A device for preventing bridging and blockage at the discharge point of a powder storage tank

Abstract

A device for preventing bridging and blockage at the discharge point of a powder storage tank is located inside a conical discharge hopper at the bottom of the tank. It includes a conveying assembly, a first flexible connection assembly, and a vibrating motor. A first discharge hopper is located at the bottom of the tank, and the first flexible connection assembly is located at its narrow end. A second discharge hopper with an inverted cone shape is located below the first flexible connection assembly. The conveying assembly, located inside the conical discharge hopper, includes a conveying head and a supporting frame. The supporting frame is connected to the inner wall of the second discharge hopper, and the conical conveying head is positioned above it, inside the first discharge hopper. The vibrating motor is located on the outer wall of the second discharge hopper. Powder enters from the top of the tank and falls to the bottom conical discharge hopper. When the conical conveying head disrupts the bridging structure and causes blockage, the vibrating motor is activated. Through the amplification effect of the first flexible connection assembly, the conveying head vibrates, causing the accumulated material to fall smoothly. Once the blockage is cleared, the vibrating motor stops operating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of dry mortar equipment, and in particular to a device for preventing bridging and blockage at the discharge point of a powder storage tank. Background Technology

[0002] In the production process of asphalt mixing plants, powder storage tanks are key equipment responsible for storing and supplying various powder materials. Due to the production characteristics of asphalt mixing plants, the equipment often needs to operate 24 hours a day without interruption, which means that the powder in the storage tank is in a continuous cycle of inflow and outflow. Under ideal operating conditions, the inflow and outflow of powder should maintain a dynamic balance. However, in actual production, powder is very prone to bridging and blockage within the tank.

[0003] Operators typically begin by using gas backflushing, but this method is environmentally damaging in the long run, and residual powder still adheres to the tank walls. To ensure production continuity, operators must climb to higher ground and repeatedly tap the outer walls of the tanks. This method is not only physically demanding but also poses a significant safety hazard, especially at night, due to the high risk of falls from heights.

[0004] Currently, the industry generally installs three level gauges (upper, middle, and lower) inside powder storage tanks. However, due to the poor flowability and tendency of powder to clump, coupled with the limitations of manual operation, these level gauges often fail to accurately reflect the actual amount of powder in the tank.

[0005] To address this industry pain point, there is a need for a powder storage tank discharge anti-bridging and blockage device that can effectively maintain the good flowability of powder in the tank and fundamentally solve the problems of caking and sticking to the wall. The application of this device can significantly reduce the frequency of manual knocking operations and significantly reduce the risks of working at heights. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the problems existing in the background technology, this utility model provides a device for preventing bridging and blockage at the discharge point of a powder storage tank.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0008] A device for preventing bridging and blockage of powder storage tank discharge is located in the conical discharge hopper below the storage tank, including a conveying assembly, a first flexible connection assembly and a vibration motor;

[0009] A first discharge hopper is installed below the storage tank, a first flexible connection component is installed at the small opening below the first discharge hopper, and a second discharge hopper in the shape of an inverted cone is installed below the first flexible connection component;

[0010] The material conveying assembly is located inside the conical discharge hopper and includes a material conveying head and a support frame. The support frame is connected to the inner wall of the second discharge hopper, and the conical material conveying head is set above it. The material conveying head is located inside the first discharge hopper.

[0011] The vibratory motor is installed on the outer wall of the second discharge hopper.

[0012] Powder enters from the top of the storage tank and falls to the conical discharge hopper at the bottom. Powder on the side walls of the tank naturally converges towards the center, while powder on the conical conveyor head spreads outwards. This bidirectional flow pattern creates a unique "X"-shaped material trajectory, fundamentally disrupting the bridging structure and allowing for smooth material flow. When blockage occurs, the vibrating motor is activated. Through the amplitude amplification effect of the first soft connection component, the conveyor head generates a composite vibration mode, accompanied by a small-amplitude stirring motion, promoting the smooth fall of the accumulated material. Once the blockage is cleared, the vibrating motor stops operating. The entire process achieves closed-loop control, eliminating the safety hazards of manual intervention.

[0013] Regarding the design of the first flexible connection assembly, it includes two flanges positioned at the top and bottom, and an upper flexible connection section connecting the two. The two flanges are reliably secured with eight bolts. Compared to conventional tank walls that lack an upper flexible connection section, this design effectively amplifies vibration amplitude. The first connection assembly ensures a tight seal while achieving efficient transmission of vibration energy.

[0014] In this embodiment, high-strength alloy bolts can be used to bear the entire gravity load of the powder inside the storage tank. The bolt hole diameter on the flange can be 1mm-2mm larger than the diameter of the tensile bolt shank to ensure freedom of movement during vibration and to prevent bolt wear during vibration. After the tensile bolts are installed on the flange, the nut end can be permanently fixed with a welding machine to prevent the bolts from loosening due to vibration.

[0015] The large opening of the first discharge hopper is connected to the lower end of the storage tank, and the small opening is connected to the upper flange surface of the first flexible connection assembly. The large opening of the second discharge hopper is connected to the bottom surface of the lower flange of the first flexible connection assembly, and the second flexible connection assembly is installed below the small opening. The double-layer flexible connection assembly can make the vibration effect obvious.

[0016] As a further improvement of this utility model, the radius of the first flexible connection component is larger than that of the second flexible connection component, and the height of the second flexible connection component is higher than that of the first flexible connection component. This design can maintain the stability of the discharge hopper even when the device shakes.

[0017] Regarding the design of the conveyor head, it adopts a conical structure with a conical cavity at the bottom. The cone shape can effectively change the flow path of the powder, making it more conducive to forming an "X" shaped material movement trajectory. The conical cavity can reduce the volume and weight of the conveyor head, making the movement amplitude of the conveyor head more obvious during vibration.

[0018] Furthermore, the bottom radius of the conveying head is smaller than the inner radius of the first flexible connection, but its radius can be greater than two-thirds of the inner radius of the first flexible connection. The specific value can be determined according to the specific site conditions. If the radius of the conveying head is too large, it will unnecessarily occupy the space of the conveying channel and reduce the powder conveying speed; if the radius is too small, it will not be able to effectively diffuse the powder.

[0019] The support frame includes a conveyor head support frame and an internal support frame. One end of the internal support frame can be horizontally mounted on the inner wall of the second discharge hopper, and the other end is connected to the conveyor head support frame. When the motor vibrates, the support frame can effectively drive the conveyor head to vibrate through the second discharge hopper. The conveyor head support frame can be vertically mounted inside the conical discharge hopper, with its lower end located at the end of the internal support frame and its upper end extending into the first discharge hopper, connecting to the center of the bottom of the conveyor head. The conical discharge hopper is usually a location where powder is prone to bridging and clogging. If the conveyor head support frame is too short, the narrow discharge port may cause the conveyor head to block the powder. If the conveyor head is too high, the powder may accumulate below the conveyor head, failing to prevent bridging and clogging.

[0020] Further improvements to this utility model include the vibrating motor being located in the middle of the outer wall of the second discharge hopper to maximize the vibration effect; in addition, the inner fixing frame and the vibrating motor are located on the inner and outer sides of the same position in the second discharge hopper, so that the supporting fixing frame can quickly and effectively drive the conveying head to vibrate.

[0021] A discharge pipe is installed below the second flexible connection component, and a conveying pipe is installed below the discharge pipe. A screw conveyor can be installed inside the conveying pipe, and the powder can enter the conveying pipe from the discharge pipe and be transported by the screw conveyor.

[0022] Through the above design, this utility model provides a powder storage tank discharge anti-bridging and clogging device. Powder enters from the top of the storage tank and falls to the bottom conical discharge hopper. The conveying head is located inside the first discharge hopper. Powder in the tank's sidewall area naturally converges towards the center, while powder on the conical conveying head spreads and flows outwards. This bidirectional flow pattern forms a unique "X"-shaped material movement trajectory, fundamentally destroying the bridging structure and allowing the material to flow smoothly into the discharge pipe.

[0023] When a blockage occurs, the system detects that the operating current of the screw conveyor below the discharge pipe has continuously decreased to a set threshold and immediately starts the vibrating motor. The vibrating motor drives the second discharge hopper to vibrate. Through the amplitude amplification effect of the first and second flexible connection components, the conveying head generates a composite vibration mode, accompanied by a small-amplitude stirring action, which promotes the smooth falling of the accumulated material above. As the blockage is cleared, the load on the screw conveyor gradually returns to normal. When the operating current rises back to the set upper limit, the system automatically stops the vibrating motor. The entire process achieves closed-loop control, avoiding continuous operation of the vibrating motor and eliminating the safety hazards of manual intervention. Attached Figure Description

[0024] In the attached diagram:

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an anti-bridging and blockage device for the discharge of powder storage tanks;

[0026] Figure 2 A partial enlarged front view of a powder storage tank discharge anti-bridging and blockage device;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged front view sectional view of a powder storage tank discharge anti-bridging and blockage device;

[0028] The components represented by the various reference numerals in the diagram are:

[0029] 1. Flange; 2. Upper flexible connector; 3. Bolt; 4. First discharge hopper; 5. Vibrating motor; 6. Conveying head; 7. Conveying head support frame; 8. Internal fixing frame; 9. Storage tank; 10. Second discharge hopper; 11. Discharge pipe; 12. Lower flexible connector. Detailed Implementation

[0030] See Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a powder storage tank discharge anti-bridging and blockage device, located in the conical discharge hopper below the storage tank 9, including a material conveying assembly, a first flexible connection assembly and a vibration motor 5;

[0031] A first discharge hopper 4 is provided below the storage tank 9, a first flexible connection component is provided at the small opening end below the first discharge hopper 4, and a second discharge hopper 10 in the shape of an inverted cone is provided below the first flexible connection component;

[0032] The material conveying assembly is located inside the conical discharge hopper and includes a material conveying head 6 and a support frame. The support frame is connected to the inner wall of the second discharge hopper 10, and the conical material conveying head 6 is arranged above it. The material conveying head 6 is located inside the first discharge hopper 4.

[0033] The vibratory motor 5 is installed on the outer wall of the second discharge hopper 10.

[0034] Powder enters from the top of storage tank 9 and falls to the bottom conical discharge hopper. Powder on the side walls of the tank naturally converges towards the center, while powder on the conical conveyor head 6 spreads outwards. This bidirectional flow pattern creates a unique "X"-shaped material movement trajectory, fundamentally disrupting the bridging structure and allowing for smooth material flow. When blockage occurs, the vibration motor 5 is activated. Through the amplitude amplification effect of the first soft connection component, the conveyor head 6 generates a composite vibration mode, accompanied by a small-amplitude stirring motion, promoting the smooth fall of the accumulated material. Once the blockage is cleared, the vibration motor 5 stops operating. The entire process achieves closed-loop control, eliminating the safety hazards of manual intervention.

[0035] Let's take a look at the specific design of each component:

[0036] See Figures 1-3 The first flexible connection assembly includes two flanges 1 arranged parallel to each other, and an upper flexible connection part 2 connected between the two flanges 1. The two flanges 1 are connected by bolts 3.

[0037] The large opening of the first discharge hopper 4 is sealed to the lower end of the storage tank 9, and its small opening is connected to the upper surface of the flange 1 above the first flexible connection assembly. The large opening of the second discharge hopper 10 is connected to the bottom surface of the flange 1 below the first flexible connection assembly, and the second flexible connection assembly is installed below its small opening.

[0038] The second flexible connection assembly includes two flanges 1 arranged parallel to each other, and a lower flexible connection part 12 connected between the two flanges 1. The small end of the second discharge hopper 10 is connected to the upper flange 1 of the second flexible connection assembly. A discharge pipe 11 is provided below the second flexible connection assembly, and a conveying pipe is provided below the discharge pipe 11. The conveying pipe extends upward at an angle, allowing powder to enter the conveying pipe from the discharge pipe 11. The arrangement of the first and second flexible connection assemblies ensures a tight seal while achieving efficient transmission of vibration energy.

[0039] Furthermore, a screw conveyor can be installed inside the conveying pipe to transport the powder material into the pipe. The intelligent control system can detect the operating current of the screw conveyor to monitor the powder material transportation status, determine whether a blockage occurs, and control the vibration motor 5 to form an automatic start-stop closed-loop control circuit.

[0040] Furthermore, since the radius of the small opening of the first discharge hopper 4 is larger than that of the small opening of the second discharge hopper 10, the radius of the first flexible connection component is larger than that of the second flexible connection component. Because the radius of the discharge pipe is smaller than that of the second discharge hopper, the height of the second flexible connection component can be greater than that of the first flexible connection component. This design allows the lower end of the second discharge hopper 10 to maintain a certain amplitude when it shakes, thus maintaining the stability of the discharge and achieving dynamic balance.

[0041] As an improvement to this utility model, the two flanges 1 are reliably fixed by eight bolts 3. The bolts 3 can be high-strength alloy bolts to bear the entire gravity load of the powder in the storage tank. The bolt hole diameter on the flange 1 is 1mm-2mm larger than the bolt shank diameter to ensure freedom of vibration and to prevent wear of the bolts 3 during vibration.

[0042] Furthermore, bolt 3 passes through both flanges 1 from bottom to top, and the nut end is tightened downwards from the bolt tail until it is fixed to the surface of flange 1. Then, a welding machine is used to permanently fix the nut to the surface of flange 1 to prevent bolt 3 from loosening due to vibration.

[0043] In this embodiment, both the upper flexible connector 2 and the lower flexible connector 12 are made of rubber. This material has certain elastic properties and can withstand more than one million vibration fatigue tests. The grinding of stone by the ore powder mill generates heat, and the material distribution temperature inside the storage tank 9 is typically between 30°C and 80°C. This material can operate stably for a long time in an 80°C working environment.

[0044] Regarding the design of the conveyor head 6, it is located below the storage tank 9, inside the first discharge hopper 4, which is the location most prone to bridging and blockage. The conveyor head 6 adopts a conical structure with a conical cavity at the bottom. The cone shape can effectively change the flow path of the powder, making it more conducive to forming an "X" shaped material movement trajectory. The conical cavity reduces the volume and weight of the conveyor head 6, making the movement amplitude of the conveyor head 6 more obvious during vibration.

[0045] Furthermore, the radius of the bottom of the conveying head 6 is smaller than the inner radius of the first flexible connection, and its radius can be greater than two-thirds of the inner radius of the first flexible connection. The specific value can be determined according to the specific site conditions. If the radius of the conveying head 6 is too large, it will unnecessarily occupy the space of the conveying channel and reduce the powder conveying speed; if the radius is too small, it will not be able to effectively diffuse the powder.

[0046] Furthermore, the material conveying head 6 inside the tank is made of high-temperature and wear-resistant alloy material, and for construction safety considerations, it needs to be assembled and welded outside the tank.

[0047] The support frame includes a conveyor head support frame 7 and an in-tank support frame 8. The in-tank support frame 8 is a long strip-shaped component, horizontally positioned inside the second discharge hopper 10. One end is located on the inner wall of the second discharge hopper 10, and the other end is connected to the conveyor head 6 support frame. When the vibrating motor 5 vibrates, it can effectively pass through the second discharge hopper 10, causing the support frame to drive the conveyor head 6 to vibrate. The conveyor head support frame 7 is a cylindrical component, vertically positioned inside the discharge hopper. Its lower end is located at the end of the in-tank support frame 8, and its upper end extends into the first discharge hopper 4, connecting to the center of the bottom of the conveyor head 6.

[0048] Regarding a further improvement to this utility model, the vibration motor 5 is located in the middle of the outer wall of the second discharge hopper 10, maximizing the vibration effect. In addition, the inner fixing frame 8 and the vibration motor 5 are located on the inner and outer sides of the second discharge hopper 10 at the same position, so that the supporting fixing frame can quickly and effectively drive the conveying head 6 to vibrate.

Claims

1. A device for preventing bridging and blockage of powder storage tank discharge, located in the conical discharge hopper below the storage tank (9), characterized in that, Includes a material conveying assembly, a first flexible connection assembly, and a vibrating motor (5); A first discharge hopper (4) is provided below the storage tank (9), a first flexible connection component is provided at the small opening end below the first discharge hopper (4), and a second discharge hopper (10) in the shape of an inverted cone is provided below the first flexible connection component. The material conveying assembly is located inside the conical discharge hopper and includes a material conveying head (6) and a support frame. The support frame is connected to the inner wall of the second discharge hopper (10), and a conical material conveying head (6) is provided above it. The material conveying head (6) is located inside the first discharge hopper (4). The vibration motor (5) is installed on the outer wall of the second discharge hopper (10).

2. The anti-bridging and anti-blocking device for powder storage tank discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flexible connection assembly includes two flanges (1) arranged at the top and bottom and an upper flexible connection part (2) connected between the two. The two flanges (1) are connected by a number of bolts (3).

3. The powder storage tank discharge anti-bridging and blockage device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bolts (3) are symmetrically distributed tensile bolts. The bolt hole diameter on the flange (1) is larger than the bolt shank diameter. The nut end of the bolt is fixedly welded to the flange (1).

4. The anti-bridging and anti-blocking device for powder storage tank discharge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The large end of the first discharge hopper (4) is connected to the lower end of the storage tank (9), and the small end is connected to the surface of the upper flange (1) of the first flexible connection assembly. The large end of the second discharge hopper (10) is connected to the bottom surface of the lower flange (1) of the first flexible connection assembly, and the small end is provided with the second flexible connection assembly.

5. The anti-bridging and anti-blocking device for powder storage tank discharge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The radius of the first soft connection component is greater than the radius of the second soft connection component, and the height of the second soft connection component is greater than the height of the first soft connection component.

6. The anti-bridging and anti-blocking device for powder storage tank discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feeding head (6) adopts a conical structure with a conical cavity at the bottom.

7. The anti-bridging and anti-blocking device for powder storage tank discharge according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom radius of the conveying head (6) is smaller than the inner radius of the first flexible connection part, and its radius is greater than two-thirds of the inner radius of the first flexible connection part.

8. The anti-bridging and anti-blocking device for powder storage tank discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame includes a feed head support frame (7) and an in-tank support frame (8). One end of the in-tank support frame (8) is set on the inner wall of the second discharge hopper (10), and the other end is connected to the feed head support frame (7). The feed head support frame (7) is vertically set in the conical discharge hopper, with the lower end set at the end of the in-tank support frame (8) and the upper end extending into the first discharge hopper (4) and connected to the center of the bottom of the feed head (6).

9. A device for preventing bridging and blockage at the discharge point of a powder storage tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration motor is located in the middle of the outer wall of the second discharge hopper (10).

10. A device for preventing bridging and blockage at the discharge point of a powder storage tank according to claim 5, characterized in that, A discharge pipe (11) is provided below the second flexible connection component, and a conveying pipe is provided below the discharge pipe (11), with a screw conveyor installed inside the conveying pipe.

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