devices in an alternative manifold, the waste transport system has a negative pressure regulator for each suction line, and the suction power of the negative pressure source is regulated through the interconnection of the negative pressure regulators. Each negative pressure regulator includes a pressure sensor, a closed control loop, and a throttling element. The target value of the negative pressure is specified by the closed control loop, and the current negative pressure is adjusted to the target value by means of the pressure sensor actuating the throttling element. If the negative pressure in the cleaning machine connected to the waste transport system increases too much, this is registered by the corresponding negative pressure regulator, and the opening of the throttling element is thus reduced. For example, a slider or butterfly valve can be used as the throttling element. The individual values ​​of the pressure monitors are transmitted to the negative pressure source. If the negative pressure source is formed by a fan, it can be regulated by taking the negative pressure in each suction line together. As an alternative to regulating the suction power, the negative pressure source can operate at a constant negative pressure in this case, for example, if the negative pressure source is formed by a filter chamber. By regulating the negative pressure of all suction lines, the requirements of the individual cleaning machines can be accommodated, and it is not necessary to further regulate the negative pressure to prevent excessive suction power in the facility as a whole. The negative pressure source can be shared by the entire spinning mill and is designed to ensure a constant negative pressure. This variation also avoids unnecessary high suction power and thus optimizes the energy consumption of the negative pressure source.

[0012] At least one suction line is advantageously equipped with a shut-off element, increasing the suction power of the negative pressure source by a certain amount corresponding to the suction power requirement after, before, or simultaneously with the shut-off element opening. The advantage of the shut-off element is that the cleaning machine not in operation can be easily isolated from the waste transport system, and therefore, due to potential leaks, the suction power does not increase unless suction is actually necessary. To avoid interrupting waste transport when the shut-off element opens due to rapid load connection, the suction power of the negative pressure source increases in accordance with the planned opening of the shut-off element. The suction power increases according to the expected increase. In this way, large fluctuations in the overall volumetric flow rate of the waste transport system, as well as responses from negative pressure monitors of other cleaning machines, can be avoided.

[0013] Preferably, each of the multiple suction lines is equipped with a flow-blocking element, and the flow-blocking elements of each suction line are opened one after another for a certain period of time. The advantage of this cyclical transport of waste from each cleaning machine is that the required maximum suction power can be kept low because waste from all or several cleaning machines does not need to be transported simultaneously. The cycle time for suction and the pauses between suction operations of various cleaning machines should be adjusted according to the design of the cleaning machines, their operating modes, and the load. A combination of cyclical and continuous operation of individual cleaning machines is also possible. For example, cleaning machines (such as combers) should provide continuous waste transport.

[0014] Advantageously, the suction power of the negative pressure source does not drop below the minimum value. This measure ensures that contamination of the waste transport system is avoided. Waste outlets can also be integrated into the waste transport system, which must be in continuous operation, such as continuous cleaning devices in handheld suction units or combing machines.

[0015] Furthermore, a fiber preparation method comprising a series of cleaning machines and a waste transport system is proposed, wherein the waste transport system includes a negative pressure source and a pipeline network consisting of a manifold connected to the negative pressure source and suction lines connected to individual cleaning machines, the lines branching from the manifold. Each suction line is equipped with a volumetric flow rate adjustment element. A volumetric flow rate measuring device is provided in the manifold, or alternatively, each cleaning machine is equipped with a negative pressure regulator having a pressure sensor and a throttling element. At least one suction line is advantageously provided with a flow-stopping element. This makes it possible to disconnect a cleaning machine not in operation from the waste transport system. For example, a slider or butterfly valve can be used as the flow-stopping element. When using a flow-stopping element equipped with a drive device, the individual cleaning machines can be cyclically connected to the waste transport system for a certain period of time by opening and closing the flow-stopping element.

[0016] Preferably, a dummy air opening is provided in the manifold. This allows the negative pressure source to be controlled so that a minimum volumetric flow rate is always delivered, even when most cleaning machines are separated from the waste transport system. It is also advantageous to control the dummy air opening via negative pressure. This means that if the negative pressure in the manifold increases, the dummy air opening widens, and if the negative pressure decreases, the dummy air opening closes. With this device, a sharp drop in negative pressure caused by the shut-off element of the cleaning machine can be absorbed, causing the volumetric flow rate drawn by the negative pressure source to be drawn from the dummy air opening, at least until the regulation system of the negative pressure source has adapted to the new situation.

[0017] Advantageously, a negative pressure source is a fan with a speed-controlled drive. Alternatively, a filter chamber can be used. A filter chamber is typically installed in a spinning mill or spinning process. For example, in this type of filter chamber, exhaust and suction lines from the entire spinning mill are combined. The introduced air is cleaned within the filter chamber. The filter chamber is under negative pressure to prevent environmental contamination. This negative pressure is also used directly for suction in the suction system connected to the filter chamber. The filter chamber is regulated to a certain negative pressure by a suitable fan system and serves as the negative pressure source. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will now be described based on exemplary embodiments, and will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of fiber preparation;

[0020] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of fiber preparation, and

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of fiber preparation. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of fiber preparation including a series of cleaning machines 2, 3, and 4. Fibers or fiber bundles to be processed are fed into primary cleaner 2 via fiber feeder 1 (not shown in detail). The fibers are transported from primary cleaner 2 to secondary cleaner 3 via transport line 5, and from there to carding machine 4 via transport line 6. After the fibers or fiber bundles have been guided through various cleaning and processing stages, they exit carding machine 4 in the form of combs 7 for further processing. Waste generated from fiber processing is removed from the individual cleaning machines 2, 3, and 4 in the waste transport system. The fiber preparation shown is common for waste transport systems with a negative pressure source. In the illustrated embodiment, the negative pressure source is formed by fan 16. Starting from fan 16, the waste transport system includes manifold 14 and suction lines 8, 10, and 12 branching from manifold 14, each of which connects to cleaning machine 2, 3, or 4. In the illustrated embodiment, a primary cleaner 2 with suction line 8, a fine cleaner 3 with suction line 10, and a comber 4 with suction line 12 are connected to a manifold 14. The generated waste is sucked in by the waste transport system and then transferred to the waste discharge section 17 via a negative pressure source or fan 16.

[0023] Volumetric flow rate adjustment elements 9, 11, and 13 are disposed in the respective suction lines 8, 10, and 12. These are used to distribute the total volumetric flow rate drawn in by fan 16 to the respective cleaning machines 2, 3, and 4 as needed. In manifold 14, volumetric flow rate measuring device 15 is attached to the front of fan 16 for measuring the actual volumetric flow rate. Based on the cleaning machine used and its operating mode, and depending on the fiber material to be processed, a target value specification 19 for the volumetric flow rate is determined by manual input or the control system. By means of target / actual comparison 18, fan 16 is adjusted such that the measured actual volumetric flow rate corresponds to the specified target volumetric flow rate.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of fiber preparation including a series of cleaning machines 2, 3, and 4. The arrangement of the cleaning machines 2, 3, and 4, as well as the various parts of the waste transportation system, is shown in the diagram. Figure 1 The meanings are the same. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1Alternative solutions for embodiments of the waste transport system. A negative pressure monitor is provided in each of the suction lines 8, 10, and 12. The negative pressure monitors consist of pressure sensors 21, 24, and 27, throttling elements 22, 25, and 28, and negative pressure regulators 20, 23, and 26, respectively. An example illustration of the suction line 8 leading to the primary cleaner 2 illustrates the negative pressure monitoring function applicable to all suction lines 8, 10, and 12. The negative pressure present in the suction line 8 is measured via pressure sensor 21. This measurement is transmitted to the negative pressure regulator 20 and compared with a value established for specific operation of the primary cleaner. Based on this comparison, the throttling element 22 is closed or opened to adjust the negative pressure in the suction line 8. Suction lines 8, 10, and 12 lead to manifold 14, which connects to filter chamber 33. Filter chamber 33, used throughout the spinning mill, is centrally regulated by regulator 29. Negative pressure regulators 20, 23 and 25 are connected to regulator 29 of filter chamber 33, so that filter chamber 33 can be adjusted as needed.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of fiber preparation including a series of cleaning machines 2, 3, and 4. The arrangement of cleaning machines 2, 3, and 4 is... Figure 1 The arrangement shown is identical. The waste transport system includes a manifold 14 connected to a fan 16, which serves as a negative pressure source. A volumetric flow rate meter 15 is disposed in the manifold 14, by means of which the actual volumetric flow rate is measured upstream of the fan 16. The suction power of the fan 16 is determined by... Figure 1 The target / actual comparison 18 shown is used for adjustment. Suction lines 8, 10, and 12 branch from manifold 14 to the respective cleaners. Suction line 8 connects manifold 14 to primary cleaner 2, and suction line 10 connects manifold 14 to fine cleaner 3. Volumetric flow rate adjustment elements 9 and 11 and flow-stopping elements 31 and 32 are respectively provided in suction lines 8 and 10. When flow-stopping element 31 or 32 is open, volumetric flow rate adjustment element 9 or 10 prevents excessively high volumetric flow rates through suction lines 8 or 10, thus avoiding unsuitability for the corresponding cleaner 2 or 3. Furthermore, actuating flow-stopping elements 31 and 32 allows for the transport of recirculated waste from fine cleaner 3 or primary cleaner 2. In the case of recirculation operation, the positions of flow-stopping elements 31 and 32 are incorporated into the target value specification 19 for fan adjustment. As a result, excessively low or high suction power of fan 16 can be avoided, and optimized operation is possible. In order to absorb various power peaks, a dummy air opening 30 is provided in the manifold 14.

[0026] The suction line 12 connecting the combing machine 4 to the manifold is equipped with a negative pressure monitor with a sensor 27, such as... Figure 2As shown. This is because the comber 4 typically needs to continuously pump waste and cannot circulate the pumping process. However, due to the regulation of the volumetric flow rate in the manifold, a mixture of circulating and constant waste transport is possible in a waste transport system.

[0027] This invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described. Modifications within the scope of the claims are possible, as are combinations of features, even though these are shown and described in different embodiments.

[0028] List of reference numerals

[0029] 1. Fiber feeder

[0030] 2. Primary Cleaner

[0031] 3 Fine Cleaner

[0032] 4. Combing machine

[0033] 5 and 6 transport pipelines

[0034] 7 comb bars

[0035] Suction lines 8, 10, and 12

[0036] 9, 11, 13 Volumetric flow rate adjustment elements for suction lines

[0037] 14 manifold

[0038] 15. Volumetric Flow Rate Meter

[0039] 16 fans

[0040] 17 Waste Disposal Department

[0041] 18. Target / Actual Comparison of Volumetric Flow Rate

[0042] 19 Target Value Specification

[0043] 20, 23, 26 Negative pressure regulators

[0044] Pressure sensors 21, 24, and 27

[0045] 22, 25, 28 Throttling elements

[0046] 29. Filter Chamber Conditioner

[0047] 30 False air openings

[0048] 31, 32 Current-cutting elements

[0049] 33. Filtration room.

Claims

1. A method for regulating the volumetric flow rate distribution or pressure distribution in a waste transport system during fiber preparation having a series of cleaning machines (2, 3, 4), providing a waste transport system for transporting waste generated in the cleaning machines (2, 3, 4), the system comprising a network of pipes consisting of a manifold (14) and suction lines (8, 10, 12) leading to the cleaning machines (2, 3, 4), the lines branching from the manifold (14), the manifold (14) being connected to a negative pressure source, characterized in that, Each of the suction lines (8, 10, 12) is equipped with a volumetric flow rate adjustment element (9, 11, 13), and the actual volumetric flow rate in the manifold (14) is measured using a volumetric flow rate meter (15). The suction power of the negative pressure source is adjusted by a target / actual volumetric flow rate comparison (18). At least one suction line (8, 10) is provided with a flow-blocking element (31, 32), and the suction power of the negative pressure source increases in response to the planned opening of the flow-blocking element (31, 32). A dummy air opening (30) is provided in the manifold (14) and is controlled by negative pressure to absorb the sharp drop in negative pressure caused by closing the flow-blocking element (31, 32).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The suction power of the negative pressure source is adapted to a certain amount, which corresponds to the suction power demand after the flow-blocking elements (31, 32) have been opened, before the flow-blocking elements (31, 32) have been opened, or at the same time.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple suction lines (8, 10) are each equipped with a flow-blocking element (31, 32), and the flow-blocking elements (31, 32) of each suction line (8, 10) are opened one after another within a certain period of time.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The suction power of the negative pressure source does not drop below the minimum value.

5. A fiber preparation comprising a series of cleaning machines (2, 3, 4) and a waste transport system, the waste transport system being used to transport waste generated in the cleaning machines (2, 3, 4), and comprising a negative pressure source and a pipeline network consisting of a manifold (14) connected to the negative pressure source and suction lines (8, 10, 12) connected to each of the cleaning machines (2, 3, 4), the lines branching from the manifold (14), characterized in that, Each of the suction lines (8, 10, 12) is equipped with a volumetric flow rate adjustment element (9, 11, 13), and a volumetric flow rate measuring device (15) is disposed in the manifold (14). At least one suction line (8, 10) is provided with a flow-blocking element (31, 32), and the suction power of the negative pressure source increases in response to the planned opening of the flow-blocking element (31, 32). A dummy air opening (30) is provided in the manifold (14) and is controlled by negative pressure to absorb the sharp drop in negative pressure caused by closing the flow-blocking element (31, 32).

6. The fiber preparation according to claim 5, characterized in that, The negative pressure source is a fan (16) with a speed-controlled drive.

7. The fiber preparation according to claim 5, characterized in that, The negative pressure source is the filtration room (33).

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