Device for reducing pressure loss of ore pulp in pipeline dissolution process
By using a multi-in-one connector device in the alumina pipeline leaching process, the problems of pressure loss and stratification during slurry switching were solved, achieving uniform slurry flow and energy saving.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520134877.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-21
AI Technical Summary
During the alumina pipeline leaching process, the slurry experiences severe pressure loss and stratification during switching, leading to increased energy consumption and decreased production efficiency.
The multi-in-one connector device is adopted. By setting a multi-faceted pyramidal structure and polygonal positioning countersunk holes at the reducing pipe, a tight connection between the inner pipe and the inner pipe interface is achieved and the fluid is evenly distributed, reducing the pressure loss of the slurry during the switching of direction.
It effectively reduces the pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching by 5-8%, improves the fluidity of slurry, avoids stratification, and reduces production costs and energy consumption.
Smart Images
Figure CN223837097U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching, and belongs to the field of alumina pipeline leaching technology. Background Technology
[0002] Pipeline leaching is an essential core process in current alumina production, its purpose being to leach alumina from bauxite using alkaline solutions within a pipeline. Due to its advantages such as good thermal conductivity, high heat transfer coefficient, short leaching time, and high capacity per unit volume, pipeline leaching is now widely adopted by alumina plants both domestically and internationally.
[0003] The pipeline leaching structure currently in use is mostly a three-tube structure. Specifically, it consists of an outer tube containing three inner tubes. The outer tube contains the heat source, and the inner tubes contain the leaching slurry. The heat from the heat source is transferred to the slurry through the inner tube walls, raising the slurry to the temperature required for leaching.
[0004] Due to the requirements of the leaching process, the overall length of the casing in high-temperature leaching can reach approximately 5000–8000 meters. Given space constraints, such a length cannot be achieved with a single straight pipe. In factories, it is typically composed of a series of casings, each approximately 100 meters long, connected vertically and horizontally to form the leaching workshop. Therefore, the redirection of the slurry between these casings is unavoidable, and pressure loss within the casings during these redirections is also inevitable.
[0005] like Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, this is the current casing connection structure. The arrows in the diagram indicate the flow direction of the leached slurry in the inner pipe. When the slurry changes direction, due to the restriction of the inner and outer pipe partitions, there is severe turbulence when the slurry enters and exits the inner pipe, which will cause pressure loss in the pipeline. Figure 8 As shown, during the process of the slurry after confluence entering the reducer and then the inner pipe, part of the slurry will directly enter the inner pipe, while part will act on the partition between the inner and outer pipes and be blocked by the partition, thus causing pressure loss in the pipeline.
[0006] Because the leaching sleeves in the entire pipelined leaching workshop consist of multiple straight pipes connected in series, the slurry needs to undergo multiple switching operations, resulting in significant accumulated pressure losses. According to engineering statistics, the number of sleeves used in the leaching process can reach approximately 60 to 100, and the slurry will undergo 60 to 100 switching operations. The pressure loss throughout the process will be considerable, reaching 5% to 8%. Due to the high solids content in the slurry, the liquid and solid mixtures in the slurry are prone to separation during leaching due to the obstruction of the inner and outer pipe baffles, leading to slurry stratification. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching. This structure can reduce the pressure loss of slurry entering and exiting the inner pipe during alumina pipeline leaching. According to engineering statistics, it can reduce the overall pressure loss of slurry in the entire pipeline leaching workshop by 5-8%, resulting in significant energy saving and consumption reduction, while also preventing slurry stratification.
[0008] The technical solution of this utility model: A device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching includes a steering bend, with a reducing pipe connected to each end of the steering bend. The reducing pipe is connected to the outer pipe via an inner and outer pipe partition. Multiple inner pipes are sleeved in the outer pipe. One end of the inner pipe passes through the inner and outer pipe partition and extends into the head end of the reducing pipe. A multi-in-one connector is provided in the reducing pipe at the outlet end. The end face of the multi-in-one connector near the inner pipe is provided with the same number of inner pipe interfaces as the inner pipes. The multiple inner pipe interfaces extend inward and communicate with an inlet / outlet channel. The inlet / outlet channel is connected to the other end face of the multi-in-one connector. A multi-faceted pyramid structure is provided at the inner end of the inlet / outlet channel. The cone of the multi-faceted pyramid structure is set away from the direction of the inner pipe interface. The multiple inner pipes are respectively connected to the multiple inner pipe interfaces.
[0009] The multi-in-one connector has a frustum-shaped structure, and its taper is consistent with that of the reducing pipe.
[0010] The multi-in-one connector has a polygonal positioning countersunk hole on the end face with the inner tube interface, and a polygonal positioning protrusion corresponding to the position is provided on the end face of the inner and outer tube partitions facing the multi-in-one connector.
[0011] In the aforementioned device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching, the inner tube and the inner tube interface are arranged in a layout around the center of the outer tube and the end face of the multi-in-one connector, respectively, and the center line of the multi-faceted pyramid structure coincides with the central axis of the multi-in-one connector.
[0012] In the aforementioned device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching, the multi-faceted pyramid structure is a regular multi-faceted pyramid structure with the same number of edges as the number of inner pipe interfaces. Each edge of the multi-faceted pyramid structure is located at the center between two adjacent inner pipe interfaces. The bottom of each edge is connected to the inner wall of the inlet / outlet channel via a circular arc tangent. The bottom of the multi-faceted pyramid structure, both sides of the circular arc tangent, and the inner wall of the inlet / outlet channel are all connected to the inner pipe interfaces via smooth arc surfaces.
[0013] In the aforementioned device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching, the inner tube interface is a countersunk hole structure, and the inner tube is inserted into the inner tube interface.
[0014] In the aforementioned device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching, the radius difference between the large and small holes in the countersunk hole structure is exactly equal to the wall thickness of the inner tube.
[0015] In the aforementioned device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching, the opening end of the countersunk hole structure is an outwardly flared structure.
[0016] In the aforementioned device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching, the multi-in-one connector is made of cast steel.
[0017] In the aforementioned device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching, a multi-purpose connector is also provided in the reducing pipe at the inlet end.
[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: Compared with the prior art, this utility model, by adding a multi-in-one connector to the reducing pipe and directly connecting the inner pipe to the inner pipe interface, has the following advantages compared with the pipeline leaching method widely used in China at present:
[0019] I. Reduce the pressure loss of slurry entering and exiting the inner pipe during the pipeline leaching of alumina. According to engineering statistics, this can reduce the overall pressure loss of slurry in the entire pipeline leaching workshop by 5-8%, resulting in significant energy saving and consumption reduction.
[0020] Second, due to the use of reasonable materials, investment costs were reduced as much as possible while ensuring stable and reliable operation of the equipment, resulting in good economic benefits during production.
[0021] Third, by setting up a multi-in-one connector, the slurry in multiple inner tubes can smoothly transition and directly converge to the same point, or smoothly transition from the same point into multiple inner tubes, reducing obstruction. Usage examples have proven that this structure can effectively improve the stratification phenomenon of slurry during the leaching process. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-in-one connector;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a multi-in-one connector from another angle;
[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the back structure of the multi-in-one connector;
[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the multi-in-one connector.
[0027] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the multi-in-one connector from another angle.
[0028] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the inner tube interface;
[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an existing sleeve connection structure.
[0030] Reference numerals: 1-Swivel bend, 2-Reducer, 3-Inner and outer tube partition, 4-Outer tube, 5-Inner tube, 6-Multi-in-one connector, 7-Inner tube interface, 8-Inlet / outlet channel, 9-Polygonal pyramidal structure, 10-Circular arc tangent, 11-Polygonal positioning countersunk hole. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but this should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0032] An embodiment of this utility model: A device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching includes a steering bend 1, with a reducing pipe 2 connected to each end of the steering bend 1. The reducing pipe 2 is connected to an outer pipe 4 via an inner and outer pipe partition 3. Multiple inner pipes 5 are sleeved in the outer pipe 4. One end of each inner pipe 5 passes through the inner and outer pipe partition 3 and extends into the head end of the reducing pipe 2. A multi-connector 6 is provided in the reducing pipe 2 at the outlet end. The end face of the multi-connector 6 adjacent to the inner pipe 5 is provided with the same number of inner pipe interfaces 7 as the inner pipe 5. The multiple inner pipe interfaces 7 extend inward and communicate with an inlet / outlet channel 8. The inlet / outlet channel 8 communicates with the other end face of the multi-connector 6. A multi-faceted pyramidal structure 9 is provided at the inner end of the inlet / outlet channel 8. The cone of the multi-faceted pyramidal structure 9 is positioned away from the direction of the inner pipe interfaces 7. The multiple inner pipes 5 are respectively connected to the multiple inner pipe interfaces 7.
[0033] This invention features a multi-in-one connector 6 with a multi-faceted pyramidal structure 9 in its inlet / outlet channel 8. When the slurry flows from the inlet / outlet channel 8 into the inner pipe 5, the slurry contacts the surface of the multi-faceted pyramidal structure 9. However, the contact is not perpendicular like that between the slurry and the inner / outer pipe partition 3. Instead, the slurry contacts the cone surface of the multi-faceted pyramidal structure 9 at an angle. This allows the slurry to flow smoothly along the cone surface of the multi-faceted pyramidal structure 9 into the inner pipe interface 7 and finally into the inner pipe 5. This structure effectively reduces pressure loss during the slurry flow process.
[0034] The multi-in-one connector 6 has a frustum-shaped structure with a taper that matches that of the reducer 2. During installation, the outer surface of the multi-in-one connector 6 is in contact with the inner wall of the reducer 2. After the reducer 2 is fixed, the multi-in-one connector 6 can be limited and fixed by the combined action of the reducer 2 and the inner and outer tube partitions 3, thus preventing the multi-in-one connector 6 from shifting along its axial direction.
[0035] The multi-in-one connector 6 has a polygonal positioning countersunk hole 11 on its end face with the inner tube interface 7. The inner and outer tube partitions 3 have corresponding polygonal positioning protrusions on their end faces facing the multi-in-one connector 6. During installation, the polygonal positioning protrusions are inserted into the polygonal positioning countersunk hole 11 to limit the positioning of the multi-in-one connector 6. At this time, the inner tube interface 7 on the multi-in-one connector 6 is directly aligned with the end of the inner tube 5, facilitating the connection between the inner tube 5 and the inner tube interface 7. Simultaneously, the polygonal positioning countersunk hole 11 and the polygonal positioning protrusions are connected together to prevent the multi-in-one connector 6 from rotating, which could cause the end of the inner tube 5 to twist and deform.
[0036] The inner tubes 5 are arranged in a ring around the center of the outer tube 4 inside the outer tube 4, while the inner tube interfaces 7 are arranged in a ring around the center of the end face of the multi-in-one connector 6. The center line of the pyramidal structure 9 coincides with the central axis of the multi-in-one connector 6, that is, the pyramidal structure 9 is set on the central axis of the multi-in-one connector 6. This structure is mainly to ensure that the slurry flowing into the inner tubes 5 from the inlet and outlet channels 8 can enter the inner tubes 5 evenly.
[0037] The polygonal pyramid structure 9 is a regular polygonal pyramid structure. As shown in the figure, the polygonal pyramid structure 9 is a regular triangular pyramid structure. The number of its edges is the same as the number of inner pipe interfaces 7. Each edge of the polygonal pyramid structure 9 is located at the center between two adjacent inner pipe interfaces 7. The bottom of each edge is connected to the inner wall of the inlet / outlet channel 8 via the arc tangent 10. The bottom of the polygonal pyramid structure 9, both sides of the arc tangent 10, and the inner wall of the inlet / outlet channel 8 are all connected to the inner pipe interfaces 7 via smooth arc surfaces. This structure allows the slurry to flow very smoothly. In particular, the smooth arc surface structure allows the slurry flowing from the inlet / outlet channel 8 into the inner pipe 5 to flow smoothly along the inner wall of the inlet / outlet channel 8 into the inner pipe 5 when it comes into contact with the inner wall of the inlet / outlet channel 8. The resistance encountered during the flow is small, which can further reduce the pressure loss during the flow of the slurry. Moreover, the slurry flowing from the inlet / outlet channel 8 into the inner pipe 5 can enter several inner pipes 5 evenly.
[0038] The inner tube interface 7 is a countersunk hole structure. The inner tube 5 is inserted into the inner tube interface 7 to achieve a quick connection between the inner tube 5 and the inner tube interface 7.
[0039] The radius difference between the large and small holes in the countersunk hole structure is exactly equal to the wall thickness of the inner tube 5. That is, the width of the step at the countersunk hole structure is better equal to the wall thickness of the inner tube 5. The advantage of this setting is that no matter whether the slurry flows into the inner tube 5 from the inlet / outlet channel 8 or from the inner tube 5 into the inlet / outlet channel 8, the slurry 8 will not be blocked by the end face of the inner tube 5 or the step surface of the inner tube interface 7 during the flow process, so that the slurry flows very smoothly and can further reduce the pressure loss during the flow process of the slurry.
[0040] The countersunk hole structure has an outward flared opening, which facilitates the insertion of the inner tube 5 end into the countersunk hole structure of the inner tube connector 7.
[0041] The multi-in-one connector 6 is made of cast steel. Because there is internal pressure in the multi-in-one connector 6, its material must be cast steel and cast iron cannot be used. The multi-in-one connector 6 and the reducer 2 form a two-layer structure. If it is changed to a single-layer structure (that is, the reducer 2 and the multi-in-one connector 6 are processed into one part, and there is no two-layer structure), it should be processed by forging.
[0042] The reducing pipe 2 at the inlet end is also equipped with a multi-connector 6, which allows the slurry to flow well from the inner pipe 5 into the multi-connector 6, and avoids the turbulence phenomenon that occurs when multiple streams of slurry flow out of the inner pipe 5 and converge into one stream at the reducing pipe 2.
[0043] The purpose of this invention is to minimize the pressure loss of the slurry within the pipes during switching processes. With the alumina industry's increasing demands for energy conservation and cost reduction, and companies' own pursuit of lower production costs, the previous extensive production model can no longer meet market requirements. Companies must shift to a more economical, energy-efficient, and cost-reducing model. Based on feedback from production use examples, this invention can reduce pipeline pressure loss in the pipeline leaching workshop by 5-8%, demonstrating a significant advantage in energy conservation and cost reduction.
[0044] In the structure of this utility model, by adding a multi-in-one connector 6, the slurry will enter and exit the inner pipe 5 with less energy loss under the guidance of the multi-in-one connector 6.
[0045] According to engineering statistics, the number of casings used in the leaching process can reach approximately 60 to 100, and the slurry will undergo 60 to 100 switching operations. Adding 60 to 100 multi-connector joints 6 at the inlet and outlet of the inner pipe 5 will significantly reduce pressure loss; according to engineering statistics, this can reduce overall pressure loss by 5% to 8%.
[0046] The multi-in-one connector 6 requires that one end fit tightly with the end of the inner tube 5, and the other end tangentially transition to the inlet and outlet of the diversion bend 1. Internally, the multiple inner tube interfaces 7 at one end and the single inlet / outlet channel 8 at the other end all require tangential arc transitions to minimize pressure loss during slurry flow. The outer surface of the multi-in-one connector 6 must fit snugly against the inner surface of the reducer 2.
Claims
1. A device for reducing pressure loss of ore slurry during pipeline leaching, characterized in that: It includes a steering bend (1), and each end of the steering bend (1) is connected to a reducer (2). The reducer (2) is connected to the outer pipe (4) through the inner and outer pipe partition (3). Multiple inner pipes (5) are sleeved in the outer pipe (4). One end of the inner pipe (5) passes through the inner and outer pipe partition (3) and extends into the head end of the reducer (2). A multi-in-one connector (6) is provided in the reducer (2) at the outlet end. The multi-in-one connector (6) is provided with an inner pipe interface (7) with the same number as the inner pipe (5) on the end face of the multi-in-one connector (6). Multiple inner pipe interfaces (7) extend inward and communicate with an inlet / outlet channel (8). The inlet / outlet channel (8) is connected to the other end face of the multi-in-one connector (6). A multi-faceted pyramid structure (9) is provided at the inner end of the inlet / outlet channel (8). The cone of the multi-faceted pyramid structure (9) is set away from the direction of the inner pipe interface (7). Multiple inner pipes (5) are connected to multiple inner pipe interfaces (7) respectively. The multi-in-one connector (6) has a frustum-shaped structure, and its taper is consistent with that of the reducer (2). The multi-in-one connector (6) has a polygonal positioning countersunk hole (11) on the end face of the inner tube interface (7), and the inner and outer tube partitions (3) have polygonal positioning protrusions corresponding to their positions on the end face of the multi-in-one connector (6).
2. The device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner tube (5) and the inner tube interface (7) are arranged in a pattern around the center of the outer tube (4) and the end face of the multi-in-one connector (6), respectively. The center line of the pyramidal structure (9) coincides with the center axis of the multi-in-one connector (6).
3. The device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching according to claim 2, characterized in that: The pyramidal structure (9) is a regular pyramidal structure with the same number of edges as the number of inner tube interfaces (7). Each edge of the pyramidal structure (9) is located at the center between two adjacent inner tube interfaces (7). The bottom of each edge is connected to the inner wall of the inlet / outlet channel (8) via a circular arc tangent (10). The bottom of the pyramidal structure (9), both sides of the circular arc tangent (10), and the inner wall of the inlet / outlet channel (8) are all connected to the inner tube interface (7) via a smooth arc surface.
4. The device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner tube interface (7) is a countersunk hole structure, and the inner tube (5) is inserted into the inner tube interface (7).
5. The device for reducing pressure loss of ore slurry during pipeline leaching according to claim 4, characterized in that: The radius difference between the large hole and the small hole in the countersunk hole structure is exactly equal to the wall thickness of the inner tube (5).
6. The device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching according to claim 4, characterized in that: The countersunk hole structure has an outward flared opening.
7. The device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-in-one connector (6) is made of cast steel.
8. The device for reducing pressure loss of slurry during pipeline leaching according to claim 1, characterized in that: A multi-purpose connector (6) is also provided in the reducing pipe (2) at the inlet end.