LIGHTWEIGHT SEPARATOR FOR FRACTIONATION OF A MIXTURE OF MATERIALS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lightweight material separator for fractionating a mixture of materials by means of float-sink classification, comprising a water-fillable washing trough which has an inlet opening for feeding with a mixture of materials to be fractionated, a conveying device rotatably arranged within the washing trough which serves to feed a discharge opening provided by the washing trough with sinking material, and a brush belt oriented transversely to the longitudinal extent of the conveying device which serves to feed a discharge chute cooperating with the brush belt with floating material.

[0002] A type of light material separator is known from DE 20 2009 004 788 U1. The previously known light material separator has a washing trough. A screw conveyor is rotatably arranged inside the washing trough. In normal operation, the washing trough is filled with water.

[0003] To fractionate a mixture of substances, it is placed in a washing trough filled with water. Relatively heavier components of the mixture sink to the bottom of the water, while comparatively lighter components, known as lighter materials, float to the surface.

[0004] During operation, the rotating screw conveyor conveys the settled components, i.e., the sediment, to a discharge opening provided by the washing trough. The sediment is then discharged through this opening. Meanwhile, the lighter materials are skimmed from the water's surface by the moving brush conveyor and discharged via a discharge chute that works in conjunction with the conveyor.

[0005] The screw conveyor not only transports the sediment to the discharge opening, but also applies mechanical force to it, separating any lighter materials adhering to it. This advantageously results in a more effective fractionation of the mixture into sediment and floating material.

[0006] Furthermore, a light material separator for fractionating a mixture of substances by means of float-sink classification is known from CN 107 876 200 A. This separator has a water-fillable washing trough with an inlet opening for feeding the mixture to be fractionated. A conveyor belt is arranged within the washing trough to feed the sediment to a discharge opening provided by the washing trough. This previously known light material separator also has a brush belt oriented transversely to the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, which feeds the sediment to a discharge chute that interacts with the brush belt. A chassis is also provided.

[0007] Although the light material separator known from DE 20 2009 004 788 U1 has proven itself in everyday practical use, there is still room for improvement in light of the current state of the art. In particular, simplified handling during intended operation is desired. Therefore, the Task the invention is to constructively further develop a light material separator of the previously known type in such a way that simplified handling is made possible.

[0008] To Solution The invention proposes a generic light material separator with the features of claim 1 to solve this problem.

[0009] According to the invention, the light material separator has its own chassis. This makes the light material separator itself mobile. This advantageously allows the light material separator to be used in variable positions at the point of use. This significantly simplifies handling, as the light material separator according to the invention can be positioned as desired by the user at the point of use and, if necessary, repositioned. Furthermore, transport to and from the point of use is simplified.

[0010] The light material separator known from DE 20 2009 004 788 U1 is designed as a purely stationary machine. For transport to and from the site of use, the light material separator has a transport device in the form of an eyelet, which is designed to fit the standardized container hook system according to DIN. A separate transport machine is required for transport, which lifts the light material separator using a crane and places it on a chassis.

[0011] The lightweight material separator known from CN 107 876 200 A has only four wheels as a chassis, which are unpowered and, moreover, result in a high point load on the ground at the installation site. Transporting this lightweight material separator requires an additional towing vehicle, and moving and operating it on uneven and / or yielding surfaces is very difficult.

[0012] In contrast, the design according to the invention not only simplifies transport, but also allows for autonomous repositioning at the point of use itself, which is not possible with the stationary design according to the prior art. Overall, the design according to the invention proves to be particularly easy to handle.

[0013] According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the

[0014] The chassis has two track arrangements. According to this feature of the invention, one track arrangement is provided on each longitudinal side of the chassis. This design is particularly suitable for rough terrain.

[0015] According to a further feature of the invention, the light material separator is self-propelled and has a drive unit for a tracked assembly. An advantage of this embodiment is that a towing vehicle is not required, particularly for transporting the light material separator. The light material separator is equipped with a drive unit that enables self-propulsion. This allows both transport and repositioning at the installation site to be carried out without additional aids or machinery. The handling of the light material separator according to the invention is thus further improved.

[0016] According to a further feature of the invention, the drive unit has an autonomous power supply. This autonomous power supply can, for example, be a diesel-powered generator. A connection to an external power supply, for example via a power cable to the public power grid, is therefore unnecessary, so that the light material separator according to the invention can be operated completely autonomously. This is particularly advantageous when the light material separator is used in remote or undeveloped locations.

[0017] According to a further feature of the invention, the auger and / or the brush belt can be driven by the drive unit. In this embodiment, the drive unit serves not only to drive the track assembly but also the auger and / or the brush belt. For this purpose, appropriate power transmission devices are provided that couple the drive unit to the auger and / or the brush belt. In the simplest case, both the auger and the brush belt each have an electric drive motor. During operation, these draw their power from a diesel generator in the drive unit.

[0018] According to a further feature of the invention, a conveyor belt is provided that interacts with the discharge opening. In normal operation, the material conveyed by the screw conveyor is discharged through the discharge opening. The optional conveyor belt is provided for transporting the material. This allows for the targeted creation of accumulations of material that are easier to remove later.

[0019] According to a further feature of the invention, the conveyor belt can be moved from a non-use position to a use position that interacts with the discharge opening, and vice versa. This embodiment allows the conveyor belt to be positioned in two ways: in the non-use position and in the use position. In the use position, the conveyor belt interacts with the discharge opening and can transport the sediment discharged through the opening, as already described, and deposit it away from the lightweight material separator. In the non-use position, the conveyor belt is preferably housed in a space-saving manner, which is advantageous for transporting the lightweight material separator to or from its place of use.

[0020] In this context, a first alternative proposes that the conveyor belt be slidably mounted along the length of the washing trough and, in its non-use position, be located at least partially beneath the trough. The conveyor belt can essentially be moved along the length of the washing trough, extending when in use and retracting when not in use. In the non-use position, it is located at least partially beneath the washing trough, thus saving space and significantly shortening the length of the light material separator compared to its use position.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment, the conveyor belt comprises a first section and a second section that is pivotably attached to the first section. In this variant, the pivotable second section of the conveyor belt can be folded away for transport purposes, i.e., moved out of the way relative to the first section. This also provides a space-saving solution for storing the conveyor belt during transport.

[0022] According to a further feature of the invention, the conveyor belt can also be driven by means of the drive unit. According to this embodiment, for example, an electric drive motor can be provided for driving the conveyor belt, which is supplied with electrical energy by the diesel generator of the central drive unit.

[0023] Overall, it can be provided that all operating components of the light material separator, in particular the chassis, the screw conveyor, the brush conveyor, and the conveyor belt, can be driven by the centrally integrated drive unit. This allows for completely autonomous operation of the light material separator. Furthermore, this design results in an extremely compact and therefore space-saving construction, which also simplifies handling.

[0024] According to a further feature of the invention, an additional discharge chute is provided, cooperating with the brush conveyor. Depending on the direction of travel, the brush conveyor serves to feed one of the two discharge chutes with floating material. The brush conveyor has a circumferential belt that is covered on the outside with brush bristles. During operation, these bristles move across the surface of the water stored in the washing trough and pick up floating material. The floating material thus collected is conveyed to a discharge chute, from which it is then discharged. By simply changing the discharge direction, i.e., changing the direction of rotation of the brush conveyor's drive motor, the system can be adapted to the respective spatial conditions.Secondly, this makes it possible to replace a collection container for conveyed light materials while the light material separator continues to operate, by activating a collection container on the other side during the changeover time.

[0025] According to a further feature of the invention, and patentable in itself, the lightweight material separator according to the invention has, in addition to the washing trough for carrying out a float-sink classification, an air classifier. It is therefore permissible to carry out two successive classifications for fractionation, which results in an improved fractionation outcome.

[0026] In fractionation using the float-sink method, the density of the components present in the mixture and to be fractionated plays a crucial role. However, density alone is not always sufficient as a criterion for separation. This is because, in some cases, comparatively large particles need to be separated, i.e., particles measuring 10 cm to 20 cm in width or length, or even larger. Combining an existing separator with an air classifier provides a solution here, because then not only the density but also the geometric shape of the particles plays a role. Thus, an air classifier can drive out both comparatively small particles with high density and comparatively large particles with low density, depending on their geometric shape. This applies particularly to wood particles, films, and / or packaging tapes found, for example, in mixed construction waste.

[0027] The inventive design combines two classifiers operating according to different classification criteria. This significantly improves the classification and fractionation results. The inventive use of an air classifier is also possible without its own chassis, in which case the lightweight material separator is designed as a stationary machine.

[0028] According to a further feature of the invention, the air classifier is positioned upstream of the feed opening in the direction of feed of the material mixture. Accordingly, the air classifier is installed before the float-sink separator. This configuration offers the advantage of increased throughput. The material mixture to be fractionated is first passed through the air classifier before the residual material not expelled by the air classifier is fed into the float-sink separator. This results in a smaller quantity of material to be fractionated being fed into the float-sink separator, in contrast to the prior art, for the same quantity of feed material. Consequently, the throughput can be increased with a constant feed quantity.

[0029] According to a further feature of the invention, the air classifier has a feed or inlet nozzle that is compatible with the feed opening and covers it in the final assembly state. The air classifier can therefore be mounted directly onto the feed opening provided by the washing trough. During operation, the mixture to be fractionated is fed into the washing trough via the air classifier. This design advantageously results in a very compact and space-saving construction. Furthermore, it makes it possible to retrofit existing plants with an air classifier.

[0030] According to a further feature of the invention, the air classifier has an outlet nozzle leading into an outlet opening.

[0031] During operation, the material separated by the air classifier is discharged through this outlet nozzle. This results in three fractions: sinking material at the washing trough, floating material on the conveyor belt, and air-classified material at the air classifier. The air-classified material is discharged via the air classifier's outlet nozzle, allowing for either stockpiling or collection in a designated container or receptacle.

[0032] According to an alternative embodiment, the air classifier can be located downstream of the discharge opening in the discharge direction of the sinking material, or downstream of the discharge chute in the discharge direction of the floating material. In this embodiment, downstream air classification of either the sinking material and / or the floating material can take place. This variant of the invention is particularly advantageous for mixtures of materials that exhibit a comparatively high homogeneity with respect to the density of the individual components. In such cases, the error rate of the sink-float separator is comparatively high, so a downstream air classifier can significantly improve the fractionation result.

[0033] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. These show Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a light material separator according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the light material separator according to Figure 1 ; Fig. 3 in schematic front view of the light material separator according to Figure 1 ; Fig. 4 in schematic rear view of the light material separator according to Figure 1 Fig. 5 shows a schematic top view of the light material separator. Figure 1 ; Fig. 6 in schematic front view of the light material separator according to Figure 1 in transport position; Fig. 7 in schematic rear view of the light material separator Figure 1 in transport position; Fig. 8 in schematic side view of the light material separator Figure 1 in transport position; Fig. 9 in schematic side view of the light material separator Figure 1in transport position; Fig. 10 in schematic side view of a light material separator according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. 11 in schematic side view of the light material separator according to Figure 10 in transport position and Fig. 14 in schematic perspective view a light material separator according to a further embodiment. Figure 1 The schematic perspective view shows the lightweight material separator 1 according to a first embodiment according to the invention.

[0034] The light material separator 1 has, in a manner known per se, a water trough 2 which can be filled with water. A screw conveyor 4 is rotatably arranged inside the water trough 2, as is shown in particular in the illustrations thereon. Figure 5This can be seen. In the intended use, the screw conveyor 4 is rotated by means of an electric drive motor 24. Alternatively, instead of a screw conveyor 4, a conveyor belt, a conveyor mat or the like can be used to convey the sinking material.

[0035] The washing trough 2 provides a feed opening 3. A mixture of substances to be fractionated is fed into the washing trough 2 through this opening.

[0036] The mixture of substances introduced into washing trough 2 consists of a fraction of comparatively heavy components and a fraction of comparatively light components. The heavier components sink to the bottom of the water stored in trough 2. The comparatively lighter components, i.e., the lighter materials, float to the surface, thus separating the heavier components from the lighter materials in a float-sink classification.

[0037] The material being removed is transported by means of the screw conveyor 4 to a discharge opening 5 provided by the water trough 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the light material separator 1 has a conveyor belt 25 that connects to and interacts with the discharge opening 5. Material being discharged through the discharge opening 5 thus reaches the conveyor belt 25 and can be transported away by means of it.

[0038] Furthermore, the screw conveyor 25 applies force to the mixture of materials fed into the washing trough 2, so that any lighter materials adhering to the heavier components are separated as a result of the force application.

[0039] A brush belt 8 is used to remove the floating light materials. The brush belt 8 is aligned transversely to the longitudinal extent 7 of the screw conveyor 4 and has a circumferential belt 9 which is covered on the outside with brush bristles 10.

[0040] The brush conveyor 8 interacts with two discharge chutes 11 and 12. Depending on the direction of travel of the brush conveyor 8, floating light materials are conveyed to either discharge chute 11 or discharge chute 12 and discharged onto it. (See especially the rear view.) Figure 4 This factual connection reveals itself.

[0041] The washing trough 2 and the broom belt 8 combine to form a float-sink separator 39.

[0042] The light material separator 1 is equipped with a chassis 14 according to the invention. In the illustrated embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 9 The chassis 14 has a chassis 15 with two track arrangements 17 and 18.

[0043] The light material separator 1 is self-propelled and has a drive unit 20 for the crawler assemblies 17 and 18. The drive unit 20 includes, among other things, an independent power supply 21 in the form of a diesel generator. Furthermore, the drive unit 20 has hydraulic motors that hydraulically drive the crawler assemblies 17 and 18. For this purpose, a hydraulic pump 23 is provided, which is powered by the diesel generator 21.

[0044] The diesel generator 21 also supplies power to the electric drive motor 24 for the screw conveyor 4, as well as to the electric drives for the brush conveyor 8 and the conveyor belt 25 (not shown in detail in the figures). As a result, the light material separator 1 is energy self-sufficient. This advantageously allows the light material separator 1 to be operated without an external power supply, whether for transporting or repositioning the light material separator 1 or for carrying out fractionation as intended.

[0045] In the event that a sufficiently sized power connection is available at the place of use, an external power supply via a power supply connection can be used instead of the diesel generator 21.

[0046] The switching and control technology for the diesel generator 21 and the other electric motor drives are housed in a switch box 22.

[0047] In the event of operation, as described in the Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the water trough 2 is inclined at an angle of 20° to 30° to the horizontal. At the installation site, the water trough 2, in its operating position, is filled with water, for which purpose the water trough 2 has a water inlet 28. A water outlet 29 is provided for draining the water.

[0048] During normal operation of the light material separator 1, the water level in the washing trough 2 is kept constant by means of an automatic level control in order to compensate for water losses, which are mainly caused by the discharged sediment.

[0049] The conveyor belt 25 is arranged at various points along the length of the wash trough 2. This allows the conveyor belt to be moved from the inside into the Figures 1 to 5to move the conveyor belt 25 from its operating position shown to a non-operating position, in which the conveyor belt 25 is arranged at least partially below the water trough 2 in the vertical direction 19. The non-operating position, also called the transport position, is shown in the Figures 6 to 9 shown.

[0050] The wash trough 2 is pivotably mounted on the chassis 14 at one end. At the other end, the wash trough 2 is supported by supports 30. These supports can be folded away by pivoting, which causes the wash trough 2 to pivot. Consequently, the wash trough 2 can be moved into the operating position according to the Figures 1 to 5 erected or into the transport position according to the Figures 1 to 9 be lowered.

[0051] Under normal operating conditions, the sediment freed from light materials is discharged at the upper end of the washing trough 2 and conveyed away via a chute (not shown in the figures) or via the conveyor belt 25 integrated into the light material separator. The conveyor belt 25 is preferably designed with an adjustable angle, which simplifies the retention of the sediment. The upper end of the washing trough 2 is also equipped with an inspection opening that can be closed by means of a pivotably arranged cover 31.

[0052] The chassis 14 according to the invention advantageously enables simplified transport of the light material separator 1 to the place of use and simplified removal from the place of use. Furthermore, it is possible to change the position of the light material separator 1 at the place of use, i.e., to reposition the light material separator 1. According to the Figures 1 to 9In the illustrated embodiment, the light material separator 1 is self-propelled and the chassis 14 has crawler arrangements 17 and 18.

[0053] The embodiment according to the Figures 10 and 11 concerns one of the Figures 1 to 9 comparable design. The difference lies essentially in the design of the conveyor belt 25. According to the exemplary embodiment, this has the following features: Figures 10 and 11 over two sections, namely a first section 26 and a second section 27. The second section 27 is rotatably arranged on the first section 26.

[0054] Figure 10 The operating position of the light material separator 1 is shown. In this position, the second section 27 is unfolded. Figure 11 However, the position of section 27, as claimed, reveals which position is the transport position.

[0055] During operation, the screw conveyor 4 conveys the sediment while simultaneously dewatering it. Thus, screening and dewatering take place in a single operation. The screened sediment 6 can then be stockpiled by means of the conveyor belt 25, as Figure 10 This can be seen.

[0056] Figure 14 Figure 1 shows a light material separator 1. This is designed as a stationary machine. According to the invention, a float-sink separator 39 and, in combination with it, an air classifier 33 are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the air classifier 33 is fluidically positioned upstream of the float-sink separator 39 in the feed direction of the mixture to be fractionated. Figures 1 to 13 Further embodiments are shown, the special feature of which is that the light material separator 1 is mobile and has its own chassis 14. For the sake of clarity, the following are shown in the Figures 1 to 13The air classifier 33 provided according to the invention is not shown in detail.

[0057] Out of Figure 14 It is evident that the air classifier 33 has a housing 34. A blower (not shown) is arranged inside this housing 34. The housing 34 provides an inlet nozzle 35 and an outlet nozzle 37. A mixture of materials to be fractionated can be fed into the air classifier 33 by means of a chute 36, which does not belong to the light material separator 1. The mixture is fed in through the inlet nozzle 35.

[0058] The air classifier 33 is mounted directly onto an inlet opening 3 of the float-sink separator 39 with its outlet nozzle 37. The mixture to be fractionated is thus fed to the float-sink separator 39 via the air classifier 33.

[0059] The air classifier also provides a discharge opening 38. Air-classified material is discharged from the air classifier 33 via this discharge opening 38. The material that is not discharged leaves the air classifier 33 through the outlet nozzle 37 and then reaches the float-sink separator 39. Reference sign

[0060] 1 Light material separator 2 Washing trough 3 Feed opening 4 Screw conveyor 5 Discharge opening 6 Sinking material 7 Longitudinal extension 8 Brush belt 9 Belt 10 Brush bristles 11 Discharge chute 12 Discharge chute 13 Floating material 14 Chassis 15 Chassis 16 Wheel unit 17 Track arrangement 18 Track arrangement 19 Vertical direction 20 Drive unit 21 Power supply (diesel generator) 22 Control box 23 Hydraulic pump 24 Drive motor 25 Conveyor belt 26 Section 27 Section 28 Water inlet 29 Water outlet 30 Support 31 Cover 32 Drawbar 33 Air separator 34 Housing 35 Inlet nozzle 36 Chute 37 Outlet nozzle 38 Outlet opening 39 Float-sink separator

Claims

1. Lightweight material separator for fractionation of a mixture of substances by means of sink-float screening, comprising a washing trough (2) having an infeed opening (3) for feeding a mixture of substances to be fractionated and comprising a broom belt (8) which is aligned transversely to the longitudinal extension (7) to a conveyer means disposed within the washing trough (2), which broom belt serves to feed floating material (13) to a discharge chute (11, 12) cooperating with the broom belt (8), characterized by a rotary worm conveyor (4) which serves as a conveyor element for supplying settled material (6) to a discharge opening (5) provided by the washing trough (2) and by an on-separator chassis frame (14) which comprises a chassis (15) with two crawler systems (17,18), wherein the lightweight material separator is designed to be self-propelling and includes a drive device (20) for a crawler system (17, 18).

2. Lightweight material separator according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive device (20) has an autonomous energy supply (21).

3. Lightweight material separator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the worm conveyer (4) and / or the broom belt (8) can be driven by means of the drive device (20).

4. Lightweight material separator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a conveyor belt (25) which cooperates with the discharge opening (5).

5. Lightweight material separator according to claim 4, characterized in that the conveyor belt (25) can be moved from a non-use position to a use position in which it interacts with the discharge opening (5) and vice versa.

6. Lightweight material separator according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the conveyor belt (25) is arranged on the washing trough (2) for displacement in the longitudinal direction (7) of the washing trough (2) and is located at least partially under the wash trough (2) in the non-use position.

7. Lightweight material separator according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the conveyor belt (25) has a first section (26) and a second section (27) pivotably arranged on the first section (26).

8. Lightweight material separator according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the conveyor belt (25) can be driven by means of the drive device (20).

9. Lightweight material separator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional discharge chute (11, 12) cooperating with the broom belt (8) is provided, wherein the broom belt (8), depending on the direction of travel, serves to supply one of the two discharge chutes (11, 12) with floating material (13).

10. Lightweight material separator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an air separator.

11. Lightweight material separator according to claim 10, characterized in that the air separator (33) is arranged upstream of the infeed opening (3) in the infeed direction of the mixture of substances.

12. Lightweight material separator according to claim 11, characterized in that the air separator (33) comprises a housing (34) with an inlet port (35) and a blower unit disposed within the housing (33).