Screw press separator

Abstract

The invention relates to a press screw separator (1) for separating solid components from a slurry containing solid and liquid components, comprising: a housing arrangement (2) with a solids outlet (15), a sieve (11) arranged in the housing arrangement (2), a press screw (7) rotatably arranged in the sieve (11), and an assembly (20) arranged at the solids outlet (15) in the operating state, wherein the assembly is arranged on the housing arrangement (2) in a linearly movable and rotatable manner by means of a movement unit, and wherein the movement unit (30) is designed to pivot the assembly (20) away from the solids outlet (15) for maintenance purposes.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a press screw separator for separating solid components from a slurry containing solid and liquid components. Furthermore, the invention relates to a retrofit kit for a press screw separator and a method for maintaining a press screw separator.

[0002] Press screw separators are used to press any type of slurry. The slurry can be, for example, manure or wastewater. Furthermore, the slurry can be, for example, a fruit or vegetable pulp to be pressed, or any other organic or inorganic mass. The wastewater can originate from agricultural, municipal, or industrial facilities, or slaughterhouses.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a press screw separator that is easy to maintain. Furthermore, a retrofit kit for a press screw separator and a method for a press screw separator are to be provided, each of which enables easy maintenance of the press screw separator.

[0004] This problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0005] The invention thus shows a screw press separator for separating solid components from a slurry containing solid and liquid components. The screw press separator comprises a housing assembly. A main housing is part of this housing assembly. A sieve is located within this main housing. The sieve is, in particular, cylindrical. A screw press of the screw press separator is rotatably arranged within the sieve. In particular, the screw press separator comprises a motor, e.g., an electric motor, that drives the screw press.

[0006] The press screw conveys the slurry through the press screw separator and presses it. The liquid portions of the slurry pass radially outward through the screen and flow away. A solids plug forms within or at the end of the screen, which is then conveyed to one end by the rotating press screw. This end of the housing assembly, especially the main housing, is called the solids outlet.

[0007] The following describes an assembly of the screw press separator. This assembly is specifically a press head. When the screw press separator is in operation, the assembly is located at the solids outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the press screw separator described here includes a movement unit that allows the assembly to be pivoted away from the solids outlet for maintenance purposes. This allows, for example, the screen or press screw to be replaced, or facilitates cleaning of the press screw separator.

[0009] The assembly is mounted on the housing assembly by means of the movement unit for linear movement and rotation. The "housing assembly" essentially comprises all non-moving parts of the press screw separator. Thus, the housing assembly preferably comprises the described main housing, in which the screen is located, an inlet housing through which the slurry is fed into the main housing, a gear housing located between the motor and the inlet housing, and a stand of any design on which the main housing and / or inlet housing is / are supported. The movement unit can be attached to all of these components of the housing assembly, but preferably to the main housing.

[0010] The described assembly is "attached" to the housing assembly via the movement unit. This means that, particularly in the operating state, the assembly is not exclusively secured via the movement unit. In particular, in the operating state, the assembly is detachably attached to the main housing, e.g., screwed. This detachable attachment between the assembly and the main housing is released in order to pivot the assembly away using the movement unit for maintenance purposes. The movement unit is designed, in particular, to hold the assembly during maintenance.

[0011] As already described, the assembly is preferably provided with a compression head. The compression head can, in principle, be designed in any desired manner and serves to provide resistance or counterforce to the solid plug at the solid outlet.

[0012] According to a first preferred variant, this compression head comprises a ring that is detachably attached, e.g., screwed, to the housing assembly in the area of ​​the solids outlet. Furthermore, the compression head comprises at least one flap, preferably two flaps, against whose resistance the solid or solid plug can be pressed. The at least one flap is pivotable relative to the compression head ring. In particular, the at least one flap is pivotable outward.

[0013] The press screw used preferably has a core and at least one helix arranged thereon. In particular, the press screw has a section of the core on which no helix is ​​arranged. This section is referred to herein as the "helix-free end."

[0014] Preferably, the non-helical end of the press screw protrudes from the solids outlet. Particularly in the operating state, the non-helical end protrudes outward through the assembly, i.e., preferably the press head and the at least one flap. Accordingly, the flap is provided with a recess through which the non-helical end of the press screw protrudes. Particularly preferably, the press head has two opposing flaps, each with a semicircular cutout for the non-helical end of the press screw.

[0015] Preferably, the resistance of the at least one flap of the compression head can be adjusted via an adjustable weight. For this purpose, the compression head preferably has a corresponding linkage. The linkage connects the at least one weight to the at least one flap. The at least one weight is preferably movable along the linkage, thereby adjusting the resistance to the solid plug generated by the flap(s).

[0016] For maintenance purposes, it is particularly provided that the flaps are as wide open as possible. For this purpose, the press screw separator preferably comprises a blocking element. The blocking element can either be attachable to the assembly in a corresponding blocking position for maintenance purposes, or the blocking element is always located on the assembly and can be moved, e.g., rotated, into the blocking position for maintenance purposes. The blocking element is designed such that, in its blocking position, it blocks at least one flap, in particular both flaps, in the open position. In particular, the blocking element is located on the linkage and / or on at least one of the flaps in its blocking position.

[0017] According to a second preferred variant, the pressing head comprises a tube that is detachably attached, in particular screwed, to the housing assembly in the region of the solids outlet. For this purpose, the described ring, which can be screwed to the housing assembly, can be located on the tube. The pressing head comprises a closure cone that can be retracted and extended into the tube to form an outlet gap between the tube and the closure cone, and an actuator for applying a counterforce to the closure cone. The actuator is preferably designed as a pressure cylinder, preferably a pneumatic cylinder.

[0018] The closure cone is positioned so that its spigot protrudes into the pipe; the spigot can be either pointed or truncated conical, for example. An annular outlet gap is created between the outer circumference of the closure cone and the inner circumference of the pipe, the size of which can be varied by extending and retracting the closure cone. The solids separated in the press screw separator exit through this outlet gap.

[0019] To move the closure cone and, in particular, to apply a counterforce to the emerging solid plug, the ejection device comprises the actuator. This actuator is operatively connected to the closure cone and is, in particular, arranged to move the closure cone coaxially with the conveying direction of the press screw separator.

[0020] In the second variant of the pressing head, the pressing screw, in particular with the non-helical end, can protrude into the assembly, i.e. preferably into the pipe, during operation.

[0021] Regardless of the design of the assembly, the movement unit preferably comprises a turntable, also referred to as a slewing ring, which is arranged on the housing assembly. In particular, the turntable is located on the top side of the housing assembly, in particular on the top side of the main housing; but can also be arranged on the bottom side of the housing assembly, in particular on the bottom side of the main housing. The turntable enables the rotational movement of the assembly relative to the housing assembly.

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the movement unit comprises a boom. Particularly preferably, the boom extends parallel to the press screw, e.g., above the main housing, in the operating state of the press screw separator. For the linear movement of the assembly relative to the housing arrangement, it is provided that the boom is attached to the turntable in a linearly movable manner; in particular, it is displaceable relative to the turntable, so that the boom can be moved linearly relative to the turntable without a rotational movement. Additionally or alternatively, it is also provided that the assembly is attached to the boom in a linearly movable manner.

[0023] To attach the boom to the turntable for linear movement, the boom is designed to rest on a support on the turntable and to be supported by a counterbearing on the turntable. The support is located closer to the assembly, i.e. closer to the solids outlet during operation, than the counterbearing. The weight of the assembly hanging from the boom presses the boom onto the support and simultaneously supports it on the counterbearing arranged above the boom. By slightly lifting the boom or assembly, the load on the boom is relieved upwards in the area of ​​the support and downwards in the area of ​​the counterbearing. This enables the linear movement of the support relative to the turntable by pulling on the support or assembly.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the movement unit comprises a support that allows the press screw to be mounted at the front end of the press screw during operation. For example, this support can be connected to the boom at one end and removably attached to the front end of the press screw at the other end. For maintenance purposes, this support is detached from the press screw, allowing the boom and assembly to be linearly movable relative to the housing assembly and also relative to the press screw.

[0025] As already described, the pressing screw, in particular with its non-helical end, projects outwards through the assembly (first variant) or at least projects into the assembly (second variant). When the assembly is pivoted away into the maintenance position, it is preferably provided that the pressing screw remains in place and is not removed, not even partially. Therefore, the movement unit is preferably designed such that the assembly can be moved linearly until unhindered pivoting away is possible, wherein this pivoting away is not hindered by the pressing screw, not even by the non-helical end. In particular, it is provided that the movement unit is designed such that the assembly can be moved linearly by at least 10 cm, preferably at least 20 cm.

[0026] The movement unit is thus designed so that the assembly can be pivoted away when the press screw is fully assembled.

[0027] The axis of rotation of the movement unit is preferably vertical.

[0028] The movement unit preferably enables the assembly to be pivoted away by at least 60°, preferably by at least 75°, more preferably by at least 90°.

[0029] Preferably, the movement unit is designed so that the assembly, after pivoting away, can be moved linearly toward the housing assembly. This allows the assembly to be moved as close as possible to the housing assembly, in particular toward the main housing, after pivoting away, so that the assembly acts on the movement unit and thus on the entire screw press separator with the least possible leverage.

[0030] The invention further comprises a retrofit kit for a screw press separator. This is, in particular, the previously described screw press separator, without the movement unit, since this movement unit is a component of the retrofit kit. Thus, the retrofit kit comprises a movement unit, in particular the previously described movement unit, by means of which the assembly of the screw press separator can be arranged on the housing assembly of the screw press separator in a linearly movable and rotatable manner. In the operating state, the assembly can be arranged at a solids outlet of the screw press separator, and the movement unit is designed to pivot the assembly away from the solids outlet for maintenance purposes.

[0031] The options previously described in the context of the press screw separator according to the invention as well as the options defined in the claims of the press screw separator according to the invention are accordingly considered advantageous options for the retrofit kit.

[0032] The invention further provides a method for maintaining a press screw separator, in particular the press screw separator described above. The method comprises the following steps: (i) Detaching an assembly, in particular a press head, arranged in the operating state at the solids outlet of the screw press separator. The assembly is arranged on the housing assembly of the screw press separator in a linearly movable and rotatable manner by means of a movement unit, in particular the movement unit described above. (ii) Moving the assembly linearly by means of the movement unit and pivoting the assembly away from the solids outlet. The pivoting away occurs in particular after the linear movement and particularly preferably not simultaneously with the linear movement.

[0033] The optional configurations of the press screw separator described above and in the claims find correspondingly advantageous application within the scope of the method according to the invention. In particular, it is provided that, in the operating state, the press screw, in particular with its non-helical end, protrudes outward through the assembly or into the assembly, whereby the linear movement is carried out until the assembly can be pivoted away from the press screw without hindrance—with the press screw fully assembled.

[0034] Further details, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing. It shows: Fig. 1 shows a press screw separator according to the invention in the operating state according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 shows a press screw of the press screw separator according to the invention according to the embodiment, Fig. 3 shows the press screw separator according to the invention with open flaps according to the embodiment, Fig. 4 shows a detail from Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 the press screw separator according to the invention with a completely linearly displaced assembly according to the exemplary embodiment, Fig. 6 the press screw separator according to the invention with the assembly pivoted away in one direction according to the exemplary embodiment, Fig. 7 the press screw separator according to the invention with the assembly pivoted away in the other direction according to the exemplary embodiment, Fig. 8 the press screw separator according to the invention with the assembly pivoted away and pushed towards it according to the exemplary embodiment, and Fig. 9 a second variant of the assembly of the press screw separator according to the invention according to the exemplary embodiment.

[0035] In the following, a press screw separator 1 according to an embodiment is described with reference to the Figures 1 to 8 explained in more detail. The Figures 1 to 9 The movement sequence shown illustrates the method according to the invention. Figures 1 to 8 The movement unit 30 presented forms the retrofit kit according to the invention.

[0036] Unless otherwise stated in detail, the following always refers to all Figures 1 to 9 Reference is made to the screw press separator 1. The screw press separator 1 comprises a housing assembly 2. This housing assembly 2 includes, in particular, a main housing 3, an inlet housing 4, a stator 5, and a gear housing 6.

[0037] In the main housing 3 there is a press screw 7, which is shown in detail in Figure 2is shown. Accordingly, the press screw 7 comprises a core 8 on which at least one helix 9 is located. The helix 9 does not extend over the entire core 8, so that a helix-free end 10 of the press screw 7 remains. As the figures show, this helix-free end 10 protrudes outward.

[0038] Inside the main housing 3 there is a sieve 11, which can be used, for example, in the Figures 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 is partially visible. Within this sieve 11 is the press screw 7.

[0039] The press screw separator 1 comprises a motor 12, here designed as an electric motor. This is connected to the press screw 7 via a gear located in the gear housing 6.

[0040] An inlet 13 for the slurry is located on the inlet housing 4. An outlet 14 is located at the bottom of the main housing 3. A solids outlet 15 is located at the front end of the main housing 3. In the operating state ( Fig. 1 ), the slurry is introduced via the inlet 13. The rotating press screw 7 presses the slurry toward the solids outlet 15. The liquid component of the slurry passes radially outward through the sieve 11 and flows through the outlet 14. Towards the end of the sieve 11, a solids plug forms, which presses against an assembly 20, here designed as a press head.

[0041] The assembly 20 (pressing head) according to a first variant ( Fig. 1 to 8 ) comprises a ring 21 which, in the operating state, is connected, here screwed, to the main housing 3 in the area of ​​the solids outlet 15.

[0042] Furthermore, the assembly 20 comprises two flaps 22, each with a semicircular cutout. The non-helical end 10 of the press screw 7 protrudes outward through these two flaps 22.

[0043] The two flaps 22 are connected to weights 24 via a rod 23. These weights 24 are used to adjust the resistance that the flaps 22 exert on the solid plug.

[0044] For maintenance purposes, the two flaps 22 should be completely open. For this purpose, a blocking element 25 is provided in accordance with the Figures 3 and 4 provided. It is shown that the blocking element 25 can be inserted into the assembly 20 in a blocking position such that the flaps 22 remain in their open position and are not moved into the closed position by the weights 24.

[0045] Fig. 9shows a second variant of the assembly 20 (press head) that can be used on the press screw separator 1. The assembly comprises a tube 40 that is releasably fastened, in particular screwed, to the housing assembly 2 in the area of ​​the solids outlet 15, in particular by means of the ring 21. Also provided is a closure cone 41 that can be retracted and extended into the tube 2 to form an outlet gap between the tube 40 and the closure cone 42. An actuator 42 serves to apply a counterforce to the closure cone 41.

[0046] The actuator 42 is connected to the closure cone 41 via a rod 43. A receptacle 44 connects the actuator 42 to the ring 21. The actuator 42 can be supplied with pressure via lines 45.

[0047] As already mentioned, the press screw separator 1 comprises the movement unit 30, which also forms the retrofit kit according to the invention. In addition to this movement unit 30, the retrofit kit can also comprise one of the described assemblies 20.

[0048] The movement unit 30 comprises a turntable 31. This is located on the top side of the main housing 3. A boom 32 is arranged on the turntable 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the boom 32 is linearly movable relative to the turntable 31. For this purpose, a support 33 and a counter bearing 34 are provided. The support 33 is located closer to the assembly 22 than the counter bearing 34. The boom 32 rests on the support 33. The counter bearing 34 overlaps the boom 32, so that the counter bearing 34 supports the top side of the boom 32.

[0049] Furthermore, the figures illustrate that the assembly 20 is firmly connected to the boom 32, in particular via the ring 21.

[0050] In operating condition according to Fig. 1 A support 35 of the movement unit 30 can be used if the assembly 20 is used according to the first variant. This support 35 is located at the outer end of the boom 32 and is detachably connected to the front end of the press screw 7. Only in the operating state is this support 35 connected to the press screw 7 in order to support the press screw 7 at its free end, whereby rotation of the press screw 7 relative to the support 35 is, of course, possible via a corresponding bearing.

[0051] As described, Fig. 1 the operating state of the press screw separator 1. The following figures describe the movement sequence for the maintenance state in more detail.

[0052] Fig. 3clarifies that the flaps 22 of the assembly 20 are opened first, provided the assembly 20 is used according to the first variant. Preferably, the blocking element 25 is used to keep the flaps 22 open. Fig. 4 shows this in detail.

[0053] Fig. 5 illustrates the linear movement of assembly 20 by means of movement unit 30 relative to housing assembly 2. It can be seen that assembly 20, with open flaps 22, is moved linearly parallel to press screw 7. The boom 32 is moved linearly relative to the rotary table 31. This linear movement is possible until assembly 20 is almost or completely pulled off press screw 7. It should be noted that press screw 7 remains completely in place and does not even need to be partially removed.

[0054] Fig. 6illustrates that the assembly 20 can be pivoted away by means of the movement unit 30. Here, a pivoting away of 90° is shown. Fig. 7 shows that the turntable 31 also allows pivoting in the other direction. Already in this state according to the Figures 6 or 7 it is possible to carry out maintenance work on the solids outlet 15.

[0055] Fig. 8 shows that the pivoted assembly 20 can be moved linearly toward the main housing 3. This allows the assembly 20 to be moved as close as possible to the side of the main housing 3 during maintenance.

[0056] In addition to the above written description of the invention, reference is hereby explicitly made to the graphic representation of the invention in the figures for its supplementary disclosure. List of reference symbols

[0057] 1 Press screw separator 2 Housing arrangement 3 Main housing 4 Inlet housing 5 Stand 6 Gear housing 7 Press screw 8 Core 9 Helix 10 Helix-free end 11 Screen 12 Motor 13 Inlet 14 Outlet 15 Solids outlet 20 Assembly (press head) 21 Ring 22 Flaps 23 Rod 24 Weights 25 Blocking element 30 Movement unit 31 Turntable 32 Boom 33 Support 34 Counter bearing 35 Support 40 Pipe 41 Closing cone 42 Actuator 43 Rod 44 Mount 45 Lines

Claims

1. Press screw separator (1) for separating solid components from a slurry containing solid and liquid components, comprising: • a housing arrangement (2) with a solids outlet (15), • a sieve (11) arranged in the housing arrangement (2), • a press screw (7) rotatably arranged in the sieve (11), and • an assembly (20) arranged at the solids outlet (15) in the operating state, • wherein the assembly is arranged on the housing arrangement (2) in a linearly movable and rotatable manner by means of a movement unit, • and wherein the movement unit (30) is designed to pivot the assembly (20) away from the solids outlet (15) for maintenance purposes.

2. Press screw separator according to claim 1, wherein the assembly (20) has a pressing head, the pressing head comprising: • a ring (21) which is detachably fastened, in particular screwed, to the housing arrangement (2) in the region of the solids outlet (15), • and at least one flap (22) which is pivotable relative to the ring (21) and against whose resistance the solids can be pressed.

3. Press screw separator according to claim 2, wherein the resistance of the at least one flap (22) of the press head is adjustable via at least one adjustable weight (24).

4. Press screw separator according to claim 2 or 3, comprising at least one blocking element (25) which can be attached to the assembly (20) in a blocking position for maintenance purposes or is located on the assembly (20) and can be moved into the blocking position for maintenance purposes, wherein the blocking element (25) in the blocking position blocks the at least one flap (22) in the open position.

5. Press screw separator according to claim 1, wherein the assembly (20) has a press head, wherein the press head comprises: • a tube (40) which is detachably fastened, in particular screwed, to the housing arrangement (2) in the region of the solids outlet (15), • a closure cone (41) which can be moved in and out of the tube (2) to form an outlet gap between the tube (40) and the closure cone (42), • an actuator (42) for applying a counterforce to the closure cone (41).

6. Press screw separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement unit (30) comprises a turntable (31) which is arranged on the housing arrangement (2), preferably on the upper side of the housing arrangement (2).

7. Press screw separator according to claim 5, wherein the movement unit (30) comprises a boom (32) which extends parallel to the press screw (7) in the operating state, wherein the boom (32) is attached to the turntable (31) in a linearly movable manner and / or the assembly (20) is attached to the boom (32) in a linearly movable manner.

8. Press screw separator according to claim 6, wherein the press screw (7) is mounted on the boom (32) in the operating state.

9. Press screw separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the operating state, the press screw (7), in particular with its non-helical end (10), projects outward through the assembly (20); preferably, wherein the movement unit (30) is designed such that the assembly (20) is linearly movable until it can be pivoted away unhindered by the press screw (7).

10. Press screw separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement unit (30) is designed such that the assembly (20) can be pivoted away when the press screw (7) is fully assembled.

11. Press screw separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis of rotation of the movement unit (30) is vertical.

12. Press screw separator according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement unit (30) enables the assembly (20) to be pivoted away by at least 60°, preferably by at least 75°, more preferably by at least 90°.

13. Retrofit kit for a press screw separator for separating solid components from a slurry containing solid and liquid components, comprising: • a movement unit (30) by means of which an assembly (20) of the press screw separator (1) can be arranged in a linearly movable and rotatable manner on a housing arrangement (2) of the press screw separator (1), • wherein the assembly (20) can be arranged at a solids outlet (15) of the press screw separator (1) in the operating state, • and wherein the movement unit (30) is designed to pivot the assembly (20) away from the solids outlet (15) for maintenance purposes.

14. Method for servicing a press screw separator (1), in particular the press screw separator (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, comprising the following steps: • Detaching an assembly (20) which is arranged in the operating state at the solids outlet (15) of the press screw separator (1) and which is arranged linearly movable and rotatable on the housing arrangement (2) of the press screw separator (1) by means of a movement unit (30), • Linear movement of the assembly (20) by means of the movement unit (30) and pivoting the assembly (20) away from the solids outlet (15).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein in the operating state the press screw (7), in particular with its non-helical end (10), projects outwards through the assembly (20), wherein the linear movement is carried out until the assembly (20) can be pivoted away from the press screw (7) - with the press screw (7) fully assembled - without hindrance.

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