Rotary valve device

Abstract

The present disclosure describes a rotary valve device capable of suppressing leakage of exhaust gas with a simple structure and greatly reducing the effort of maintenance. The rotary valve device includes a housing, a rotor disposed in the housing and configured to rotate about a rotation shaft extending in a horizontal direction, and a seal portion. The seal portion includes a first seal member disposed in the housing in a ring shape and a second seal member disposed in a side plate of the rotor in a cylindrical shape. An outer peripheral edge of the first seal member is fixed to the housing, and the first seal member opposes an outer peripheral portion of the side plate of the rotor. The second seal member extends between the side plate of the rotor and the first seal member along an extension direction of the rotation shaft, and one end side of the second seal member is fixed to the side plate of the rotor, and the other end side of the second seal member has a predetermined interval from the first seal member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rotary valve device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary valve device used in a processing apparatus requiring high sealing performance (e.g., a dry quenching apparatus). The rotary valve device has the function of continuously conveying bulk material (e.g., coke in a dry quenching apparatus) discharged from the processing apparatus to a subsequent conveying device (e.g., a conveyor, etc.) and suppressing the leakage of exhaust gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, hydrogen, etc.) from the processing apparatus to the outside of the apparatus.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary valve device comprising a housing, a rotor, and a sealing mechanism. The rotor is rotatably disposed within the housing. The sealing mechanism includes a sealing ring and multiple elastic members. The sealing ring is configured to seal the gap between the housing and the side of the rotor. The sealing ring is movable relative to the gap between the outer periphery of the rotor's side plate and the housing. The multiple elastic members are arranged circumferentially around the outer periphery of the rotor's side plate and are configured to press the sealing ring toward the gap. Thus, the gap is sealed by the sealing ring, thereby preventing leakage of exhaust gas from the processing device.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 60-162522 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the sealing ring disclosed in Patent Document 1 wears down due to contact with the side plate of the rotating rotor, thus requiring regular maintenance. Furthermore, the sealing mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1 utilizes multiple elastic components to press the sealing ring against the side plate of the rotor, resulting in a large number of components and a complex structure. Moreover, to suppress leakage of exhaust gas, high precision and high-precision assembly techniques are required for each component.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure describes a rotary valve device that can suppress leakage of exhaust gas with a simple structure and significantly reduce maintenance time.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] An example of a rotary valve device includes: a housing; a rotor disposed within the housing and rotatable about a horizontally extending axis of rotation; and a sealing portion. The housing includes: a main body portion that is cylindrical and extends horizontally; an inlet portion that opens upwards at the upper part of the main body portion; an outlet portion that opens downwards at the lower part of the main body portion; and a pair of covers that respectively close both ends of the main body portion. The sealing portion includes a first sealing member that is annularly disposed in the housing and a second sealing member that is cylindrically disposed on a side plate of the rotor. The outer peripheral side of the first sealing member is fixed to the housing, and the outer peripheral side of the first sealing member faces the side plate of the rotor. The second sealing member extends between the side plate of the rotor and the first sealing member along the direction of rotation, one end of the second sealing member being fixed to the side plate of the rotor, and the other end having a predetermined distance from the first sealing member.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] The rotary valve device according to the present invention can suppress leakage of exhaust gas with a simple structure and significantly reduce maintenance time. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram that roughly illustrates an example of a dry quenching apparatus.

[0015] Figure 2 Therefore Figure 1 The diagram is a simplified representation of a rotary valve device.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing a partial cross-section of the rotary valve device.

[0017] Figure 4 It is an enlarged representation Figure 3 A sectional view of section IV.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 VV-line sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0019] In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements with the same function, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in this specification, when referring to the top, bottom, right, and left of a figure, the orientation of the symbols in the figure is used as the reference.

[0020] [Dry Quenching Device]

[0021] First, refer to Figure 1The structure of the dry quenching device 100 will be described. The dry quenching device 100 is a device used to cool red-hot coke C1 introduced from a coke oven using circulating gas to obtain quenched (cooled) coke C2. The dry quenching device 100 includes a chamber 101, a dust collector 102, a boiler 103, a dust collector 104, a blower 105, a preheater 106, a controller Ctr (control unit), and a rotary valve device 1.

[0022] Chamber 101 is a container for holding red-hot coke C1 and coke C2. Inside chamber 101, the red-hot coke C1 and coke C2 flow from top to bottom, while the circulating gas used to cool the red-hot coke C1 flows from bottom to top. The circulating gas can be, for example, an inert gas primarily composed of nitrogen. The circulating gas may sometimes contain unburned components such as CO and H2.

[0023] A rotary valve device 1 is installed at the lower part of the chamber 101. The coke C2 cooled inside the chamber 101 is discharged to the outside of the dry quenching device 100 through the rotary valve device 1. At this time, the gas (unburned components such as CO and H2) inside the chamber 101 is also discharged to the rotary valve device 1 as exhaust gas G.

[0024] The dust collector 102 is configured to recover at least a portion of the coke dust C3 accompanying the circulating gas after heat exchange with red-hot coke C1 in the chamber 101. The inlet side (upstream side) of the dust collector 102 is connected to the upper part of the chamber 101 via pipe D1.

[0025] The boiler 103 is configured to recover heat energy from the circulating gas that has passed through the dust collector 102. The inlet side (upper part) of the boiler 103 is connected to the outlet side (downstream side) of the dust collector 102 via pipe D2.

[0026] Boiler 103 also functions as part of steam power generation system 110. Steam power generation system 110 comprises, for example, boiler 103, piping 111, turbine 112, generator 113, and condenser 114. A portion of piping 111 passes inside boiler 103, with the remainder located outside. Turbine 112 and condenser 114 are connected to the portion of piping 111 located outside boiler 103. Generator 113 is connected to turbine 112 and generates electricity through the rotation of turbine 112.

[0027] Water flowing through boiler 103 in piping 111 exchanges heat with the high-temperature circulating gas flowing in boiler 103 to become steam. The steam is then guided through piping 111 to turbine 112, causing turbine 112 to rotate. This generates electricity in generator 113 connected to turbine 112. The steam passing through turbine 112 is then guided through piping 111 to condenser 114 to revert back to water, which then exchanges heat again with the circulating gas in boiler 103 through piping 111.

[0028] The dust collector 104 is configured to recover at least a portion of the coke dust C4 accompanying the circulating gas after heat exchange in the boiler 103. The inlet side (upstream side) of the dust collector 104 is connected to the outlet side (lower part) of the boiler 103 via pipe D3.

[0029] The blower 105 is configured to deliver the circulating gas that has passed through the dust collector 104 toward the chamber 101. The inlet side (upstream side) of the blower 105 is connected to the downstream side (outlet side) of the dust collector 104 via pipe D4.

[0030] The preheater 106 is configured to cool the circulating gas delivered by the blower 105 by exchanging heat with water (warm water), and then supply the cooled circulating gas to the chamber 101. The inlet side (upstream side) of the preheater 106 is connected to the outlet side (downstream side) of the blower 105 via pipe D5. The outlet side (downstream side) of the preheater 106 is connected to the lower part of the chamber 101 via pipe D6.

[0031] The controller Ctr is configured to perform overall control of the dry quenching apparatus 100. The controller Ctr generates indication signals for operating each part of the dry quenching apparatus 100 based, for example, a program recorded on a recording medium (not shown) or operation input from the operator, and sends the indication signals to each part respectively.

[0032] [Details of the rotary valve assembly]

[0033] Next, refer to Figures 2-5 The detailed specifications of rotary valve assembly 1 are described below. Figure 2 As illustrated, the rotary valve device 1 includes a rotary valve 10, a supply device 20 (gas supply unit), an exhaust device 30 (exhaust unit), and a pressure sensor 40 (first pressure measuring unit).

[0034] The rotary valve 10 is connected to the lower part of the chamber 101 via a vibrating feeder 2. The vibrating feeder 2 is configured to feed coke C2 discharged from the chamber 101 to the inlet 10A of the rotary valve 10 by vibration. A cover member 2A is arranged around the vibrating feeder 2. The cover member 2A is arranged to cover the vibrating feeder 2 from the outlet of the chamber 101 to the inlet 10A of the rotary valve 10. The cover member 2A has the function of preventing dust and exhaust gas G from the coke C2 discharged from the chamber 101 from scattering to the surroundings.

[0035] The rotary valve 10 is configured to discharge coke C2 supplied from the vibrating feeder 2 from the outlet 10B toward the conveying device 3. The rotary valve 10 is configured to suppress leakage of exhaust gas G from the chamber 101 to the downstream side. That is, the purpose of the rotary valve 10 is to discharge coke C2 to the downstream side, while on the other hand, to prevent exhaust gas G from flowing to the downstream side as much as possible.

[0036] A conveying device 3 (e.g., a belt conveyor) is disposed below the rotary valve 10. The conveying device 3 is configured to convey the cooled (extinguished) coke C2 to, for example, a storage device (not shown).

[0037] A chute 4 is connected to the outlet 10B of the rotary valve 10. The chute 4 is arranged to cover the outlet 10B and the surrounding area of ​​the conveying device 3 from the outlet 10B of the rotary valve 10 to the conveying device 3. The chute 4 has the function of preventing the dust of coke C2 discharged from the rotary valve 10 and the exhaust gas G leaking from the rotary valve 10 from scattering to the surrounding area.

[0038] The rotary valve 10 is surrounded, for example, by a building 5. The building 5 is arranged, for example, to surround the lower part of the chamber 101, the vibrating feeder 2, the rotary valve 10, and the chute 4. The interior of the building 5 is used, for example, as a work space for operators to maintain the rotary valve assembly 1, etc.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotary valve 10 includes a housing 11, a rotor 12, a sealing portion 13, and a drive portion 14. The housing 11 is configured to house the rotor 12 internally. The housing 11 includes a main body portion 11A and a pair of cover portions 11B.

[0040] The main body 11A is cylindrical and is arranged to extend horizontally. An inlet 10A with an upward opening is provided at the upper part of the main body 11A (see reference). Figure 2 An outlet portion 10B with a downward opening is provided at the lower part of the main body portion 11A (see reference). Figure 2 ).like Figure 3 As illustrated, the pair of cover portions 11B can be plate-shaped or circular plate-shaped. One of the pair of cover portions 11B is disposed at one end of the main body portion 11A in a manner that closes one end of the main body portion 11A. The other of the pair of cover portions 11B is disposed at the other end of the main body portion 11A in a manner that closes the other end of the main body portion 11A.

[0041] The rotor 12 includes a rotating shaft 12A, a plurality of rotor blades 12B, an inner wall 12C, and a pair of side plates 12D. The rotating shaft 12A extends through the pair of covers 11B in a manner that extends along the central axis of the main body 11A. That is, the rotating shaft 12A extends in a horizontal direction. The rotating shaft 12A is held to be rotatable relative to the pair of covers 11B.

[0042] Multiple rotor blades 12B are each flat. The rotor blades 12B are arranged in a radially extending manner when viewed from the extending direction of the rotation shaft 12A. The inner wall 12C is cylindrical and is arranged to surround the rotation shaft 12A. The inner wall 12C is fixed to the ends of the multiple rotor blades 12B on the rotation shaft 12A side. That is, the ends of the multiple rotor blades 12B on the rotation shaft 12A side are closed by the inner wall 12C.

[0043] like Figure 3 As illustrated, a pair of side plates 12D are circular. One of the side plates 12D is fixed to a side portion of one of the plurality of rotor blades 12B, an end portion of one of the inner walls 12C, and a rotating shaft 12A. That is, a side portion of one of the plurality of rotor blades 12B is closed by one of the side plates 12D. The other of the pair of side plates 12D is fixed to a side portion of the other of the plurality of rotor blades 12B, an end portion of the other of the inner walls 12C, and a rotating shaft 12A. That is, a side portion of the other of the plurality of rotor blades 12B is closed by the other of the side plates 12D.

[0044] Thus, the rotor 12 is disposed in the housing 11 such that it can rotate about the rotation axis 12A while being disposed within the housing 11. The rotor 12 has multiple spaces V1 (see reference) surrounded by multiple rotor blades 12B, an inner wall 12C, and a pair of side plates 12D. Figure 2 Multiple spaces V1 function as storage spaces for coke C2 discharged from chamber 101.

[0045] Here, as Figure 4 As illustrated, the leading edges of the plurality of rotor blades 12B are adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the main body 11A of the housing 11. That is, the leading edges of the plurality of rotor blades 12B are separated from the inner peripheral surface of the main body 11A by a predetermined interval G1. The interval G1 may be, for example, about 1 mm to 5 mm. By ensuring that the leading edges of the plurality of rotor blades 12B are adjacent to the inner peripheral surface of the main body 11A, leakage of exhaust gas G from the leading edge side of the plurality of rotor blades 12B can be suppressed.

[0046] like Figures 3-5 As illustrated, the sealing portion 13 includes a sealing member 13A (first sealing member), at least one sealing member 13B (second sealing member, third sealing member), and a plurality of auxiliary sealing members 13C. The sealing portion 13 may also be formed of a wear-resistant steel.

[0047] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As illustrated, the sealing member 13A is annular. The sealing member 13A may also be circular. The sealing member 13A may also be plate-like. When viewed from the extending direction of the rotating shaft 12A, the sealing member 13A overlaps with the outer periphery of the side plate 12D of the rotor 12. That is, the sealing member 13A is opposite to the outer periphery of the side plate 12D of the rotor 12.

[0048] The outer periphery of the sealing member 13A is fixed to the main body 11A of the housing 11 by welding or the like. Therefore, no gap is formed between the outer periphery of the sealing member 13A and the main body 11A of the housing 11. In order to maintain the posture of the sealing member 13A (in order to suppress deformation), a support member (not shown) that supports the sealing member 13A to the main body 11A may also be arranged between them.

[0049] The sealing member 13B is cylindrical. In other words, the sealing member 13B is annular when viewed from the extending direction of the rotating shaft 12A, extending along the outer periphery of the side plate 12D of the rotor 12. The sealing member 13B can be as follows: Figure 5 As illustrated, it can be polygonal or circular.

[0050] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As illustrated, the sealing member 13B extends along the extension direction of the rotation axis 12A between the side plate 12D of the rotor 12 and the sealing member 13A. The base end of the sealing member 13B on the side plate 12D side is fixed to the outer surface of the side plate 12D of the rotor 12 by welding or the like. The front end of the sealing member 13B on the sealing member 13A side is adjacent to the surface of the sealing member 13A. That is, the front end of the sealing member 13B is separated from the surface of the sealing member 13A by a predetermined interval G2. The interval G2 may be, for example, about 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0051] like Figures 3-5 As illustrated, the sealing member 13B may also include multiple sealing members 13B1 to 13B3. When viewed from the extending direction of the rotating shaft 12A, the multiple sealing members 13B1 to 13B3 may also be arranged in a generally concentric circle. That is, sealing member 13B2 may be arranged to surround sealing member 13B1, and sealing member 13B3 may be arranged to surround sealing member 13B2.

[0052] like Figure 5 As illustrated, multiple auxiliary sealing members 13C extend radially along the rotor 12 and intersect with sealing member 13B. The multiple auxiliary sealing members 13C are arranged in a radially expanding manner when viewed from the extending direction of the rotating shaft 12A. The multiple auxiliary sealing members 13C may also be plate-shaped.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As illustrated, a plurality of auxiliary sealing members 13C extend along the extension direction of the rotation axis 12A between the side plate 12D of the rotor 12 and the sealing member 13A. One side edge of the auxiliary sealing members 13C on the side plate 12D side is fixed to the outer surface of the side plate 12D of the rotor 12 by welding or the like. The other side edge of the auxiliary sealing members 13C on the sealing member 13A side is adjacent to the surface of the sealing member 13A. That is, the other side edge of the auxiliary sealing members 13C and the surface of the sealing member 13A are separated by a distance approximately the same as the distance G2 between the front end of the sealing member 13B and the surface of the sealing member 13A.

[0054] Here, as Figures 2-4 As illustrated, at least one supply hole H is provided in the sealing member 13A. The supply hole H is a through hole that passes through the sealing member 13A. The supply hole H forms a supply path for supplying purge gas (described later) supplied from the supply device 20 to the space V2 between the sealing member 13A and the side plate 12D of the rotor 12. The supply hole H may also include multiple supply holes H.

[0055] like Figures 2-4 As illustrated, the supply port H can also be located in the sealing member 13A in the region near the inlet 10A of the rotary valve 10. For example... Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As illustrated, the supply port H can also be located in a position communicating with the space between sealing member 13B1 and sealing member 13B2. The supply port H can also be located in a position communicating with the space between sealing member 13B2 and sealing member 13B3, but this is not illustrated.

[0056] The drive unit 14 is connected to the rotating shaft 12A and is configured to drive the rotating shaft 12A to rotate. The drive unit 14 may be, for example, an electric motor.

[0057] The supply device 20 is configured to supply purge gas to the space V2 through the supply port H. For example... Figure 2 As illustrated, the supply device 20 includes a piping 21, a blower 22, a valve 23, a flow sensor 24 (flow measurement unit), and a pressure sensor 25 (second pressure measurement unit). The piping 21 extends in a manner that fluidly connects the blower 22 to the supply port H.

[0058] Blower 22 is configured to supply purge gas to supply port H via piping 21. The pressure of the purge gas supplied by blower 22 can be, for example, around 6 kPa to 10 kPa. The purge gas can be, for example, air or an inert gas. Valve 23 is connected to piping 21 and is configured to operate based on an action signal from controller Ctr, switching between an open state that allows the flow of purge gas in piping 21 and a closed state that obstructs the flow of purge gas in piping 21.

[0059] Flow sensor 24 is connected downstream of valve 23 in piping 21 to measure the supply flow rate of purge gas to blower 22. The measured value by flow sensor 24 is sent to controller Ctr.

[0060] Pressure sensor 25 is connected downstream of valve 23 in piping 21 to measure the pressure of the purge gas supplied from blower 22. The measured value by pressure sensor 25 is sent to controller Ctr.

[0061] The exhaust device 30 is configured to discharge the gas inside the chute section 4 to the outside of the system (outside the building 5). The exhaust device 30 includes a pipe 31 and a dust collector 32. One end of the pipe 31 is connected to the chute section 4. The other end of the pipe 31 extends outward from the building 5.

[0062] The dust collector 32 is configured to draw in dust from the coke C2 present in the chute section 4 via piping 31 and discharge gas G. The dust collector 32 is configured to capture the drawn-in dust using a filter (not shown) and discharge the discharge gas G to the outside of the building 5 (atmosphere). Leakage of the discharge gas G is suppressed by the rotary valve device 1, so the amount of discharge gas G discharged from the dust collector 32 to the outside of the building 5 is extremely small, to the extent that it has almost no impact on the environment.

[0063] Pressure sensor 40 is connected to the lower part of chamber 101 to measure the pressure in the internal space of the lower part of chamber 101. The measured value by pressure sensor 40 is sent to controller Ctr.

[0064] Here, the controller Ctr can also control the supply of purge gas to the blower 22 so that the measured value P2 of the pressure sensor 25 is less than the measured value P1 of the pressure sensor 40 (P1 > P2). The controller Ctr can also control the supply of purge gas to the blower 22 so that the difference ΔP between the measured value P1 and the measured value P2 is approximately constant.

[0065] The controller Ctr can also monitor the measured value F of the flow sensor 24 and determine whether the measured value F exceeds a predetermined threshold Th. The controller Ctr can also issue a predetermined notification if it determines that the measured value F exceeds the threshold Th. The predetermined notification may, for example, be displaying the content that the measured value F exceeds the threshold Th on a display (not shown), or it may be emitting a warning sound or warning voice from a speaker (not shown).

[0066] [effect]

[0067] Based on the above example, since a relatively narrow gap G2 is formed between sealing member 13A and sealing member 13B, even if the exhaust gas G from the dry quenching device 100 leaks from between the side plate 12D of the rotor 12 and the main body 11A of the housing 11, a pressure loss will occur at the gap G2, making it difficult for the exhaust gas G to flow out from the gap G2. That is, the exhaust gas G that reaches the sealed space between sealing member 13A and sealing member 13B from between the side plate 12D of the rotor 12 and the main body 11A of the housing 11 is difficult to flow out from this sealed space. Therefore, by using an extremely simple structure that arranges sealing member 13A and sealing member 13B adjacently, leakage of exhaust gas G can be suppressed. In addition, since sealing member 13A and sealing member 13B do not contact each other, almost no wear occurs between them. Therefore, the maintenance of sealing member 13 can be significantly reduced.

[0068] Based on the above example, multiple auxiliary sealing components 13C extend radially along the rotor 12 in a manner intersecting with sealing component 13B. In this case, the presence of multiple auxiliary sealing components 13C suppresses the flow of exhaust gas G along the circumference of the rotor 12 as it rotates. Therefore, pressure loss is more likely to occur in the sealed space. Thus, leakage of exhaust gas G can be further suppressed.

[0069] Based on the above example, when viewed from the extending direction of the rotating shaft 12A, the multiple sealing components 13B1 to 13B3 are arranged in a generally concentric circle. In this case, a relatively narrow interval G2 is formed between the sealing component 13A and each of the sealing components 13B1 to 13B3. That is, multiple intervals G2 exist in the sealing space in the radial direction of the rotor 12. Therefore, even if the exhaust gas G from the dry quenching device 100 leaks between the side plate 12D of the rotor 12 and the main body 11A of the housing 11, pressure loss is more likely to occur in the sealing space. Therefore, leakage of the exhaust gas G can be further suppressed.

[0070] Based on the above example, the supply device 20 supplies purge gas to the space between adjacent components of the plurality of sealing components 13B1 to 13B3. In this case, the flow of the exhaust gas G in the sealed space is suppressed by the purge gas. Therefore, leakage of the exhaust gas G can be further suppressed.

[0071] Based on the above example, the supply device 20 supplies purge gas to the space between adjacent components of the plurality of sealing components 13B1 to 13B3 through the supply hole H provided in the sealing component 13A. In this case, the purge gas is supplied directly to the sealing space, so the flow of the exhaust gas G in the sealing space is more easily suppressed by the purge gas. Therefore, leakage of the exhaust gas G can be further suppressed.

[0072] Based on the above example, the supply hole H is located in the sealing member 13A in the region near the inlet 10A of the rotary valve 10. In this case, the exhaust gas G from the dry quenching device 100 is difficult to flow into the housing 11 due to the purge gas. Therefore, leakage of the exhaust gas G can be further suppressed.

[0073] Based on the above example, the controller Ctr controls the supply of purge gas from the blower 22 so that the measured value P2 of the pressure sensor 25 is less than the measured value P1 of the pressure sensor 40 (P1 > P2). In this case, the purge gas is unlikely to flow into the dry quenching unit 100. Therefore, even when air is used as the purge gas, the reaction between the coke C2 and air within the dry quenching unit 100 can be suppressed. Thus, the purge gas used to suppress leakage of the exhaust gas G can be utilized at extremely low cost, and the processing of the coke C2 within the dry quenching unit 100 can be performed smoothly.

[0074] However, when wear occurs in the sealing parts 13 (sealing components 13A, 13B) and the gap G2 between them increases to a certain extent, the supply flow rate of the purge gas increases to suppress leakage of the discharged gas G. This becomes significant when the controller Ctr controls the supply of purge gas from the blower 22 to keep the difference ΔP between the measured value P1 and the measured value P2 approximately constant. Therefore, when the supply flow rate of the purge gas from the blower 22 increases, it is inferred that the gap G2 has widened due to wear in the sealing parts 13. Therefore, in the above example, the controller Ctr is configured to issue a predetermined notification when it is determined that the measured value F of the flow sensor 24 exceeds the threshold Th. In this case, the condition of the sealing parts 13, such as wear, can be determined based on the measured value F of the flow sensor 24. Therefore, the maintenance period of the sealing parts 13 can be automatically notified to the operator without disassembling the rotary valve device 1.

[0075] Based on the above example, the exhaust device 30 discharges the gas inside the slide section 4 to the outside of the system. In this case, even if the exhaust gas G flows out from the outlet section 10B of the rotary valve device 1, the exhaust gas G is still discharged to the outside of the system by the exhaust device 30. Therefore, leakage of the exhaust gas G to the area around the rotary valve device 1, where operators may sometimes enter, can be prevented. Therefore, operator safety can be further improved.

[0076] [Variation Example]

[0077] The disclosures in this specification should be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of the claims and their spirit.

[0078] (1) The supply device 20 may also be configured to supply purge gas into the space (side chamber) between the cover 11B of the housing 11 and the side plate 12D of the rotor 12. In this case, by filling the side chamber with purge gas, the flow of the exhaust gas G in the sealed space is suppressed by the purge gas, similar to the method of supplying purge gas to the supply port H. Therefore, leakage of the exhaust gas G can be further suppressed.

[0079] (2) The sealing part 13 may also exclude the auxiliary sealing component 13C.

[0080] (3) The supply hole H may also be located in the area outside the area of ​​the inlet 10A of the rotary valve 10 in the sealing component 13A.

[0081] [Other examples]

[0082] Example 1. An example of a rotary valve device includes: a housing; a rotor disposed within the housing and rotatable about a horizontally extending axis of rotation; and a sealing portion. The housing includes: a main body portion that is cylindrical and extends horizontally; an inlet portion that opens upwards at the upper part of the main body portion; an outlet portion that opens downwards at the lower part of the main body portion; and a pair of covers that respectively close both ends of the main body portion. The sealing portion includes a first sealing member that is annular and disposed in the housing and a second sealing member that is cylindrical and disposed on a side plate of the rotor. The outer peripheral side of the first sealing member is fixed to the housing, and the first sealing member is opposite to the outer peripheral side of the side plate of the rotor. The second sealing member extends between the side plate of the rotor and the first sealing member along the extension direction of the axis of rotation, one end of the second sealing member being fixed to the side plate of the rotor, and the other end having a predetermined distance from the first sealing member. In this case, because a relatively narrow gap exists between the first and second sealing components, even if exhaust gas from the processing device leaks between the rotor's side plate and the housing, a pressure loss occurs in this gap, making it difficult for the exhaust gas to flow out. That is, exhaust gas from the processing device that reaches the sealing space between the first and second sealing components from between the rotor's side plate and the housing is difficult to flow out of this sealing space. Therefore, the extremely simple structure of arranging the first and second sealing components adjacent to each other can suppress the leakage of exhaust gas. Furthermore, since the first and second sealing components do not contact each other, almost no wear occurs between them. Therefore, the maintenance of the sealing components can be significantly reduced.

[0083] Example 2. Alternatively, in the rotary valve device of Example 1, the sealing part further includes multiple auxiliary sealing components. These auxiliary sealing components extend radially along the rotor between the rotor's side plate and the first sealing component, intersecting with the second sealing component. One end of each auxiliary sealing component is fixed to the rotor's side plate, and the other end is spaced predetermined from the first sealing component. In this case, the presence of multiple auxiliary sealing components suppresses the flow of exhaust gas along the rotor's circumference as the rotor rotates. Therefore, pressure loss is more likely to occur in the sealing space. Thus, leakage of exhaust gas can be further suppressed.

[0084] Example 3. Alternatively, in the rotary valve device of Example 1, the sealing part further includes a cylindrical third sealing member disposed on the side plate of the rotor. The third sealing member extends along the rotation axis between the side plate of the rotor and the first sealing member, surrounding the second sealing member. One end of the third sealing member is fixed to the side plate of the rotor, and the other end has a predetermined distance from the first sealing member. In this case, a relatively narrow gap is also formed between the first and third sealing members. That is, multiple gaps exist in the sealing space in the radial direction of the rotor. Therefore, even if exhaust gas from the processing device leaks between the side plate of the rotor and the housing, pressure loss is more likely to occur in the sealing space. Therefore, leakage of exhaust gas can be further suppressed.

[0085] Example 4. Alternatively, in the rotary valve device of Example 3, the sealing part further includes multiple auxiliary sealing components. These auxiliary sealing components extend radially along the rotor between the rotor's side plate and the first sealing component, intersecting with the second and third sealing components. Each auxiliary sealing component has one end fixed to the rotor's side plate and the other end spaced predetermined from the first sealing component. In this case, the same effect as in Example 2 can be obtained.

[0086] Example 5. Alternatively, the rotary valve device of Example 3 or Example 4 may also include a gas supply unit configured to supply purge gas to the space between the second sealing member and the third sealing member or to the space within the housing. In this case, the flow of exhaust gas in the sealing space is suppressed by the purge gas. Therefore, leakage of exhaust gas can be further suppressed.

[0087] Example 6. Alternatively, in the rotary valve device of Example 5, the gas supply unit is configured to supply purge gas to the space between the second and third sealing members through a supply hole provided in the first sealing member. In this case, purge gas is supplied directly to the sealing space, so the flow of exhaust gas in the sealing space is more easily suppressed by the purge gas. Therefore, leakage of exhaust gas can be further suppressed.

[0088] Example 7. Alternatively, in the rotary valve device of Example 6, the supply orifice is located in the region near the inlet of the first sealing member. In this case, the exhaust gas from the processing device is less likely to flow into the housing due to the purge gas. Therefore, leakage of the exhaust gas can be further suppressed.

[0089] Example 8. Alternatively, any of the rotary valve devices in Examples 5 to 7 may further include: a first pressure measuring unit configured to measure the pressure within the processing device connected to the inlet; a second pressure measuring unit configured to measure the pressure of the purge gas supplied by the gas supply unit; and a control unit configured to control the supply amount of the purge gas from the gas supply unit, such that the measured value of the second pressure measuring unit is less than the measured value of the first pressure measuring unit. In this case, the purge gas is unlikely to flow into the processing device. Therefore, even when air (oxygen) is used as the purge gas, the reaction between the processed material and air within the processing device can be suppressed. Therefore, the purge gas used to suppress leakage of exhaust gas can be utilized at extremely low cost, and the processing of the processed material within the processing device can be performed smoothly.

[0090] Example 9. Alternatively, the rotary valve device of Example 8 may also include a flow measurement unit configured to measure the supply flow rate of the purge gas from the gas supply unit, and a control unit configured to issue a predetermined notification if the measured value of the flow measurement unit exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, when wear occurs in the sealing parts (first sealing member or second sealing member) and the gap between them increases to a certain extent, the supply flow rate of the purge gas increases to suppress leakage of the discharged gas. Therefore, as in Example 9, by measuring the supply flow rate of the purge gas through the flow measurement unit and determining whether the flow rate exceeds a predetermined threshold, the wear condition of the sealing parts can be monitored. Therefore, according to Example 9, the maintenance period for the sealing parts can be automatically notified to the operator without disassembling the rotary valve device.

[0091] Example 10. Alternatively, any of the rotary valve devices in Examples 1 to 9 may also include an exhaust section configured to discharge gas from the slide section connected to the outlet section to the outside of the system. In this case, even if the exhaust gas flows out from the outlet section of the rotary valve device, the exhaust gas is discharged to the outside of the system by the exhaust section. Therefore, leakage of exhaust gas to the area around the rotary valve device where operators may sometimes enter can be prevented. Thus, operator safety can be further improved.

[0092] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0093] 1. Rotary valve device; 4. Slide groove section; 10. Rotary valve; 10A. Inlet section; 10B. Outlet section; 11. Housing; 11A. Main body section; 11B. Cover section; 12. Rotor; 12A. Rotating shaft; 12D. Side plate; 13. Sealing section; 13A. Sealing component (first sealing component); 13B. Sealing component (second sealing component, third sealing component); 13B1~13B3. Sealing component; 13C. Auxiliary sealing component; 20. Supply device (gas supply section); 24. Flow sensor (flow measurement section); 25. Pressure sensor (second pressure measurement section); 30. Exhaust device (exhaust section); 40. Pressure sensor (first pressure measurement section); 100. Dry quenching device; Ctr. Controller (control section); G2. Spacing; H. Supply hole.

Claims

1. A rotary valve device, wherein, This rotary valve device has the following features: case; A rotor is disposed within the housing and is arranged in the housing in such a way that it is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; as well as Sealing part, The housing includes: The main body is cylindrical and extends horizontally; An entrance portion is provided on the upper part of the main body portion, which opens upwards; An outlet portion, which is provided at the lower part of the main body portion with an opening facing downwards; and A pair of covers are provided such that they respectively close both ends of the main body. The sealing portion includes a first sealing component that is annular and disposed on the housing, and a second sealing component that is cylindrical and disposed on the side plate of the rotor. The outer peripheral edge of the first sealing member is fixed to the housing, and the first sealing member is opposite to the outer peripheral portion of the side plate of the rotor. The second sealing member extends along the direction of rotation between the side plate of the rotor and the first sealing member. One end of the second sealing member is fixed to the side plate of the rotor, and the other end is spaced at a predetermined distance from the first sealing member. The sealing portion further includes a plurality of auxiliary sealing components, which extend radially along the rotor between the rotor's side plate and the first sealing component in a manner intersecting with the second sealing component. Each of the plurality of auxiliary sealing components has one end fixed to the side plate of the rotor, and the other end is spaced at a predetermined distance from the first sealing component. The plurality of auxiliary sealing components extend relative to the side plate of the rotor along the extension direction of the rotation axis.

2. The rotary valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The rotary valve device also includes an exhaust section configured to discharge gas from a chute connected to the outlet section to the outside of the system.

3. A rotary valve device, wherein, This rotary valve device has the following features: case; A rotor is disposed within the housing and is arranged in the housing in such a way that it is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; as well as Sealing part, The housing includes: The main body is cylindrical and extends horizontally; An entrance portion is provided on the upper part of the main body portion, which opens upwards; An outlet portion, which is provided at the lower part of the main body portion with an opening facing downwards; and A pair of covers are provided such that they respectively close both ends of the main body. The sealing portion includes a first sealing component that is annular and disposed on the housing, and a second sealing component that is cylindrical and disposed on the side plate of the rotor. The outer peripheral edge of the first sealing member is fixed to the housing, and the first sealing member is opposite to the outer peripheral portion of the side plate of the rotor. The second sealing member extends along the direction of rotation between the side plate of the rotor and the first sealing member. One end of the second sealing member is fixed to the side plate of the rotor, and the other end is spaced at a predetermined distance from the first sealing member. The sealing part further includes a third sealing component that is cylindrical and disposed on the side plate of the rotor. The third sealing member extends along the direction of rotation between the rotor's side plate and the first sealing member, surrounding the second sealing member. One end of the third sealing member is fixed to the rotor's side plate, and the other end is spaced predetermined from the first sealing member. The sealing portion further includes a plurality of auxiliary sealing components, which extend radially along the rotor between the rotor side plate and the first sealing component, intersecting with the second and third sealing components. Each of the plurality of auxiliary sealing components has one end fixed to the side plate of the rotor, and the other end is spaced at a predetermined distance from the first sealing component. The plurality of auxiliary sealing components extend relative to the side plate of the rotor along the extension direction of the rotation axis.

4. The rotary valve device according to claim 3, wherein, The rotary valve device also includes a gas supply unit configured to supply purge gas to the space between the second sealing member and the third sealing member or to the space within the housing.

5. The rotary valve device according to claim 4, wherein, The gas supply unit is configured to supply purge gas to the space between the second sealing member and the third sealing member through a supply hole provided in the first sealing member.

6. The rotary valve device according to claim 5, wherein, The supply hole is located in the region of the first sealing member near the inlet.

7. The rotary valve device according to claim 3, wherein, The rotary valve device also includes an exhaust section configured to discharge gas from a chute connected to the outlet section to the outside of the system.

8. A rotary valve device, wherein, This rotary valve device has the following features: case; A rotor is disposed within the housing and is arranged in the housing in such a way that it is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a horizontal direction; as well as Sealing part, The housing includes: The main body is cylindrical and extends horizontally; An entrance portion is provided on the upper part of the main body portion, which opens upwards; An outlet portion, which is provided at the lower part of the main body portion with an opening facing downwards; and A pair of covers are provided such that they respectively close both ends of the main body. The sealing portion includes a first sealing component that is annular and disposed on the housing, and a second sealing component that is cylindrical and disposed on the side plate of the rotor. The outer peripheral edge of the first sealing member is fixed to the housing, and the first sealing member is opposite to the outer peripheral portion of the side plate of the rotor. The second sealing member extends along the direction of rotation between the side plate of the rotor and the first sealing member. One end of the second sealing member is fixed to the side plate of the rotor, and the other end is spaced at a predetermined distance from the first sealing member. The sealing part further includes a third sealing component that is cylindrical and disposed on the side plate of the rotor. The third sealing member extends along the direction of rotation between the rotor's side plate and the first sealing member, surrounding the second sealing member. One end of the third sealing member is fixed to the rotor's side plate, and the other end is spaced predetermined from the first sealing member. The rotary valve device further includes a gas supply unit configured to supply purge gas to the space between the second sealing member and the third sealing member or to the space within the housing. The rotary valve device also features: The first pressure measuring unit is configured to measure the pressure inside the processing device connected to the inlet; The second pressure measuring unit is configured to measure the pressure of the purge gas supplied by the gas supply unit; and Control Department The control unit is configured to control the supply amount of purge gas from the gas supply unit so that the measured value of the second pressure measuring unit is less than the measured value of the first pressure measuring unit.

9. The rotary valve device according to claim 8, wherein, The rotary valve device also includes a flow measurement unit configured to measure the supply flow rate of the purge gas from the gas supply unit. The control unit is configured to issue a predetermined notification when it determines that the measured value of the flow measurement unit exceeds a predetermined threshold.

10. The rotary valve device according to claim 8, wherein, The rotary valve device also includes an exhaust section configured to discharge gas from a chute connected to the outlet section to the outside of the system.

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