Container for the storage of free-flowing bulk materials with removal device under slightly inclined floors with device for protecting the separation of mixed-grain media

Abstract

The invention is characterized by the fact that the removal of bulk materials from flexible containers with gently sloping bottoms with targeted vibration via the removal device, which in turn is directly connected to the hollow body at the outlet, promotes or even enables the outflow. The introduced vibration serves to loosen or fluidize the stored medium. The "pulse operation" prevents segregation in the stored material. (Sketch shown in Figure 1) and

Description

A. State of the artState of the art

[0001] For powdery or free-flowing bulk materials, which can also be small-sized components (e.g. plastic dowels, polystyrene elements, etc.), the following methods are used in accordance with the general state of the art from storage containers or reservoirs made of textile (e.g. big bag) or plastic (batch container): 1. Manual removal via the open lid. However, this is only possible with small units. 2. Self-draining gravity tanks, where the lower section of the storage tank is conical. The inclination depends on the natural angle of repose of the medium. These storage tanks are usually used for storage or are mounted or installed on transport equipment or vehicles, among other things. 3. Gravity emptying with mechanical assistance, in which the lower part of the storage container is modified by built-in cushions or "constrictors." This often involves pneumatic elements or a mechanism with springs, hydraulics, or pneumatics. 4. Gravity emptying, where the lower part of the storage tank is conical with an incline of 10° to 30° and is mechanically or pneumatically assisted. This requires considerable energy and mechanical input, which significantly reduces efficiency. 5. For discharge, mechanical dosing devices such as screws or spiral conveyors, pneumatics, vibration, or hydraulics are used, directly or indirectly. Agitators or other technical devices are installed in the storage tank itself. 6. There are also storage containers (cf. DE: 10 2008 056 134.7 of the applicant) that are lifted by springs or cables during emptying. Thus, when filled, they initially form a rectangular cross-section and, when emptied, a classic conical shape develops. Tension elements lift the lower part by means of spring force or cables. 7. Another possibility is containers with a flat bottom that is continuously vibrated during unloading, thus allowing fluid to flow. Here, too, reference is made to the applicant's invention (DE202014009726U1). B. Problem underlying the invention

[0002] As indicated under “A”, the flexible containers described have specific disadvantages which are well known to the applicant from practice. 1. Regarding A 1

[0003] Only small quantities can be handled mechanically or even manually. Storage capacity is also limited by the accessibility from above. 2. Regarding A.2

[0004] Due to their shape, a lot of storage space is lost. With conical containers, which typically slope horizontally, up to one-third of the floor space is unusable. Otherwise, these are proven standard components that are widely used. 3. Regarding A. 3-6

[0005] Tanks operated by springs or cables tend to wear out and require replacement, and the cables require intensive maintenance, thus discrediting a good solution. Another problem is that discharge cannot be achieved when filled. The slightest defect requires considerable effort to empty. If the soil is moist or even water is present on site, additional protective measures are necessary. Various fluidization installations require considerable mechanical and energy expenditure. Most of the aforementioned applications require a significant reinforcement of the supporting structure compared to the flexible storage tanks mentioned under (B) 1 and (B) 2. 4. Regarding A 7

[0006] Flat-bottom discharge is a very interesting solution. It makes very efficient use of the available floor space. Oscillating vibration is a remarkable solution, but it can lead to segregation in inhomogeneous materials. It has been shown that large amounts of fine particles can settle in the soil and cause disruptions. Additional bracing components are required. Due to the strong vibration inherent in discharge, this application quickly becomes disruptive to the surrounding area (people and animals) and places strain on the building structure. C. New approach

[0007] The invention is designed with a slightly inclined floor with an incline of 10 to 15° from the horizontal and uses standard components as described in B 1 and B 2 (or A1 and 2). However, in individual cases, the invention can also accommodate lower inclines, taking into account the material type, density, and particle size.

[0008] What's new here is that, in addition to the standard system, an "intelligently" activated vibration is used as needed and strictly vertically. This movement is reminiscent of a "knocker." The frequencies and intensity are also very easily adjustable. This allows adaptation to the medium and the "natural frequency" of the conglomerate. As a control measure, the fluid is continuously monitored during transport. This is done using optical or capacitive sensors, light barriers, or, depending on the medium, metal detectors or similar active, passive, or inductive sensors. Only after a predefined standard has the vibration been activated for fluidization. The goal is always to enable transport in the drain by suction, compressed air conveyors, or mechanical conveyors, which would otherwise no longer be possible in the event of a deficiency.This requires a "targeted impulse," which can loosen or dissolve a conglomerate, overcome wall consolidation, or overcome the limiting angle of repose that prevents flow or extraction. (Additional installations are not necessary, as the discharge from the extraction unit occurs directly onto the wall.)

[0009] The pulse-like excitation also counteracts the possible demixing described under A7 and B4.

[0010] The short pulses, which are only required when necessary and which are in turn monitored and controlled with regard to duration and other parameters, prevent demixing.

[0011] This in turn allows the remaining material to be removed from the walls and ensures residual emptying.

[0012] In terms of energy consumption and noise pollution, a significant improvement is achieved through the type of vibration, the reduced flywheel mass and the only temporary required impulses.

[0013] The removal organs are always accessible and therefore manual intervention is possible at any time, for example in the event of an emergency. D. Advantages

[0014] As already mentioned above, the impulse effect largely prevents demixing.

[0015] It also represents an important energy advantage.

[0016] The drive requires only lower energy outputs than the continuous drive in previous systems that require continuous operation for fluidization.

[0017] The operating time is only necessary when the fluid is at a standstill, i.e. only during the residual emptying phase, which limits the operating time and significantly reduces wear and energy consumption.

[0018] Vibrators generate considerable noise emissions, which are often perceived as disturbing. The "special" nature of the directed vibration and the short operating time achieve a significant improvement in this area.

[0019] Existing facilities can be easily adapted without major modifications such as the installation of tension elements.

[0020] The design of the flexible storage unit therefore does not need to be changed.

[0021] The basic structure as described under A is shown below. Legend for Figure 1: Legend for Figure 2: QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2008 056 134.7

[0001] DE 202014009726U1

[0001]

Claims

[1] The invention is characterized by that the removal of bulk materials from flexible containers with gently sloping bottoms with targeted vibration via the removal device, which in turn is directly connected to the hollow body at the outlet, promotes or even enables the outflow. The introduced vibration serves to loosen or fluidize the stored medium. The "pulse operation" prevents segregation in the stored material. (Sketch shown in Figure 1) and [2] The invention is characterized bythat a targeted, rectified vibration is applied only in the event of a defect, and this extraction is mounted in conjunction with a monitoring unit. This extraction is mounted directly on the "slightly inclined" base of the flexible bearing body. A monitoring device in the drain or the removal device measures or monitors the "removal" using sensors. A control unit regulates the pulse according to the predetermined parameters. (Sketch shown in Figure 2) [3] The invention is further characterized by The purposefully applied, rectified vibration in the removal element is only introduced temporarily (see Figure 3), so that the type and intensity of the impulse stimulates the walls of the hollow body and promotes or enables the emptying process. This allows for a larger storage volume relative to the footprint. (Figure 3: Representation using a runtime plan template) [4] The claims mentioned under 1-3 are claimed individually or in combination.

Images