Stock bin unit with material level measuring function and large solid stock bin

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of material storage equipment, and provides a stock bin unit with a material level measuring function and a large solid stock bin aiming at the problems that a traditional material level indicator is difficult to accurately measure the material level due to the characteristics of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) granules in industrial production and an existing measuring instrument has a plurality of defects. A weighing module is installed below a stock bin decompression cone to measure the material weight and measure the material level, laser sensors and other sensors are not needed, and a pressure detection module is adopted. According to the design, the guiding module is ingeniously used for counteracting horizontal component force, and accurate weighing is guaranteed. And the advantages are obvious in the complex environment of multi-dust and partitioned feeding and discharging, the storage and use efficiency of the PET granules can be effectively improved, the cost is greatly reduced, and industrial production, popularization and application are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of material storage equipment, and in particular relates to a silo unit with material level measurement function and a large solid silo. Background Technology

[0002] In industrial production, PET granules are a common material, characterized by low density, large air gaps, poor flowability, and high dust levels during feeding. When feeding from different sections in a large silo, dust tends to accumulate below the inlet, generating a large amount of dust; when discharging from different sections, a funnel flow is easily formed, with material subsequently collapsing from all sides. These characteristics make it difficult for traditional level gauges to accurately and timely measure material levels.

[0003] Currently, there are various material measuring instruments on the market. Laser, ultrasonic, or radar level gauges calculate the time from the emission of infrared, ultrasonic, or high-frequency microwaves to the reception and reflection, and convert this time into the distance to the material surface. Weighted level gauges use electronic measurement, employing an electric motor to lower a weight, and measure the distance from the weight to the material surface to determine the material level. 3D level scanners typically use low-frequency microwaves for multi-point scanning and measurement, and are paired with data management software to achieve 3D visualization of the material.

[0004] However, existing level gauges have several drawbacks. Laser and ultrasonic level gauges emit infrared and ultrasonic waves with poor penetration, and the signal attenuates in dusty environments, leading to inaccurate level readings. While radar level gauges can penetrate dust with microwaves, they generally only measure the level at a single point. Due to the poor flowability of materials, funnel flow is common, making single-point measurements inaccurate in displaying the actual level in the silo. Weighted level gauges face the same problem. Furthermore, the high cost of 3D level scanners limits their widespread application.

[0005] In conclusion, it is urgent to develop a new type of equipment that can accurately measure the level of PET granules and overcome the shortcomings of existing level gauges. This is of great significance for improving the storage and utilization efficiency of PET granules in industrial production. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a silo unit and a large solid silo with a material level measurement function. This device overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art and provides a rationally designed and efficient silo unit. The device measures the weight of the material within the cone-shaped projection range of the upper part of the silo's pressure-reducing cone by installing a weighing module under the pressure-reducing cone, thereby calculating the material level in different silo units of the large silo. This design eliminates the need for laser, infrared, or other sensors, making it suitable for silo environments with high dust levels, multiple silo units with zoned inlet and outlet, and uneven material levels. Simultaneously, the use of a universal pressure detection module effectively reduces costs and overcomes the shortcomings of existing level gauges, such as signal attenuation, inaccurate single-point measurement, and high cost. This achieves accurate measurement of the PET granule material level, improving the storage and utilization efficiency of PET granules in industrial production.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model includes two aspects, which are implemented as follows:

[0008] In a first aspect, a silo unit with a material level measurement function includes a frame, a silo, a silo pressure reducing cone, a feed inlet, a conical hopper, a discharge outlet, a guide module, and a weighing module. The silo is fixed on the frame, the conical hopper is located at the bottom of the silo, the feed inlet is located at the top of the silo, the discharge outlet is located at the bottom of the conical hopper, the silo pressure reducing cone is located above the discharge outlet inside the conical hopper, and the guide module and the weighing module are both located below the silo pressure reducing cone.

[0009] In a structure that optimizes the aforementioned solution, the guiding module and the weighing module are in two sets, diagonally distributed below the pressure-reducing cone of the silo. Solid material in the silo is pressed against the pressure-reducing cone, and the weight of the material within the upper conical projection range of the pressure-reducing cone of the silo unit is measured by the weighing module.

[0010] In a structure that optimizes the aforementioned solution, the guiding module includes a guide post, a bushing, a bushing top plate, a bushing mounting base, and a bushing bottom plate. The bushing bottom plate is fixed to the discharge port crossbeam, the bushing mounting base is fixed to the bushing bottom plate, and the bushing is mounted on the bushing mounting base. The guide post mates with the bushing, and the bushing top plate is positioned above the guide post and mates with the top of the guide post via a groove. The bushing top plate is connected to the hopper pressure-reducing cone. The hopper pressure-reducing cone transfers the weight of the material above the main body to the guide post, where there is vertical pressure and a horizontal component force. Since the load cell can only detect vertical force, the guiding module cancels out the horizontal component force through a lower mechanism. The combination of the guide post and bushing reduces friction, thereby improving measurement accuracy.

[0011] Furthermore, the guide module also includes a hose A and a clamp A. The hose A is wrapped around the outside of the bushing mounting base, and the clamp A is fixed to the outside of the hose A. Because there is a significant amount of dust and particulate matter inside, the guide module is sealed using the hose A and clamp A.

[0012] Furthermore, there is a vertical movement of not less than 5 mm between the guide post and the bushing. This vertical movement of the guide post ensures that only the load cell bears the vertical force when the pressure-reducing cone of the hopper is subjected to it, and the horizontal component of the force generated due to the shape of the pressure-reducing cone is entirely canceled out by the guide post and the bushing.

[0013] Furthermore, the bushing is an oil-free bushing.

[0014] In a structure that optimizes the aforementioned solution, the weighing module includes a weighing top plate and a weighing sensor. The weighing sensor is mounted on the discharge port crossbeam, and the weighing top plate is positioned above the weighing sensor. The weighing top plate is connected to the pressure-reducing cone of the hopper. The pressure-reducing cone of the hopper transfers the weight of the material above the main body to the weighing sensor. After being subjected to pressure, the weighing sensor undergoes a certain deformation, typically less than 0.1 mm. The internal resistance reflects the pressure it has endured, thus achieving weighing.

[0015] Furthermore, the contact area between the load cell and the weighing top plate is an arc surface. This arc surface contact effectively transmits pressure to the sensor body.

[0016] Furthermore, the weighing module also includes a flexible hose B, a clamp B, and a cable outlet pipe. The flexible hose B surrounds the weighing top plate and the outside of the weighing sensor. The clamp B is located outside the flexible hose B, and the cable outlet pipe passes through the flexible hose B and cooperates with the weighing sensor. Since there is a lot of dust and particulate matter inside the hopper, the flexible hose B, clamp B, and cable outlet pipe are used to seal the weighing module. The cable outlet pipe is responsible for leading out the sensor cable.

[0017] Furthermore, hoses A and B are retractable corrugated hoses. The hoses are corrugated hoses that can freely extend and retract vertically, thus achieving both sealing and vertical movement.

[0018] Secondly, a large solid material silo is composed of several silo units connected in a planar manner, with adjacent silo units interconnected.

[0019] In a structure that optimizes the aforementioned scheme, there are four silo units: silo unit 1, silo unit 2, silo unit 3, and silo unit 4. The four silo units are connected in a grid pattern.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, the silo unit with material level measurement function and the large solid silo of this utility model have the following advantages:

[0021] 1. Precise material level measurement: By installing a weighing module below the pressure reducing cone of the silo, the weight of the material within the cone-shaped projection range of the upper part of the pressure reducing cone can be accurately measured. Based on this, the material level in different silo units of the large silo can be accurately calculated, effectively overcoming the problem of inaccurate measurement by traditional level gauges, and providing accurate data support for the storage and use of PET granules in industrial production.

[0022] 2. Wide Environmental Adaptability: This solution does not require laser or infrared sensors, making it particularly suitable for complex silo environments with high dust levels, multi-bin unit feeding and discharging, and uneven material levels. It operates stably and reliably in both the feeding process, which easily generates large amounts of dust, and the discharging process, which is prone to funnel flow and material collapse, ensuring that material level measurement is unaffected by environmental factors.

[0023] 3. Significant cost advantage: The use of a universal pressure detection module significantly reduces costs. Compared to existing measuring equipment such as expensive 3D level scanners, this solution effectively reduces equipment procurement and maintenance costs while ensuring measurement accuracy and performance, thereby improving economic efficiency and facilitating widespread application in industrial production. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the utility model. The illustrative embodiments of the utility model and their descriptions are used to explain the utility model and do not constitute an undue limitation of the utility model. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the silo unit with material level measurement function described in this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the position settings of the weighing module and the guide module described in this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the guide module described in this utility model;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the weighing module described in this utility model;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the solid material silo structure described in this utility model;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the high and low material points of the solid material silo described in this utility model.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 1. Frame, 2. Hopper, 3. Hopper pressure reducing cone, 4. Inlet, 5. Conical hopper, 6. Outlet, 7. Guide module, 8. Weighing module;

[0033] 71. Guide column; 72. Bushing; 73. Bushing top plate; 74. Hope A; 75. Clamp A; 76. Bushing mounting base; 77. Bushing bottom plate.

[0034] 81. Weighing top plate; 82. Weighing sensor; 83. Hoses B; 84. Clamps B; 85. Outlet conduit.

[0035] A. Silo Unit 1, B. Silo Unit 2, C. Silo Unit 3, D. Silo Unit 4, E. High level, F. Low level. Detailed Implementation

[0036] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0038] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0039] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] Example 1: A silo unit with material level measurement function

[0041] A silo unit with a material level measurement function. Prepare a frame 1, and securely fix the silo 2 to the frame 1. Install a conical hopper 5 at the bottom of the silo 2, open a feed inlet 4 at the top of the silo 2, and set a discharge outlet 6 at the bottom of the conical hopper 5. Install a pressure-reducing cone 3 inside the conical hopper 5 and above the discharge outlet 6.

[0042] Installation of Guide and Weighing Modules: Two sets of guide modules 7 and weighing modules 8 are installed, diagonally distributed below the pressure-reducing cone 3 of the hopper. Guide module 7 includes guide post 71, bushing 72, bushing top plate 73, bushing mounting base 76, bushing bottom plate 77, hose A74, and clamp A75. The bushing bottom plate 77 is fixed to the crossbeam of the discharge port 6. Then, the bushing mounting base 76 is fixed to the bushing bottom plate 77. The bushing 72 is then installed on the bushing mounting base 76, allowing the guide post 71 to mate with the bushing 72. The bushing top plate 73 is installed above the guide post 71, mates with the top of the guide post 71 via a groove, and finally, the bushing top plate 73 is connected to the pressure-reducing cone 3 of the hopper. The hose A74 is installed around the outside of the bushing mounting base 76 and secured with clamp A75. Ensure that there is a vertical movement of at least 5mm between the guide post 71 and the bushing 72, and that the bushing 72 is an oil-free bushing.

[0043] The weighing module 8 includes a weighing top plate 81, a weighing sensor 82, a flexible hose B83, a clamp B84, and an outlet pipe 85. The weighing sensor 82 is installed on the crossbeam of the discharge port 6. The weighing top plate 81 is installed above the weighing sensor 82 and connected to the pressure-reducing cone 3 of the hopper, ensuring that the contact area between the weighing sensor 82 and the weighing top plate 81 is curved. The flexible hose B83 is installed around the weighing top plate 81 and the weighing sensor 82 and secured with the clamp B84. The outlet pipe 85 is inserted into the flexible hose B83 and mates with the weighing sensor 82. Both the flexible hose A74 and the flexible hose B83 are retractable corrugated flexible hoses.

[0044] Working Principle and Material Level Setting: When solid material in the silo is pressed against the silo pressure-reducing cone 3, the weight of the material is transmitted through the silo pressure-reducing cone 3. The horizontal component of the force is canceled out by the guide column 71 and bushing 72 of the guide module 7, while the vertical force is transmitted to the load cell 82. The load cell 82 deforms under pressure, and its internal resistance presents the pressure value, thereby measuring the weight of the material within the upper conical projection range of the silo pressure-reducing cone in the silo unit, thus calculating the material level. Simultaneously, hoses A74 and B83, while ensuring a seal, accommodate the vertical movement of the guide column 71 and the load cell 82.

[0045] During the initial commissioning phase, material is fed into the empty hopper. When the material just covers the pressure-reducing cone of the hopper, the signal from the weighing module is recorded and set as the low material level point F for each hopper unit. Due to the poor flowability of the material, a high point of material accumulation will form below each inlet. When the high point of material accumulation approaches the inlet, the signal from the weighing module is recorded and set as the high material level E for each hopper unit. The specific high and low material level points are illustrated below. Figure 6 As shown, the material level between the high and low levels can be displayed as a percentage on the control panel via a program, allowing operators to easily monitor the material level information in real time.

[0046] Example 2: Solid Waste Silo

[0047] Large silo assembly: Prepare four silo units as described in Example 1, namely silo unit 1A, silo unit 2B, silo unit 3C, and silo unit 4D. Connect these four silo units in a grid pattern to form a solid large silo.

[0048] Overall Functional Testing: The assembled solid material silo was tested. Feeding was performed through the inlet 4 of each silo unit, and the flow and distribution of materials within the silo were observed. The guide module 7 and weighing module 8 of each silo unit were used to measure the material level in different silo units, verifying the accuracy and stability of the material level measurement under multi-silo unit zoned feeding and discharging conditions, and whether the interconnection structure between the silo units met the requirements of material management and allocation. Simultaneously, the accuracy of the high and low material level settings for each silo unit and the accuracy of the material level percentage display on the control panel were checked.

[0049] Zoned material feeding and discharging workflow:

[0050] This solid material silo adopts a zoned feeding and discharging mode. Silo unit 1A and silo unit 2B are grouped together, and silo unit 3C and silo unit 4D are grouped together, which respectively transport materials to the container.

[0051] Discharge Process: When materials are conveyed from the discharge ports of silo units 1A and 3C, a funnel-shaped, uneven material surface will form inside the large silo, with the lowest point being above the discharge ports of silo units 1A and 3C, and the material level increasing with distance from the discharge ports. During the discharge process, the signals from the weighing modules of each silo unit are continuously monitored. When a low material level signal F is detected by the weighing module of silo unit 1A or 3C, the automatic control system immediately switches the discharge operation to the discharge port of silo unit 2B or 4D to ensure a continuous supply of materials.

[0052] Feeding Process: Simultaneously with the switching of the discharge action, material replenishment begins from the feed inlet of silo unit 1A or silo unit 3C. As material continuously enters, the weight of the material in the silo increases, causing changes in the weighing module signal. When the weighing module of silo unit 1A or silo unit 3C displays a high level signal (E), the automatic control system stops replenishing to prevent material overflow. In this way, automated control of the zoned feeding and discharging of large solid material silos is achieved, ensuring efficient material management and rational use.

[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A silo unit with a material level measurement function, characterized in that: The system includes a frame (1), a hopper (2), a hopper pressure-reducing cone (3), a feed inlet (4), a conical hopper (5), a discharge outlet (6), a guide module (7), and a weighing module (8). The hopper (2) is fixed on the frame (1). The conical hopper (5) is located at the bottom of the hopper (2). The feed inlet (4) is located at the top of the hopper (2). The discharge outlet (6) is located at the bottom of the conical hopper (5). The hopper pressure-reducing cone (3) is located above the discharge outlet (6) inside the conical hopper (5). The guide module (7) and the weighing module (8) are both located below the hopper pressure-reducing cone (3).

2. The silo unit with material level measurement function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide module (7) and the weighing module (8) are two sets, and the guide module (7) and the weighing module (8) are diagonally distributed below the pressure relief cone (3) of the hopper.

3. The silo unit with material level measurement function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guiding module (7) includes a guide post (71), a bushing (72), a bushing top plate (73), a bushing mounting seat (76), and a bushing bottom plate (77). The bushing bottom plate (77) is fixed on the crossbeam of the discharge port (6), the bushing mounting seat (76) is fixed on the bushing bottom plate (77), the bushing (72) is set on the bushing mounting seat (76), the guide post (71) cooperates with the bushing (72), the bushing top plate (73) is set above the guide post (71) and cooperates with the top of the guide post (71) through a groove, and the bushing top plate (73) is connected to the pressure relief cone (3) of the hopper.

4. The silo unit with material level measurement function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guide module (7) also includes a hose A (74) and a clamp A (75). The hose A (74) is wrapped around the outside of the bushing mounting base (76), and the clamp A (75) is fixed to the outside of the hose A (74).

5. The silo unit with material level measurement function according to claim 3, characterized in that: There is a vertical movement of not less than 5 mm between the guide post (71) and the bushing (72).

6. The silo unit with material level measurement function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The weighing module (8) includes a weighing top plate (81) and a weighing sensor (82). The weighing sensor (82) is installed on the crossbeam of the discharge port (6), and the weighing top plate (81) is installed above the weighing sensor (82). The weighing top plate (81) is connected to the pressure relief cone (3) of the hopper.

7. The silo unit with material level measurement function according to claim 6, characterized in that: The contact area between the weighing sensor (82) and the weighing top plate (81) is an arc surface.

8. The silo unit with material level measurement function according to claim 5, characterized in that: The weighing module (8) also includes a flexible hose B (83), a clamp B (84), and an outlet pipe (85). The flexible hose B (83) surrounds the weighing top plate (81) and the weighing sensor (82). The clamp B (84) is set outside the flexible hose B (83). The outlet pipe (85) passes into the flexible hose B (83) and cooperates with the weighing sensor (82).

9. A large solid material silo, characterized in that: It is composed of several silo units as described in any one of claims 1-8, which are spliced ​​together in a plane, and adjacent silo units are interconnected.

10. The solid material silo according to claim 9, characterized in that: There are four silo units: silo unit 1 (A), silo unit 2 (B), silo unit 3 (C), and silo unit 4 (D), which are connected in a grid pattern.

Images