Hydraulic density separator

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydraulic density separation device (1) for separating a heavy fraction (2) with higher density components from a light fraction (3) with lower density components from a feed material (4), comprising a conveying device (5) for conveying the heavy fraction (2), a water-fillable receiving chamber (6) for receiving the feed material (4), a flow generator (7) for generating a water flow in the receiving chamber (6) and a water-fillable separation chamber (8) for receiving the light fraction (3), wherein the conveying device (5) has a shaft (9) with at least one screw conveyor section (10) for conveying the heavy fraction (2) from the receiving chamber (6) and wherein the flow generator (7) is designed and arranged such that a flow path of the water flow leads from the receiving chamber (6) into the separation chamber (8).According to the invention, the conveying device (5) has, in addition to the screw conveyor section (10), at least one washing section (12) having a plurality of separate paddles (11) arranged on the shaft (9).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic density separation device for separating a heavy fraction with higher-density components from a light fraction with lower-density components from a feed material. The density separation device comprises a conveyor for conveying the heavy fraction and a water-fillable receiving chamber for receiving the feed material. Furthermore, the density separation device comprises a flow generator for generating a water flow in the receiving chamber and a water-fillable separation chamber for receiving the light fraction.

[0002] In the context of the present invention, it is understood that during operation of the density separation device, the receiving chamber and the separation chamber are at least partially filled with water, so that a hydraulic density separation process can be carried out to separate the heavy fraction from the feed material. This separation process can primarily take place in the receiving chamber, which can therefore also be referred to as the separation chamber.

[0003] Density separation devices of the aforementioned type are known in the prior art. In this context, various devices are known, which are designed in particular for separating different feed materials. A particularly advantageous hydraulic density separation device is known from EP 3 581 276 B1. Here, a conveying device for conveying away the heavy material fraction is provided, which can be designed as a screw flight. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the density separation device known from EP 3 581 276 B1, a flow generator is provided, which is designed and arranged such that a flow path of the water flow leads from the receiving chamber into the separation chamber. This water flow can then be used to separate the light material fraction and ultimately transfer it to the separation chamber.Thus, the known density separation device differs from other prior art devices by providing two different chambers for separating the fractions, with a water flow ensuring that the light material fraction is transferred from the receiving chamber to the separation chamber. The screw flight can then be used to remove the heavy material fractions. This allows for a high degree of separation, and the light material or light material fraction can be separated from the heavy material fraction with a high degree of separation.

[0004] However, the embodiment according to EP 3 581 276 B1 has the disadvantage that, due to the arrangement of the individual components of the density separation device dictated by the process sequence, the size of the density separation device is too small in most applications or the achievable throughput is too low. Furthermore, it has been found in practice that the heavy material fraction that can be conveyed away via the conveyor device contains impurities or adhering dirt and generally requires complex post-processing. In particular, it is necessary to clean the heavy material fraction again. A hydraulic density separation device according to the preamble of the independent claim is known from US Pat. No. 5,957,301 A.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages or at least to substantially reduce them, starting from the density separation device known from EP 3 581 276 B1 or US 5 957 301 A.

[0006] The above object is achieved by a hydraulic density separation device according to claim 1.

[0007] The density separation device according to the invention is ultimately based on the principle that the heavy fraction sinks in the receiving chamber and the light fraction rises depending on the respective density of the individual components. The transport of the light fraction from the receiving chamber to the separation chamber is also supported or guided by the provided water flow.

[0008] According to the invention, the density separation device comprises a conveying device for conveying away the heavy material fraction, a receiving chamber that can be filled with water for receiving the feed material, a flow generator for generating a water flow in the receiving chamber and a separation chamber that can be filled with water for receiving the light material fraction.

[0009] The conveying device comprises a shaft with at least one conveyor screw section for conveying the heavy material fraction to the receiving chamber. Furthermore, the flow generator is designed and arranged such that a flow path for the water flow leads from the receiving chamber into the separation chamber.

[0010] According to the invention, it is also provided that the conveying device has, in addition to the conveyor screw section, at least one washing section having a plurality of separate paddles arranged on the shaft.

[0011] The paddles are particularly spaced apart from one another. Most preferably, the paddles are arranged in the washing section such that the individual paddles at least substantially follow the helical or spiral line of the adjacent conveyor screw of the conveyor screw section. For this purpose, the paddles are arranged at an angle on the shaft, so that the paddles are preferably aligned and arranged at least substantially along the helical line of the winding of the adjacent conveyor screw section.

[0012] The washing section offers the significant advantage that the heavy material fraction can be washed and cleaned during its removal from the receiving chamber. In particular, mineral and / or other residues adhering to the heavy material fraction can be removed in this way. The washing section can also be used to separate a residual fraction adhering to the heavy material fraction. Accordingly, the provision of the washing section in the conveying device according to the invention makes it possible to separate a heavy material fraction from the feed material with a high degree of purity and high separation accuracy.

[0013] Particularly advantageously, complex post-treatment of the heavy matter fraction, which would otherwise be required in the prior art, can be avoided. This reduces the overall effort required to separate the heavy matter fraction and thus leads to a reduction in the costs of carrying out a density separation process to separate the heavy matter fraction from the feed material. In addition to conveying the heavy matter fraction, the conveyor system also functions to clean and wash the heavy matter fraction transported in the conveyor system. This "dual function" thus ensures a multitude of advantages according to the invention, which are reflected in particular in a simplified process flow.

[0014] The receiving chamber can also be called a separation chamber, since the separation process takes place in the receiving chamber, namely the separation / deposition of the heavy material fraction and the light material fraction.

[0015] The conveyor screw section can in particular have a winding or a screw flight extending over at least 360° around the circumference of the shaft.

[0016] During the separation process, the heavy material fraction can settle at the bottom or in the lower area of the receiving chamber, which can also be referred to as the trough bottom or trough bottom area, and is ultimately conveyed out of the bottom area via the conveying device. The light material fraction, in particular, does not sink to the trough bottom and is transferred into the separation chamber via the water flow. The density of the components of the light material fraction is, in particular, at least substantially equal to or lower than the density of the water used in the density separation device. Other components of the light material fraction can also have a density that is slightly higher than the density of the water used. These components can then be fed to the separation chamber with the assistance of the water flow.

[0017] In addition, a closed water circuit can also be provided. This allows the water stored in the separation chamber to be fed back into the receiving chamber via the flow generator and then transferred back into the separation chamber via the water flow generated in the receiving chamber. If necessary, water can also be extracted or fresh water can be added, as will be explained in detail below.

[0018] The feed material contains, in particular, solid material or is composed of individual solid materials. The heavy material fraction preferably contains stones. The light material fraction can consist of branches, plastic or synthetic material, foam material, wood, aerated concrete, fabric material, and / or smaller stones, etc. The density separation device can preferably be used in a quarry and / or a brick quarry. However, other locations where hydraulic density separation of the feed material is required are also possible.

[0019] According to the invention, a plurality of conveyor sections are provided, wherein a washing section is arranged between two adjacent conveyor screw sections.

[0020] In addition, it is provided that a plurality of washing sections are provided, in particular wherein the washing sections and the conveyor screw sections are arranged alternately with one another.

[0021] In particular, the screw conveyor sections serve to convey the heavy material fraction in the conveying direction of the conveyor system, and the washing sections serve to wash and clean the material transported in the conveyor system, namely the heavy material fraction. The washing sections therefore preferably extend only over part of the length of the shaft in order to be able to make additional sections of the conveyor system shaft available for the screw conveyor sections and thus for the removal of the heavy material fraction. A plurality of screw conveyor sections and washing sections offers the advantage that the heavy material fraction can be washed in several sections, whereby an increased degree of separation can be achieved for the separation of the residual fraction adhering to the heavy material fraction, which is particularly of mineral origin.In this context, it can be provided that the washing sections are arranged entirely or at least partially in the water during operation of the density separation device. The conveyor screw sections can, but do not have to, be arranged in the water.

[0022] For the rear section of the conveyor shaft facing the discharge end, it is advisable to use a screw conveyor section, as this does not have to be located in the water, but can still fulfill the function of conveying the heavy material fraction.

[0023] Washing the heavy fraction during the washing sections makes sense when washing can be carried out in water. Accordingly, the conveying device can preferably be arranged at least partially in water during operation. The conveying device does not have to be located entirely within the receiving chamber; instead, one section of the conveying device can be located within the receiving chamber and another section outside the receiving chamber.

[0024] The washing section preferably has between 2 and 52, more preferably between 4 and 36, and in particular between 12 and 24 paddles. In connection with the present invention, it has been found that the aforementioned number of paddles is particularly advantageous for efficient cleaning of the heavy material fraction in the washing section. The number of paddles also depends in particular on the individual design of the paddles, the desired cleaning performance, and the helix pitch of the adjacent screw conveyor section. The paddles are particularly preferably arranged in the washing section such that they follow the helix (with at least substantially the same helix pitch) of at least one adjacent screw conveyor section. In this context, it was found during the development of the invention that preferably four paddles are used for each 360° turn of a screw conveyor.be able to bridge a 360° turn of the helix (which is ultimately intended).

[0025] The shaft is, in particular, rotatably mounted and at least partially arranged in the receiving chamber. The paddles can, in particular, extend over an angular range of less than 90° around the circumference of the shaft. Other angular ranges are also possible in other embodiments.

[0026] The spiral of the conveyor screw section preferably extends over a range between 360° and 1440°, more preferably between 360° and 720°. In this context, the word "spiral" refers to the continuous spiral section of the conveyor screw. A 360° spiral thus circumferentially encloses the shaft once. The spiral pitch can be at least substantially constant, particularly across the spiral of the conveyor screw section. In particular, the spiral pitch is at least substantially the same and constant for all conveyor screw sections. This allows for efficient removal of the heavy material fraction.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that adjacent washing sections have a different number of paddles and / or differently designed and / or arranged paddles. The number or orientation of the paddles can be selected depending on the cleaning result to be achieved in the washing section. In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that adjacent conveyor screw sections have differently designed turns. The turns can differ in terms of their spiral pitch and / or their extension around the circumference of the shaft. For example, one turn can extend over a range between 360° and 500° and another turn of an adjacent conveyor screw section can extend over 500° to 720°.As previously explained, it is particularly preferred in this context if the spiral line running along the shaft, formed by the helices of the screw conveyor sections, also continues into the washing sections. The paddles are therefore arranged and aligned such that the helix of the adjacent screw conveyor section continues in the area of the paddles. Accordingly, material can also be transported in the area of the washing sections. However, the paddles do not necessarily have to continue the helix of the helix of the adjacent screw conveyor section. Ultimately, the material flow to be conveyed is moved by the screw conveyor and pushed through the water section, even if this only has a washing function.

[0028] According to the invention, however, the paddles are arranged at an angle on the shaft in such a way that the material transport of the heavy fraction in the conveying direction of the shaft or in the conveying direction of the conveyor also takes place in the area of the respective washing section. Accordingly, the heavy fraction can also be transported further in the conveying direction in the area of the washing sections and simultaneously cleaned and washed.

[0029] The residual fraction separated in the washing sections can, in particular, remain in the water and, if necessary, be removed from the density separation device after the entire density separation device has been shut down and then reprocessed as required. Separate removal of the residual fraction separated in the washing sections during ongoing operation of the density separation device can be provided by suitable means, but this is not required. In particular, the residual fraction settles on the water surface or dissolves in the water. However, it is preferably provided that the residual fraction separated in the washing sections is not transported back to the receiving chamber.

[0030] Furthermore, a plurality of paddles are arranged one behind the other in relation to the longitudinal direction of the shaft and one behind the other in the circumferential direction of the shaft. This arrangement of the paddles enables material transport even in the washing sections, since efficient cleaning of the heavy material fraction in the area of the washing sections can be achieved with appropriate rotation or turning of the shaft. Ultimately, the individual paddles continually swirl or throw the heavy material fraction in the area of the washing sections and comb through the heavy material fraction in the area of the washing sections, which leads to the efficient loosening of the heavy material fraction and the removal of adhesions.

[0031] Preferably, the radial paddle length is at least substantially equal to the web height of the winding of at least one adjacent conveyor screw section. In particular, the web height of the winding is preferably at least substantially equal in one and in particular in all conveyor screw sections. The radial paddle length refers to the radial distance from the shaft. Thus, the radial paddle length protrudes from the outside of the shaft. By having the paddle and screw section of the same length, it can be ensured that the upper edge of both the winding and the paddle can be designed to be at least substantially constant relative to the housing wall of an adjacent conveyor housing in which the shaft is arranged.This distance between the outermost upper edge of the coil and / or paddle and the housing wall of the conveyor housing can be selected depending on the desired separation grain size and is particularly preferably at least twice the separation grain size. In particular, the distance between the outermost upper edge of the coil and / or paddle and the housing wall of the conveyor housing can be at least 30 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 900 mm, more preferably between 100 mm and 200 mm. This distance ensures reliable separation of the heavy material fraction and its removal.

[0032] In particular, the conveyor housing is designed to be watertight. The conveyor housing can be closed around its perimeter or open at the top. With an opening at the top, a further cover, such as a grate, can be provided to prevent manual intervention from outside during operation of the conveyor system. The conveyor housing can, in particular, be connected to the receiving chamber or to the wall of the receiving chamber. The conveyor housing can also be filled, or is filled, at least in part, with water during operation of the density separation device.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the shaft is arranged and / or mounted at an angle of between 8° and 85°, preferably between 10° and 70°, in particular between 12° and 20°, relative to the subsurface. The oblique arrangement of the shaft relative to the subsurface ensures that the heavy material fraction can be washed in the water-filled area of the conveyor housing, and that another section of the conveyor housing is arranged outside and above the waterline, so that no unnecessary water loss occurs when the heavy material fraction is discharged.

[0034] In particular, the shaft is pivotally mounted with one end in the area of the receiving chamber and the other end in the area of the discharge opening for the heavy material fraction. In this context, the conveyor housing can be supported, in particular, at least indirectly, preferably directly, on the subsurface.

[0035] In addition, an outflow opening of the flow generator can open into the receiving chamber. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the separation chamber is designed as an intake chamber for the flow generator, in particular wherein the flow generator is assigned an intake pipe which is arranged at least partially in the separation chamber for sucking in the water located in the separation chamber. Thus, the separation chamber can in particular also serve as a water reservoir for the flow generator. Accordingly, a water circuit can be ensured in which the water can be pumped from the flow generator into the receiving chamber. Due to the flow present in the receiving chamber, which is ultimately generated by the flow generator, the water (together with the light material fraction) is then transported into the separation chamber, in particular via a weir.The water present in the separation chamber can then be fed back into the receiving chamber via the flow generator. If necessary, water can also be added or removed within this closed water circuit. The density of the water can also be adjusted or modified as needed to separate the light material fraction within the desired density range.

[0036] The flow generator can be arranged in a flow tube. This flow tube can be arranged outside the receiving chamber and, with its outlet opening, open into the receiving chamber. The arrangement in the flow tube can then ensure that the flow generator can be protected from mechanical damage, in particular from the feed material. The flow tube can also be assigned to the separation chamber and / or the intake tube, namely in particular in such a way that an opening in the flow tube can be coupled to the intake tube for sucking in water. In this context, the intake tube and the flow tube can be directly connected, but do not have to be. The flow generator can be operated with a motor that is arranged outside the flow tube and preferably also outside the separation chamber, protected from water.

[0037] Preferably, at least one curved deflection region for the water flow is provided, which is arranged in the receiving chamber and at least substantially opposite and / or below the shaft. The deflection region can, in particular, have a curved wall. The curved wall can, in particular, be designed such that its cross-section is at least substantially shaped like a circular arc and is also elongated. The curved deflection region is preferably designed as a section of a cylindrical surface.

[0038] Further preferably, the central axis of the discharge opening can be arranged below the central longitudinal axis of the shaft. Accordingly, the discharge opening and, in particular, the flow generator can preferably be arranged below the conveying device and / or below the shaft. This ensures reliable removal of the heavy material fraction via the conveying device, while simultaneously exposing the heavy material fraction to the water flow generated by the flow generator, which can increase the degree of separation.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that a weir is arranged between the receiving chamber and the separation chamber. The weir can, for example, be designed as an opening in a wall of the receiving chamber, which can preferably also serve as the wall of the separation chamber. Preferably, the flow path for the light material fraction leads from the upper region of the receiving chamber via the weir into the separation chamber. Water can also flow with the light material fraction from the receiving chamber via the weir into the separation chamber. Preferably, the weir is arranged and designed such that the heavy material fraction is not led via the weir into the separation chamber. Thus, the weir is arranged in the upper region of the receiving chamber, whereas the bearing-supported shaft end of the conveying device is arranged in the lower region of the receiving chamber, preferably in the bottom region.

[0040] In a further preferred embodiment, the separation chamber is assigned a further conveying device for removing the light material fraction. In particular, the further conveying device is designed as a shaking and / or vibrating screen. Particularly preferably, the conveying plane of the further conveying device runs at least partially below the upper edge of the weir. Particularly preferably, the further conveying device is arranged such that, during operation of the density separation device, it is only partially located within the water or only partially located below the water level. The light material fraction which is fed to the further conveying device can be guided to the discharge side by shaking or vibrating movements, in particular wherein the discharge side or the discharge end of the further conveying device is no longer located in the water.In this context, it can be provided that the further conveying device is arranged at an angle to the ground towards the discharge end, sloping down or at least substantially parallel to the ground.

[0041] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the conveying direction of the additional conveying device runs at least substantially opposite to the conveying direction of the conveying device. The conveying device and the additional conveying device then also have a corresponding arrangement. Such an arrangement offers the significant advantage that the entire density separation device can be designed more compactly. Furthermore, such an arrangement, in combination with the preferred arrangement of the flow generator below and / or in the separation chamber, enables the upflow through or for the flow generator to be kept stable.

[0042] The opposite arrangement of the conveying directions of the conveyor and the additional conveyor also ensures a reduced width compared to systems known from the prior art. Ultimately, although this design increases the total length of the density separation device compared to density separation devices known from the prior art, the width of the density separation device according to the invention is reduced compared to the width of devices known from the prior art. In the prior art, the conveying direction of the conveyor runs orthogonally to the conveying direction of the additional conveyor, which leads to a relatively large width of the density separation device.This can lead to the fact that the known density separation device cannot be transported in its fully assembled state via conventional transport routes, such as roads. This problem is avoided according to the invention by opposing the conveying directions of the conveyor and the other conveyors, which ultimately leads to a reduction in the overall width of the fully assembled system.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment, the receiving chamber and / or the separation chamber are arranged and configured such that the flow path of the light material fraction is deflected from the receiving chamber into the separation chamber, in particular by 90° + / - 20°. After the light material fraction has been deflected into the separation chamber, it can then be conveyed away along the additional conveying device. The conveying direction of the additional conveying device can also be configured such that a further deflection relative to the flow path can occur if required.

[0044] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a suction device is provided which is designed to suck in and / or extract dirty water from the receiving chamber and / or from the separation chamber, wherein density measuring sensors are assigned to the suction device. The suction device can thus be used to remove water that is highly contaminated. These contaminants could influence the density selectivity of the system according to the invention. Accordingly, it can also be provided, alternatively or additionally, that a supply device is provided for supplying, preferably purified, fresh water to the receiving chamber and / or the separation chamber. The fresh water can be provided by treating the dirty water or separately. In particular, the inflow opening of the supply device is provided below and / or in the region of the shaft.

[0045] The feed device can also be used to control and, in particular, adjust the purity of the water provided in the density separation device.

[0046] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a separating means, in particular a separating plate, is arranged at least partially between the receiving chamber and the conveyor housing. The separating means can thus separate the area of the conveyor housing from the receiving chamber.

[0047] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the flow velocity of the flow generator is adjustable. By adjusting the flow velocity of the flow generator, the degree of separation of the light material fraction to be separated can also be changed or adjusted; in particular, the maximum density of the components of the light material fraction can be varied.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment, an overflow device, in particular an overflow channel, is preferably provided for the receiving chamber and / or the separation chamber. The overflow device can then be designed to collect water.

[0049] Preferably, a measuring device, in particular one comprising level sensors, is provided for measuring the water level in the receiving chamber and / or the separation chamber. This measuring device can preferably be connected to the supply device via a control device, or alternatively or additionally to the suction device. Thus, when a correspondingly high or low water level is detected, the appropriate supply or discharge of water from the suction device can be ensured.

[0050] In particular, the density measurement sensors can also be assigned to a control device and, in particular, coupled to the fill level sensors, whereby the measurement results can be evaluated, in particular, by the control device. If necessary, an alarm can also be triggered.

[0051] The lightweight fraction comprises in particular components with a maximum density which is preferably slightly higher than the density of water and in particular between 1020 to 1300 kg / m 2< , preferably between 1100 to 1250 kg / m 3< .

[0052] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for separating feed material using a hydraulic density separator of the aforementioned type. The method comprises the following steps, which are preferably carried out successively: Provision of a hydraulic density separation device according to at least one of the previously described embodiments, introduction of water at least into the receiving chamber, if necessary also into the separation chamber, feeding of feed material into the receiving chamber, provision of a water flow through the flow generator so that a water flow is generated which leads from the receiving chamber into the separation chamber, whereby the light material fraction is transferred from the receiving chamber into the separation chamber, removal of the heavy material fraction via the conveying device and washing of the heavy material fraction in the at least one washing section, if necessary removal of the light material fraction via the further conveying device.

[0053] In connection with the advantages and preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, it is understood that reference can be made to the aforementioned statements regarding the hydraulic density separation device, which also apply equally to the method according to the invention without the need for further explicit mention. The statements regarding the method can also apply equally to the hydraulic density separation device.

[0054] During operation of the density separation device, the flow generator, in particular, is active and is fed with water, preferably water from the separation chamber. The flow generator is arranged in a flow tube, which, if required, has an opening for supplying water into the flow tube. The water made available to the receiving chamber via the flow generator flows from the flow tube through an outlet opening into the receiving chamber. The water is preferably circulated. During operation of the density separation device, and thus during the method according to the invention, the conveying device rotates so that the heavy matter fraction can also be conveyed away via the conveying device.

[0055] The feed material is separated by means of a density separation process, which can be carried out using the water provided in the density separation device, in particular whereby the heavy material fraction with its components sinks to the bottom of the receiving chamber and / or into the lower area of the receiving chamber, from where it can be collected and conveyed away via the conveying device.

[0056] The light fraction, which may also contain components with a slightly higher density than water, is transported to the upper area of the receiving chamber by buoyancy, which is also supported by the water flow provided by the flow generator. This water flow then enables the light fraction to be transferred with the water flow, particularly over the weir, into the separation chamber.

[0057] In the separation chamber, the light material fraction can then be removed via the additional conveying device. This can, in particular, vibrate and / or shake during operation of the density separation device, thus facilitating removal.

[0058] During operation of the density separation device, the conveying device and / or the further conveying device can be arranged at least partially in the water, in particular wherein the sections of the conveying device and / or the further conveying device provided in the region of the respective discharge end are arranged outside the water in order to avoid or at least reduce water losses.

[0059] Preferably, the washing sections are arranged at least substantially completely or at least partially in the water.

[0060] The feed material can be introduced discontinuously or continuously. This can be done either by an excavator or a conveyor belt, etc. Finally, the feed material is transported into the receiving chamber, where the heavy components of the heavy fraction sink and the light fraction rises due to buoyancy.

[0061] Furthermore, it is expressly pointed out that all the intervals mentioned above and below include all intermediate intervals and individual values contained therein and that these intermediate intervals and individual values are to be regarded as essential to the invention, even if these intermediate intervals or individual values are not specifically specified in detail.

[0062] Further features, advantages and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing and the drawing itself. All described and / or illustrated features, individually or in any combination, form the subject matter of the present invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their reference back to them.

[0063] It shows: Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a hydraulic separation device according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a further embodiment of a hydraulic density separation device according to the invention, Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a flow generator, Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a flow tube, Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of a conveyor device, Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a further embodiment of a hydraulic density separation device according to the invention, Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of the Fig. 6 shown hydraulic density separator, Fig. 8 another side view of the Fig. 6 shown hydraulic density separation device, Fig. 9 a schematic perspective view of a flow generator, Fig. 10 a schematic plan view of the in Fig. 9 shown flow generator, Fig. 11 a schematic side view of the in Fig. 9 illustrated flow generator, Fig. 12 a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a hydraulic density separation device according to the invention, Fig. 13 a schematic perspective side view of a further embodiment of a hydraulic density separation device according to the invention, Fig. 14 a schematic sectional view of a further embodiment of a hydraulic density separation device according to the invention, Fig. 15 a schematic side view of a conveyor housing and a receiving chamber, Fig. 16 a schematic perspective illustration of a further embodiment of a conveyor housing and Fig. 17 a schematic perspective illustration of a further embodiment of a density separation device according to the invention.

[0064] The Fig. 1 and 17show different embodiments of a hydraulic density separation device 1. The density separation device 1 is intended for separating a heavy material fraction 2 with components of higher density from a light material fraction 3 with components of lower density from a feed material 4. The Fig. 1 shows the feed material 4, which can be separated into the heavy fraction 2 and the light fraction 3. The fractions 2, 3 are in the Fig. 17 and not shown in more detail in the other figures for reasons of clarity.

[0065] It is understood that water has been introduced into the density separation device 1 for its operation. However, the water or the water level is not shown in detail in the illustrated embodiments.

[0066] The density separation device 1 comprises a conveying device 5 for conveying away the heavy material fraction 2, such as the Fig. 1 In addition, the Fig. 1 that the density separation device 1 has a receiving chamber 6 that can be filled with water to receive the feed material 4. The Fig. 1 shows that the feed material 4 is fed into the receiving chamber 6. A feed can be carried out by a conveyor belt, as shown in Fig. 1 shown schematically, or by other feeding means, such as an excavator. The feed material 4 can also be fed in continuously or discontinuously.

[0067] In this context, it is understood that during operation, the receiving chamber 6 is at least partially filled with water, with the water itself being used for the separation process. Thus, the components of the heavy fraction 2, which have a significantly higher density than water, sink to the bottom of the receiving chamber 6 and are conveyed away by the conveyor device 5. The light fraction 3, which has components with a lower or equal density to water, or even slightly higher density than water, rises due to buoyancy. Thus, the components are hydraulically separated based on their density.

[0068] Fig. 1 further shows that the density separation device 1 has a flow generator 7 for generating a water flow in the receiving chamber 6. The flow generator 7 can be assigned to the receiving chamber 6, but does not have to be arranged therein, as can be seen from the Fig. 1 becomes apparent. In the Fig. 1 In the embodiment shown, the flow generator 7 is arranged in a flow tube 31, which, for example, is placed closer to the Fig. 3 und 4 is shown. The Fig. 3 shows the flow tube 31 and the flow generator 7 arranged therein. The flow tube 31 can thus protect the flow generator 7 from external mechanical damage. The outlet opening 23 of the flow tube 31 can open into the receiving chamber 6, as shown in the Fig. 15 is shown in more detail.

[0069] In addition, the density separation device 1 comprises a separation chamber 8 that can be filled with water to receive the light material fraction 3. The separation chamber 8 can also serve to supply water for the flow generator 7, in particular to realize a closed flow circuit - but this does not have to be the case.

[0070] The Fig. 1 shows that the conveying device 5 has a shaft 9 with at least one conveyor screw section 10 for conveying the heavy material fraction 2 out of the receiving chamber 6. The conveying device 5 is arranged at least partially in the receiving chamber 6.

[0071] The further section of the conveyor device 5, which can also be arranged in the water, can be arranged in a conveyor housing 19, which for example can be arranged closer in the Fig. 6 is shown. Water may also be provided or partially filled with water in the conveyor housing 19 during operation of the density separation device 1.

[0072] The Fig. 1 The flow generator 7 shown is designed and arranged such that a flow path of the water flow leads from the receiving chamber 6 into the separation chamber 8. This flow path leads, in particular, to the light material fraction 3 being guided via this water flow from the receiving chamber 6 into the separation chamber 8.

[0073] In addition, Fig. 1 that the conveying device 5, in addition to the conveyor screw section 10, has at least one washing section 12 having a plurality of paddles 11 arranged on the shaft 9.

[0074] In the Fig. 5 The washing section 12 is shown with different or separate paddles 11. In further embodiments, the paddles 11 can be arranged on the shaft 9 in such a way that they preferably follow the spiral line of at least one adjacent conveyor screw section 10. However, this is not shown in detail in the figures.

[0075] Finally, the paddles 11 can be arranged in the area of the washing section 12 around the circumference of the shaft 9 and serve at least for washing and cleaning the heavy fraction 2. In further embodiments, which are not shown in detail, the paddles 11 are arranged in the washing section 12 such that, as previously explained, they are aligned such that they follow the helix of the adjacent conveyor screw section 10. In particular, the helix or the spiral pitch of the winding 13 of all conveyor screw sections 10 is at least substantially identical.

[0076] In Fig. 5 It is shown that the paddles 11 are arranged at a distance from one another and can thus also be provided separately. The paddles 11 are, in particular, firmly connected to the shaft 9.

[0077] Fig. 2 shows that a plurality of conveyor screw sections 10 are provided, with a washing section 12 being arranged between two adjacent conveyor screw sections 10. In addition, Fig. 2 that a plurality of washing sections 12 are also provided, in particular wherein the conveyor screw sections 10 and the washing sections 12 are arranged alternately or alternately with each other. In any case, a conveyor screw section 10 should be provided at the beginning of the shaft 9 and also at its end.

[0078] Depending on the desired cleaning result, the washing section 12 can have differently designed paddles 11 or a different number of paddles 11. In particular, it is provided that a washing section 12 has between 4 and 24 paddles 11, as shown in the Fig. 5 is shown in more detail.

[0079] In Fig. 14 It is shown that the conveyor screw section 10 has a helix that forms a winding 13. The winding 13 can extend over a range between 360° and 1440°. In Fig. 14 It is further shown that different turns 13 of the conveyor screw sections 10 are provided. For example, the conveyor screw section 10 provided in the central region of the shaft 9 extends at least substantially over approximately 360°, whereas the outer conveyor screw sections 10 each have a turn 13 that is greater than 360° and lies between 360° and 720°.

[0080] Not shown in detail is the fact that adjacent washing sections 12 can have a different number of paddles 11. The paddles 11 of adjacent washing sections 12 can also be designed differently.

[0081] As explained previously, for example, the Fig. 14 that adjacent conveyor screw sections 10 have differently designed turns 13.

[0082] It is not shown in more detail that the spiral pitch of adjacent conveyor screw sections 10 can also be designed differently.

[0083] The paddles 11 are arranged in particular at an angle on the shaft 9 in such a way that a material transport of the heavy material fraction 2 in the conveying direction F of the shaft 9 also takes place in the area of the respective washing section 12.

[0084] The Fig. 5 shows that a plurality of paddles 11 are arranged one behind the other in relation to the longitudinal direction L of the shaft 9 and a plurality of paddles 11 are arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction of the shaft 9.

[0085] From the Fig. 6 It is schematically evident that the radial paddle length 14 is at least substantially equal to the web height 15 of the winding 13 of at least one adjacent conveyor screw section 10. In particular, the web height 15 of all conveyor screw sections 10 is constant, whereby the radial paddle length 14 of all paddles 11 of the conveyor device 5 can also be constant. The distance 16 between the outermost upper edge 17 of the winding 13 and of the paddle 11 and an adjacent housing wall 18 of the conveyor housing 19 can also preferably be constant over the length of the shaft 9 and can in particular be between 100 and 200 mm.

[0086] In the Fig. 6 Also shown is an angle α, which results between the central axis A of shaft 9 and the ground or a line running parallel to the ground. This angle α can be in particular between 10° and 70°, preferably between 12° and 20°.

[0087] Furthermore, Fig. 6 that the shaft 9 is mounted with its one shaft end 20 in the area of the receiving chamber 6 and with its other shaft end 21 in the area of the discharge opening 22 of the heavy material fraction 2. The bearing can be provided in such a way that a rotation of the shaft 9 is enabled. In the area of the discharge opening 22, a support of the conveyor housing 19 can also be provided, as shown in the Fig. 6 shows schematically.

[0088] The Fig. 7 und 8 show different side views of the density separation device and also the arrangement of the opening 32.

[0089] In the Fig. 13 It is schematically evident that the heavy material fraction 2 can be discharged from the conveyor housing 19 via a discharge opening 22.

[0090] In Fig. 14 only a partial area is cut, namely the conveyor housing 19, so that in particular the arrangement of the conveyor device 5 becomes apparent.

[0091] The Fig. 15 shows the density separation device 1 without the separation chamber 8, so that a weir 26 and an outlet opening 23 are visible in relation to the conveying device 5.

[0092] As explained above, in particular Fig. 15 that the outflow opening 23 of the flow generator 7 opens into the receiving chamber 6. This outflow opening 23 can preferably be formed by the end opening of the flow tube 31 in which the flow generator 7 is arranged.

[0093] The Fig. 2 shows that the separation chamber 8 is designed as a suction chamber for the flow generator 7, wherein the flow generator 7 in the Fig. 2 illustrated embodiment, a suction pipe 24 is assigned, which is arranged at least partially in the separation chamber 8 for sucking in water located in the separation chamber 8. The suction pipe 24 does not have to be directly connected to the flow pipe 31, as is also apparent from the Fig. 2 Finally, the flow generator 7 can be connected to the flow tube 31 via an opening 32, as shown in Fig. 4 shown, suck in the water that can be made available to the flow generator 7 from the separation chamber 8 via the intake pipe 24.

[0094] The Fig. 2 shows schematically that the receiving chamber 6 has a curved deflection region 25 for the water flow, at least substantially opposite the outflow opening 23 or below the shaft 9. The curved deflection region 25 can in particular be designed as a segment / section of a cylinder jacket.

[0095] In addition, the Fig. 6 that the central axis M of the outlet opening 23 runs below the central axis A of the shaft 9.

[0096] In Fig. 17 It is schematically shown that the weir 26 is arranged between the receiving chamber 6 and the separation chamber 8, in particular wherein the flow path for the light material fraction 3 runs from the upper region of the receiving chamber 6 via the weir 26 into the separation chamber.

[0097] In addition, the Fig. 17 that a further conveying device 27 is provided for conveying away the light material fraction 3, which is assigned to the separation chamber 8. The further conveying device 27 can be arranged at least partially in the separation chamber 8, in particular also partially arranged in the water during operation of the density separation device 1. The further conveying device 27 can have a shaking and / or vibrating screen. The conveying plane 28 of the further conveying device 27 can run at least partially below the upper edge 29 of the weir 26, which Fig. 17 shows schematically.

[0098] In addition, the Fig. 17 that the conveying direction R of the further conveying device 27 runs at least substantially opposite to the conveying direction F of the conveying device 5.

[0099] Furthermore, Fig. 17 that the receiving chamber 6 and the separation chamber 8 are arranged and designed such that the flow path of the light material fraction 3 in the separation chamber 8 is deflected in particular by 90° + / - 20°.

[0100] Not shown in detail is the fact that a suction device may be provided, which is designed to suction and / or draw in dirty water from the receiving chamber 6 and / or the separation chamber 8, in particular wherein density measuring sensors are assigned to the suction device. Also not shown in detail is the fact that a supply device is provided for supplying fresh water into the receiving chamber 6, in particular wherein the inflow opening of the supply device is provided below and / or in the region of the shaft 9.

[0101] In Fig. 2 A separating means 30 is shown, which can preferably be designed as a separating plate and is preferably arranged at least partially between the receiving chamber 6 and the conveyor housing 19. In principle, a plurality of separating means 30 can also be arranged in the conveyor housing 19.

[0102] The conveyor housing 19 can be designed to be watertight in the water-bearing area.

[0103] Not shown in detail is that the flow velocity of the flow generator 7 is adjustable, in particular to vary the degree of separation of the density of the components of the light material fraction 3.

[0104] Also not shown in detail is the possibility of providing an overflow device for the receiving chamber 6 and / or separation chamber 8, which may, for example, be an overflow channel. Furthermore, a control device may be provided, which may interact with either the density measurement sensors and / or the fill level sensors in the receiving chamber 6. This control device can be used to control the operation of the density separation device 1 as needed.

[0105] The method according to the invention uses the density separation device 1 shown in the figures, which is filled with water for operation, so that the receiving chamber 6 and, if necessary, also at least partially the separation chamber 8 are filled with water.

[0106] The feed material 4 can then be fed in, for example via conveyor belts or an excavator bucket.

[0107] The operation of the flow generator 7 then generates a water flow in the receiving chamber 6, which flows from the receiving chamber 6 into the separation chamber 8 and, in particular, entrains the light material fraction 3, whereby the light material fraction 3 can thus be conveyed from the receiving chamber 6 into the separation chamber 8. Due to the effect of gravity, the components of the heavy material fraction 2 sink into the lower region of the receiving chamber 6 and are conveyed away via the conveying device 5.

[0108] The components of the light fraction 3 rise due to the buoyancy effect and are also carried along by the water flow. The density of the components of the light fraction 3 can be lower than the density of the water used or only slightly higher than the density of the water used. Preferably, the light fraction 3 is guided, together with water, over the weir 26 into the separation chamber 8.

[0109] In particular, a closed water circuit is provided so that the water in the separation chamber 8 can be made available again to the receiving chamber 6 via the flow generator 7. However, it can also be provided that fresh water is constantly supplied to the receiving chamber 6.

[0110] The light material fraction 3 can preferably be conveyed away via the further conveying device 27, in particular wherein this is designed as a shaking and / or vibrating screen.

[0111] The heavy matter fraction 2 is both conveyed away by the conveying device 5 and cleaned or washed in the area of the washing sections 12. The residual fraction separated from the heavy matter fraction 2 in the area of the washing sections 12 can, in particular, dissolve in the water or remain in the water in the conveying housing 19 and be removed, for example, after the density separation device 1 is shut down by draining the water from the conveying housing 19.

[0112] The separated heavy matter fraction 2 is at least substantially freed from the residual fraction by the cleaning in the washing sections 12 and in particular has a high degree of purity.

[0113] However, the separation process between the heavy material fraction 2 and the light material fraction 3 does not take place in the area of the conveyor housing 19, but in the receiving chamber 6. In the area of the conveyor housing 19 and thus also through the washing sections 12, only the heavy material fraction 2 is cleaned and no separation of the light material fraction 3 takes place. The light material fraction 3 is therefore not affected by the residual fraction of the heavy material fraction 2 loosened by the washing sections 12. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0114] 1Density separation device 2Heavy material fraction 3Light material fraction 4Feed material 5Conveying device 6Receiving chamber 7Flow generator 8Separation chamber 9Shaft 10Screw conveyor section 11Paddle 12Washing section 13Turnings 14Paddle length 15Web height 16Distance 17Top edge 18Housing wall 19Conveying housing 20Shaft end 21Other shaft end 22Discharge opening 23Outflow opening 24Suction pipe 25Deflection area 26Weir 27Other conveying device 28Conveying level of 27 29Top edge of 26 30Separating agent 31Flow pipe 32Opening in 31 F Conveying direction of 5 L Longitudinal direction of 9 M Central longitudinal axis of 23 A Central longitudinal axis of 9 R Conveying direction of 22 α Angle

Claims

1. Hydraulic density separation device (1) for separating a heavy material fraction (2) with components of higher density from a light material fraction (3) with components of lower density from a feed material (4), comprising - a conveying device (5) for conveying away the heavy material fraction (2), - a receiving chamber (6) which can be filled with water for receiving the feed material (4), - a flow generator (7) for generating a water flow in the receiving chamber (6) and - a water-fillable separation chamber (8) for receiving the light material fraction (3), wherein the conveying device (5) has a shaft (9) with at least one screw conveyor section (10) for conveying the heavy material fraction (2) out of the receiving chamber (6), and wherein the flow generator (7) is designed and arranged such that a flow path of the water flow leads from the receiving chamber (6) into the separation chamber (8), wherein the conveying device (5) has, in addition to the screw conveyor section (10), at least one washing section (12) having a plurality of separate paddles (11) arranged on the shaft (9), characterized in that a plurality of screw conveyor section (10) is provided, wherein a washing section (12) is arranged between two adjacent screw conveyor section (10) and wherein a plurality of washing sections (12) is provided, wherein the screw conveyor section (10) and the washing sections (12) are arranged alternately to one another, the paddles (11) are arranged at an angle to the shaft (9) in such a way that the heavy material fraction (2) is also transported in the direction of the conveying direction (F) of the shaft (9) in the area of the respective washing section (12), and a plurality of paddles (11) are arranged one behind the other in relation to the longitudinal direction (L) of the shaft (9), and wherein a plurality of paddles (11) is arranged one behind the other in the circumferential direction of the shaft (9).

2. Hydraulic density separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that the washing section (12) has between 2 and 52, preferably between 4 and 36, and in particular between 12 and 24 paddles (11).

3. Hydraulic density separation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the winding (13) of the screw conveyor section (10) extends over a range between 360° and 1440°, preferably between 360° and 720°.

4. Hydraulic density separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that adjacent washing sections (12) have a different number of paddles (11) and / or differently designed and / or arranged paddles (11) and / or that adjacent screw conveyor section(10) have differently designed windings (13).

5. Hydraulic density separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial paddle length (14) is at least substantially equal to the web height (15) of the winding (13) of at least one adjacent screw conveyor section (10), in particular wherein the distance (16) between the outermost top edge (17) of the winding (13) and / or the paddle (11) and one of the adjacent housing wall (18) of a conveyor housing (19) in which the shaft (9) is arranged is at least 30 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 900 mm, more preferably between 100 and 200 mm.

6. Hydraulic density separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft (9) is arranged and mounted at an angle a between 8° and 85°, preferably between 10° and 70° and in particular between 12° and 20° relative to the base and / or that the shaft (9) is mounted with one shaft end (20) in the area of the receiving chamber (6) and with its other shaft end (21) in the area of the discharge opening (22) of the heavy material fraction (2).

7. Hydraulic density separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outflow opening (23) of the flow generator (7) opens into the receiving chamber (6) and / or that the separation chamber (8) is designed as a suction chamber for the flow generator (7), in particular wherein an suction pipe (24) is assigned to the flow generator (7), which is arranged at least in part in the separation chamber (8) for sucking in water located in the separation chamber (8).

8. Hydraulic density separation device according to claim 7, characterized in that the receiving chamber (6) has a curved deflection area (25) for the water flow at least substantially opposite the outflow opening (23) and / or below the shaft (9) and / or the central longitudinal axis (M) of the outflow opening (23) extends below the central longitudinal axis (A) of the shaft (9).

9. Hydraulic density separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a weir (26) is arranged between the receiving chamber (6) and the separation chamber (8), in particular wherein the flow path for the light material fraction (3) runs from the upper region of the receiving chamber (6) via the weir (26) into the separation chamber (8).

10. Hydraulic density separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separation chamber (8) is assigned a further conveyor (27) for discharging the light material fraction (2), in particular wherein the further conveyor (27) has a shaking and / or vibrating screen and / or in particular wherein the conveying level (28) of the further conveyor (27) extends at least in some areas below the upper edge (29) of the weir (26).

11. Hydraulic density separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying direction (8) of the further conveyor (27) is at least substantially opposite to the conveying direction (F) of the conveying device (5) and / or the receiving chamber (6) and / or the separation chamber (8) are arranged and designed such that the flow path of the light material fraction (3) into the separation chamber (8) is deflected by 90° + / - 20°, in particular.

12. Hydraulic density separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an extraction device is provided which is designed for extracting and / or sucking dirty water from the receiving chamber (6) and / or from the separation chamber (8), in particular wherein density measuring sensors are assigned to the extraction device, and / or that a feed device is provided for feeding fresh water into the receiving chamber (6) and / or into the separation chamber (8), in particular wherein the inflow opening of the feed device is provided below and / or in the region of the shaft (9).

13. Hydraulic density separation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a separating means (30), in particular a separating plate, is arranged at least in some areas between the receiving chamber (6) and the conveyor housing (19).

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