Hydraulic slurry package pressing machine for compressing slurry package and compression method

Abstract

A pulp pack press (1, 101), a pulp pack pressurization method and a pulp pack production line or system are described. The invention relates to a pulp pack press (1, 101) for compressing a pulp pack (12, 14) and comprising: a base (2, 102); a top portion (4, 104) positioned opposite the base (2, 102) and connected to the base (2, 102); and a movable pressurizing element (6, 106, 506, 706) configured to move between the base (2, 102) and the top (4, 104), where the pulp pack press is configured to compress a first pulp pack (12) to be compressed between the base (2, 102) and the movable pressurizing element (6, 106, 506, 706) and to compress a second pulp pack (14) to be compressed between the top (4, 104) and the movable pressurizing element (6, 106, 506, 706), the movable pressurizing element (6, 106, 506, 706) is movably attached to the base (2, 102) by a first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) comprising at least two hydraulic cylinders, and the movable pressurizing element (6, 106, 506, 706) is movably attached to the top (4, 104) by a second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136), the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) comprising the same number of hydraulic cylinders as the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent disclosure relates to a hydraulic pulp baling press, a method of pressing pulp bales, and a pulp bale production line or system. Background Art

[0002] Pulp is a material prepared by chemical or mechanical means from various materials such as wood or rags, and is used for manufacturing paper and cellulose products, etc. Pulp includes lignocellulosic fibers and can be used for paper production. When producing pulp, it can be directly used at the papermaking site, or the pulp can be packaged for shipment to other places for paper production.

[0003] Generally, pulp is made into sheets, which are cut and stacked into pulp bales. To reduce the volume of the fluffy pulp, the pulp bales are compressed in a pulp baling press to reduce the volume of the pulp bales, and then packaged for shipment. Since pulp production is usually a continuous process, the pulp baling press is part of the pulp production line. On the production line, the number of pulp bales to be compressed by the press may be as high as, for example, 300 pulp bales per hour.

[0004] The pulp baling press may include a base, which includes a conveyor, such as a conveyor belt, that positions the incoming pulp bales to be compressed below a movable pressing element or ram. Once the pulp bales to be compressed are in place, the movable pressing element is pushed downward against the base, thereby compressing the pulp bales with a certain force, such as 15,000 kN. For example, this force is applied to a pulp bale weighing 250 kg. Usually, a hydraulic cylinder arranged above the movable pressing element is used to apply the downward force of the movable pressing element. Usually, a single relatively large hydraulic cylinder is used to apply the above force. The hydraulic pump and other hydraulic components are located near the top of the pulp baling press, close to the hydraulic cylinder, to avoid pressure drop and reduce the volume of hydraulic fluid. This high positioning results in an increased noise load near the press, which is undesirable. Service and maintenance are also further complicated and thus costly.

[0005] Once the movable pressing element reaches the position where the required force is applied, it must be lifted upward. This upward movement includes using an additional smaller cylinder (usually called a pre-pressure cylinder) to retract the large hydraulic cylinder. In addition, one or more slave cylinders are used to help remove the hydraulic oil from the large hydraulic cylinder. In addition, the compressed pulp bales are output from the pulp baling press, and then new, uncompressed and thus higher pulp bales to be compressed are input into the pulp baling press. These necessary steps set a limit on the number of pulp bales compressed by these pulp baling presses. An example of such a pulp baling press is Valmet RoboPress PR-15. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One of the objectives is to provide an improved pulp baling press.

[0007] To this end, a bale press for compressing bales of pulp is provided, comprising: a base; a top positioned opposite to and connected to the base; and a movable pressing element configured to move between the base and the top, wherein the bale press is configured to compress a first bale of pulp to be compressed between the base and the movable pressing element and to compress a second bale of pulp to be compressed between the top and the movable pressing element, the movable pressing element being movably attached to the base via a first plurality of hydraulic cylinders including at least two hydraulic cylinders, and the movable pressing element being movably attached to the top via a second plurality of hydraulic cylinders, the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders including the same number of hydraulic cylinders as the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

[0008] Using a plurality of hydraulic cylinders allows the size of each hydraulic cylinder to be reduced. Additionally, the cylinders may have similar or identical hydraulic volumes. This makes maintenance more effective, efficient and less costly. Further, the hydraulic pump can be placed at ground or floor level or lower, thus reducing the amount of noise experienced by workers within the space where the press is located. This is especially true when the hydraulic cylinders are placed horizontally on the press to support the movable pressing element. The hydraulic cylinders together provide the required total force.

[0009] As described above, in order to assist in lifting upward the movable pressing element of a press having fewer (e.g., single) hydraulic cylinders and thus larger hydraulic cylinders, additional hydraulic cylinders such as pre-pressure cylinders and follower cylinders are employed. These additional hydraulic cylinders require hydraulic connections, pumps, valves and additional hydraulic oil, etc., thus increasing the number of components and complexity of the hydraulic system. By using a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, as in the press disclosed according to the present patent, this problem is solved because when no force or a small force is applied, in order to move the movable pressing element up and down, some of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and / or the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders fewer than the total number of hydraulic cylinders can be used.

[0010] Further, in this bale press, since the movable pressing element presses the bales both downward and then upward, the number of bales produced per unit time is greatly increased. In fact, compared to a single-bale press, the production output can be increased by about 140%.

[0011] In one embodiment, the bale press is configured to be used in a pulp production line. When used in a pulp production line, the increase in the number of bales produced per unit time is particularly useful, thus increasing the production output.

[0012] In one embodiment, the base includes a first pressing surface, the movable pressing element includes a second pressing surface facing the first pressing surface and a third pressing surface facing the top, the top includes a fourth pressing surface facing the third pressing surface, and the pulp bale press is configured to receive a first pulp bale to be compressed between the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface, compress the first pulp bale by the movement of the movable pressing element towards the base, receive a second pulp bale to be compressed between the third pressing surface and the fourth pressing surface, and compress the second pulp bale by the movement of the movable pressing element towards the top. The first pressing surface and the second pressing surface may be substantially parallel, and the third pressing surface and the fourth pressing surface may be substantially parallel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders includes an even number of hydraulic cylinders, and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders includes an even number of hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders of each of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders are equally distributed on two lateral sides of the pulp bale press. A stable pressing structure is provided by applying substantially equal forces on each side of the movable pressing element.

[0014] The first plurality of hydraulic cylinders may have a total first volume, and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders may have a total second volume, wherein the total first volume may be substantially equal to the total second volume. In this way, the hydraulic fluid used by each hydraulic cylinder is equal.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders includes at least four hydraulic cylinders, and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders includes the same number of hydraulic cylinders as the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders. For example, the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders may include six hydraulic cylinders.

[0016] In one example, the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders includes at least two hydraulic cylinders, and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders includes the same number of hydraulic cylinders as the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

[0017] The pulp bale press may include a hydraulic system that supplies hydraulic fluid to the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic system may include: a pump hydraulically connected to the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders; a hydraulic fluid reservoir hydraulically connected to the pump; and a valve configured to selectively supply hydraulic fluid to one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders. One or more controllers may be configured to control the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system may alternatively include one or more hydraulic controllers included in one or more controllers.

[0018] The first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders can be hydraulically connected via one or more valves, such as the valves described above. Each hydraulic cylinder can include a cylinder block and a piston movably arranged. The piston includes a piston rod extending from the cylinder block. The cylinder block can be closed at one end by a cylinder end (or bottom or cap), and at the other end by a cylinder head from which the piston head extends. Each hydraulic cylinder includes a first hydraulic fluid chamber and a second hydraulic fluid chamber, the first hydraulic fluid chamber being in the cylinder block between the piston and the cylinder end, and the second hydraulic fluid chamber being in the cylinder block between the piston and the cylinder head. Each hydraulic cylinder can include a first hydraulic fluid port for allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the first hydraulic fluid chamber. Each hydraulic cylinder can include a second hydraulic fluid port for allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the second hydraulic fluid chamber.

[0019] To push the piston rod outwards relative to the cylinder block, (pressurized) hydraulic fluid is input into the first hydraulic fluid chamber. Obviously, the size of the first hydraulic fluid chamber then increases, while the size of the second hydraulic fluid chamber decreases. To push the piston rod back into the cylinder block, (pressurized) hydraulic fluid is input into the second hydraulic fluid chamber. Now, the size of the first hydraulic fluid chamber decreases, while the size of the second hydraulic fluid chamber increases.

[0020] The movable pressurizing element can be attached to the outer ends of the corresponding piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders. The corresponding cylinder blocks of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders are connected to the base of the pulp bale press. The corresponding cylinder blocks of the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders are connected to the base of the pulp bale press. By extending and contracting the piston rods, the movable pressurizing element moves away from the top and towards the top (i.e., towards and away from the base respectively). It can be understood that the movable pressurizing element can alternatively be attached to the cylinder block of the hydraulic cylinder instead of the piston rod.

[0021] The slurry bale press can be configured such that a respective first one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders are controllably hydraulically connected to a respective second one or more of the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders, such that hydraulic fluid flowing out of the respective first one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders flows into the respective second one or more of the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders, and hydraulic fluid flowing out of the respective second one or more of the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders flows into the respective first one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders. It will be appreciated that two hydraulic cylinders are connected such that fluid flowing out of the first hydraulic fluid chamber of one hydraulic cylinder (thus contracting its piston rod) can flow to the first hydraulic fluid chamber of the other hydraulic cylinder (thus extending its piston rod), and fluid flowing out of the second hydraulic fluid chamber of one hydraulic cylinder (thus extending its piston rod) can flow to the second hydraulic fluid chamber of the other hydraulic cylinder (thus contracting its piston rod). The controllable hydraulic connection can be achieved by using one or more controllable valves, which can be a preferred embodiment of the above-described valves. These valves can be controlled by one or more controllers. The above can be regarded as a hydraulic "short circuit" mode or free movement state or mode of a selected number of hydraulic cylinders, enabling the selected number of hydraulic cylinders to move freely.

[0022] In view of the above, it is advantageous that the volume of hydraulic oil required can be reduced. In addition, less or no additional pre-pressure cylinders as described above are required, since a reduced number of hydraulic cylinders can be used, for example when the slurry bale is not compressed but the movable pressing element is moved while the other hydraulic cylinders move freely.

[0023] In one embodiment, the movable pressing element is configured to receive a second slurry bale along its first axis; the movable pressing element includes a first lateral side and a second lateral side extending parallel to the first axis; the same number of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders attach the movable pressing element to each of the first lateral side and the second lateral side; and the same number of the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders attach the movable pressing element to each of the first lateral side and the second lateral side.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders have a total first volume, and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders have a total second volume, wherein the total first volume is substantially equal to the total second volume.

[0025] In another embodiment, the slurry bale press includes one or more controllers configured to control the movement of the movable pressing element.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the one or more controllers are configured to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders in order to control the movement of the movable pressing element.

[0027] In another embodiment, the slurry pack press further includes a hydraulic pump, which may be an embodiment of the above hydraulic pump, wherein the hydraulic pump is hydraulically connected to the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders, and one or more controllers are configured to control the hydraulic pump so as to control the movement of the movable pressing element.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the hydraulic pump is configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to a first hydraulic fluid branch such that one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders move the movable pressing element towards the base, and to a second hydraulic fluid branch such that one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders move the movable pressing element towards the top. The hydraulic pump may be a bi-directional hydraulic pump.

[0029] In one embodiment, one or more first sub-branches in the first hydraulic fluid branch are hydraulically connectable via one or more hydraulic valves to corresponding one or more second sub-branches in the second hydraulic fluid branch, which may be a preferred embodiment of the above valves, such that while pressurizing the first hydraulic fluid branch or the second hydraulic fluid branch, one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders are in a free movement state. This is an embodiment of the above short-circuit mode or free movement state or mode of a selected number of hydraulic cylinders such that they move freely. In this way, when the movable pressing element moves without a slurry pack being pressed, with fewer hydraulic cylinders, the movable pressing element can move faster, thereby achieving an increase in the pressing speed.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the movable pressing element is configured to receive a second slurry pack along its first axis; the movable pressing element includes a first lateral side and a second lateral side extending parallel to the first axis; wherein the same number of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders attach the movable pressing element to each of the first lateral side and the second lateral side; and wherein the same number of the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders attach the movable pressing element to each of the first lateral side and the second lateral side.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the movable pressing element includes a conveyor along a third pressing surface for positioning the second slurry pack, wherein the conveyor may be a belt conveyor. The upper portion of the conveyor belt includes the third pressing surface. The conveyor is configured to allow an input slurry pack to be received from a first side, position the slurry pack to a position where it can be pressed against the top, and then output the slurry pack to the other side of the press opposite to the first side. Advantageously, the flat belt conveyor allows the slurry pack to be compressed while it is on the conveyor belt.

[0032] Optionally, the belt conveyor includes two parallel belts, and the two parallel belts can be controlled separately such that the slurry pack can be rotated and positioned while on the movable pressing element.

[0033] The movable pressing element may also include a pressing base to which the conveyor is attached at the top facing its side. The pressing base may include a solid portion configured to press (upper and lower) pulp bales. Thus, the solid portion is configured to apply the required pressing force to the base and the top.

[0034] The conveyor belt may be implemented such that the belt slides along its own upper side of the movable pressing element in two directions.

[0035] In another embodiment, one or more controllers are configured to control the movement of the movable pressing element. Advantageously, one or more controllers can automate the pulp bale press such that the pulp bale pressing speed of the pulp bale press can be increased.

[0036] One or more controllers may be configured to: when the movable pressing element is at the first position where the top and the movable pressing element are far enough apart to receive a second pulp bale to be compressed, allow the second pulp bale to be input onto the movable pressing element. Once the opening between the movable pressing element and the top is large enough, the second pulp bale can be input.

[0037] The first position of the movable pressing element may be a position where when there is a first pulp bale between the base and the movable pressing element, the first pulp bale is at least partially compressed. In this way, since the supply of the second pulp bale is completed during the compression of the first pulp bale, the number of pulp bales compressed by the pulp bale press is increased. In one embodiment, the pulp bale press may include a supply mechanism configured to allow the supply of the second pulp bale while the first pulp bale is being pressed or moved to press the first pulp bale, for example, while the movable pressing element moves in a direction towards the base.

[0038] In one embodiment, the top is connected to the base by one or more connecting elements, wherein the pulp bale press is configured such that the movable pressing element is guided along the one or more connecting elements. The connecting elements may be implemented as columns or struts.

[0039] In another embodiment, the bale press is configured to apply a force in the range of 2,000 to 40,000 kN (equivalent to approximately 200 to 4,000 metric tons) to the first bale and the second bale. For example, the bale press may be configured to apply a force in the range of 500 to 2,500 kN, such as 6,000, 7,000, 8,000, 9,000, 10,000, 11,000, 12,000, 13,000, 14,000, 15,000, 16,000, 17,000, 18,000, 19,000, 20,000, 21,000, 22,000, 23,000 or 24,000 kN or any range therebetween. It will be appreciated that the size of the hydraulic cylinders is selected based on the required number of hydraulic cylinders and the force range mentioned above. For example, when the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders together include twelve hydraulic cylinders, each hydraulic cylinder may be configured to apply one twelfth of any of the above forces and / or force ranges when retracting and / or extending its respective piston rod.

[0040] It is apparent that in the present disclosure regarding the bale press, the top is fixed relative to the base. The top may be attached to the base via fixing members, such as implemented as four columns or struts.

[0041] Typically, an uncompressed bale is a large mass of pulp. This may be a stack of pulp sheets. Typically, when viewed from the top, the bale has a rectangular shape.

[0042] In one embodiment, the bale press includes an input alignment mechanism and an output alignment mechanism, wherein the input alignment mechanism is configured to input a bale to be compressed onto the movable pressing element while the movable pressing element moves, and wherein the output alignment mechanism is configured to output a bale to be compressed onto the movable pressing element while the movable pressing element moves.

[0043] In one embodiment, the bale press includes or is configured to work with an input conveyor, wherein the input alignment mechanism includes an extendable arm and a complementary fork-shaped structure that have an overlapping position along a first axis when the extendable arm is in the extended position, and wherein when the extendable arm is in the extended position and the bale is positioned within the overlapping position along the first axis, the input alignment mechanism is configured to cause the movable pressing element to receive the bale to be compressed when moving upward towards the top.

[0044] Alternatively, the bale press includes a rotatable bale input conveyor configured to work, or configured to work with a rotatable bale input conveyor, wherein the position of the movable pressing element facing the edge of the rotatable bale input conveyor is aligned with the rotatable input conveyor facing the upper outer edge of the movable pressing element. In this case, the input alignment mechanism includes the rotatable bale input conveyor.

[0045] In this way, the pulp to be compressed can be supplied to the movable pressing element while moving, thereby increasing the output speed of the compressed pulp bale.

[0046] A similar configuration is provided for the rotatable pulp bale output conveyor, in which the position of the movable pressing element facing the pulp bale output edge of the rotatable output conveyor is aligned with the rotatable output conveyor facing the upper outer edge of the movable pressing element.

[0047] According to a second aspect, there is provided a pulp bale production system or production line configured to produce pulp bales from cellulosic raw materials, the pulp bale production system including a pulp bale press according to the first aspect. Advantageously, when used in a pulp bale production system or production line, using a faster pulp bale press allows an increase in the output of compressed pulp bales.

[0048] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of compressing a pulp bale in a pulp bale press according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect or in a pulp bale production system or production line according to the second aspect, the method comprising: inputting a first pulp bale to be compressed between a base and a movable pressing element; compressing the first pulp bale by moving the movable pressing element towards the base using a first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and a second plurality of hydraulic cylinders; when the movable pressing element has moved to a first position where the top and the movable pressing element are far enough apart to receive a second pulp bale, inputting a second pulp bale to be compressed between the movable pressing element and the top; and compressing the second pulp bale by moving the movable pressing element towards the top using the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

[0049] In one embodiment, inputting the first pulp bale includes inputting the first pulp bale between a first pressing surface and a second pressing surface; and inputting the second pulp bale includes: when the movable pressing element has moved to a first position where a third pressing surface and a fourth pressing surface are far enough apart to receive the second pulp bale, inputting the second pulp bale to be compressed onto the third pressing surface.

[0050] In another embodiment, compressing the first pulp bale by moving the movable pressing element towards the base includes: when the movable pressing element is away from the first pulp bale, switching a first number of hydraulic cylinders among the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders to a free movement state, wherein the first number of hydraulic cylinders is less than the total number of hydraulic cylinders of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders, wherein actuating a first remaining number of hydraulic cylinders among the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders to move the movable pressing element; moving the movable pressing element towards the base to a first pressing position relative to the first pulp bale; switching the number of hydraulic cylinders from the free movement state to an actuated state; and compressing the first pulp bale by moving the movable pressing element towards the base using all of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

[0051] In yet another embodiment, compressing the second bale by moving the movable pressing element towards the top includes: when the top is away from the second bale, switching a second number of hydraulic cylinders among the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders to a free moving state, wherein the second number of hydraulic cylinders is less than the total number of hydraulic cylinders of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders, and actuating a second remaining number of hydraulic cylinders among the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders to move the movable pressing element; moving the movable pressing element towards the top to a second pressing position relative to the second bale; switching the second number of hydraulic cylinders from the free moving state to an actuated state; and compressing the second bale by moving the movable pressing element towards the top using all of the hydraulic cylinders among the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders.

[0052] In one embodiment, when the force to be applied to the first bale is greater than the total force configured to be applied by the remaining hydraulic cylinders, it reaches the first pressing position; and / or when the force to be applied to the second bale is greater than the total force configured to be applied by the remaining hydraulic cylinders, it reaches the second pressing position.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, the first number of hydraulic cylinders is equal to the second number of hydraulic cylinders, and wherein the first remaining number of hydraulic cylinders is equal to the second remaining number of hydraulic cylinders.

[0054] More generally, the method may include inputting a first bale to be compressed between a base and a movable pressing element; compressing the first bale by moving the movable pressing element towards the base; when the movable pressing element has moved to the top and the movable pressing element is far enough away to receive the first position of the second bale, inputting the second bale to be compressed between the movable pressing element and the top; and compressing the second bale by moving the movable pressing element towards the top.

[0055] The bale press used in the method may be a bale press according to the first aspect, or the method may be used in a bale production system according to the second aspect.

[0056] In one embodiment, inputting the first bale includes inputting the first bale between a first pressing surface and a second pressing surface; and inputting the second bale includes: when the movable pressing element has moved to a first position where the third pressing surface and the fourth pressing surface are far enough away to receive the second bale, inputting the second bale to be compressed onto the third pressing surface.

[0057] The method may further include outputting the compressed first bale from the first pressing surface when the movable pressing element has moved to a second position where the second pressing surface does not contact the compressed first bale.

[0058] In another embodiment, the method further includes, during or after the step of outputting the compressed first pulp bale from the first pressing surface, when the movable pressing element has moved far enough from the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface to reach a third position where a third pulp bale to be compressed can be received, inputting the third pulp bale to be compressed between the first pressing surface and the second pressing surface.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the method further includes, when the movable pressing element has moved to a fourth position where the fourth pressing surface is not in contact with the compressed second pulp bale, outputting the compressed second pulp bale from the third pressing surface; and during or after the step of outputting the compressed second pulp bale from the fourth pressing surface, when the movable pressing element has moved far enough from the third pressing surface and the fourth pressing surface to reach a fourth position where a fourth pulp bale to be compressed can be received, inputting the fourth pulp bale to be compressed between the third pressing surface and the fourth pressing surface.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, in the steps of inputting the first pulp bale, the second pulp bale, and the third pulp bale, the first pulp bale, the second pulp bale, and the third pulp bale are input on the corresponding input sides of the pulp bale press, and in the steps of outputting the first pulp bale, the second pulp bale, and the third pulp bale, the first pulp bale, the second pulp bale, and the third pulp bale are output on the corresponding output sides of the pulp bale press, where the input sides are opposite to the corresponding output sides.

[0061] It should be understood that the technical advantages and effects associated with the features and / or embodiments of one aspect apply to the corresponding, similar, or equivalent features and / or embodiments of other aspects. It should also be clear that the features of each aspect and / or its embodiments can be applied to other aspects and / or their embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] The drawings are used to illustrate the currently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the apparatus of the present disclosure. Through the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings, the above and other advantages of the features and objectives of the present invention will become more obvious, and each aspect and embodiment will be better understood, where:

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a pulp bale press according to an embodiment of the present patent disclosure is shown;

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a pulp bale press according to an embodiment of the present patent disclosure is shown;

[0065] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 a schematic cross-section of the pulp bale press, where the cross-section is marked in Figure 2 ;

[0066] Figures 4A - 4HShows a corresponding schematic side view of a pulp bale press according to the present patent disclosure, showing the entry, exit, and pressurization of a pulp bale in the pulp bale press;

[0067] Figures 5A - 5D Shows a corresponding schematic side view of a pulp bale press according to the present patent disclosure, showing the specific configuration of the entry, exit, and pressurization of a pulp bale in the pulp bale press;

[0068] Figures 6A - 6E Shows Figures 5A - 5D A corresponding schematic top view of the movable pressurizing element and the (partial) input and output structures of the pulp bale press;

[0069] Figures 7A - 7C Shows a corresponding side view of the movable pressurizing element and the input and output structures for feeding a pulp bale onto the movable pressurizing element while moving;

[0070] Figure 8 Shows a schematic diagram of a part of an embodiment of the hydraulic system of a pulp bale press according to the present patent disclosure;

[0071] Figure 9 Shows a schematic diagram of a part of another embodiment of the hydraulic system according to the present patent disclosure, including a controllable valve for the pulp bale press; and

[0072] Figure 10 Shows a schematic diagram of a part of yet another embodiment of the hydraulic system according to the present patent disclosure, including a controllable valve for the pulp bale press. Detailed Description

[0073] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, which are also shown in the drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as described in the specification and defined by the claims.

[0074] The bale press 1 includes a base 2 which is connected to a top 4 via columns or struts 16 extending from the base to the top. The columns or struts 16 are an embodiment of one or more connecting elements. Between the struts 16 are openings for inputting and outputting a first bale 12 and a second bale 14. The bale press 1 includes a movable pressing element 6 which is embodied herein as a ram 6. Alternatively, the ram can be referred to as a stamp. The ram 6 is movably arranged and guided along the struts 16, for example using bearings. The ram 6 includes a first lateral side 40 and a second lateral side 42 opposite the first lateral side, both lateral sides extending parallel to a first axis 100. The ram 6 includes a plurality of fastening portions 50 located at the first lateral side 40 and the second lateral side 42. The fastening portions 50 are embodied herein as a plurality of plates extending from the ram 6. The ram 6 is attached to the base 2 via a first plurality of hydraulic cylinders at the plurality of fastening portions, the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders including a first hydraulic cylinder 20, a second hydraulic cylinder 22 and a third hydraulic cylinder 24, Figure 1 as visible in. The first plurality of hydraulic cylinders also includes fourth to sixth hydraulic cylinders located on opposite sides of the bale press 1, Figure 1 not visible in.

[0075] The ram 6 is attached to the top 4 via a second plurality of hydraulic cylinders at the plurality of fastening portions, the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders including a seventh hydraulic cylinder 30, an eighth hydraulic cylinder 32 and a ninth hydraulic cylinder 34, Figure 1 as visible in. The second plurality of hydraulic cylinders also includes tenth to twelfth hydraulic cylinders located on opposite sides of the bale press 1, Figure 1 not visible in.

[0076] Each hydraulic cylinder in the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders includes a cylinder block and a piston rod. The ram 6 is attached to the hydraulic cylinder via the piston rod. The cylinder blocks of the first to sixth hydraulic cylinders are attached to the base 2. The cylinder blocks of the seventh to twelfth hydraulic cylinders are attached to the top 4. The hydraulic cylinders act together to move the ram 6 up and down, and the ram 6 is guided along the struts 16.

[0077] The first to twelfth hydraulic cylinders are configured and / or dimensioned such that the force applied to the first bale 12 and the second bale 14 can be in the range of 2,000 to 40,000 kN, preferably in the range of 500 to 25,000 kN. For example, the first to twelfth hydraulic cylinders can apply a total force of 15,000 kN (about 1500 metric tons).

[0078] When the footprint of each bale is about 0.5 or 0.6 square meters (for example, a bale 80 cm long and 70 cm wide), a force of 15,000 kN is suitable for a bale weighing about 250 kg. In this example, the height of the bale will be compressed by about two-thirds (about 0.66) from 60 cm to 40 cm. Due to the compression, air is pressed out of the bale.

[0079] The base 2 includes a first pressing surface 7. The press head 6 includes a second pressing surface 8 facing the first pressing surface 7. In addition, the press head 6 includes a third pressing surface 9 facing the top 4. The top 4 includes a fourth pressing surface 10 facing the third pressing surface 9.

[0080] The press head 6, the top 4, and the base 2 are made of a material and configured such that they are adapted to apply the above-mentioned pressure below the pulp bale. Suitable materials may include steel. A suitable configuration of the base 2 may be that it includes a solid base portion located below at least the first pressing surface 7. A suitable configuration of the press head 6 may be that it includes a solid press head portion below the second pressing surface 8 and below the third pressing surface 9. A suitable configuration of the top 2 may be that it includes a solid top portion below the fourth pressing surface 10.

[0081] The pulp bale press 1 is configured to receive a first pulp bale 12 and compress it between the first pressing surface 7 and the second pressing surface 8. Here, the first chain conveyor 52 moves the first pulp bale 12 towards the first pressing surface 7. The base 2 includes a first locator, such as a conveyor belt, for positioning the pulp bale on the first pressing surface 7. When the first pulp bale 12 is positioned on the first pressing surface 7 below the press head 6, the first pulp bale 12 is compressed by the movement of the press head 6 towards the base 2.

[0082] The pulp bale press 1 is also configured to receive a second pulp bale 14 and compress it between the third pressing surface 9 and the fourth pressing surface 10. The press head 6 includes a second locator, such as a conveyor belt, for positioning the pulp bale on the third pressing surface 9. When the second pulp bale 14 is positioned on the third pressing surface 9 below the top 4, the second pulp bale 14 is compressed by the movement of the movable pressing element 6 towards the top 4.

[0083] In other words, the above configuration provides two pulp bale pressing stages in the pulp bale press 1. The first pressing stage is between the base 2 and the press head 6. The second pressing stage is between the press head 6 and the top 4. The function of this two-stage pulp bale press is further described below. Although the function of the described pulp bale press is not limited to starting the press, it should be noted that the start of the pulp bale press 1 can be performed by feeding the pulp bale first to the first pressing stage or first to the second pressing stage.

[0084] The first pressing surface 7 and the second pressing surface 8 are substantially parallel, and the third pressing surface 9 and the fourth pressing surface 10 are substantially parallel. The second pressing surface 8 and the fourth pressing surface 10 may include various protrusions, grooves, and / or notches, etc., depending on the requirements of the pulp bale manufacturer.

[0085] The bale press 1 includes a first chain conveyor 52 and a second chain conveyor 54. The first chain conveyor 52 and the second chain conveyor 54 are embodiments of corresponding input conveyors. The input conveyors are used to input a first bale 12 and a second bale 14 to be compressed into the bale press 1. The bale press 1 further includes a third chain conveyor 56 and a fourth chain conveyor 58. The third chain conveyor 56 and the fourth chain conveyor 58 are embodiments of corresponding output conveyors for outputting the compressed bales. The third chain conveyor 56 and the fourth chain conveyor 58 are embodiments of corresponding output conveyors.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the bale press 101 is as Figure 2 shown. The features / components of the bale press 101 corresponding to the features of the bale press 1 have the same functions as the above-mentioned bale press 1. The reference numbers of the corresponding features are increased by 100 on the reference numbers in Figure 1 . Features not explicitly indicated by reference numbers may still be present in the press 101, just as in the press 1. If not otherwise stated, the features and functions of the bale press 101 are the same as those of the bale press 1. The bale press 101 shows specific embodiments of the above-mentioned first positioner and second positioner. A cross-section showing an embodiment of the positioner is shown in Figure 2 and can be seen in Figure 3 .

[0087] The bale press 101 includes a base 102, which is connected to a top 104 via columns or struts 116 extending from the base to the top. The columns or struts 116 are an embodiment of one or more connecting elements. Between the struts 116 are openings for inputting and outputting a first bale 112 and a second bale 114. The bale press 101 includes a movable pressing element 106, also referred to herein as a ram 106. The ram 106 is movably arranged and guided along the struts 116, for example using bearings. The ram 106 includes a first lateral side 140 and a second lateral side 142 opposite the first lateral side, both lateral sides extending parallel to a first axis 100. The ram 106 includes a plurality of fastening portions located on the first lateral side 40 and the second lateral side 42. The fastening portions are implemented inside the ram 106 in this embodiment and are thus not visible. The ram 106 is attached to the base 102 at the plurality of fastening portions via a first plurality of hydraulic cylinders, the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders including a first hydraulic cylinder 120, a second hydraulic cylinder 122, and a third hydraulic cylinder 124, Figure 2 visible in. The first plurality of hydraulic cylinders further includes fourth to sixth hydraulic cylinders located on opposite sides of the bale press 101, not labeled with reference numbers in Figure 2 .

[0088] The ram 106 is attached to the top 104 via a second plurality of hydraulic cylinders at a plurality of fastening portions, the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders including a seventh hydraulic cylinder 130, an eighth hydraulic cylinder 132, and a ninth hydraulic cylinder 134, Figure 2 as visible in. The second plurality of hydraulic cylinders further includes tenth to twelfth hydraulic cylinders located on opposite sides of the ingot press 101, where the tenth hydraulic cylinder 136 is in Figure 2 as visible in. The press 101 includes an inlet 150 that leads to fasteners for fastening the first to third and seventh to ninth hydraulic cylinders to the ram 106 at their fastening portions. There are also additional openings at the lateral sides 142 for leading to fasteners for fastening the fourth to sixth and tenth to twelfth hydraulic cylinders.

[0089] The base 102 includes a first pressurized surface 107. The ram 106 includes a second pressurized surface 108 facing the first pressurized surface 107. Additionally, the ram 106 includes a third pressurized surface 109 facing the top 104. The top 104 includes a fourth pressurized surface 110 facing the third pressurized surface 109.

[0090] Now referring to Figure 8 , a schematic flow diagram of a hydraulic system 800 used in any of the ingot presses described in context is shown. The hydraulic system 800 is configured to supply hydraulic fluid to a first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and a second plurality of hydraulic cylinders. Here, the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders includes hydraulic cylinders 820, 821, 822, 823, 824, and 825. In this embodiment, the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders includes hydraulic cylinders 830, 831, 832, 833, 834, and 835. The hydraulic cylinders 820 - 825 and 830 - 835 can be hydraulic cylinders 20 - 25 and 30 - 35 respectively, or hydraulic cylinders 120 - 125 and 130 - 135 respectively.

[0091] The hydraulic system 800 may include a pump 802 hydraulically connected to the first hydraulic cylinders 820 - 825 and the second hydraulic cylinders 830 - 835. As Figure 8 shown, the hydraulic cylinder 820 includes a piston 860 disposed in a cylinder block 864. The piston 860 is attached to a piston rod 861 that extends out of the cylinder block 864 and is schematically shown connected to the ram 6 or 106 at an attachment point 850. The hydraulic cylinder 820 includes a first hydraulic fluid chamber 862 and a second hydraulic fluid chamber 863. The hydraulic cylinder 820 includes a first hydraulic fluid port 865 for allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the first hydraulic fluid chamber 862. The hydraulic cylinder 820 further includes a second hydraulic fluid port 866 for allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the second hydraulic fluid chamber 863.

[0092] The hydraulic cylinder 830 includes a piston 870 disposed within a cylinder block 874. The piston 870 is attached to a piston rod 871 that extends out of the cylinder block 874 and is schematically shown connected to the ram 6 or 106 at an attachment point 850. The hydraulic cylinder 830 includes a first hydraulic fluid chamber 872 and a second hydraulic fluid chamber 873. The hydraulic cylinder 830 includes a first hydraulic fluid port 875 for allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the first hydraulic fluid chamber 872. The hydraulic cylinder 830 further includes a second hydraulic fluid port 876 for allowing hydraulic fluid to flow into and out of the second hydraulic fluid chamber 873.

[0093] To push the piston rod 861 in an outward direction relative to the cylinder block 864, (pressurized) hydraulic fluid is input into the first hydraulic fluid chamber 862. Clearly, the size of the first hydraulic fluid chamber 862 then increases and the size of the second hydraulic fluid chamber 863 decreases. To move the piston rod 861 into the cylinder block 864, (pressurized) hydraulic fluid is input into the second hydraulic fluid chamber 863. Now, the size of the first hydraulic fluid chamber 862 decreases and the size of the second hydraulic fluid chamber 863 increases. This way of operating a single hydraulic cylinder is the same as the way of operating the other hydraulic cylinders 821 - 825 and 830 - 835.

[0094] The hydraulic cylinders 821 - 825 and 831 - 835 are similarly configured to the hydraulic cylinders 820 and 830. For clarity, their respective pistons, cylinder blocks, and piston rods, hydraulic fluid chambers, and first and second hydraulic fluid ports are not labeled with reference numerals. The piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders 821 and 831 are mechanically connected to the ram 6 or 106, such as at an attachment point 851 schematically shown. The piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders 822 and 832 are mechanically connected to the ram 6 or 106, such as at an attachment point 852 schematically shown. The piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders 823 and 833 are mechanically connected to the ram 6 or 106, such as at an attachment point 853 schematically shown. The piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders 824 and 834 are mechanically connected to the ram 6 or 106, such as at an attachment point 854 schematically shown. The piston rods of the hydraulic cylinders 825 and 835 are mechanically connected to the ram 6 or 106, such as at an attachment point 855 schematically shown.

[0095] The hydraulic pump 802 is configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the first hydraulic fluid branch 804 such that one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders 820 - 825 and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders 830 - 835 move the ram 6 or 106 towards the base 2 or 102. This movement can be schematically shown as a downward movement of the attachment point 850. The hydraulic pump 802 is also configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the second hydraulic fluid branch 806 such that one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders 820 - 825 and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders 830 - 835 move the ram 6 or 106 towards the top 4 or 104. This movement can be schematically regarded as an upward movement of the attachment point 850. The hydraulic pump 802 can be a two-way pump. A two-way pump here means a pump that is configured to switch the flow direction. An example of a two-way pump is a pump that can reverse its rotational direction. Another example is a variable displacement piston pump that can reverse its flow direction while maintaining the same rotational direction. Yet another example is using a one-way pump in combination with one or more valves to reverse the flow direction. Alternatively, the hydraulic pump 802 can be implemented as two pumps, such as one-way pumps, each supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a respective one of the hydraulic branches 804 and 806.

[0096] The first hydraulic fluid branch 804 can include respective first hydraulic fluid chambers of the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders 830 - 835 (including the first hydraulic fluid chamber 872) and respective second hydraulic fluid chambers of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders 820 - 825 (including the second hydraulic fluid chamber 863). The second hydraulic fluid branch 806 can include respective first hydraulic fluid chambers of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders 820 - 825 (including the first hydraulic fluid chamber 862) and respective second hydraulic fluid chambers of the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders 830 - 835 (including the second hydraulic fluid chamber 873).

[0097] The first hydraulic fluid branch 804 is hydraulically connected to the respective second hydraulic fluid chambers of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders 820 - 825 and is hydraulically connected to the respective first hydraulic fluid chambers of the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders 830 - 835. The second hydraulic fluid branch 806 is hydraulically connected to the respective first hydraulic fluid chambers of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders 820 - 825 and is hydraulically connected to the respective second hydraulic fluid chambers of the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders 830 - 835. To pressurize the slurry pack between the base and the ram, the first hydraulic fluid branch 804 is pressurized. The hydraulic fluid from the second hydraulic fluid branch flows towards the pump and is pressurized. If needed, more fluid can be supplied through a hydraulic fluid reservoir (not shown). To pressurize the slurry pack between the ram and the top, the second hydraulic fluid branch 806 is pressurized. The hydraulic fluid from the first hydraulic fluid branch flows towards the pump and is pressurized. If needed, more fluid can be supplied through a hydraulic fluid reservoir (not shown). When the sizes of the hydraulic fluid branches 804 and 806 are substantially the same, a smaller hydraulic fluid reservoir, if any, is required.

[0098] The hydraulic system 900 ( Figure 9 ) is the same as the hydraulic system 800 except for the following aspects. The hydraulic system 900 includes a first valve 910 and a second valve 920. The first valve 910 includes a first valve port 912, a second valve port 914, and a third valve port 916. The first valve port 912 is hydraulically connected to the pump 802 via a first hydraulic fluid branch 904. The second valve port 914 is connected to the pump 802 via a second hydraulic fluid branch 906. The third valve port 916 is connected to the respective first hydraulic fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 830 and 835 and the respective second hydraulic fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 820 and 825.

[0099] The first valve 910 includes two valve positions. In the first valve position, the first valve port 912 and the third valve port 916 are in hydraulic fluid connection such that hydraulic fluid can flow to / from the respective first hydraulic fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 830 and 835 and to / from the respective second hydraulic fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 820 and 825 via the first hydraulic fluid branch 904. In the first valve position, no hydraulic fluid can pass through the second valve port 914. In this first valve position, the hydraulic cylinders 820 and 825 and the hydraulic cylinders 830 and 835 operate as in the hydraulic system 800.

[0100] In the second valve position, the second valve port 914 and the third valve port 916 are in hydraulic fluid connection such that hydraulic fluid can flow to / from the respective first hydraulic fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 830 and 835 and to / from the respective second hydraulic fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 820 and 825. In this position, no hydraulic fluid can pass through the first valve port 912. In this second valve position, the pressure difference between the hydraulic cylinders 820 and 825 and the respective fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 830 and 835 becomes zero or negligible, and then these hydraulic cylinders are in the free movement state or mode mentioned above, or the hydraulic "short - circuit" mode. Since the same liquid volume from the pump will be applied to the remaining, non - short - circuited hydraulic cylinders 821 - 824 and 831 - 834, they will move faster.

[0101] The first hydraulic fluid chamber 872 of the seventh hydraulic cylinder 830, the second hydraulic fluid chamber 863 of the first hydraulic cylinder 820, the first hydraulic fluid chamber of the twelfth hydraulic cylinder 835, the second hydraulic fluid chamber of the sixth hydraulic cylinder 825, and the hydraulic connections between these chambers and the valve 910 are thus examples of the first sub - branch of the first hydraulic fluid branch 904. The hydraulic connection between the pump 802 and the valve 910 is an example of the second sub - branch of the second hydraulic fluid branch 906.

[0102] Similarly, the first hydraulic fluid chamber of the eighth hydraulic cylinder 831, the second hydraulic fluid chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder 821, the first hydraulic fluid chamber of the eleventh hydraulic cylinder 834, the second hydraulic fluid chamber of the fifth hydraulic cylinder 824, and the hydraulic connections between these chambers and the valve 920 are examples of another first sub - branch of the first hydraulic fluid branch 904. The another first sub - branch can be connected to the second sub - branch via the valve 920.

[0103] The second valve 920 includes a fourth valve port 922, a fifth valve port 924, and a sixth valve port 926. The first valve port 912 is hydraulically connected to the pump 802 via a first hydraulic fluid branch 904. The fifth valve port 924 is connected to the pump 802 via a second hydraulic fluid branch 906. The sixth valve port 926 is connected to the respective first hydraulic fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 831 and 834 and the respective second hydraulic fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 821 and 824. The function of the second valve 920 is the same as that of the valve 910 and is now related to the hydraulic cylinders 821, 824, 831, and 834. At the respective second valve positions of the second valve 920, the pressure difference between the respective fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 821 and 824 and the hydraulic cylinders 831 and 834 becomes zero or negligible, and these hydraulic cylinders are then in the free movement state or mode mentioned above, or the hydraulic "short circuit" mode. When both the first valve 820 and the second valve 920 are in their respective second valve positions, only the hydraulic cylinders 822 and 823 and 832 and 833 can be used to move the ram 6 or 106. The ram 6 or 106 can thus be moved faster.

[0104] The hydraulic system 1000 is the same as the hydraulic system 900 except for the following aspects. The hydraulic system 1000 includes a third valve 1020. The third valve 1020 includes a seventh valve port 1022, an eighth valve port 1024, and a ninth valve port 1026. The seventh valve port 1022 is hydraulically connected to the pump 802 via a first hydraulic fluid branch 904. The eighth valve port 1024 is connected to the pump 802 via a second hydraulic fluid branch 906. The ninth valve port 1026 is connected to the respective first hydraulic fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 832 and 833. The function of the second valve 920 is the same as that of the valve 910 and is now related to the hydraulic cylinders 832 and 833. At the respective second valve positions of the second valve 1020, the pressure difference between the respective first fluid chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 832 and 833 becomes zero or negligible, and these hydraulic cylinders are then in the free movement state or mode mentioned above, or the hydraulic "short circuit" mode. When the first valve 820, the second valve 920, and the third valve 1020 are all in their respective second valve positions, only the hydraulic cylinders 822 and 823 can be used to move the ram 6 or 106. The ram 6 or 106 can thus move faster than when Figure 9 all the valves are in their second valve positions.

[0105] One or more controllers can control the respective valve positions of the valves 910, 920, and 1020. One or more of the valves 910, 920, and 1020 can be placed in the second valve position. The valves 910, 920, and 1020 can be controlled so that they are in their respective first valve positions when compressing the bale of pulp or about to compress the bale of pulp and after compressing the bale of pulp. In this mode, the ram 6 or 106 can apply full pressure to the bale of pulp.

[0106] After compressing the bale, the ram is moved in the opposite direction. When the bale is just compressed between the ram and the top, the hydraulic fluid flow is diverted to another hydraulic fluid branch, such as branch 904. Then one or more of the control valves 910, 920, and 1020 are displaced from their respective first valve positions to their respective second valve positions. The remaining cylinders that can still be pressurized now start to operate to move the ram in the other direction, such as moving the ram towards the base when fluid branch 904 is pressurized.

[0107] When the ram reaches the position where the bale is to be compressed, the valves in their respective second valve positions move back to their respective first positions so that full pressure can be applied to the bale to be compressed.

[0108] The hydraulic systems 800, 900, and 1000 may each include Figures 8 - 10 other components not shown, such as one or more hydraulic fluid reservoirs hydraulically connected to a pump, one or more additional valves configured to selectively supply hydraulic fluid to one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders, a control system, a hydraulic fluid cooling device, etc. One or more controllers may be configured to control the hydraulic system. The hydraulic system may alternatively include one or more hydraulic controllers included in one or more controllers.

[0109] Figure 3 The cross-section of shows a first bale 12 in a position on the base 102 such that it can be compressed by the ram 106. A second bale 14 has been compressed in this figure. The base 102 includes a belt conveyor 160, which is one embodiment of a conveyor. The belt conveyor 160 includes a belt 162, upper rollers 164 and 166, and lower rollers 168 and 170. The belt 162 in this embodiment surrounds the solid base portion 103 of the base 102. The solid base portion is arranged such that the bale 12 is compressed. The belt 162 moves along the upper surface of the solid base portion 103. Thus, the belt 162 remains between the bale 12 and the solid base portion 103. In other words, the upper surface or outer surface of the belt 162 represents the first pressurizing surface 107. The belt conveyor 160 can be driven by one or more electric motors (not shown) controlled by one or more controllers. The advantage of using a belt is that it complements the upper surface of the solid base portion 103, thereby allowing the bale to be pressurized with the belt between the solid base portion 103 and the bale 12.

[0110] The ram 106 includes a belt conveyor 180, which is one embodiment of a conveyor. The belt conveyor 180 includes a belt 182 and rollers 188 and 190. The belt 182 includes an outer belt section 184 and an inner belt section 186, so this means that in this case, the belt 182 runs along the upper surface of the solid ram portion 105 on its own. The third pressing surface 109 is represented here by the outer belt section 184. The advantage of this belt configuration is that even when the ram 106 presses the first pulp bale 12, the second pulp bale 14 can move along the ram 106. Using a conveyor belt further results in a compression conveyor. Figure 3 Only the function of the conveyor is schematically shown. For example, sharp edges can be seen, and there are gaps between the belt and other parts of the press 101, which do not actually exist. These sharp edges can be rounded and / or can include additional required rollers, for example, to reduce wear of the belt.

[0111] The belt conveyors 162 and 180 can be divided into, for example, two separate belt conveyors (not shown) parallel to the axis 100, so that these separate belts can be independently controlled, so that the corresponding pulp bales can also be rotated on the first pressing surface 107 and the third pressing surface 109.

[0112] The pulp bale press 1 includes one or more controllers configured to control the movement of the ram 6. The one or more controllers can be configured to allow the second pulp bale 14 to be input onto the ram 6 when the ram 6 is in the first position, in which the top 2 and the ram 6 are far enough apart to receive the second pulp bale 14 to be compressed. Further explained with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.

[0113] Refer to Figures 4A - 4H , the method of compressing a pulp bale in the pulp bale press 1 or 101 includes inputting S200 the first pulp bale 12 to be compressed between the base 2 and the ram 6. Figure 4B The position of the first pulp bale 12 between the base 2 and the ram 6 is shown. After the step S200 of inputting the first pulp bale, the method includes the step S202 of compressing the first pulp bale 12 by moving the ram 6 towards the base 2 ( Figure 4C ). When the ram 6 has moved to the first position where the top 2 and the ram 6 are far enough apart to receive the second pulp bale 14, the method includes the step S204 of inputting the second pulp bale 14 to be compressed between the ram 6 and the top 4. Thereafter, the step S206 of compressing the second pulp bale 14 by moving the ram 6 towards the top 4 is performed.

[0114] The method includes a step S208 of outputting the compressed first pulp bale 12 from the first pressing surface 7 when the ram 6 has moved to a second position where the second pressing surface 8 does not contact the compressed first pulp bale 12. During or after outputting the compressed first pulp bale 12 from the first pressing surface 7 in step S208, when the ram 6 has moved to a third position where the first pressing surface 7 and the second pressing surface 8 are far enough apart to receive a third pulp bale 13 to be compressed, a step of inputting the third pulp bale 13 to be compressed between the first pressing surface 7 and the second pressing surface 8 is performed.

[0115] The method further includes a step S212 of outputting the compressed second pulp bale 14 from the third pressing surface 9 of the ram 6 when the ram 6 has moved to a fourth position where the fourth pressing surface 10 does not contact the compressed second pulp bale 14.

[0116] During or after outputting the compressed second pulp bale 14 from the fourth pressing surface 10 in step S212, when the ram 6 has moved to a fourth position where the third pressing surface 9 and the fourth pressing surface 10 are far enough apart to receive a fourth pulp bale 15 to be compressed, a step of inputting the fourth pulp bale 15 to be compressed between the third pressing surface 9 and the fourth pressing surface 10 is performed.

[0117] In order for the pulp bale press 1 or 101 to press out more pulp bales per unit time, it is advantageous to supply the pulp bales to the ram 6 while the ram 6 is moving. FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 show configurations of the pulp bale press that allow such supply while the ram 6 is moving.

[0118] In FIGS. 5 and 6, the ram 506 includes a ram base portion 505, a first ram extension 507 extending toward the input conveyor 540, and a second ram extension 508 extending toward the output conveyor 581. In other words, the first ram extension 507 and the second ram extension 508 extend parallel to the axis 100. The input conveyor 540 is fed by a chain conveyor 539. The input conveyor 540 and the output conveyor 581 are implemented as chain conveyors in this embodiment. The first ram extension and the second ram extension include conveyors, which are implemented as chain conveyors in this embodiment. The ram base portion 505 includes a belt conveyor along its upper surface, as Figure 2 shown.

[0119] The output conveyor 581 includes a second extensible arm 582. In the Figure 5A position, the second extensible arm 582 shown in dashed lines is in its extended position, similar to the position shown in the Figure 6D top view. The second extensible arm 582 is configured to extend such that when along the axis 100 (which is in the Figures 5A - 5DWhen viewed from above (in the horizontal direction), its extended position overlaps with the second ram extension 508 of the ram 506. The second extendable arm 582 and the second ram extension 508 are complementary in shape, so that when the ram 506 moves upward toward the top 4 or downward toward the base 2, the first extendable arm 541 and the first ram extension 507 can pass each other without blocking each other. In this embodiment, the second ram extension 508 is forked, and the second extension arm 582 extends in the space between the forks of the second ram extension 508 ( Figure 6D ).

[0120] exist Figure 5A In the embodiment, when the ram 506 is in its upward position where it is pressurizing the pulp bag 14, the compressed pulp bag 515 is placed on the second ram extension 508. The second extendable arm 582 is in its extended position below the second ram extension 508 and the pulp bag 515. After the pressurization of the pulp bag 14 is completed, the ram 506 moves downward ( Figure 5B ), and the pulp bag 515 is held by the second extendable arm 582. Thereafter, the second extendable arm 582 is retracted ( Figure 5C ), so that the compressed pulp bag 515 can be transported along the conveyor 584. The conveyor 584 is separated from the output conveyor 581 so that their corresponding conveying means (such as chain) can be operated separately.

[0121] The input conveyor 540 includes a first extendable arm 541. The first extendable arm 541 is configured to extend so that when the first extendable arm 541 is extended along the axis 100 (which is Figures 5A - 5D When viewed from above (in the horizontal direction), its extended position overlaps with the first ram extension 507 of the ram 506. The shapes of the first extendable arm 541 and the first ram extension 507 are complementary, so that when the ram 506 moves upward toward the top 4 or downward toward the base 2, the first extendable arm 541 and the first ram extension 507 can pass each other without blocking each other. In this embodiment, the first ram extension 507 is forked, and the first extension arm 541 extends in the space between the forks of the second ram extension ( Figure 6B ).

[0122] exist Figure 5A In the process, the pulp bale 516 to be compressed is placed on the first conveyor 540. Figure 6A Once the pulp bag 15 has been removed from the first ram extension 507 so that it is in position to be compressed on the ram 506, and the ram 506 is in a downward or lower position ( Figure 5C ), the first extendable arm 541 extends toward the pressure head 506, taking away the pulp bag 516 ( Figure 6B)。Then, once the ram 506 moves upward again to compress the bale 15, the first ram extension 507 moves the bale 516 upward toward the top 4. Thereafter, the first extensible arm 541 retracts again ( Figure 6C )。The bale 517' to be compressed is then placed in position on the input conveyor 540.

[0123] Once the bale 516 is compressed, it is moved to the second ram extension 508 ( Figure 6C )。The second extensible arm 582 extends below the ram 506 and the bale 516 ( Figure 6D ) and, once the ram 506 moves downward again toward the base, the bale 516 is held upward by the second extensible arm 582. Thereafter, the second extensible arm 582 retracts so that the bale 516 can be conveyed away toward the conveyor 584 by the output conveyor 581.

[0124] The first additional chain conveyor 551 carries a plurality of bales 513 awaiting compression. The first chain conveyor 52 is then fed by the first additional conveyor 551. The first chain conveyor 52 and the first additional chain conveyor 551 are separated to show that these conveyors have separate chain sets so that the first chain conveyor 52 can supply bales to the base 2 independently of the first additional chain conveyor 551. This also applies to the input conveyor 540 and the additional input conveyor 539.

[0125] Both the first additional chain conveyor 551 and the additional input conveyor 539 are supplied with additional bales 511 by a lifting conveyor 550 configured to move between a first position in which the lifting conveyor 550 can supply bales to be compressed to the first additional chain conveyor 551 and a second position in which the lifting conveyor 550 can supply bales to be compressed to the additional input conveyor 539. Alternatively, there may be a first fixed chain conveyor and a second fixed chain conveyor, where the first fixed chain conveyor moves half of the bales to be compressed toward the first additional chain conveyor 551 and the second fixed chain conveyor moves the other half of the bales to be compressed toward the additional input conveyor 539.

[0126] It should be understood that, alternatively, the extensible arm may be implemented on the ram and the fork member may be implemented on the input and output conveyors. However, for the stability of the bales, it is preferred that the ram includes a fork extension. In addition, the extensible arm may also be implemented as a fork structure so that the two fork shapes can cooperate with each other. Any fork shape mentioned here may have two or more arms.

[0127] Figures 7A - 7CAn alternative configuration is shown to allow the ram to input and output the bales to be compressed while moving. The rotatable input conveyor 740 is rotatably fixed by a hinge 741. The rotatable input conveyor 740 is further fixed at the ram 706 facing its end by an elastomer, which is implemented here as a spring 742. The spring 742 is fixed at one of its ends to the rotatable input conveyor 740 and at the other end to a stable fixed point. The rotatable input conveyor 740 includes a first extension 743 at the ram 706 facing its part. The ram 706 in turn includes a second extension 708 extending towards the rotatable input conveyor 740. In the stationary position, the rotatable input conveyor 740 is positioned similar to the second chain conveyor 54. The ram 706 is an embodiment of the ram of the bale press according to the present invention and is thus located between the top 4 and the base 2. Figures 7A - 7C Other features and functions not mentioned are the same as those of the other above-described embodiments.

[0128] The first extension 743 and the second extension 708 are complementarily positioned such that when the ram 706 moves downward towards the base 2 ( Figures 7A - 7C not shown), the second extension 708 pushes the first extension 743 downward in order to compress the bale located on the base 2. Then, the rotatable input conveyor 740 is pulled together with the ram 6, and the rotatable input conveyor 740 remains aligned with the outer edge of the ram 706. The bale 14 can be supplied onto the ram 708 independently of the vertical position of the ram 706 as long as there is sufficient space between the ram 706 and the top 4 to receive the bale to be compressed, here the bale 14. Figure 7B A partially rotated or downward position is shown. Figure 7C A fully rotated or downward position is shown. When the ram 706 moves upward towards the top 4, the rotatable input conveyor 740 rotates back due to the upward driving force provided by the spring 742.

[0129] Instead of using the first extension 743 and the second extension 708, the rotation can be controlled by suitable hydraulic equipment or an electric motor. Generally, the position of the bale input edge of the ram facing the rotatable input conveyor is aligned with the upper outer edge of the ram 706 facing the rotatable input conveyor.

[0130] A similar configuration is provided for the rotatable bale output conveyor, where the position of the bale output edge of the ram facing the rotatable output conveyor is aligned with the upper outer edge of the ram 706 facing the rotatable output conveyor.

[0131] Combinations of the embodiments of FIGS. 5-6 and FIG. 7 can also be foreseen, for example, the input side or the output side having the fork-shaped configuration of FIGS. 5-6 while the other side has the configuration of FIG. 7.

[0132] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and is shown in the drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications can be made within the scope of the invention as described in the specification and defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A bale press (1, 101) for compressing bales (12, 14) and configured for use in a bale production line, comprising: A base (2, 102); A top (4, 104) positioned opposite and connected to the base (2, 102); And A movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) configured to move between the base (2, 102) and the top (4, 104), Wherein: The bale press (1) is configured to compress a first bale (12) to be compressed between the base (2, 102) and the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706), and to compress a second bale (14) to be compressed between the top (4, 104) and the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706), The movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) is movably attached to the base (2, 102) via a first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) including at least two hydraulic cylinders, and The movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) is movably attached to the top (4, 104) via a second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136), the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders including the same number of hydraulic cylinders as the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124).

2. The bale press (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (2, 102) includes a first pressing surface (7, 107), The movable pressing element includes a second pressing surface (8, 108) facing the first pressing surface (7, 107) and a third pressing surface (9, 109) facing the top (4, 104), The top (4, 104) includes a fourth pressing surface (10, 110) facing the third pressing surface (9, 109), and The bale press (1) is configured to receive a first bale (12) to be compressed between the first pressing surface (7, 107) and the second pressing surface (8, 108), compress the first bale (12) by the movement of the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) towards the base (2, 102), receive a second bale (14) to be compressed between the third pressing surface (9, 109) and the fourth pressing surface (10, 110), and compress the second bale (14) by the movement of the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) towards the top (4, 104).

3. The slurry packaging press (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) includes at least four hydraulic cylinders, preferably six hydraulic cylinders.

4. The bale press (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) is configured to receive the second pulp bale (14) along its first axis (100); The movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) includes a first lateral side (40) and a second lateral side (42) extending parallel to the first axis (100); The same number of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) attach the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) to each of the first lateral side (40) and the second lateral side (42); and The same number of the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134) attach the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) to each of the first lateral side (40) and the second lateral side (42).

5. The slurry bag press (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) have a total first volume, and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) have a total second volume, wherein the total first volume is substantially equal to the total second volume.

6. The slurry bag press (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Comprising one or more controllers configured to control the movement of the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706).

7. The slurry bag press (1, 101) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The one or more controllers are configured to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) so as to control the movement of the movable pressing element.

8. The slurry bag press (1, 101) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Further comprising a hydraulic pump (802), the hydraulic pump (802) being hydraulically connected to the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136), wherein the one or more controllers are configured to control the hydraulic pump (802) so as to control the movement of the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706).

9. The slurry bag press (1, 101) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The hydraulic pump (802) is configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to a first hydraulic fluid branch (804, 904) such that one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) move the movable pressing element towards the base (2, 102), and to a second hydraulic fluid branch (806, 906) such that one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) move the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) towards the top.

10. The slurry bag press (1, 101) according to claim 9, characterized in that, One or more first sub - branches in the first hydraulic fluid branch (804, 904) are hydraulically connectable via one or more hydraulic valves (910, 920, 1020) to corresponding one or more second sub - branches in the second hydraulic fluid branch (806, 906) such that, while pressurizing the first hydraulic fluid branch (804, 904) or the second hydraulic fluid branch (806, 906), one or more of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) are in a free - moving state.

11. The slurry bag press (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The top (4, 104) is connected to the base (2, 102) by one or more connecting elements (16, 116), wherein the bale press (1, 101) is configured such that the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) is guided along the one or more connecting elements (16, 116).

12. The slurry bag press (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Configured to apply a force in the range of 2,000 to 40,000 kN, preferably in the range of 5,000 to 25,000 kN, to the first bale (12) and the second bale (14).

13. A bale production system configured to produce bales from cellulosic raw materials, the bale production system comprising a bale press (1, 101) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A method of compressing bales (12, 14) in a bale press according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or in a bale production system according to claim 13, the method comprising: Inputting the first bale (12) to be compressed between the base (2, 102) and the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706); Moving the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) towards the base (2, 102) by using the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) to compress the first bale (12); When the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) has moved to a first position where it is far enough from the top (2, 102) and the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) to receive the second bale (14), inputting the second bale (14) to be compressed between the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) and the top (4, 104); and Moving the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) towards the top (4, 104) by using the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) to compress the second bale (14).

15. The method according to claim 14, dependent on at least claim 2, characterized in that: Inputting the first bale (12) includes inputting the first bale (12) between the first pressing surface (7, 107) and the second pressing surface (8, 108); and Inputting the second bale (14) includes: when the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) has moved to a first position where it is far enough from the third pressing surface (9, 109) and the fourth pressing surface (10, 110) to receive the second bale (14), inputting the second bale (14) to be compressed onto the third pressing surface (9, 109).

16. The method for compressing pulp bales according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, Compressing the first bale (12) by moving the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) towards the base (2, 102) includes: When the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) is away from the first bale (12), switching a first number of hydraulic cylinders among the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) to a free movement state, wherein the first number of hydraulic cylinders is less than the total number of hydraulic cylinders of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136), and actuating a first remaining number of hydraulic cylinders among the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) to move the movable pressing element; Move the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) towards the base (2, 102) to a first pressing position relative to the first pulp bale (12); Switch the number of hydraulic cylinders from the free movement state to the actuated state; and Compress the first pulp bale (12) by moving the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) towards the base using all of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124).

17. The method for compressing pulp bales according to claim 14, 15 or 16, characterized in that, Compressing the second pulp bale (14) by moving the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) towards the top (2, 102) includes: When the top (2, 102) is away from the second pulp bale (14), switch a second number of hydraulic cylinders among the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) to the free movement state, where the second number of hydraulic cylinders is less than the total number of hydraulic cylinders of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136), and actuate a second remaining number of hydraulic cylinders among the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 32, 34, 130, 132, 134, 136) to move the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706); Move the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) towards the top (4, 104) to a second pressing position relative to the second pulp bale (14); Switch the second number of hydraulic cylinders from the free movement state to the actuated state; and Compress the second pulp bale (14) by moving the movable pressing element (6, 106, 506, 706) towards the top (4, 104) using all of the first plurality of hydraulic cylinders (20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124) and the second plurality of hydraulic cylinders (30, 20, 22, 24, 120, 122, 124).

18. The method for compressing a pulp bale according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: When the force to be applied to the first pulp bale (12) is greater than the total force configured to be applied by the remaining hydraulic cylinders, reach the first pressing position; and / or When the force to be applied to the second pulp bale (14) is greater than the total force configured to be applied by the remaining hydraulic cylinders, reach the second pressing position.

19. The method for compressing pulp bales according to claim 16, 17 or 18, characterized in that, The first number of hydraulic cylinders is equal to the second number of hydraulic cylinders, and the first remaining number of hydraulic cylinders is equal to the second remaining number of hydraulic cylinders.

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