Airflow conveying system and airflow conveying system operation method

Abstract

To provide an airflow conveyance system and an operation method for the same.SOLUTION: An ejector structure that receives a solid from the bottom of a hopper in an intake port and ejects the solid from the ejection port instead of the conventional airflow conveyance system includes a shooter and a conveyance piping, the shooter having an ejector nozzle that is incorporated inside the shooter casing and for orienting a nozzle tip part to the ejection port, the conveyance piping being connected to the ejection port, for conveying the solid on the airflow. On the basis of static pressure inside the conveyance piping leading to the ejection port of the shooter at a specific location, the clogging condition of the piping is estimated. The specific location is near a location where the static pressure inside a conveyance piping of a slipstream leading to the ejection port is the maximum without conveying the solid in a state where the pressure piping system applies the rated pressure to the back part of the ejector nozzle, wherein the pressure is gauge pressure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an airflow conveying system capable of conveying a solid object by airflow and a method of operating the same. [Background technology]

[0002] A pneumatic conveying system is used to transport the solids. The airflow conveying system conveys solids by entraining them in an airflow through a conveying pipe.

[0003] For example, when a part of a desired shape is punched out of a metal plate by a press, residual chips are generated. The generated chips are transported to the desired location using an airflow transport system. The airflow conveying system is used to convey the chips from the press to a storage area. When the distance from the press to the chip storage area is long, multiple airflow conveying systems are installed along the way.

[0004] The thickness, material or desired shape of the metal strip punched by the press may vary as required. The thickness, material and desired shape of the metal pieces to be conveyed through the air current affect the conveying performance. Although the pneumatic conveying system is designed to prevent clogging by solids, clogging may occur in the conveying piping due to variations in the thickness, material, or desired shape of the metal plate being pneumatically conveyed. When a clog has occurred or is imminent, it may be desirable to disassemble the conveying piping and remove the trapped metal debris. It is therefore desirable to be able to quickly detect the occurrence or impending occurrence of a blockage. It would also be desirable to have an operational method for quickly detecting the occurrence of a blockage and alleviating the blockage before it develops into a situation requiring disassembly and cleaning. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of the above phenomenon, the present invention aims to provide an airflow transport system and an operation method thereof that can estimate the degree of clogging with a simple configuration and reduce or eliminate the degree of clogging based on the estimation result. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an air current conveying system capable of conveying solids by air current, comprising: a hopper which receives solids from an upper portion and discharges them to a lower portion; an ejector structure which receives solids from the lower portion of the hopper at an inlet and discharges them from a discharge outlet, the ejector structure comprising a chute casing which is a casing in which the inlet and the discharge outlet are formed, and an ejector nozzle which is incorporated inside the chute casing and has a nozzle tip facing the discharge outlet; a conveying pipe which is connected to the discharge outlet and transports solids by air current; and the ejector nozzle. and a clogging estimation device that estimates the degree of clogging of the piping based on a specific pressure value, which is the value of the internal static pressure at a specific position of the conveying piping connected to the discharge outlet of the chute, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging, wherein the specific position corresponds to a maximum pressure position, which is a position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying piping connected to the discharge outlet of the chute becomes maximum when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle without conveying any solids, and here the pressure is a gauge pressure.

[0007] According to the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention, the hopper receives solids from the top and discharges them to the bottom. The chute has an ejector structure that receives solids from the bottom of the hopper at an inlet and discharges them from an outlet, and includes a chute casing that is a casing in which the inlet and the outlet are formed, and an ejector nozzle that is incorporated inside the chute casing and faces the nozzle tip toward the outlet. The conveying pipe is connected to the outlet and transports the solids by airflow. The pressure piping system applies pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle. The clogging estimation device estimates the clogging level of the pipe based on a specific pressure value that is the value of the internal static pressure at a specific position that is a specific position of the conveying pipe that is connected to the outlet of the chute, and issues a command according to the estimated clogging level. The specific position is a position that corresponds to a maximum pressure position that is a position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying pipe that is connected to the outlet of the chute is maximum without conveying solids when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle. where the pressure is the gauge pressure. As a result, the degree of clogging of the conveying pipe can be easily estimated.

[0008] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention includes any one of the following embodiments or a combination of two or more of the following embodiments.

[0009] In an air current conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the piping based on a comparison between a specific pressure value and a specified pressure value and issues a command based on the estimated degree of clogging, and the specified pressure value corresponds to the maximum pressure value, which is the absolute value of the static pressure at the position of the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle with the conveying piping previously disconnected from the chute, the outlet open to the atmosphere, and the inlet closed. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the piping based on a comparison between a specific pressure value and a specified pressure value, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging. The specified pressure value corresponds to a maximum pressure value, which is an absolute value of the static pressure at the position of the nozzle tip inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle in a state in which the conveying piping is previously disconnected from the chute, the discharge port is opened to the atmosphere, and the intake port is closed. As a result, the degree of clogging of the conveying pipe can be easily estimated.

[0010] In an airflow conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the specified pressure value is a second specified pressure value P2 that is lower than the maximum pressure value, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and convey the airflow, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, it issues a command to convey the airflow without restricting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure value is a second specified pressure value P2 that is a value smaller than the maximum pressure value. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute for airflow transport. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, it issues a command to transport the solids through the hopper and entering the chute without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute for airflow transport. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0011] In an airflow conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the specified pressure value is a first specified pressure value P1 that is lower than the maximum pressure value and higher than a second specified pressure value P2, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and convey the solids by airflow, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and convey the solids by airflow. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure value is a first specified pressure value P1 that is lower than the maximum pressure value and higher than a second specified pressure value P2. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and transport them by air. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport them by air. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0012] In an airflow conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the specified pressure value is a zeroth specified pressure value P0 which is higher than a first specified pressure value P1 and lower than a maximum pressure value, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure value P0, it issues a command to stop airflow conveying and to disassemble and clean the conveying piping, and when the disassembly and cleaning is completed, it issues a command to continue airflow conveying without restricting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure value is a zeroth specified pressure value P0, which is a value higher than the first specified pressure value P1 and lower than the maximum pressure value. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure value P0, it issues a command to stop the airflow conveyance and to disassemble and clean the conveyance piping. When the disassembly and cleaning is completed, it issues a command to continue the airflow conveyance without limiting the amount of solids that pass through the hopper and enter the chute. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the front conveying piping.

[0013] An airflow conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging to the outside all or a part of the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute, and when the specified pressure value is a second specified pressure value P2 that is lower than the maximum pressure value, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a part of the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute in order to reduce the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute and convey them by airflow, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism not to discharge to the outside the solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute in order to convey them by airflow without restricting the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the solid discharge mechanism can discharge all or part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside. The specified pressure value is a second specified pressure value P2 that is a value lower than the maximum pressure value. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport them by airflow. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism not to discharge the solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside in order to transport them by airflow without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0014] An airflow conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging to the outside all or a part of the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute, and the specified pressure value is a first specified pressure value P1 that is lower than the maximum pressure value and greater than a second specified pressure value P2, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside all of the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute in order to reduce the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute to zero and convey the solids through the hopper, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge a part of the solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute in order to reduce the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute and convey the solids through the hopper. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the solid discharge mechanism can discharge all or part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside. The specified pressure value is a first specified pressure value P1 that is a value lower than the maximum pressure value and higher than a second specified pressure value P2. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, the device issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge all of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and to transport them by airflow. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, the device issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge part of the solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to transport them by airflow. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0015] In an airflow transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging in a pipe based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of increase per unit time of a specific pressure value, and a predetermined specified pressure rise rate value, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging. With the configuration of the above embodiment, the clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging in the piping based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of increase per unit time of a specific pressure value, and a predetermined specified pressure rise rate value, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging. As a result, the degree of clogging of the conveying pipe can be easily estimated.

[0016] In an embodiment of the airflow conveying system of the present invention, the specified pressure rise rate value is a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2 that is smaller than the maximum pressure rise rate value, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute for airflow conveying, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, it issues a command to convey the airflow without restricting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure rise rate value is a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2 that is smaller than the maximum pressure rise rate value. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value exceeds the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute for airflow transport. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, it issues a command to transport the solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute without limiting the amount of solids. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0017] In an embodiment of the airflow conveying system of the present invention, the specified pressure rise rate value is a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1 that is smaller than the maximum pressure value and greater than a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and convey the airflow, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and convey the airflow. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure rise rate value is a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1 that is smaller than the maximum pressure rise rate value and larger than a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value exceeds the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and transport them by air. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport them by air. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0018] In an air current conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the specified pressure rise rate value is a zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0 which is greater than a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, it issues a command to disassemble and clean the conveying piping, and when the disassembly and cleaning is completed, it issues a command to continue air current conveying without restricting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure rise rate value is a zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, which is a value greater than the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, it issues a command to disassemble and clean the conveying pipe. When the disassembly and cleaning is completed, it issues a command to convey the solids through the hopper and into the chute without limiting the amount of solids. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0019] An airflow conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging to the outside all or a portion of the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute, and when the specified pressure rise rate value is a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2 and the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value exceeds the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a portion of the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute in order to reduce the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute for airflow conveyance; when the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism not to discharge to the outside the solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute in order to transport the solids without restricting the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the solid discharge mechanism can discharge all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside. The specified pressure rise rate value is a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value exceeds the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport them through the airflow. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism not to discharge the solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside in order to transport them through the airflow without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0020] An airflow conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging to the outside all or a part of the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute, and when the specified pressure rise rate value is a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1 that is greater than a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value exceeds the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside all of the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute in order to reduce the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute and convey them by airflow, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a part of the solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute in order to reduce the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute and convey them by airflow. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the solid discharge mechanism can discharge all or part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside. The specified pressure rise rate value is a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1 that is greater than the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value exceeds the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge all of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and transport them by air. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge part of the solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport them by air. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0021] In order to achieve the above object, the method of operating an airflow conveying system according to the present invention includes a hopper that receives solids from an upper portion and discharges them to a lower portion, an ejector structure that receives solids from a lower portion of the hopper at an inlet and discharges them from a discharge outlet, the chute having a chute casing that is a casing in which the inlet and the discharge outlet are formed, and an ejector nozzle that is incorporated inside the chute casing and has a nozzle tip facing the discharge outlet, a conveying pipe that is connected to the discharge outlet and transports the solids by airflow, a pressure piping system that applies pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle, and a value of a static pressure inside the conveying pipe that is connected to the discharge outlet of the chute at a specific position that is a specific position of the conveying pipe and a clogging estimation device that estimates the degree of clogging of the piping based on a specific pressure value determined by the clogging estimation device, and a method for operating an airflow conveying system capable of airflow conveying a solid by carrying it on an airflow, the method comprising: a preparation process having a specific position determination process for determining a specific position in advance and a specified pressure value determination process for determining a specified pressure value in advance; and a conveying process for conveying the solid by changing the state of the airflow conveying system according to the degree of clogging estimated by the clogging estimation device, wherein the specific position corresponds to a maximum pressure position, which is a position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying piping connected to the discharge outlet is maximum without conveying a solid when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle, and here the pressure is a gauge pressure.

[0022] According to the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention, the airflow conveying system can convey solids by airflow. The hopper receives solids from the top and discharges them to the bottom. The chute has an ejector structure that receives solids from the bottom of the hopper into an inlet and discharges them from an outlet, and includes a chute casing that is a casing in which the inlet and the outlet are formed, and an ejector nozzle that is incorporated inside the chute casing and faces the nozzle tip toward the outlet. The conveying pipe is connected to the outlet and conveys solids by airflow. The pressure pipe system applies pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle. The clogging estimation device estimates the clogging level of the pipe based on a specific pressure value that is a value of the internal static pressure at a specific position that is a specific position of the conveying pipe that is connected to the outlet of the chute. The preparation process includes a specific position determination process that determines a specific position in advance and a specified pressure value determination process that determines a specified pressure value in advance. The conveying step conveys the solid by changing the state of the airflow conveying system according to the degree of clogging estimated by the clogging estimation device. The specific position corresponds to a maximum pressure position, which is a position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying pipe connected to the discharge port becomes maximum without conveying the solid when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle. Here, the pressure is a gauge pressure. As a result, the degree of clogging of the conveying pipe can be easily estimated.

[0023] The present invention includes any one of the embodiments described below, or a combination of two or more of the embodiments described below.

[0024] In an airflow conveying system operation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, a clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the piping based on a comparison between a specific pressure value, which is the internal static pressure value at a specific position of the conveying piping connected to the exhaust port of the chute, and a specified pressure value, and the specified pressure value corresponds to the maximum pressure value, which is the absolute value of the static pressure at the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle with the conveying piping removed from the chute, the exhaust port open to the atmosphere, and the inlet blocked. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a comparison between a specific pressure value, which is an internal static pressure value at a specific position of the conveying pipe connected to the discharge port of the chute, and a specified pressure value. The specified pressure value corresponds to a maximum pressure value, which is an absolute value of the static pressure at the nozzle tip position inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle in a state where the conveying pipe is removed from the chute, the discharge port is open to the atmosphere, and the inlet is blocked. As a result, the degree of clogging of the conveying pipe can be easily estimated.

[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, an airflow conveying system operation method has a second specified pressure value P2 that is smaller than the maximum pressure value, and the state of the airflow conveying system has a rated conveying state in which airflow conveying is performed without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, and a reduced conveying state in which airflow conveying is performed by reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, and when the clogging estimation mechanism detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the rated conveying state to the reduced conveying state, and when the clogging estimation mechanism detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the rated conveying state. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure value is a second specified pressure value P2 that is a value smaller than the maximum pressure value. The state of the airflow conveying system has a rated conveying state in which the airflow conveys without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, and a reduced conveying state in which the airflow conveys by reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute. When the clogging estimation mechanism detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the rated conveying state to the reduced conveying state. When the clogging estimation mechanism detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the rated conveying state. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the specified pressure value is a first specified pressure value P1 which is higher than a second specified pressure value P2, and the state of the airflow conveying system has the rated conveying state, the reduced conveying state, and a zero conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced to zero and airflow conveyed, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the zero conveying state, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the reduced conveying state. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure value is a first specified pressure value P1, which is a value higher than the second specified pressure value P2. The state of the airflow conveying system has the rated conveying state, the reduced conveying state, and a zero conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is set to zero and airflow conveying is performed. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the zero conveying state. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the reduced conveying state. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the airflow conveying system operation method has a zeroth specified pressure value P0 that is lower than the maximum pressure value and higher than a second specified pressure value P2, and the airflow conveying system has a rated conveying state in which airflow conveying is performed without limiting the amount of solids passing through a hopper and entering a chute, the reduced conveying state, the zero conveying state, and an overhaul cleaning state in which airflow conveying is stopped and the conveying piping is cleaned, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure value P0, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the overhaul cleaning state, and when the overhaul cleaning is completed, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned to the rated conveying state. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure value is a zeroth specified pressure value P0, which is lower than the maximum pressure value and higher than the second specified pressure value P2. The state of the airflow conveying system includes a rated conveying state in which airflow conveying is performed without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, the reduced conveying state, the zero conveying state, and an overhaul cleaning state in which airflow conveying is stopped and the conveying piping is cleaned. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure value P0, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the overhaul cleaning state. When the disassembly and cleaning is completed, the state is changed to the rated transport state. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0028] In an airflow transport system operation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, the clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of a pipe based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of increase per unit time of a specific pressure value, and a predetermined specified pressure rise rate value. With the configuration of the above embodiment, the clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of rise per unit time of a specific pressure value, and a preset specified pressure rise rate value. As a result, the degree of clogging of the conveying pipe can be easily estimated.

[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, an airflow conveying system operation method transitions the state of the airflow conveying system from the rated conveying state to the reduced conveying state when the specified pressure rise rate value is a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2 and the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, and transitions the state of the airflow conveying system from the reduced conveying state to the rated conveying state when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure rise rate value is a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the rated conveying state to the reduced conveying state. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the rated conveying state. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0030] In an airflow conveying system operation method according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the specified pressure rise rate value is a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1 that is greater than a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the zero conveying state, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the reduced conveying state. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure rise rate value is a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1 that is greater than a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value exceeds the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the zero conveying state. When the clogging estimation device detects that the specified pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the reduced conveying state. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0031] In an embodiment of the airflow conveying system operation method of the present invention, the specified pressure rise rate value is a zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0 which is greater than a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, and when the specified pressure equipment detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the disassembly and cleaning state, and when the disassembly and cleaning is completed, the state is transitioned from the disassembly and cleaning state to the rated conveying state. According to the configuration of the above embodiment, the specified pressure rise rate value is a zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, which is a value greater than the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1. When the specified pressure device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the disassembly and cleaning state. When disassembly and cleaning is completed, the state is transitioned from the disassembly and cleaning state to the rated conveying state. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the airflow conveying system operating method includes an airflow conveying system having a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging to the outside all or part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, and the reduced conveying state is a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges to the outside a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, thereby reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and conveying them by airflow. With the configuration of the above embodiment, the solid discharge mechanism can discharge to the outside all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute. The reduced conveying state is a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges to the outside a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, and conveying them by air flow. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, an airflow conveying system operating method includes an airflow conveying system having a solid discharge mechanism that can discharge to the outside all or part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, and the zero conveying state is a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges to the outside all of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero, thereby enabling airflow conveying. With the configuration of the above embodiment, the solid discharge mechanism can discharge all or part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside. The zero conveying state is a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges all of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside, making the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute zero, and conveying them by air flow. As a result, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. Effect of the Invention

[0034] As described above, the air transport system according to the present invention has the following advantages due to its configuration. In an air current conveying system in which an ejector nozzle incorporated inside a chute that receives solids from the bottom of a hopper that receives solids from above and discharges them from a discharge outlet, the nozzle tip is directed toward the discharge outlet connected to a conveying piping, and solids are conveyed by changing the state of the air current conveying system in accordance with the degree of clogging of the piping estimated based on a specific static pressure at a specific position corresponding to a maximum pressure position, which is a position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying piping connected to the discharge outlet is at a maximum while the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle to prevent the solids from being conveyed, and the pressure is a gauge pressure, so that the degree of clogging of the conveying piping can be easily estimated. The degree of clogging of the piping is estimated based on a comparison between a specific pressure value and a specified pressure value, and the specified pressure value corresponds to the maximum pressure value, which is the absolute value of the static pressure at the position of the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle with the conveying piping previously removed from the chute, the outlet open to the atmosphere, and the inlet closed.This makes it possible to easily estimate the degree of clogging of the conveying piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds a second specified pressure value P2 that is lower than the maximum pressure value, a command is issued to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport them by airflow, and when it is detected that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, a command is issued to transport them by airflow without restricting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute.This makes it possible to operate the airflow transport system while suppressing clogging of the transport piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds a first specified pressure value P1 that is lower than the maximum pressure value, a command is issued to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and transport them by airflow, and when it is detected that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, a command is issued to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport them by airflow, so that the airflow transport system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the transport piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds the 0th specified pressure value P0, which is a value lower than the maximum pressure value, a command is issued to stop the airflow conveying and to disassemble and clean the conveying piping, and when the disassembly and cleaning is completed, a command is issued to continue the airflow conveying without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, so that the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds a second specified pressure value P2, which is a value lower than the maximum pressure value, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a portion of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport them through the airflow, and when it is detected that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism not to discharge to the outside the solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, in order to transport them through the airflow without restricting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute.This allows the airflow conveying system to be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds a first specified pressure value P1, which is a value lower than the maximum pressure value, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside the entire amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and transport by airflow, and when it is detected that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge a portion of the solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport by airflow, so that the airflow transport system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the transport piping. The degree of blockage of the piping is estimated based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of increase per unit time of a specific pressure value, and a predetermined specified pressure rise rate value, and a command is issued according to the estimated degree of blockage, so that the degree of blockage of the conveying piping can be easily estimated. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, a command is issued to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute for air flow transport, and when it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, a command is issued to transport the solids by air flow without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute.This makes it possible to operate the air flow transport system while suppressing clogging of the transport piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, a command is issued to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and transport them by air, and when it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, a command is issued to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport them by air, so that the airflow transport system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the transport piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the 0th specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, a command is issued to disassemble and clean the conveying piping, and when the disassembly and cleaning is completed, a command is issued to continue air flow conveying without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, so that the air flow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a portion of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport them by airflow, and when it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism not to discharge to the outside the solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, in order to transport them by airflow without restricting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute.This allows the airflow conveying system to be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside all of the solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and transport them through the airflow, and when it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a portion of the solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and transport them through the airflow, so that the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air current transport system that has a simple configuration and is operated by accurately estimating that a blockage has occurred or is about to occur.

[0035] As described above, the method for operating the airflow transport system according to the present invention has the following advantages due to its configuration: In an air current conveying system in which an ejector nozzle incorporated inside a chute that receives solids from the bottom of a hopper that receives solids from above and discharges them from a discharge outlet has its tip directed toward the discharge outlet connected to a conveying piping, the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle to prevent the solids from being conveyed, and the state of the air current conveying system is changed according to the degree of clogging of the piping estimated based on a specific static pressure at a specific position corresponding to a maximum pressure position, which is a position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying piping connected to the discharge outlet is at a maximum, and the pressure is a gauge pressure, so that the degree of clogging of the conveying piping can be easily estimated. The clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the piping based on a comparison between a specific pressure value and a specified pressure value, and the specified pressure value corresponds to the maximum pressure value, which is the absolute value of the static pressure at the position of the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle with the conveying piping previously removed from the chute, the discharge port open to the atmosphere, and the inlet closed.This makes it possible to easily estimate the degree of clogging of the conveying piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds a second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the rated conveying state to the reduced conveying state, and when the clogging estimation mechanism detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the rated conveying state.This makes it possible to operate the airflow conveying system while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds a first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to a zero conveying state, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the reduced conveying state.This makes it possible to operate the airflow conveying system while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds the zero specified pressure value P0, the state of the air flow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the disassembly and cleaning state, and when the disassembly and cleaning is completed, the state is transitioned to the rated conveying state, so that the air flow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. The degree of blockage of the piping is estimated based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of rise per unit time of a specific pressure value, and a preset specified pressure rise rate value, so that the degree of blockage of the conveying piping can be easily estimated. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the rated conveying state to the reduced conveying state, and when the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the rated conveying state.Therefore, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the zero conveying state, and when it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the reduced conveying state.This makes it possible to operate the airflow conveying system while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the zero specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, the state of the air flow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the disassembly and cleaning state, and when the disassembly and cleaning is completed, the state is transitioned from the disassembly and cleaning state to the rated conveying state, so that the air flow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. The reduced conveying state is a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges to the outside a portion of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute, and conveying them by airflow, so that the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. The zero conveying state is a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges to the outside all of the solids passing through the hopper and attempting to enter the chute, reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper and attempting to enter the chute to zero, and conveys the solids by airflow, so that the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. Therefore, it is possible to provide a method for operating an airflow transport system that can accurately estimate, with a simple configuration, that a blockage has occurred or that a blockage is about to occur. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall view of an airflow transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an airflow conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partial view of an airflow transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an airflow conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a structural cross-sectional view of an airflow conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an airflow transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a first solid discharge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a second solid discharge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram of an airflow transport system operation method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of an airflow transport system operating method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of an airflow transport system operation method according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a state transition diagram of an airflow transportation system operating method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a state transition diagram of an airflow transportation system operating method according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, an airflow transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall view of an air current conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an air current conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partial view of an air current conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an air current conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a structural cross-sectional view of an air current conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of an air current conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a first solid discharge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of a second solid discharge mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The pneumatic conveying system according to the embodiment of the present invention is composed of a hopper 30, a chute 40, a conveying pipe 50, a pressure pipe system 60, and a clogging estimation device 80. The pneumatic conveying system according to the embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a hopper 30 , a chute 40 , a conveying pipe 50 , a pressure pipe system 60 , a clogging estimation device 80 , and a solid discharge mechanism 90 . The pneumatic conveying system according to the embodiment of the present invention may be comprised of a solid generation source 20 , a hopper 30 , a chute 40 , a conveying pipe 50 , a pressure pipe system 60 , and a clogging estimation device 80 . The pneumatic conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention may be comprised of a solid generation source 20 , a hopper 30 , a chute 40 , a conveying pipe 50 , a pressure pipe system 60 , a clogging estimation device 80 , and a solid discharge mechanism 90 . A pneumatic conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention may be comprised of a solids source 20 , a hopper 30 , a chute 40 , conveying piping 50 , a pressure piping system 60 , a solids bucket 70 , and a clog estimation device 80 . An airflow conveying system according to an embodiment of the present invention may be comprised of a solid generation source 20, a hopper 30, a chute 40, conveying piping 50, a pressure piping system 60, a solid bucket 70, a clogging estimation device 80, and a solid discharge mechanism 90.

[0039] The solid source 20 is a source that generates solids. For example, the solid source 20 is a chip generating source that generates chips. For example, the chip generating source is a press. In a press, a metal plate is punched with a die to create the desired product. The remaining part of the metal plate after the desired product is cut becomes scrap. The chips may be cut to a desired size by a crusher, so that the chips are smaller than the desired size. A hopper 30 and a chute 40 are positioned below the mold. The chips are guided by the hopper 30 and fall into the chute 40 . The chips are carried by the air current through the downstream conveying pipe 50. By varying the operating speed of the press, the rate at which chips are generated can be varied.

[0040] The hopper 30 is structured to receive solids from an upper portion and discharge them to a lower portion. For example, the hopper 30 is disposed below the solids source 20 . For example, the hopper 30 is provided in the middle of the airflow conveying system. FIG. 2(A) shows that a hopper 30 is provided below the solid source 20 . FIG. 2(B) shows a state in which a hopper 30 is provided in the middle of the air current conveying system.

[0041] The structure of the chute 40 is shown in FIG. The chute 40 has an ejector structure that receives solids from the lower part of the hopper 30 at an inlet P and discharges them from a discharge outlet R. The chute 40 is composed of a chute casing 41 and an ejector nozzle 42 . The chute casing 41 is a casing in which an inlet P and a discharge outlet R are formed. The chute casing 41 is a casing having an internal space in which an inlet P and a discharge outlet R are formed. The ejector nozzle 42 is a mechanical element that is incorporated into the internal space of the chute casing 41 and has a nozzle tip Q directed toward the discharge port R. When pressure is applied to the back of the ejector nozzle 42, gas is blown out from the nozzle tip Q into the shooter casing 41 at increased speed. When the solid 10 falls from the bottom of the hopper 30 into the chute casing 41, it is carried by the air current and sent through the discharge port R to the conveying pipe 50.

[0042] The transport pipe 50 is connected to the discharge port R of the chute 40 and transports the solid 10 by entraining it in an air current. The conveying pipe 50 is a pipe through which an air current flows and conveys the solid 10 on the air current. For example, the conveying pipe 50 is a pipe that conveys chips by passing air through it. The upstream portion of the conveying pipe 50 is connected to the discharge port R of the chute 40 . The chips are carried by the air current into the transport pipe 50. The conveying piping 50 is distributed between the solids source 20 and the solids bucket 70 and conveys the swarf from the solids source 20 to the solids bucket 70 . For example, the conveying pipe 50 is made up of a first conveying pipe 51, a second conveying pipe 52, . . . an Nth conveying pipe. A first conveying pipe 51 connects the second hopper 32 to a chute 40 provided at the bottom of a first hopper 31 connected to the bottom of the solid generation source 20 . The second conveying pipe 52 connects the chute 40 provided below the second hopper 32 and the third hopper 33 .

[0043] The pressure piping system 60 applies pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle 42 . For example, pressure line 60 applies a rated pressure to the back of ejector nozzle 42 . The gas is blown out into the shooter casing 41 at a flow rate corresponding to the pressure value applied to the back of the nozzle tip Q of the ejector nozzle 42.

[0044] The solids bucket 70 is a container for collecting solids delivered by the pneumatic conveying system. For example, the solids bucket 70 is a container for collecting chips delivered by the pneumatic conveying system.

[0045] The clogging estimation device 80 is a device that estimates the degree of clogging in the airflow transport system. The clogging estimation device 80 may estimate the degree of clogging in the pipe based on the specific pressure value and issue a command according to the estimated degree of clogging. The specific pressure value is the static pressure inside the conveying pipe at the specific location. The particular position is the position that corresponds to the maximum pressure position. The maximum pressure position is the position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying pipe 50 connected to the discharge outlet of the chute 40 becomes maximum when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle without conveying any solids. Here, the pressure is a gauge pressure. For example, the particular location is a location near the location of maximum pressure. For example, the specific position is a position closer to the chute 40 than the maximum pressure position.

[0046] The clogging estimation device 80 estimates the degree of clogging of the pipe based on the specific pressure value. The clogging estimation device 80 may estimate the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a comparison between the specific pressure value and a specified pressure value. The clogging estimation device 80 may estimate the degree of clogging in the pipe based on a comparison between the specific pressure value and a specified pressure value, and issue a command according to the estimated degree of clogging. For example, the clogging estimation device 80 estimates that the degree of clogging in the pipe has worsened when the specific pressure value exceeds a specified pressure value, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging. For example, the clogging estimation device 80 estimates that the degree of clogging in the pipe has been improved when the specific pressure value does not exceed a specified pressure value, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging.

[0047] The specified pressure value is a value that corresponds to the maximum pressure value. The maximum pressure value is the absolute value of the static pressure at the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing 41 when the pressure piping system 60 applies the rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle with the conveying piping 50 previously removed from the chute, the discharge port R open to the atmosphere, and the intake port P closed. Here, the pressure values ​​are gauge pressures. When the conveying piping 50 is previously removed from the chute, the discharge port R is opened to the atmosphere, and the intake port P is closed, and the pressure piping system 60 applies the rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle, the static pressure at the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing 41 is negative. The specified pressure value is set in advance. For example, the specified pressure value is a maximum pressure value. For example, the specified pressure value is a value lower than the maximum pressure value. For example, the nominal pressure value is a lower value closer to the maximum pressure value. The specified pressure value may be preset based on a trial run. A correlation between a specific pressure value and a degree of clogging may be set in advance, and a specified pressure value may be set. The extent to which the specified pressure value is lower than the maximum pressure value may correspond to the extent to which the specific position is closer to the chute than the maximum pressure position. For example, when the distance between the chute and the specific position is A% of the distance between the chute and the maximum pressure position, the specified pressure value is A% of the maximum pressure value.

[0048] The clogging estimation device 80 may estimate the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of rise per unit time of the specific pressure value. The clogging estimation device 80 may estimate the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of rise of the specific pressure value per unit time, and issue a command according to the estimated degree of clogging. For example, the clogging estimation device 80 estimates the degree of clogging in the pipe based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of increase per unit time of a specific pressure value, and a predetermined specified pressure rise rate value, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging. For example, the clogging estimation device 80 estimates the degree of clogging in the pipe based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of increase per unit time of a specific pressure value, and a preset specified pressure rise rate value, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging.

[0049] Based on a test run, a specified pressure rise rate value may be preset. A specified pressure rise rate value may be set in advance such that, when a specific pressure value is measured, if the degree of clogging continues to progress, the specified pressure value is expected to be reached. The specified pressure rise rate value may be associated with the value of the particular measured pressure value. For example, a high specified pressure rise rate value is associated with a low specified pressure value. The relationship between the prescribed pressure rise rate value and the specific pressure value is determined in advance by experiment. For example, when the pressure rises from a provisional specific pressure value at a provisional specified pressure rise rate value, when it is determined that the specified pressure value will be reached within a specified time, the provisional specified pressure rise rate value is set to the specified pressure rise rate value corresponding to the provisional specific pressure value. Therefore, a graph or table showing the relationship between the specific pressure value and the specified pressure rise rate value may be prepared in advance.

[0050] The solid discharge mechanism 90 is a mechanism capable of discharging all or a portion of the amount of solids 10 passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 to the outside. The solids discharge mechanism 90 may be located inside the hopper 30 . A solids discharge mechanism 90 may be disposed between the solids source 20 and the hopper 30 . In FIG. 7, the solids discharge mechanism 90 is shown installed inside the hopper 30. For example, the solid discharge mechanism 90 is a flap 91 that can open and close a solid discharge outlet O provided on the side surface of the hopper 30. The flap 91 is rotated by a swing mechanism (not shown). By swinging the flap 91, the solid discharge port O can be closed or opened. By selecting the swing position of the flap 91, it is possible to discharge to the outside all of the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40, discharge to the outside only a portion of the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40, or not discharge to the outside all of the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40. By selecting the angle of swing of the flap 91, the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and into the chute 40 can be adjusted. FIG. 7(A) shows a state in which not all of the solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 are discharged to the outside. The result is unrestricted air transport of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and into the chute. FIG. 7(B) shows how a portion of the solid mass passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 is discharged to the outside. As a result, the amount of solids passing through the hopper and into the chute is reduced and air conveyed. By varying the angle of the flap 91, the proportion of the total amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and into the chute 40 can be adjusted. FIG. 7(C) shows the state in which the entire amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 is discharged to the outside.

[0051] In FIG. 8, the solids discharge mechanism 90 is shown mounted externally to the hopper 30 . FIG. 8(A) shows a state in which not all of the solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 are discharged to the outside. The result is unrestricted air transport of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and into the chute. FIG. 8(B) shows a state in which a portion of the amount of solids just before entering the hopper 30 is discharged to the outside, and a portion of the amount of solids that has passed through the hopper 30 and is about to enter the chute 40 is discharged to the outside. As a result, the amount of solids passing through the hopper and into the chute is reduced and air conveyed. By varying the angle of the flap 91, the proportion of the total amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and into the chute 40 can be adjusted. FIG. 8(C) shows how all of the solids just before entering the hopper 30 are discharged to the outside, and how all of the solids passing through the hopper 30 and about to enter the chute 40 are discharged to the outside. As a result, the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced to zero and transported through the air current.

[0052] The specified pressure value may be one of a zeroth specified pressure value P0, a first specified pressure value P1, or a second specified pressure value P2. For example, the zeroth specified pressure value P0 is a value lower than the maximum pressure value. For example, the zeroth specified pressure value P0 is 90% of the maximum pressure value. For example, the zeroth specified pressure value P0 is a value that is 80% of the maximum pressure value. The first specified pressure value P1 is a value lower than the zeroth specified pressure value P0. The first specified pressure value P2 is a value lower than the first specified pressure value P1.

[0053] The specified pressure rise rate value may be one of a zeroth specified pressure rise rate ΔP0, a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, or a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2. The specified pressure increase rate value is set in advance. The zeroth specified pressure rise rate ΔP0 may be a specified pressure rise rate value at which disassembly and cleaning is required after a predetermined time has elapsed if the degree of clogging continues to progress. For example, the zeroth specified pressure rise rate ΔP0 is a specified pressure rise rate value at which disassembly and cleaning will be required immediately if the degree of clogging continues to progress. The first specified pressure increase rate value ΔP1 is a value lower than the zeroth specified pressure increase rate ΔP0. The second specified pressure increase rate value ΔP2 is a value lower than the first specified pressure increase rate value ΔP1.

[0054] Hereinafter, a method of operating the airflow transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of the air transport system according to the embodiment of the present invention Fig. 5 is an operational diagram of the air transport system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The pneumatic conveying system is a system capable of pneumatically conveying solids by entraining them in an air current, and may be composed of a hopper 30, a chute 40, a conveying pipe 50, and a pressure pipe system 60. The pneumatic conveying system is a system capable of pneumatically conveying solids by entraining them in an air current, and may be composed of a hopper 30, a chute 40, a conveying pipe 50, a pressure pipe 60, and a clogging estimation device 80. The pneumatic conveying system is a system capable of pneumatically conveying solids by entraining them in an air current, and may be composed of a solid generating source 20 , a hopper 30 , a chute 40 , conveying piping 50 , and a pressure piping system 60 . The pneumatic conveying system is a system capable of pneumatically conveying solids by entraining them in an air current, and may be comprised of a solid generation source 20, a hopper 30, a chute 40, conveying piping 50, a pressure piping system 60, and a clogging estimation device 80. The airflow conveying system is a system capable of conveying solids by airflow, and may be composed of a solid generation source 20, a hopper 30, a chute 40, conveying piping 50, a pressure piping system 60, a clogging estimation device 80, and a solid discharge mechanism 90.

[0056] The configurations of the solid generation source 20, hopper 30, chute 40, transport piping 50, pressure piping system 60, estimating device 80 and solid discharge mechanism 90 are the same as those described above, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] The method for operating the airflow transportation system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a preparation step S10 and a transportation step S20.

[0058] The preparation step S10 includes a specified pressure value determination step S11 and a specific position determination step S12.

[0059] The specified pressure value determination step S11 is a step of determining a specified pressure value. A trial run is performed, the conveying piping 50 is removed from the chute 40, the discharge port R is opened to the atmosphere, and the intake port P is blocked. With the pressure piping system 60 applying the rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle 42, the value corresponding to the absolute value of the static pressure at the nozzle tip Q inside the chute casing 41 is defined as the specified pressure value. Here, the pressure is a gauge pressure. The conveying pipe 50 is removed from the chute 40 and the discharge port R is opened to the atmosphere. The intake port P is blocked with a blind flange. A pressure gauge is attached to the blind flange so that the static pressure inside the chute can be measured. It is preferable that the position where the pressure gauge is attached overlaps with the position of the nozzle tip Q of the ejector nozzle 42 when viewed from above. When the pressure line 60 applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle 42, the pressure gauge output is recorded. Since gauge pressure is measured, the pressure recorded is a negative pressure. The pressure corresponding to the absolute value of the measured pressure is set as the specified pressure value. The value smaller than the absolute value of the measured pressure is set as the specified pressure value. For example, 80% of the absolute value of the measured pressure is set as the specified pressure value.

[0060] The discharge port R of the chute 40 is connected to the conveying pipe 50. The intake port P of the chute 40 is connected to the lower part of the hopper 30.

[0061] The specific position determining step S12 is a step of determining the specific position X. The specific position X is the position corresponding to the maximum pressure position. The maximum pressure position is the position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying pipe 50 connected to the discharge port R is at its maximum when the pressure piping system 60 is applying rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle 42 and not transporting the solid 10. For example, a plurality of pressure gauges are attached to the downstream conveying pipe 50 connected to the discharge port R at arbitrary intervals so that the static pressure inside the conveying pipe can be measured. For example, with the pressure piping system 60 applying rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle 42, without transporting any solids, the outputs of multiple pressure gauges are compared, and the installation position of the pressure gauge outputting the greatest pressure is determined to be a specific position. For example, with the pressure piping system 60 applying rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle 42, without transporting any solids, the outputs of multiple pressure gauges are compared, and the installation position of the pressure gauge one position closer to the chute than the installation position of the pressure gauge outputting the greatest pressure is determined as the specific position.

[0062] The clogging estimation device 80 estimates the degree of clogging of the pipe based on the specific pressure value. The clogging estimation device 80 may estimate the degree of clogging in the pipe based on the specific pressure value, and issue a command according to the estimated degree of clogging. The clogging estimation device 80 may estimate the degree of clogging in the pipe based on the specific pressure value, and issue a command to an operator according to the estimated degree of clogging. The clogging estimation device 80 may estimate the degree of clogging in the pipe based on the specific pressure value, and may issue a command signal according to the estimated degree of clogging.

[0063] The clogging estimation device 80 may estimate the degree of clogging in the pipe based on a comparison between the specific pressure value and a specified pressure value, and issue a command according to the estimated degree of clogging. The clogging estimation device 80 may measure the internal static pressure at a specific position in the conveying pipe 50 connected to the discharge outlet of the chute, estimate the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a comparison of the specific pressure value, which is the measured static pressure value, with a specified pressure value, and issue a command according to the estimated degree of clogging. The clog estimator 80 measures specific pressure values ​​when the pneumatic conveying system is pneumatically conveying solids.

[0064] When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, it may issue a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute 40 and transport them through the airflow. For example, when the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, it may instruct the operator to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute 40 and transport them through the airflow. An operator may pneumatically convey a reduced amount of solids passing through the hopper and into the chute 40 . For example, the operator performs an operation to reduce the frequency of occurrence of solids. Reducing the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and into the chute 40 is expected to unclog the conveying pipe 50. When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, it may issue a command to air-transport the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute 40 without limiting the amount of solids. For example, when the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, it may instruct the operator to continue air transport without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40. The operator operates the pneumatic conveying without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper and into the chute 40.

[0065] When the pneumatic conveying system includes a solid discharge mechanism 90, the following operation may be performed. When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, it may issue a command to the solid discharge mechanism 90 to discharge to the outside a portion of the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute 40, in order to reduce the amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper and enter the chute 40 and transport them by airflow. A solids discharge mechanism 90 discharges to the outside a portion of the quantity of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 . The amount of solids attempting to pass through the hopper 30 and into the chute 40 is reduced. As the amount of solids passing through hopper 30 and into chute 40 decreases, the blockage in conveying pipe 50 is expected to clear. When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism not to discharge to the outside the solids that are about to pass through the hopper 30 and enter the chute 40, in order to transport the solids by air current without limiting the amount of solids that are about to pass through the hopper 30 and enter the chute 40. The solids discharge mechanism prevents solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 from being discharged to the outside. The operation involves air current conveying without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40.

[0066] When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, it may issue a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 to zero and transport them by airflow. For example, when the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, it issues a command to the operator to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 to zero and transport them by airflow. The operator operates the pneumatic conveying operation to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 to zero. For example, the operator performs an operation to set the occurrence frequency of solids to zero. The operator operates the pneumatic conveying operation to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 to zero. When the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and into the chute 40 reaches zero, the conveying pipe 50 is expected to unclog. When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, it may issue a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 for airflow transport. For example, when the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, it may instruct the operator to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 and transport them through the airflow. When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, it may issue a command to air-transport the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 without limiting the amount of solids. For example, when the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, it may instruct the operator to air-transport the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 without limiting the amount of solids.

[0067] When the pneumatic conveying system includes a solid discharge mechanism 90, the following operation may be performed. When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, it may issue a command to the solid discharge mechanism 90 to discharge to the outside all of the solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 to zero and transport them by air current. A solids discharge mechanism 90 causes the entire amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and into the chute 40 to be discharged to the outside. The amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and into the chute 40 drops to zero. When the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and into the chute 40 reaches zero, the conveying pipe 50 is expected to unclog. A solids discharge mechanism 90 discharges any solids passing through the hopper 30 and into the chute 40 . The amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and into the chute 40 drops to zero. When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, it may issue a command to the solid discharge mechanism 90 to discharge some of the solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 and enable air current transport. When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, it may issue a command to the solid discharge mechanism 90 not to discharge solids that are passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, in order to transport the solids by air current without restricting the amount of solids that are passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40.

[0068] When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure value P0, it may issue a command to stop the airflow conveyance and to disassemble and clean the conveyance pipe 50. For example, when the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure value P0, it issues a command to the operator to stop the airflow conveyance and to disassemble and clean the conveyance pipe 50. An operator disassembles the conveying pipe 50 and checks the conveying pipe 50 for blockages. After the operator removes the solid matter remaining inside the conveying pipe 50, the disassembled conveying pipe 50 is reassembled and air conveying is resumed.

[0069] The operation of the air flow transport system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the airflow transport system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] When no solid is being transported, with the pressure piping system 60 applying a rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle 42, the static pressure at the specific position X is lower than the zeroth specified pressure value P0. FIG. 6(A) shows the static pressure distribution in the conveying piping when no solid is being conveyed with the rated pressure applied to the back of the ejector nozzle 42. The static pressure at the specific position X is lower than the second specified pressure value P2. When the pressure piping system 60 conveys a solid while applying a rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle 42, the static pressure inside the conveying piping 50 increases, and the static pressure at the specific position X approaches the second specified pressure value P2. FIG. 6B shows how a solid flows through the conveying pipe and the static pressure distribution in the conveying pipe increases when a rated pressure is applied to the back of the ejector nozzle 42. When the pressure piping system 60 applies a rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle 42 and a solid is about to remain in the conveying piping 50, the static pressure inside the conveying piping 50 increases, and the static pressure at the specific position X exceeds the second specified pressure value P2 and approaches the first specified pressure value P1. For example, if the amount of solids passing through the hopper and into the chute is reduced, the amount of solids in the conveying pipe will decrease and the static pressure at a particular location X will decrease. FIG. 6(C) shows that when a rated pressure is applied to the back of the ejector nozzle 42 and a solid is about to become retained in the conveying pipe 50, the static pressure inside the conveying pipe 50 rises, and the static pressure at a specific position X exceeds the first specified pressure value P1 and approaches the zeroth specified pressure value P0. When the static pressure at the specific position X reaches the zeroth specified pressure value P0, the operator stops the operation of the pneumatic conveying system, disassembles the conveying piping 50, and removes the retained solids. After the disassembly and cleaning is completed, the operator assembles the conveying piping 50.

[0071] Next, a method of operating the airflow transport system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 9 is a state transition diagram of an air current transport system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a state transition diagram of an air current transport system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a state transition diagram of an air current transport system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a state transition diagram of an air current transport system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a state transition diagram of an air current transport system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] The configuration of the air transport system is the same as that of the air transport system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] The method for operating the airflow transportation system according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a preparation process S10 and a transportation process S20. The preparation step S10 is made up of a specified pressure value determination step S11 and a specific position determination step S12. The specified pressure value determination step S11 is a step of determining a specified pressure value. The specified pressure value determination step S11 may determine a specified pressure increase rate value. The specified pressure value corresponds to the maximum pressure value, which is the absolute value of the static pressure at the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies the rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle with the conveying piping 50 removed from the chute, the discharge port open to the atmosphere, and the inlet blocked. The configuration of the specified pressure value and the specified pressure rise rate value is the same as that of the air flow conveying system according to the embodiment of the present invention, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The specific position determination step S12 is a step of determining the specific position. The specific position corresponds to the maximum pressure position, which is the position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying pipe 50 connected to the discharge outlet is maximum when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle without conveying any solids.

[0074] Hereinafter, the transport process of the airflow transport system operating method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 shows a state transition diagram of the transport process of the airflow transport system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The conveying step of the air conveying system operating method according to the first embodiment of the present invention changes the state of the air conveying system among a rated conveying state T21, a reduced conveying state T22, a zero conveying state T23, and a disassembly and cleaning state T24. The rated conveying state T21 is a state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 is conveyed by air flow without any restriction. The reduced transport state T22 is a state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 is reduced and transported by air current. The reduced transport state T22 may be a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges to the outside a portion of the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, thereby reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 and transporting them by airflow. The zero conveying state T23 is a state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 is reduced to zero and conveyed by air current. The zero conveying state T23 may be a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges to the outside all of the solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 to zero, and conveys them through airflow. The disassembly and cleaning state T24 is a state in which the airflow transport is stopped and the transport piping 50 is cleaned. An operator may stop the airflow conveyance to clear the conveyance piping 50 .

[0075] When the clogging estimation mechanism 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the rated conveying state T21 to the reduced conveying state T22. When the clogging estimation mechanism detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the reduced conveying state T22 to the rated conveying state T21.

[0076] When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the rated conveying state T21 to the reduced conveying state T22. When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the reduced conveying state T22 to the rated conveying state T21.

[0077] When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the reduced conveying state T22 to the zero conveying state T23. When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the zero conveying state T23 to the reduced conveying state T22.

[0078] When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the reduced conveying state T22 to the zero conveying state T23. When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the zero conveying state T23 to the reduced conveying state T23.

[0079] When the clogging estimation device 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure value, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the zero conveying state T23 to a disassembly and cleaning state T24. For example, the clogging estimation device 80 issues an alarm, and an operator disassembles and cleans the conveying pipe. When the disassembly and cleaning is completed, the state may be transitioned to the rated transport state T21.

[0080] When the specified pressure device 80 detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, the state of the air conveying system may be transitioned from the zero conveying state T23 to the disassembly and cleaning state T24. For example, the clogging estimation device 80 issues an alarm, and an operator disassembles and cleans the conveying pipe. When the disassembly and cleaning is completed, the disassembly and cleaning state T24 may be transitioned to the rated transport state T21.

[0081] Next, a transport process of an airflow transport system operating method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 shows a state transition diagram of the transport process of the airflow transport system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In the transport step of the airflow transport system operating method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the state of the airflow transport system may be changed between a rated transport state T21 and a disassembly and cleaning state T24. When the clogging estimation mechanism 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure value P0, the state of the pneumatic conveying system may be transitioned from the rated conveying state T21 to the decomposing device state T24. When the disassembly and cleaning is completed, the state transitions to the rated transport state T21.

[0082] Next, a transport process of an airflow transport system operating method according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 shows a state transition diagram of a transport process of an airflow transport system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. When the clogging estimation mechanism 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the rated conveying state T21 to the reduced conveying state T22. The amount of solids discharged to the outside by the solid discharge mechanism may be changed depending on the degree to which the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2 when the state is the reduced transfer state T22. For example, the swing angle of the flap 91 is adjusted so that the amount of solids discharged to the outside by the solid discharge mechanism increases as the degree to which the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2 increases. When the clogging estimation mechanism detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the reduced conveying state T22 to the rated conveying state T21.

[0083] Next, a transport process of an airflow transport system operating method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 shows a state transition diagram of the transport process of the airflow transport system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. When the clogging estimation mechanism 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the rated conveying state T21 to the zero conveying state T23. When the clogging estimation mechanism detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the zero conveying state T23 to the rated conveying state T21.

[0084] Next, a transport process of the airflow transport system operating method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 shows a state transition diagram of a transport process of an airflow transport system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. When the clogging estimation mechanism 80 detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system may be transitioned from the reduced conveying state T22 to the zero conveying state T23. When the clogging estimation mechanism detects that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow transport system may be transitioned from the zero transport state T23 to the reduced transport state T22.

[0085] As described above, the use of the airflow transport system according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages. An ejector nozzle incorporated inside a chute that receives solids from the bottom of a hopper 30 that receives solids from above and discharges them from a discharge outlet points the nozzle tip toward the discharge outlet and issues a command according to the degree of clogging of the piping estimated based on a specific pressure value at a specific position of the conveying piping 50 connected to the discharge outlet, and the specific position is a position that corresponds to a maximum pressure position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying piping 50 connected to the discharge outlet is maximum when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle to prevent solids from being transported, and the pressure is a gauge pressure, so that the degree of clogging of the conveying piping 50 can be easily estimated. The clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the piping based on a comparison between a specific pressure value and a specified pressure value, and the specified pressure value corresponds to the maximum pressure value, which is the absolute value of the static pressure at the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle with the conveying piping 50 previously removed from the chute, the outlet open to the atmosphere, and the inlet closed. This makes it possible to easily estimate the degree of clogging of the conveying piping 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds a second specified pressure value P2 that is lower than the maximum pressure value, a command is issued to the operator to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 and transport them by air current, and when it is detected that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, a command is issued to the operator to transport them by air current without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40, so that the air current transport system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the transport piping 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds a first specified pressure value P1 that is lower than the maximum pressure value, a command is issued to the operator to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 to zero and transport by air current, and when it is detected that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, a command is issued to the operator to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 and transport by air current, so that the air current transport system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the transport piping 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure value P0, which is a value lower than the maximum pressure value, a command is issued to the operator to stop the airflow conveyance and disassemble and clean the conveying piping 50, and when the disassembly and cleaning is completed, a command is issued to continue the airflow conveyance without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40, so that the airflow conveyance system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds a second specified pressure value P2, which is a value lower than the maximum pressure value, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a portion of the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 and transport them through the airflow, and when it is detected that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism not to discharge to the outside the solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40, in order to transport them through the airflow without restricting the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40.Therefore, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds a first specified pressure value P1, which is a value lower than the maximum pressure value, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside all of the solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 to zero and enable airflow transport, and when it is detected that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge a portion of the solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 and enable airflow transport, so that the airflow transport system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the transport piping 50. The degree of clogging of the piping is estimated based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of rise per unit time of a specific pressure value, and a predetermined specified pressure rise rate value, and a command is issued according to the estimated degree of clogging, so that the degree of clogging of the conveying piping 50 can be easily estimated. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, a command is issued to the operator to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 and transport them by airflow, and when it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, a command is issued to the operator to transport them by airflow without restricting the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40. The airflow conveying system can be operated while preventing clogging of the conveying pipe 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, a command is issued to the operator to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 to zero and transport them by air current, and when it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, a command is issued to the operator to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40 and transport them by air current, so that the air current transport system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the transport piping 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the 0th specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, a command is issued to the operator to disassemble and clean the conveying piping 50, and when the disassembly and cleaning is completed, a command is issued to the operator to continue airflow conveying without limiting the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and entering the chute 40, so that the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a portion of the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 and transport them by airflow, and when it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism not to discharge to the outside the solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, in order to transport them by airflow without restricting the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40. Therefore, the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside all of the solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 to zero and transport them by airflow. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, a command is issued to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside some of the solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, in order to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 and transport them by airflow. Therefore, the airflow transport system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the transport piping 50. Therefore, it is possible to provide an air current transport system that has a simple configuration and is operated by accurately estimating that a blockage has occurred or is about to occur.

[0086] As described above, the use of the airflow transport system operating method according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages. An ejector nozzle 42 incorporated inside a chute 40 that receives solids 10 from the bottom of a hopper 30 that receives the solids from above and discharges them from a discharge outlet R has its nozzle tip Q directed toward the discharge outlet R, and conveys the solids by changing the state of the airflow conveying system according to the degree of clogging of the conveying piping 50 estimated based on a specific pressure value at a specific position X of the conveying piping 50 connected to the discharge outlet R, and the specific position corresponds to a maximum pressure position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying piping 50 connected to the discharge outlet is maximum when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle to prevent the solids from being conveyed, and the pressure is a gauge pressure, so that the degree of clogging of the conveying piping 50 can be easily estimated. The degree of clogging of the piping is estimated based on a comparison between the specific pressure value and the specified pressure value, and the specified pressure value is set to a value corresponding to the maximum pressure value, which is the absolute value of the static pressure at the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle with the conveying piping previously removed from the chute, the outlet open to the atmosphere, and the inlet closed, so that the degree of clogging of the conveying piping 50 can be easily estimated. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the rated conveying state T21 to the reduced conveying state T22, and when it is detected that the specific pressure value does not exceed the second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state T22 to the rated conveying state T21.This makes it possible to operate the airflow conveying system while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state T22 to the zero conveying state T23, and when it is detected that the specific pressure value does not exceed the first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the reduced conveying state T22.This allows the airflow conveying system to be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure value exceeds the zero specified pressure value, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state T23 to the disassembly and cleaning state T24, and when the disassembly and cleaning is completed, the state is transitioned to the rated conveying state T21. This makes it possible to operate the airflow conveying system while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping 50. The degree of clogging of the pipe is estimated based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of rise per unit time of a specific pressure value, and a preset specified pressure rise rate value, so that the degree of clogging of the conveying pipe 50 can be easily estimated. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the rated conveying state T21 to the reduced conveying state T22, and when it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state T22 to the rated conveying state T21.This makes it possible to operate the airflow conveying system while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state T22 to the zero conveying state T23, and when it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value does not exceed the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state T23 to the reduced conveying state T22.This allows the airflow conveying system to be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping 50. When it is detected that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the zero specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state T23 to the disassembly and cleaning state T24, and when the disassembly and cleaning is completed, the state is transitioned from the disassembly and cleaning state T24 to the rated conveying state T21, so that the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping 50. The reduced conveying state T22 is a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges to the outside a portion of the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, thereby reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 and conveying them by airflow, so that the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping 50. The zero conveying state T23 is a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges to the outside all of the solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40, reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper 30 and attempting to enter the chute 40 to zero, and conveys the solids by airflow, so that the airflow conveying system can be operated while suppressing clogging of the conveying piping 50.

[0087] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] P intake port Q Nozzle tip R outlet X Specific position P0 0th specified pressure value P1 First specified pressure value P2 Second specified pressure value ΔP0 0th specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1 First specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2 Second specified pressure rise rate value O Solids outlet 10 solid 20 Solid Sources 30 Hopper 40 Shooter 41 Shooter Casing 42 Ejector nozzle 50 Conveying piping 60 Pressure Piping System 70 Solid Bucket 80 Estimation equipment 90 Solid discharge mechanism 91 Flap S10 Preparation process S11: Step of determining specified pressure value S12 Specific position determination process S20 measurement process T21 Rated transport condition T22 Reduced transport state T23 Zero transport state T24 disassembled and cleaned [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0089] [Patent Document 1] Special table 2020-83556 [Patent Document 2] JP 10-203606 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2001-174396

Claims

1. An airflow conveying system capable of conveying a solid object by airflow, comprising: A hopper that receives solids from an upper portion and discharges them to a lower portion; an ejector structure for receiving solids from a lower portion of the hopper into an inlet and discharging them from a discharge outlet, the ejector having a chute casing which is a casing in which the inlet and the discharge outlet are formed, and an ejector nozzle which is incorporated inside the chute casing and has a nozzle tip portion facing the discharge outlet; a conveying pipe connected to the discharge port and configured to convey the solid matter by airflow; a pressure piping system for applying pressure to the rear of the ejector nozzle; a clogging estimation device that estimates a degree of clogging of the pipe based on a specific pressure value, which is a value of an internal static pressure at a specific position of the conveying pipe connected to the discharge port of the chute, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging; Equipped with The specific position corresponds to a maximum pressure position, which is a position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying pipe connected to the discharge port of the chute becomes maximum when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle without conveying solids. where the pressure is the gauge pressure. An airflow transport system comprising:

2. The clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a comparison between the specific pressure value and the specified pressure value, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging, the specified pressure value is a value corresponding to a maximum pressure value, which is an absolute value of the static pressure at the position of the nozzle tip portion inside the chute casing, when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back portion of the ejector nozzle in a state in which the conveying piping is previously disconnected from the chute, the discharge port is opened to the atmosphere, and the intake port is closed.

2. The airflow transport system according to claim 1.

3. The specified pressure value is a second specified pressure value P2 that is lower than the maximum pressure value, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a second specified pressure value P2, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute for airflow transport.

3. The airflow transport system according to claim 2.

4. The specified pressure value is a first specified pressure value P1 that is lower than the maximum pressure value and higher than a second specified pressure value P2, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a first specified pressure value P1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and to convey them through the air flow.

4. The airflow transport system according to claim 3.

5. The specified pressure value is a 0th specified pressure value P0 that is higher than the first specified pressure value P1 and lower than the maximum pressure value, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure value P0, it issues a command to stop the air flow conveyance and to disassemble and clean the conveyance pipe.

5. The airflow transport system according to claim 4.

6. a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; Equipped with The specified pressure value is a second specified pressure value P2 that is lower than the maximum pressure value, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a second specified pressure value P2, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a part of the amount of solids that are about to pass through the hopper and enter the chute in order to reduce the amount of solids that are about to pass through the hopper and enter the chute and to transport them by air flow.

6. The airflow transport system according to claim 5.

7. a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; Equipped with A first specified pressure value P1 is lower than the maximum pressure value and is higher than a second specified pressure value P2, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a first prescribed pressure value P1, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside all of the amount of solids that are about to pass through the hopper and enter the chute, in order to reduce the amount of solids that are about to pass through the hopper and enter the chute to zero and transport them by air.

7. The airflow transport system according to claim 6.

8. The clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of rise per unit time of the specific pressure value, and a predetermined specified pressure rise rate value, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging.

8. The airflow transport system according to claim 7.

9. The specified pressure rise rate value is a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2 that is a value smaller than the maximum pressure rise rate value, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute for air flow transport.

9. The airflow transport system according to claim 8.

10. The specified pressure rise rate value is a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1 that is smaller than the maximum pressure value and larger than a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and to convey them through the air flow.

10. The airflow transport system according to claim 9.

11. The specified pressure rise rate value is a zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0 that is greater than a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, it issues a command to disassemble and clean the conveying pipe.

11. The airflow transport system according to claim 10.

12. a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; Equipped with The specified pressure increase rate value is a second specified pressure increase rate value ΔP2, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a part of the amount of solids that are passing through the hopper and entering the chute. The airflow transport system according to claim 11 .

13. a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; Equipped with The specified pressure rise rate value is a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1 that is greater than a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside all of the amount of solids that are passing through the hopper and entering the chute.

13. The airflow transport system according to claim 12.

14. The specified pressure value is a value corresponding to a maximum pressure value, which is an absolute value of the static pressure at the position of the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle in a state in which the conveying piping has been previously removed from the chute, the outlet has been opened to the atmosphere, and the inlet has been closed, The specified pressure value is a second specified pressure value P2 that is lower than the maximum pressure value, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a second specified pressure value P2, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and to convey them through the air.

2. The airflow transport system according to claim 1.

15. The specified pressure value is a value corresponding to a maximum pressure value, which is an absolute value of the static pressure at the position of the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle in a state in which the conveying piping has been previously removed from the chute, the discharge port has been opened to the atmosphere, and the intake port has been closed, The specified pressure value is a first specified pressure value P1 that is lower than a maximum pressure value, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a first specified pressure value P1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and to convey them through the air flow.

2. The airflow transport system according to claim 1.

16. The specified pressure value is a value corresponding to a maximum pressure value, which is an absolute value of the static pressure at the position of the tip of the nozzle inside the chute casing when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle in a state in which the conveying piping has been previously removed from the chute, the discharge port has been opened to the atmosphere, and the intake port has been closed, The specified pressure value is a 0th specified pressure value P0 which is a value lower than the maximum pressure value, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure value P0, it issues a command to stop the air flow conveyance and to disassemble and clean the conveyance pipe.

2. The airflow transport system according to claim 1.

17. a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; Equipped with the specified pressure value is a value corresponding to a maximum pressure value, which is an absolute value of the static pressure at the position of the nozzle tip portion inside the chute casing, when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back portion of the ejector nozzle in a state in which the conveying piping is previously disconnected from the chute, the discharge port is opened to the atmosphere, and the inlet port is closed, The specified pressure value is a second specified pressure value P2 that is lower than the maximum pressure value, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a second specified pressure value P2, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a part of the amount of solids that are passing through the hopper and entering the chute.

2. The airflow transport system according to claim 1.

18. a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; Equipped with The specified pressure value is a first specified pressure value P1, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a first specified pressure value P1, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside all of the amount of solids that are passing through the hopper and entering the chute.

2. The airflow transport system according to claim 1.

19. An airflow conveying system capable of conveying a solid object by airflow, comprising: A hopper that receives solids from an upper portion and discharges them to a lower portion; an ejector structure for receiving solids from a lower portion of the hopper into an inlet and discharging them from a discharge outlet, the ejector having a chute casing which is a casing in which the inlet and the discharge outlet are formed, and an ejector nozzle which is incorporated inside the chute casing and has a nozzle tip portion facing the discharge outlet; a conveying pipe connected to the discharge port and configured to convey the solid matter by airflow; a pressure piping system for applying pressure to the rear of the ejector nozzle; a clogging estimation device that estimates the degree of clogging in the airflow conveying system and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging; Equipped with The clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is the amount of rise per unit time of the specific pressure value, and a predetermined specified pressure rise rate value, and issues a command according to the estimated degree of clogging; The specific pressure value is an internal static pressure at a position corresponding to a maximum pressure position, which is a position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying pipe connected to the discharge port of the chute becomes maximum when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back of the ejector nozzle without conveying solids, where the pressure is the gauge pressure. An airflow transport system comprising:

20. The specified pressure increase rate value is a second specified pressure increase rate value ΔP2, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute for air flow transport.

20. The airflow transport system according to claim 19.

21. The specified pressure increase rate value is a first specified pressure increase rate value ΔP1, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, it issues a command to reduce the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to zero and to convey them through the air flow.

20. The airflow transport system according to claim 19.

22. The specified pressure increase rate value is a 0th specified pressure increase rate value ΔP0, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds the zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, it issues a command to disassemble and clean the conveying pipe.

20. The airflow transport system according to claim 19.

23. a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; Equipped with The specified pressure increase rate value is a second specified pressure increase rate value ΔP2, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside a part of the amount of solids that are passing through the hopper and entering the chute.

20. The airflow transport system according to claim 19.

24. a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; Equipped with The specified pressure increase rate value is a first specified pressure increase rate value ΔP1, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, it issues a command to the solid discharge mechanism to discharge to the outside all of the amount of solids that are passing through the hopper and entering the chute.

20. The airflow transport system according to claim 19.

25. A hopper that receives solids from an upper portion and discharges them to a lower portion; an ejector structure for receiving solids from a lower portion of the hopper into an inlet and discharging them from a discharge outlet, the ejector having a chute casing which is a casing in which the inlet and the discharge outlet are formed, and an ejector nozzle which is incorporated inside the chute casing and has a nozzle tip portion facing the discharge outlet; a conveying pipe connected to the discharge port and configured to convey the solid matter by airflow; a pressure piping system for applying pressure to the rear of the ejector nozzle; a clogging estimation device that estimates a clogging level of the pipe based on a specific pressure value that is a value of an internal static pressure at a specific position of the conveying pipe connected to the discharge port of the chute; An operating method of an airflow transport system capable of transporting an individual on an airflow, comprising: a preparation step including a specific position determining step of determining a specific position in advance and a specified pressure value determining step of determining a specified pressure value in advance; a conveying step of conveying the solid by changing a state of the air conveying system according to the degree of clogging estimated by the clogging estimation device; Equipped with the specific position corresponds to a maximum pressure position, which is a position where the static pressure inside the downstream conveying pipe connected to the discharge port becomes maximum when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back portion of the ejector nozzle without conveying solids, where the pressure is the gauge pressure. A method for operating an airflow transport system.

26. A clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a comparison between a specific pressure value, which is an internal static pressure value at a specific position of the conveying pipe connected to the discharge port of the chute, and a specified pressure value. the specified pressure value is a value corresponding to a maximum pressure value, which is an absolute value of the static pressure at the position of the nozzle tip portion inside the chute casing, when the pressure piping system applies a rated pressure to the back portion of the ejector nozzle in a state where the conveying piping is removed from the chute, the discharge port is opened to the atmosphere, and the intake port is closed.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated in a manner similar to that described above.

27. The specified pressure value is a second specified pressure value P2 that is a value smaller than the maximum pressure value, The state of the pneumatic conveying system has a rated conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is not limited and the pneumatic conveying state is a reduced conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced and the pneumatic conveying state is a reduced conveying state, When the clogging estimation mechanism detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the rated conveying state to the reduced conveying state, 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated.

28. The specified pressure value is a first specified pressure value P1 that is higher than a second specified pressure value P2, The state of the pneumatic conveying system includes the rated conveying state, the reduced conveying state, and a zero conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is set to zero and pneumatic conveying is performed, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a first specified pressure value P1, the state of the air flow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the zero conveying state.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated in a manner similar to that described in claim 27.

29. The specified pressure value is a zeroth specified pressure value P0 that is lower than the maximum pressure value and higher than the second specified pressure value P2, The state of the pneumatic conveying system includes a rated conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is conveyed without limiting the amount of solids, the reduced conveying state, the zero conveying state, and a disassembly and cleaning state in which the pneumatic conveying is stopped and the conveying piping is cleaned, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a zero-th specified pressure value P0, the state of the air flow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the disassembly and cleaning state.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated in a manner similar to that described in claim 28.

30. The clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is an increase amount per unit time of the specific pressure value, and a preset specified pressure rise rate value.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated in a manner similar to that described in claim 29.

31. The specified pressure increase rate value is a second specified pressure increase rate value ΔP2, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, the state of the air flow conveying system is transitioned from the rated conveying state to the reduced conveying state.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated.

32. The specified pressure rise rate value is a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1 that is greater than a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the air flow conveying system is transitioned from the reduced conveying state to the zero conveying state.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated in a manner similar to that described above.

33. The specified pressure rise rate value is a 0th specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0 that is greater than the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a zero-th specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, the state of the air flow conveying system is transitioned from the zero conveying state to the disassembly and cleaning state.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated in a manner similar to that described above.

34. The airflow conveying system has a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; The reduced conveying state is a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges to the outside a portion of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute.

34. The airflow transport system of claim 33.

35. The airflow conveying system has a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; The zero conveying state is a state in which the solids discharge mechanism discharges to the outside all of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the airflow conveying system is

36. The specified pressure value is a second specified pressure value P2 that is a value smaller than the maximum pressure value, The state of the pneumatic conveying system has a rated conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is not limited and the pneumatic conveying state is a reduced conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced and the pneumatic conveying state is a reduced conveying state, When the clogging estimation mechanism detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a second specified pressure value P2, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from the rated conveying state to the reduced conveying state, 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated in a manner similar to that described above.

37. The specified pressure value is a first specified pressure value P1 that is a value smaller than a maximum pressure value, The state of the pneumatic conveying system is one of a rated conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is not limited and the pneumatic conveying state is a reduced conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced and the pneumatic conveying state is a zero conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced to zero, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a first specified pressure value P1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from one of the rated conveying state and the reduced conveying state to a zero conveying state; 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated in a manner similar to that described above.

38. The specified pressure value is a 0th specified pressure value P0 which is a value lower than the maximum pressure value, The state of the pneumatic conveying system is one of a rated conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is not limited and the system conveys the solids by air, a reduced conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced and the system conveys the solids by air, or a zero conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced to zero and the system conveys the solids by air, and a disassembly and cleaning state in which the system stops the pneumatic conveying and cleans the conveying piping, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure value exceeds a zeroth specified pressure value P0, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from one of a rated conveying state, a reduced conveying state, and a zero conveying state to a disassembly and cleaning state.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated in a manner similar to that described above.

39. The clogging estimation device estimates the degree of clogging of the pipe based on a comparison between a specific pressure rise rate value, which is an increase per unit time of a specific pressure value, which is an internal static pressure at a specific position, which is a specific position of the conveying pipe connected to the discharge port of the chute, and a preset specified pressure rise rate value.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the airflow conveying system is operated in a manner similar to that described above.

40. The specified pressure increase rate value is a second specified pressure increase rate value ΔP2, The state of the pneumatic conveying system has a rated conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is not limited and the pneumatic conveying state is a reduced conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced and the pneumatic conveying state is a reduced conveying state, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, the state of the air flow conveying system is transitioned from the rated conveying state to the reduced conveying state.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the airflow conveying system is a

41. The specified pressure rise rate value is a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1 that is greater than a second specified pressure rise rate value ΔP2, The state of the pneumatic conveying system is one of a rated conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is not limited and the pneumatic conveying state is a reduced conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced and the pneumatic conveying state is a zero conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced to zero, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from one of the rated conveying state and the reduced conveying state to the zero conveying state.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the airflow conveying system is a

42. The specified pressure rise rate value is a 0th specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0 that is greater than the first specified pressure rise rate value ΔP1, The state of the pneumatic conveying system is one of a rated conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is not limited and the system conveys the solids, a reduced conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced and the system conveys the solids, or a zero conveying state in which the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute is reduced to zero and the system conveys the solids, and a disassembly and cleaning state in which the system stops the pneumatic conveying and cleans the conveying piping, When the clogging estimation device detects that the specific pressure rise rate value exceeds a zeroth specified pressure rise rate value ΔP0, the state of the airflow conveying system is transitioned from one of the rated conveying state, the reduced conveying state, and the zero conveying state to the disassembly and cleaning state.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the airflow conveying system is a

43. The airflow conveying system has a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; The zero conveying state is a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges all of the solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside, making the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute zero, and conveying them through air flow. A method for operating an airflow transport system according to any one of claims 37, 38, 41 and 42.

44. The airflow conveying system has a solid discharge mechanism capable of discharging all or a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside; The reduced conveying state is a state in which the solid discharge mechanism discharges a part of the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute to the outside, thereby reducing the amount of solids passing through the hopper and entering the chute and conveying them by air flow. A method for operating an airflow transport system according to any one of claims 36, 37, 38, 40, 41 and 42.

Images