Apparatus and method for comminuting particulate material

Abstract

The apparatus and method for grinding particulate material include a vertical roller mill including a grinding table and grinding rollers having rotational axes, and a feeder for feeding the particulate material to the vertical roller mill. The grinding table and the grinding rollers each have a grinding surface and are arranged to define a grinding region between the grinding surfaces. The grinding rollers are arranged to rotate about a grinding path on the grinding table. The feeder is arranged to receive a supply of the particulate material and direct the flow of material to the grinding region of the vertical roller mill. The feeder is arranged to substantially restrict the flow of material to a predetermined cross-sectional area, direct the material by adding momentum to the flow of material and / or by pushing the flow of material, or compress the flow of material before directing it, or a combination thereof. The present disclosure is particularly applicable to the grinding of particulate materials for coatings, pharmaceuticals, and cement raw materials, such as raw ores, industrial minerals, and chemicals, sand, slag, ash, earth, and pigments.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vertical roller mill apparatus and respective methods of operation for grinding particulate materials, particularly, but not necessarily limited to, mining ores, industrial minerals and chemicals, sand, slag, ash, clay, coating pigments, pharmaceuticals, cement production and cement raw materials. [Background technology]

[0002] Vertical roller mill equipment is used to grind various types of particulate materials, such as mining ores, industrial minerals and chemicals, sand, slag, ash, clay, coating pigments, pharmaceuticals, limestone, cement clinker, slag sand, old concrete, and also materials from minerals, mining, and other industries. These materials, also called granular, powdery, or particulate materials, are generally brittle materials, including all kinds of granular or particulate materials used in industrial and chemical production or the chemical or pharmaceutical industry, especially in cement production or cement raw materials.

[0003] Conventional vertical roller mill equipment suffers from many limitations.

[0004] One limitation of known conventional vertical mill devices is that the material in the grinding zone is surrounded by only two grinding surfaces, leaving the sides of the grinding zone open so that the material can escape pressure within the grinding zone, which limits the effective grinding width to a small fraction of the grinding surface width, resulting in excessively wide, heavy, expensive and inefficient grinding rollers and platforms.

[0005] Furthermore, in conventional vertical roller mills, particulate material is added to the center of the grinding table and, with the assistance of the rotation of the table, is transported or flowed across the table to the grinding surface and grinding zone. At a certain rotation speed, centrifugal forces generated by the rotation of the grinding table cause a large portion of the material to leave the table without passing through the grinding zone below the rollers. This limits the operating speed of the vertical roller mill and, consequently, the grinding capacity.

[0006] As speed and fineness increase, the grinding bed generally becomes less stable due to a number of factors, one of which is believed to be air entrapment in the material, and another of which is believed to be irregular material delivery to the grinding zone. This instability limits the fine grinding that can be economically achieved with conventional vertical roller mills.

[0007] Adding water to the material can alleviate the instability of the grinding bed to some extent. However, adding water is undesirable for many materials, such as cement, as it affects product quality. Furthermore, adding water increases operating costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Publication No. 0112022A2 [Patent Document 2] Document WO2013 / 143565A1 publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In conventional vertical roller mills, instabilities in the grinding bed cause severe and harmful vibrations of the rollers. Because mills are typically operated close to their limiting speed to maximize capacity, vibrations are common and a problem in many plants.

[0010] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vertical roller mill having a grinding table, rollers, and a separator for separating the ground material.

[0011] As another example, Patent Document 2 discloses a vertical roller mill suitable for the cement industry and for grinding wet cement raw materials, which includes a pre-drying device for pre-drying the wet raw materials.

[0012] These facts are disclosed to explain the technical problem addressed by the present disclosure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The present disclosure relates to a vertical roller mill apparatus and method for grinding particulate material. One aspect of the present disclosure includes a vertical roller mill for grinding particulate material, the vertical roller mill including a grinding table having an axis, and one or more grinding rollers, each having an axis of rotation and arranged to define a grinding region between the grinding table and each roller, and a feeder having proximal and distal ends relative to the vertical roller mill, the feeder including a conveying means, preferably a mechanical conveying means, for each roller, for conveying particulate material to the vertical roller mill, the conveying means being an array of single or multiple devices. The vertical roller mill is arranged at the proximal end of the conveying means.

[0014] Among the objectives of the present disclosure are to eliminate at least some of the limitations of known vertical roller mill apparatus for grinding particulate material, provide a cost-effective solution that results in increased throughput and capacity, reduces the need for added water for grinding bed stabilization, allows for a finer grinding than is economically possible with known vertical roller mills, and reduces vibration.

[0015] An apparatus for grinding particulate material, particularly for cement production, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vertical roller mill including a grinding table and grinding rollers having rotation axes, and a feeder for feeding the particulate material to the vertical roller mill. The table and rollers each have a grinding surface and are arranged to define a grinding zone between the grinding surface of the grinding roller and the grinding surface of the grinding table. The grinding rollers are arranged to roll over the particulate material on a grinding path on the grinding table, and the feeder is arranged to receive the particulate material and direct a flow of the material into the grinding zone of the vertical roller mill at a velocity of at least 0.3, or at least 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.0, 3.0, or 4.0 times the tangential velocity of the grinding surface of the grinding roller relative to the axis of the grinding roller.

[0016] The apparatus for grinding particulate materials may be mining ore grinding equipment or mills, industrial grinding equipment, mineral grinding equipment or mills, chemical material grinding equipment, sand, slag, ash or clay grinding equipment, pigment grinding equipment, grinding equipment for use in the production of coatings, pharmaceuticals or cement.

[0017] The feed section may be arranged to substantially confine the flow of material directed to the comminution region to a predetermined cross-section.

[0018] The feeder may be arranged to direct the material stream towards the comminution region by imparting momentum to the material, by pushing the material, or by imparting momentum to and pushing the material.

[0019] The feed section may be arranged to compress the stream of material prior to directing the material to the comminution region.

[0020] The feed may be arranged to direct the material stream into the comminution region at a substantially tangential angle to the comminution path.

[0021] The feeder may be arranged to direct a flow of material of the material into the grinding zone at substantially the same velocity as the tangential velocity of the grinding rollers in the grinding zone.

[0022] The supply section may comprise a guide tray adjacent to and substantially parallel to the material flow of the material or adjacent to and in contact with the material flow, in particular the guide tray being a curved tray.

[0023] The feeder may be arranged to direct the material stream into the grinding zone at an angle relative to a plane defined by the grinding surface of the grinding table, the angle being between 0° and 30°, in particular between 0° and 15°, more particularly between 0° and 10°, and especially between 0° and 5°.

[0024] The apparatus may include one or more additional grinding rollers, each having a rotation axis and a grinding surface, arranged to define a respective grinding region between the grinding surface of the grinding roller and the grinding surface of the grinding table, and arranged to roll on the particulate material on one or more additional grinding paths on the grinding table.

[0025] The apparatus may include one or more additional feeders for feeding particulate material to the vertical roller mill, each of the one or more additional feeders being arranged to receive a supply of particulate material and direct a flow of the material into a respective grinding zone of one of the grinding rollers.

[0026] The supply section may include at least one belt conveyor including at least two pulleys and a belt extending around the two pulleys.

[0027] The supply section is connected to two of the belts. driving path The two belts may include driving path are positioned on opposite sides of the particulate material to constrain the particulate material between two sections of the belt.

[0028] Two opposing belts driving path may form a funnel having an opening for receiving the particulate material, the funnel being formed by the belt. driving path It may have an opening angle of at least 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70 degrees between them.

[0029] The supply section feeds the first portion of the belt between two pulleys. driving path The second driving path the first driving path The sheet may include at least one deflection drum that imparts a curved shape to the sheet.

[0030] The deflection drum may include a plurality of holes on its circumferential surface, in particular the holes being blind holes.

[0031] The deflection drum may include a plurality of spaced apart wheels that engage the belt.

[0032] The deflection drum may include a plurality of protrusions.

[0033] The feed section may comprise at least one screw conveyor including a rotating helical screw flight.

[0034] The feed may include at least one stationary gravity feed such as a pipe, a slideway, or a plate.

[0035] The feed section may include an array of multiple feed sections arranged in conjunction to form a combined material stream and direct the material stream to the grinding region of the vertical roller mill.

[0036] The grinding table and grinding rollers of the vertical roller mill may be driven by independent motors.

[0037] One or more of the feeders, the grinding rollers, or the grinding table may have independent drive mechanisms that allow them to operate independently of one another, including the feeder(s) being independently operable from the vertical roller mill table, the vertical mill roller(s) being independently operable from the vertical mill table, or the feeder(s), the mill table, and the roller(s) being independently operable.

[0038] In such a case, the grinding table and grinding rollers of the vertical roller mill may be fixed relative to each other during operation, except for rotation at a predetermined adjustable distance, thereby forming a fixed grinding zone.

[0039] The apparatus may be configured to be operable at a speed that imparts a tangential velocity to the grinding surface of the grinding roller of at least 2 m / s, or at least 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 22 or 25 m / s.

[0040] The vertical roller mill may include an inner grinding zone support device extending axially away from the grinding table beyond the grinding surface of the grinding table, substantially concentric with the axis of rotation of the grinding table, and having an outer diameter equal to 0.8 to 1.0 times the inner diameter of the grinding surface of the grinding table.

[0041] The vertical roller mill may include at least one outer grinding zone support device extending radially beyond the grinding surface of the grinding roller, the at least one outer grinding zone support device having a surface facing the grinding table, the surface being axially spaced from the rotation axis of the grinding table at a distance of 1.0 to 1.1 times the outer diameter of the grinding surface of the grinding table, measured in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the grinding table and coincident with the grinding surface of the grinding table, such that the surface of the outer grinding zone support device facing the grinding table provides side support for material flow within the grinding zone, thereby reducing side spillage of material.

[0042] Also disclosed is a method of comminuting particulate material, particularly a method of operating any of the disclosed devices, comprising: receiving a supply of particulate material; forming a material stream of the particulate material; using a feeder to direct the flow of particulate material to a grinding zone of a vertical roller mill, the vertical roller mill comprising a grinding table and a grinding roller having an axis of rotation, the grinding table and the roller each having a grinding surface and arranged to define the grinding zone between the grinding surface of the grinding roller and the grinding surface of the grinding table, the grinding roller arranged to roll over the particulate material on a grinding path on the grinding table, and in particular the flow of material is directed at a velocity of at least 0.3 times, or at least 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.0, 3.0 or 4.0 times the tangential velocity of the grinding surface of the grinding roller relative to the axis of the grinding roller; milling the particulate material in the vertical roller mill; It has.

[0043] The particulate material may be directed into the grinding zone of the vertical roller mill in a substantially straight direction, i.e. without substantially changing direction between the feed section and the grinding zone other than that caused by gravity.

[0044] The method may include compressing the stream of material by applying centrifugal force to impart a change of direction.

[0045] The particulate material may be introduced into the grinding zone at a velocity relative to the roller axis that is at least 0.6 times the tangential velocity of the grinding surface of the grinding roller, or at a velocity that is at least 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 or 2.0 times the tangential velocity of the grinding surface of the grinding roller relative to the grinding table.

[0046] The method may include providing an air stream substantially parallel to and in contact with the material stream, the material stream being transported by an air stream having a velocity between 0.5 and 3 times the velocity of the particulate material stream, such as at least 0.5 times the velocity of the material stream or at least 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4 or 2.0 times the velocity of the material.

[0047] Forming the streams of particulate material may include combining a plurality of streams to provide a common stream.

[0048] The method may include supporting the particulate material within the grinding zone on at least one side of the grinding zone to reduce escape of the particulate material from the volume between the grinding surfaces. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0049] The following figures provide preferred embodiments to illustrate the present disclosure and should not be considered to limit the scope of the disclosure. Figures 1A-1N are intended to be illustrative of the vertical row in the context of the present disclosure. 2-14 each illustrate a method or specific portions thereof embodying the present disclosure. [Figure 0x] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a known vertical roller mill. [Figure 0A] A shows the pressure profile in the grinding zone of a known vertical roller mill. [Figure 0B] B shows the pressure profile of the grinding zone vertical roller mill in the apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a vertical roller. [Figure 1Bx] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1Dx]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1Ex] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1Fx] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1G] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1Hx] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1I] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1J] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1Kx] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1Lx] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1Mx] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 1N] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a vertical roller mill. [Figure 2] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, in which the feed section comprises a single belt conveyor, and the particulate material is transported by the feed section through free air to a vertical roller mill. [Figure 2A] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 2. The variation differs from the embodiment shown in Figure 2 in that the supply section includes two belt conveyor arrays that are integrated to form the supply section. [Figure 3] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, which is a modification of the first embodiment described above, in which material on a first run of a belt conveyor is restrained by a conveying guide plate and particulate material is conveyed to a vertical roller mill supported by an adjacent lower guide plate. [Figure 4]10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, in which the feed section includes a belt conveyor and air guides that direct an air stream into contact with the material stream during transport of the material to a vertical roller mill. [Figure 5] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, in which material transport from a feed section to a vertical roller mill is contacted by an air stream supplied by a nozzle. [Figure 6] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, in which the supply section includes two oppositely disposed belt conveyors. [Figure 7] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, in which the feed section is a screw conveyor, and the particulate material is transported through free air to a vertical roller mill. [Figure 7A] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a variant of the sixth embodiment of the device according to the present disclosure, in which the feed section includes two screw conveyors; [Figure 8] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, in which the feed section is a screw conveyor, and the particulate material is transported to a vertical roller mill in contact with an air stream fed through an air guide. [Figure 9] 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, in which the supply section includes a first embodiment of a belt conveyor combined with a deflection drum; [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the transfer of material between a feed section supported by adjacent guide plates and a vertical roller mill. [Figure 9B] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the transfer of material between a feed section and a vertical roller mill in contact with an air stream supplied by a nozzle. [Figure 9C] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the transfer of material between the feed section and the vertical roller mill in contact with the air flow flowing through the air guide. [Figure 10B] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of a deflection drum having non-rectangular shaped blind holes on its outer circumferential surface. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10 is a diagram of an embodiment of a deflection drum including two wheels. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10 is a diagram of an embodiment of a deflection drum including a bar between two wheels to engage material. [Figure 10E] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a deflection drum including protrusions for engaging a material. [Figure 11] 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a tenth embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, in which the feeding section includes a third embodiment of a belt conveyor in combination with deflection drums arranged as two spaced apart wheels, and an air stream contacts the material passing through the feeding section while transporting the material to a vertical roller mill. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a vertical roller mill, in which inner and outer grinding zone support devices provide lateral support for material within the grinding zone. [Figure 12x] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the vertical roller mill depicted in FIG. 12. [Figure 13] 11 is a view of an eleventh embodiment of a device according to the present disclosure, in which the supply section includes a stationary device having a concave surface. [Figure 14] 12 is a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, in which the supply section includes a stationary device having a concave surface on its underside; [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram of a thirteenth embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, in which a vertical roller mill is positioned to receive a vertically descending material stream from a feed directly into a grinding zone. [Figure 16] 14 is a diagram of a fourteenth embodiment of the device according to the present disclosure, in which the first and second belt conveyors form a funnel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] It is an object of the present disclosure to eliminate at least some of the limitations of known vertical roller mill apparatus for grinding particulate material, provide a cost-effective solution that results in increased throughput and capacity, reduces the need to add water for grinding bed stabilization, allows for finer grinding than is economically possible with known vertical roller mills, and reduces vibration.

[0051] Figure 0X shows a conventional vertical roller mill comprising a grinding table C0 and one or more grinding rollers A0 (only one shown) rotating about axes D0 and E0, respectively, and forming a grinding zone B0 between their respective grinding surfaces F0, G0. The grinding rollers are movable towards the grinding table, and the grinding pressure in the grinding zone is adjusted by applying a force to the grinding rollers and moving the rollers according to the feed rate to the grinding zone.

[0052] Conventional vertical roller mills are also equipped with an outer periphery dam ring Q0. The height of the dam ring Q0 controls the amount of material entering the crushing zone B0, and operation without the dam ring is practically impossible. The material that passes through the crushing zone flows over the dam ring and is conveyed away. Similarly, excess feed material before the crushing zone flows over the dam ring and is conveyed away.

[0053] The material supply U0 is fed centrally to the grinding table C0 via a pipe R0 and flows across the grinding table, assisted by the rotation of the table, onto the grinding surface and into the grinding area below the grinding rollers.

[0054] The sides S0 and T0 of the grinding zone B0 are open, allowing material to escape from the grinding zone B0 to the sides. As a result of material escaping the grinding zone, sufficient pressure to cause the particulate material to be crushed is present only in a limited portion of the grinding zone width. Figure 0A shows a typical radial pressure profile across the grinding zone. This pressure profile shows a high-pressure peak of limited width. Crushing occurs in the region of the high-pressure peak.

[0055] Due to potential interference between the curvature of the grinding table C0 and the grinding rollers A0, it is not possible to place a rotating dam ring Q0 close to the grinding area B0 to provide side support and prevent material from escaping through the outside of the grinding area S0. Similarly, it is not operationally feasible to add a rotating support surface inside the grinding area T0 because this would necessarily have to extend above the grinding table grinding surface G0, thereby obstructing and restricting material flow into the grinding area.

[0056] Attempts have been made to use stationary material guides inside the grinding surface and stationary dam devices close to the grinding area, including some that do not extend the entire circumference of the grinding table. However, experience has shown that such arrangements result in increased wear and increased energy consumption, and therefore they have no commercial value.

[0057] The disclosure described herein overcomes these limitations by providing a constant, regulated flow of material of appropriate cross-section that is directed to (and at) the grinding zone and has positive momentum, particularly in the direction of the grinding process, thereby effectively forcing the material into the grinding zone and forming a stable grinding bed.

[0058] The directional feeding of material into the grinding zone eliminates or substantially reduces the effect of centrifugal forces on the grinding table, which eliminates the need for adding water for stability, does not require damming, and the material does not flow across the grinding table. Therefore, it is possible to implement a rotating device to support the sides of the material in the grinding zone.

[0059] Furthermore, with a constant, regulated supply of material flow, both the grinding table and the grinding rollers can be fixed relative to each other, but not rotated, while maintaining the grinding pressure. The fixed geometry of the grinding area can significantly reduce vibrations compared to the more familiar arrangement with a fixed grinding table and moving rollers.

[0060] Surrounding or supporting the sides of the grinding region creates a radial pressure profile across the grinding region, as shown in Figure 0B. The width of the high pressure is significantly increased compared to conventional arrangements, and grinding occurs across a majority of the grinding surface, thereby increasing grinding capacity. One embodiment of a vertical roller mill in an apparatus according to the present disclosure in which the sides of the grinding region are surrounded or supported is shown in Figures 12 and 12x.

[0061] The term "vertical roller mill" refers to a grinding device including a grinding table having an axis and at least one grinding roller having a rotation axis. The grinding table axis is perpendicular to a plane defined by the grinding table and passing through the geometric center of the grinding path. The grinding rollers are arranged to roll around the grinding path on the grinding table. The grinding table may or may not rotate about its axis. The grinding table may be positioned below, beside, or above the roller(s) with its axis vertical, or may be positioned with its axis at any angle between vertical and horizontal and in any orientation. The grinding area(s) formed between the grinding surface(s) of the roller(s) and the grinding surface of the grinding table may be substantially rectangular in cross section or other shapes, with straight or curved edges, or any combination thereof. Figures 1A-1N depict several variations of what should be understood as vertical roller mills, but are not intended to exclude other vertical roller mill configurations.

[0062] The term "grinding zone" is understood to mean the volume between the grinding rollers and the grinding surfaces of the grinding table. Within the grinding zone, the particulate material is gripped, compressed and / or crushed by the grinding rollers and the grinding table. The conveyance or guidance of material to the grinding zone is understood in the context of the present disclosure to include an arrangement in which the material is transferred directly to one of the grinding surfaces before gripping occurs and then follows said surface up to and through the grinding zone.

[0063] The term "feeder" is understood to be a device for accelerating and / or conveying particulate material. Feeders include belt conveyors, chain conveyors, belt throwers, screw conveyors, vibrating conveyors, pipes, slideways, etc.

[0064] By the term "constrained material stream," it is understood that the material stream has a defined cross-section, without necessarily being constrained by physical means. The material stream may be constrained by the way it is projected from a supply, or by physical means, or a combination of the two. When constrained to a defined cross-section, the directed material stream may take the form of a mat, particularly a mat having a rectangular cross-section.

[0065] The term "compressing a material stream" is understood to mean that the material fed to the feed section undergoes, during contact with the feed section, a change in cross-sectional shape, cross-sectional size, and / or a change in bulk density due to a change in the volume of voids within the material stream, and / or the material combines with another material stream to form one common combined stream.

[0066] The term "integrated array of devices" is understood to mean any number of conveying means of similar or different types operating simultaneously to convey material to a single comminution area. The individual conveying means may feed material from the same source or from individual sources and may operate independently at different speeds and / or feed rates. Furthermore, the conveying means may share common components, such as a common housing, enclosure, or common guide plates.

[0067] The apparatus according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the feed section is arranged and configured to receive a supply of particulate material, form, preferably restrain, a material stream, and direct the particulate material stream to the grinding zone of the vertical roller mill, where the material stream is conveyed by the feed section directly to the grinding zone under acceleration, compression, and / or cross-sectional restraint.

[0068] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a feed section being positioned to confine material flow to a defined cross-section, the cross-section being defined for material flow between the feed section and the comminution zone.

[0069] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a feeder being positioned to direct the compressed material flow by forcing the material flow into a comminution region.

[0070] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a feeder that is positioned to direct a flow of material toward a comminution region by urging the material.

[0071] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the material flow is directed into the milling zone at an angle that is substantially tangential to the milling path, thus improving the efficiency and stability, and therefore the speed, of the milling.

[0072] An injection device configured to supply the particulate material to the supply portion may be included in the device. The injection device may preferably be located at the distal end of the supply portion.

[0073] In one embodiment of the device according to the present disclosure, the supply section includes a belt conveyor. The belt is an endless belt running around two spaced apart conveyor pulleys, one of which is a drive pulley. The drive pulley is preferably located at the distal end of the supply section. The supply section is configured to receive particulate material, for example, from a supply container, and to convey the particulate material to a first driving path First, form a material flow on driving path The conveyor belt may include a single conveyor belt having a

[0074] In a variation of the embodiment, the feed section includes two or more belt conveyors as described above, organized in an array to form a material flow and transport the flow to the grinding zone, with the individual conveyors in the array operating at different speeds to provide an optimal flow through the grinding zone.

[0075] In an additional embodiment of an apparatus according to the present disclosure, the supply section includes two opposing, parallel belt conveyors that physically restrain and accelerate particulate material supplied to the space between them to a desired velocity.

[0076] In an additional embodiment of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, the feed section may be configured to separate two opposing belts therein by forming a funnel for gripping and accelerating the material. driving path It includes two belt conveyors arranged at an angle between them. driving pathThe angle therebetween is between zero and 90°, preferably between 70° and 70°, in particular between zero and 5°, or between 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70°.

[0077] The funnel-shaped belt configuration enhances the compression of the particulate material increasing the density and compactness of the fed material, forcing the material between the belts and preventing it from slipping against the belt surface as it is fed to the grinding surface.

[0078] The angle typically depends on the friction between the belt and the material. A low coefficient of friction typically requires a low funnel opening angle to prevent the material from slipping against the belt. Conversely, a high coefficient of friction typically allows for a higher funnel opening angle so that the material can be compressed over a shorter distance.

[0079] According to a further embodiment of the device according to the present disclosure, the supply section including the conveyor belt is provided with a belt conveyor facing the guide plate. driving path The apparatus may further include a conveying guide plate disposed opposite and parallel to the conveying guide plate for conveying the particulate material.

[0080] According to a further embodiment of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the supply section includes a screw conveyor. The screw conveyor includes a spindle with helical screw flights within a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end. Material fed into the screw conveyor at the inlet end is accelerated and / or conveyed by the rotation of the spindle and projected from the screw conveyor's outlet end into the grinding zone of the vertical roller mill. The outlet of the screw conveyor housing may be shaped to constrain the material flow to a particular cross-sectional shape, e.g., a rectangle, for transport to the grinding zone, thereby forming a mat of material fed into the grinding zone.

[0081] According to a variation of the previous embodiment of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, the feed section includes an array of integrated screw conveyors, which may include screw conveyors with individual housings, or may include an array of spindles with helical screw flights within a common housing.

[0082] In additional embodiments of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, the feed section includes a stationary device, such as a pipe, a slideway, or a plate, having a stationary concave surface. Material is fed into the stationary device at high velocity and flows over the concave surface. As the material flows along the concave surface, centrifugal force from the change in direction compresses and constrains the material. The material flow leaves a curve that is directed into the grinding region of the vertical roller mill.

[0083] According to an additional embodiment of the device of the present disclosure, the supply section includes a second conveyor between the two conveyor pulleys. driving path Towards the belt No. 1 driving path Deflect the first driving path The particulate material is fed to the distal end of the belt or the deflection drum, and the deflection drum and the first end of the belt are coupled to the deflection drum. driving path During movement through the curvature of the belt, the particulate material is accelerated to the speed of the belt, forming a material stream that is directed into the grinding region of the vertical roller mill.

[0084] In a variation of this embodiment, the deflection drum is driving path The locking mechanism may include two or more spaced apart rings that engage with the locking mechanism.

[0085] In a further variation of this embodiment, the deflection drum may include a plurality of holes in its circumferential surface, which may be blind holes, and which may be rectangular in cross section or have other shapes.

[0086] In additional variations of this embodiment, the deflection drum may include a plurality of protrusions that engage the particulate material and / or at least substantially engage the surface of the belt. The protrusions may be at least the width of the material stream or may be smaller than the width of the material stream and / or may be arranged in a staggered pattern. Furthermore, the protrusions may be perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the deflection drum or at any angle relative to this plane.

[0087] According to an additional embodiment of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the feeding section comprises a chain conveyor including at least one endless chain having a crossbar for engaging and conveying the particulate material, the chain running around two spaced apart chain sprockets. driving path The storage unit may further include a guide tray adjacent to and parallel to the storage unit.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the vertical roller mill may further include an inner grinding zone support device. The inner grinding zone support device extends along the grinding zone axis, away from the grinding table and beyond the grinding surface of the grinding table. This device is substantially concentric with the grinding table axis and has an outer diameter equal to 0.8 to 1.0 times the inner diameter of the grinding surface of the grinding table, so that the circumferential surface of the inner grinding zone support device supports the material flow in the grinding zone and reduces side spillage. Preferably, the outer diameter of the device is 1.0 times the inner diameter of the grinding surface radius, but less than 1 to 20 mm. The inner grinding zone support device may be part of the grinding table or a separate component. Preferably, this device is stationary relative to the grinding table. The circumferential surface supporting the material in the grinding zone may be cylindrical, conical, otherwise curved, or any combination thereof.

[0089] In a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, the vertical roller mill has surfaces extending radially beyond the grinding surfaces of the grinding rollers and facing the grinding table, said surfaces being axially aligned from the grinding table axis by 1.0 times the outer radius of the grinding table grinding surface, measured in a plane perpendicular to the grinding table axis, such that the surfaces of the outer grinding zone support device facing the grinding table provide side support for the material flow within the grinding zone, thereby reducing side spillage of material. Preferably, said surfaces are located in said plane from the grinding table axis at a distance of 1.0 times the outer radius of the grinding table grinding surface plus 1 to 20 mm.

[0090] The outer grinding zone support device(s) may be part of the roller(s) or may be separate devices. Preferably, the devices rotate with the grinding roller(s). The surface(s) supporting the material in the grinding zone(s) may be flat, conical, otherwise curved, or any combination thereof.

[0091] According to additional embodiments of the device of the present disclosure, the rotation axis of the grinding table is arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the grinding table axis and the direction of material flow, at an angle between vertical and 90° to the vertical, such as between substantially vertical and 30° to the vertical, or between substantially vertical and 15° to the vertical, etc. According to alternative embodiments of the device, the axis of the grinding table is arranged between substantially horizontal and 45° to the horizontal, such as between substantially vertical and 30° to the horizontal, or between substantially horizontal and 15° to the horizontal.

[0092] According to a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, for each conveying means of the supply section, a guide device for directing the material flow towards the grinding zone may comprise a single proximal guide plate, preferably a planar guide plate, or two oppositely arranged proximal guide plates, preferably planar guide plates, arranged between the proximal end of the conveying means and the grinding zone of the vertical roller mill. The two oppositely arranged proximal guide plates may be substantially parallel or convergent in the direction from the conveying means towards the vertical roller mill.

[0093] In additional embodiments of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, the material flow above / within the feed section and / or between the vertical roller mill grinding zone is positioned to contact an airflow substantially parallel to the material flow and having a velocity in the range of 0.5 to 3 times the material flow velocity. For example, a velocity of at least 0.5 times, or at least 0.6, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, or 2.0 times, i.e., 5 to 3 times the material flow velocity. The airflow velocity prevents material friction with the air from deflecting the outer material in the material flow from its direction toward the grinding zone, thereby reducing dispersion of the material being transported to the grinding zone. The airflow parallel to the material flow is achieved by directing the air with at least one plate substantially parallel to the particulate material flow. In an alternative variation of this embodiment, the airflow is achieved by arranging at least one nozzle that projects air along the surface of the particulate material flow.

[0094] In additional embodiments of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, the grinding table of the vertical roller mill is fixed in space except for rotational movement, and the roller(s) are movable toward and away from the grinding table so that the grinding area(s) are adjustable. However, it should be noted that the rollers can be fixed and the grinding table movable, and furthermore, both the grinding table and rollers of the vertical roller mill can be fixed relative to each other during operation in a preferred arrangement to provide constant grinding area(s). The vertical roller mill can be driven by a motor on the grinding table, on the rollers, or both.

[0095] In one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, the grinding roller(s) and grinding table are driven separately, and the speed of each can be adjusted independently to achieve optimal conditions in the grinding zone(s).

[0096] In embodiments of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, the feed section is operable at a speed to provide a flow of particulate material in the comminution zone at a speed of at least 2 m / s, or at least 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 22 or 25 m / s.

[0097] In one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, the particulate material is selected from mining ores, industrial minerals and chemicals, sand, slag, ash, clay, coating pigments, pharmaceuticals and cement raw materials.

[0098] The vertical roller mill of the apparatus according to the present disclosure is preferably operable independently of the feed section, thereby allowing the operation of the feed section to be adapted to the operation of the vertical roller mill, or vice versa, in order to obtain smooth and reliable operation of the apparatus and thereby the desired throughput and capacity of the apparatus.

[0099] An apparatus according to the present disclosure relates to a method of grinding a particulate material, including receiving a supply of particulate material, forming a material stream, directing the particulate material to a grinding region of a vertical roller mill, and grinding the particulate material in the vertical roller mill.

[0100] The method may further comprise directing the particulate material from a feed section to the grinding zone of the vertical roller mill without substantial redirection, and / or directing the particulate material to the grinding zone at a velocity of at least 0.6 times the peripheral speed of the grinding rollers or at least 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 or 2.0 times the tangential speed of the grinding roller grinding surface.

[0101] According to the present disclosure, by providing a material flow at a speed that is substantially the same as or similar to the relative rotation between the grinding roller and grinding table, the efficiency and stability, and therefore speed, of the grinding is improved.

[0102] The method further includes providing an air stream substantially parallel to and in contact with the transported material stream, wherein the air stream can be characterized by having a velocity that is 0.5-3.0 times the velocity of the particulate material stream, such as at least 0.5 times the velocity of the material, or at least 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, or 2.0 times the velocity of the material.

[0103] This section serves to describe the illustrated embodiment of what is to be understood as a vertical roller mill. It is not to be construed as excluding other embodiments of a vertical roller mill.

[0104] FIG. 1A shows a vertical roller mill comprising a grinding roller A having a grinding surface F rotating about an axis E and a grinding table C having a grinding surface G rotating about an axis D, arranged to form a grinding zone B between the grinding surfaces F, G; in this embodiment, the axes E, D of the grinding roller A and grinding table B are substantially vertical, and the grinding roller is substantially cylindrical in shape.

[0105] FIG. 1Bx shows a cross section of a vertical roller mill comprising a grinding roller A1 having a grinding surface F1 rotating about an axis E1 and a grinding table C1 having a grinding surface G1 rotating about an axis D1, and arranged to form a grinding region B1 between the grinding surfaces F1 and G1. In this embodiment, the grinding surface F1 of the grinding roller A1 is substantially conical, while the grinding surface G1 of the grinding table C1 is substantially flat. The angle H1 between the rotation axes E1 and D1 is greater than 90 degrees. The grinding surfaces F1 and G1 in the cross section of the grinding region B1 are substantially parallel.

[0106] 1C shows a vertical roller mill including a grinding roller A2 and a grinding table C2. In this embodiment, the grinding surface F2 of the grinding roller A2 is conical, and the grinding surface G2 of the grinding table C2 is inwardly conical.

[0107] 1Dx shows a cross section of a vertical roller mill including a grinding roller A3 and a grinding table C3. In this embodiment, the grinding surfaces F3, G3 of the grinding roller A3 and the grinding table C3 are curved in cross section at the grinding region B3.

[0108] Figure 1Ex shows a cross-sectional view of a vertical roller mill including a grinding roller A4 and a grinding table C4. In this embodiment, the grinding surface F4 of the grinding roller A4 is conical, and the grinding surface G4 of the grinding table C4 is outwardly conical. The cross-section of the grinding area B4 shows the substantially linear contours of the grinding surfaces F4 and G4.

[0109] FIG. 1Fx shows a cross-sectional view of a vertical roller mill including a grinding roller A5 and a grinding table C5. In this embodiment, the grinding surface F5 of the grinding roller A5 is cylindrical, and the grinding surface G5 of the grinding table C5 is outwardly conical. The contours of the grinding surfaces F5 and G5 are substantially linear in the cross section of the grinding region B5. In this embodiment, the angle H5 between the rotation axes D5 and E5 of the grinding table C5 and the grinding roller A5, respectively, is less than 90 degrees.

[0110] FIG. 1G shows a vertical roller mill including two grinding rollers A6, J6 rotating about axes E6, L6 and having grinding surfaces F6, M6, and a grinding table C6 rotating about axis D6 and having grinding surface G6, arranged to form grinding zones B6, K6 between the grinding surfaces F6, G6 and M6, G6.

[0111] FIG. 1Hx shows a cross section of a vertical roller mill including a grinding roller A7 having a grinding surface F7 and rotating about an axis E7, and a grinding table C7 rotating about a horizontal axis D7 arranged to form a grinding zone B7 between the grinding surfaces F7, G7.

[0112] 11 shows a vertical roller mill including a grinding roller A8 rotating about an axis E8 and a grinding table C8 rotating about a vertical axis D8 positioned to form a grinding region B8 between grinding surfaces F8 and G8. In this embodiment, grinding table C8 is positioned above grinding roller A8 such that grinding surface G8 is below grinding table C8.

[0113] 1J shows a vertical roller mill including a grinding roller A9 rotating about an axis E9 and a grinding table C9 rotating about an axis D9 arranged to form a grinding region B9 between grinding surfaces F9 and G9. In this embodiment, the rotation axis D9 of the grinding table C9 is inclined from the vertical axis N9 in a plane that is not parallel to the grinding roller axis E9.

[0114] Figure 1Kx is a cross-sectional view of a vertical roller mill including grinding rollers A10 and grinding table C10 arranged to form a grinding region B10 between grinding surfaces F10 and G10. This embodiment differs from that shown in Figure 1Ex in that the grinding surface G10 on grinding table C10 is inwardly conical.

[0115] FIG. 1Lx shows a cross section of a vertical roller mill including a grinding roller A11 and a grinding table C11. This embodiment differs from that shown in FIG. 1A in that the distance between the grinding surface G11 and the grinding surface F11 of the roller varies across the width of the grinding region B11 from the inner diameter to the outer diameter of the grinding surface G11. Thus, on the grinding table C11, the distance P11 near the inner diameter of the grinding surface G11 is greater than the distance O11 near the outer diameter of the grinding surface G11, such that on the grinding table C11, the distance P11 near the inner diameter of the grinding surface G11 is greater than the distance O11 near the outer diameter of the grinding surface G11. The variation in the distance between the grinding surfaces may be different in other vertical roller mill configurations.

[0116] 1Mx is a cross-sectional view of a vertical roller mill including a grinding roller A12 and a grinding table C12 arranged to form a grinding region B12 between the grinding surfaces F12 and G12. In this embodiment, the grinding roller grinding surface F12 has a shape with multiple curves when viewed in cross section.

[0117] FIG. 1N shows a vertical roller mill including a grinding roller A13 having a grinding surface F13 rotating about axes D13, E13, and a stationary grinding table C13 having a grinding surface G13 arranged to form a grinding zone B13 between grinding surfaces F13, G13.

[0118] As shown in Figure 2, a first embodiment of an apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure for grinding particulate material includes an injection device 2, a feed section 3, and a vertical roller mill 4. The vertical roller mill 4 for grinding particulate material fed thereto includes a grinding table 5 and one grinding roller 6, each having non-parallel axes of rotation 7, 8, and arranged to define a grinding zone 9. The feed section 3 is arranged and configured to convey particulate material 10 to the vertical roller mill 4, and has a proximal end 11 adjacent the vertical roller mill 4 and an opposite distal end 12. The feed section includes a belt conveyor 13 having two spaced apart conveyor pulleys 14, 15 and an endless conveyor belt 16 extending around the two conveyor pulleys 14, 15. The belt conveyor 13 has a first end 11 adjacent the vertical roller mill 4 and an opposite distal end 12 ... driving path 17 and 2 driving path 18. The belt is supplied with particulate material 10 at its distal end 12 by an injector 2. The injector includes a supply container 19 having a lower outlet opening 20 that supplies particulate material to the distal end of the belt conveyor 13 located below the outlet opening 20. The size of the outlet opening 20, and thereby the first driving path The amount of material fed to 17 can be adjusted by an adjusting means such as gate 21. The speed of belt 16 and the amount of material fed from supply container 19 through its lower outlet opening 20 to the first portion of the belt are controlled by the adjusting means. driving path The particulate material is fed to the belt 17 by a particulate material stream 22 passing through the first driving path 17. The belt conveyor 13 directs the material flow 22 to the grinding region 9 of the vertical roller mill 4. From the proximal end 11 of the belt conveyor 13, the material flow 22 is projected through the air into the grinding region 9.

[0119] A variation of the apparatus 1A according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 2A, where the supply section includes an array of two integrated conveying means 3A, 3B. In this embodiment, particulate material 10A is delivered to conveyors 13A, 13B from a single injector 2A. However, material could also be delivered by an individual injector for each conveying means. The integrated conveying means 3A, 3B form a combined material stream of material 22A that is delivered to the grinding region 9 of the vertical roller mill 4.

[0120] The second embodiment of the device 301 according to the present disclosure shown in FIG. 3 is a modification of the one shown in FIG. 2, in which the supply section 303 is driving path 17. This conveyor guide plate is provided on the first conveyor 13. driving path 17 to restrain the particulate material stream 322. The apparatus further includes a lower proximal guide plate 325 disposed between the proximal end of the belt conveyor and the vertical roller mill 4, for supporting the material stream 322 during transport to the grinding region 9 of the vertical roller mill 4. The proximal guide plate may be omitted, provided that the particulate material is projected from the proximal end 11 of the belt conveyor at a sufficient velocity to be transported to the grinding region 9.

[0121] A third embodiment of an apparatus 401 according to the present disclosure, shown in Figure 4, is a variation of that shown in Figure 2, except that its supply section 403 includes an air guide 426 having a proximal end 428 and a distal end 429, and is positioned to direct an air stream 427 substantially parallel to and in contact with the particulate material stream 422 conveyed from the supply section 403 to the grinding region 9 of the vertical roller mill 4. The air flows from the distal end 429 through the guide 426 and exits at the proximal end 428 of the guide 426.

[0122] A fourth embodiment of the apparatus 501 according to the present disclosure shown in Figure 5 is a variant of that shown in Figure 4 and differs therefrom in that its supply section 503 is provided with an air flow 527 from a nozzle 531, the air flow 527 being substantially parallel to and in contact with the particle flow 522. Furthermore, the arrangement is such that an air flow 530 is provided via an additional nozzle 532 below and in contact with the particle flow 522 between the supply section 503 and the grinding zone 9 of the vertical roller mill 4. Both air flows 527 and 530 are optional and can be provided separately without the other.

[0123] A fifth embodiment of the device 601 according to the present disclosure shown in Figure 6 is an alternative modification of the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Instead of a conveyor guide plate, it includes a second belt conveyor 633 arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the first belt conveyor 13. The first of the second belt conveyor 633 driving path 634 and No. 1 of the No. 1 conveyor belt driving path 6 further shows that the illustrated apparatus can include upper proximal guide plates 635 and / or lower proximal guide plates 636 disposed between the proximal ends 637, 11 of the conveyors 633, 13 to guide the material stream during transport to the grinding region 9 of the vertical roller mill 4.

[0124] The sixth embodiment of the apparatus 701 according to the present disclosure, shown in FIG. 7, differs from the previous embodiments in that the supply section 703 includes a screw conveyor 738. The screw conveyor 738 includes a casing 739 having an inlet 741 and an outlet 742, and a spiral screw flight 740 for conveying particulate material 10. By rotating the screw flight 740, material 10 moves through the screw conveyor 738 from the injector 702 via the inlet 741 and is projected through the outlet 742 via air as a material stream 722 into the grinding region 9 of the vertical roller mill 4. The outlet 742 of the screw conveyor casing 739 may be shaped to constrain the material stream 722 to a specific cross-sectional shape, e.g., a rectangle. The amount of material sent to the vertical roller mill 4 is regulated by the injector 702 using a gate 721.

[0125] The embodiment of an apparatus 701A according to the present disclosure shown in Figure 7A is a variation of the embodiment shown in Figure 7, differing therefrom in that the feed section 703A includes an array of two screw conveyors 738A, 757A. As shown, the screw conveyors 738A, 757A are housed in a common casing 739A. However, the screw conveyors can have separate housings, and any number of screw conveyors can be integrated into the array.

[0126] The seventh embodiment of an apparatus 801 according to the present disclosure shown in Figure 8 is a variation of that shown in Figure 7 and differs therefrom in that the particulate material stream 822 is contacted by an air stream 827 that is fed through an air guide 826 located at the outlet 742 of the screw conveyor 738. The air stream 827 exits the guide 826 at the outlet 843 and flows parallel to and contacts the material stream 822 that is transported to the grinding region 9 of the vertical roller mill.

[0127] An eighth embodiment of an apparatus 901 according to the present disclosure, shown in FIG. 9, includes a belt conveyor 913 having two spaced apart conveyor pulleys 914, 915 and an endless belt 916 extending between and around the pulleys 914, 915, and a first conveyor 913 for conveying the first conveyor pulleys 914, 915. driving path 917 on the belt driving path Deflecting towards 918 driving path The injector 902 includes a feed section 903 having a deflection drum 944 that imparts a curved shape to the deflection drum 944. The deflection drum 944 has a plurality of blind holes 945 in its peripheral outer surface 946. The injector 902 includes a funnel-shaped feed chamber 947 having a lower outlet opening 920 through which particulate material 910 is fed to the distal end of the belt conveyor 913 and deflection drum 944. Particulate material 910 is fed through the blind holes 945 and the outer surface of the deflection drum 946 and the first part of the belt 916. driving path 917 and is projected as a material stream 922 or mat through the air into the grinding region 9 of the vertical roller mill 4 by the rotational speed of the belt and deflection drum. Additionally, and as shown in FIG. 9A , the illustrated embodiment of the disclosure can include upper and lower proximal guide plates 924 and 925 positioned between the proximal end of the feed section 903 and the vertical roller mill 4. The guide plates 924, 925 can converge from the proximal end of the feed section toward the vertical roller mill 4.

[0128] Additionally, the illustrated embodiment of the present disclosure may include an arrangement in which air flows parallel to and contacts the material stream 922 moving toward the vertical roller mill 4. The air streams 927, 930 may be supplied from nozzles 931, 932 as shown in Figure 9B or through a guide 926 as shown in Figure 9C.

[0129] Additional embodiments of deflection drums according to the present disclosure are shown in Figures 10B-10E. Figure 10B shows a deflection drum 1044B in which holes 1045B have a non-rectangular peripheral surface 1046B. Figure 10C shows a deflection drum 1044C implemented as two spaced wheels 1048C having a peripheral surface 1046C for engaging a belt. Figure 10D shows an embodiment of the deflection drum 1044D in which a bar 1049D for engaging the material is provided on the peripheral surface 1046D between the two wheels 1048D. In a further embodiment of the deflection drum 1044E according to the disclosure shown in Figure 10E, the deflection drum 1044E includes a plurality of staggered projections 1049E. The projections can be, but need not be, arranged in a substantially radial pattern.

[0130] 11 shows an embodiment of an apparatus 1101 according to the present disclosure, which includes a feeder 1103. The feeder 1103 includes a belt conveyor, two spaced apart conveyor pulleys, a belt extending between and around the pulleys, and a first portion of the belt. driving path The belt second driving path The conveyor pulley is deflected toward the first driving path The vertical roller mill 1104 includes a deflection drum 1144 having two spaced apart rings that impart a curved shape to the material stream 1122. The material stream 1122 flowing through the belt thrower enters between the injector 1102 and the deflection drum and comes into contact with an air stream 1130 that follows the material stream 1122 around the curve imparted by the deflection drum and continues towards the vertical roller mill 1104. The air stream may optionally be guided by an additional air guide 1126.

[0131] In all other described embodiments of the apparatus according to the present disclosure, a vertical roller mill according to the present disclosure may be arranged as shown in Figures 12 and 12x. The vertical roller mill 1204 includes an inner grinding zone support device 1250, extending away from the grinding table 1205 and beyond the grinding table grinding surface 1251 along the grinding table axis of rotation 1207, and substantially concentric with the grinding table axis of rotation 1207 such that a circumferential surface 1253 of the inner grinding zone support device 1250 provides side support to the material flow 1222 within the grinding zone 1209.

[0132] Further, an outer grinding zone support device 1254 is provided, extending radially beyond the grinding roller grinding surface 1252, being substantially concentric with the grinding roller rotation axis 1208, and positioned along the grinding roller rotation axis 1208 at a distance from the grinding table rotation axis 1207 so as not to interfere with the circumference 1255 of the grinding table 1205. The outer grinding zone support device 1254 is positioned so that a surface 1256 of the outer grinding zone support device 1254 facing the grinding table 1205 provides side support for the material flow 1222 in the grinding zone 1209 and reduces side spillage of material.

[0133] The embodiment of the apparatus 1301 according to the disclosure shown in FIG. 13 differs from previous embodiments in that the feed section 1303 is a plate 1358 having a concave surface 1359. Particulate material 1310 is fed into and continues along the concave surface 1359, thereby forming a material stream 1322 that leaves the surface 1359 in a direction that transfers the material to the grinding region 9 of the roller mill 4. The plate may alternatively be a pipe, a slideway, or any other device having a concave surface. This embodiment may optionally include any of the additions shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, an upper proximal guide plate 924, a lower proximal guide plate 925, and air flows 927, 930 via either nozzles 931, 932 or air guides 926 positioned between the proximal end of the feed section 1303 and the vertical roller mill 4.

[0134] The embodiment of apparatus 1401 according to the present disclosure shown in Figure 14 is similar to the previous embodiment in that the supply portion 1403 is a plate 1458 having a concave surface 1459. Particulate material 1410 flows downward and continues along the concave surface 1459, thereby forming a material stream 1422 that leaves the surface 1459 in a direction such that it is transported to the grinding region 9 of the roller mill 4. The plate could alternatively be a pipe, a drop-off ramp, or other device having a concave surface.

[0135] In the embodiment of an apparatus 1501 according to the present disclosure shown in FIG. 15 , a vertical roller mill 1504 is positioned to receive a material stream of material 1522 descending vertically from a feed section 1502 directly into a grinding region 1509. The feed section 1502 includes two belt conveyors 1513, 1533, each having three pulleys 1514 and one belt 1516. A section of the belt 1562 is positioned at an angle 1564 relative to the opposite section of the belt 1562, so that the belts form a funnel 1560 for the granular material 1510. As the material 1510 flows through the funnel, it is sandwiched between the two angled belt sections 1562 and accelerated to the speed of the belt 1516. In the next section of the belt 1562, the belts are positioned parallel to each other, confining and forming a mat of material 1522 between the belts 1561. The mat of material 1522 is then directed into the grinding region 1509 of the vertical roller mill 1504 .

[0136] The embodiment of the device 1601 according to the present disclosure shown in Figure 16 is an alternative modification of the embodiment shown in Figure 6. At the distal end, the first driving path 1634 is the first conveyor belt 13 driving path 17 at an angle 1664 so that they form a funnel 1660. The granular material 1610 is driving path The first belt 13 is sandwiched between the belts 17 and 1634. driving path 17 and is accelerated to the speed of the belt 13, 1633 before being introduced into the grinding region 9 of the vertical roller mill 4.

[0137] Whenever used in this document, the terms "comprises" or "comprises" are intended to indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

[0138] Those skilled in the art will understand that unless otherwise indicated herein, the particular order of steps described is exemplary only and may be varied without departing from the present disclosure. Thus, unless otherwise indicated, the steps described are unordered in the sense that, where possible, steps may be performed in any convenient or desirable order.

[0139] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms, etc. from one or more of the claims or relevant portions of the specification are introduced into another claim. For example, any claim that is dependent on another claim may be modified to include one or more limitations found in any other claim that is dependent on the same base claim.

[0140] The present disclosure should not be considered in any way limited to the described embodiments, as those skilled in the art will envision many possibilities for modification thereof.

[0141] The above-described embodiments may be combined. The following claims further define particular embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for comminuting particulate material, comprising: a vertical roller mill for grinding the particulate material, the vertical roller mill including a grinding roller having a grinding table and a rotating shaft; a feed section for feeding the particulate material to the vertical roller mill; Equipped with the grinding table and the grinding roller each have a grinding surface and are arranged to define a grinding region between the grinding surface of the grinding roller and the grinding surface of the grinding table; the grinding rollers are arranged to roll over the particulate material on a grinding path on the grinding table; the feeder is arranged to receive the particulate material and direct a material flow of the particulate material into the grinding zone of the vertical roller mill, in particular at a velocity of at least 0.3 times, or at least 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.0, 3.0 or 4.0 times the tangential velocity of the grinding surfaces of the grinding rollers relative to the axes of the grinding rollers; The supply section includes at least one belt conveyor including at least two pulleys and one belt extending around the two pulleys. Device.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the feed section is positioned to direct the material stream into the grinding zone at a velocity relative to the axis of the grinding roller that is substantially the same as the tangential velocity of the grinding roller in the grinding zone.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the feed section is arranged to substantially confine the flow of material introduced into the comminution region to a predetermined cross section.

4. 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply section is arranged to direct the material flow towards the grinding zone by imparting momentum to the particulate material, by pushing the particulate material, or by imparting momentum to and pushing the particulate material.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the feed section is arranged to compress the flow of particulate material before directing it to the comminution zone.

6. 6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the feed section is arranged to direct the material stream into the comminution region at an angle that is substantially tangential to the comminution path.

7. 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the supply section comprises a guide tray, the guide tray facing the material flow being substantially parallel to the material flow or facing the material flow being tangential, in particular in the case of a curved tray. Device.

8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the feeder is positioned to direct the stream of particulate material into the grinding zone at an angle relative to a plane defined by the grinding surface of the grinding table; The angle is 0° to 30°, particularly 0° to 15°, more particularly 0° to 10°, and particularly 0° to 5°. Device.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the supply section includes two running paths of the belt; the two travel paths of the belt are disposed on opposite sides of the particulate material to restrain the particulate material between the two travel paths of the belt; Device.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the two opposing paths of the belt form a funnel having an opening for receiving the particulate material; the funnel has an opening angle between the belt paths forming the funnel of at least 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 degrees; Device.

11. 11. The apparatus of claim 9 or 10, wherein the supply section includes at least one deflection drum that deflects a first run of the belt toward a second run between two pulleys to impart a curved shape to the first run.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, the deflection drum includes a plurality of holes on a circumferential surface thereof; In particular, the holes are blind holes. Device.

13. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the deflection drum includes a plurality of spaced apart wheels that engage the belt.

14. 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the deflection drum includes a plurality of protrusions.

15. 15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the supply section comprises at least one screw conveyor including a rotating helical screw flight.

16. 16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the feed comprises at least one stationary gravity feed such as a pipe, a slideway or a plate.

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the feed section comprises an array of multiple feed sections arranged in a coupled manner to form a combined material stream and direct the material stream to the grinding zone of the vertical roller mill.

18. 18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the grinding table and grinding rollers of the vertical roller mill are driven by independent motors.

19. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, One or more of the feeder, the grinding roller, or the grinding table has an independent drive mechanism that allows it to operate independently of the other components; The phrase "being able to operate independently from other components" includes that the supply unit is able to operate independently from the base of the vertical roller mill, that the vertical roller mill is able to operate independently from the base of the vertical roller mill, or that the supply unit, the base of the vertical roller mill, and the grinding rollers are able to operate independently. Device.

20. 20. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising one or more additional crushing rollers, each of the one or more additional grinding rollers has a rotation axis and a grinding surface and is positioned to define a respective grinding region between the grinding surface of the grinding roller and the grinding surface of the grinding table; the one or more additional grinding rollers are positioned to roll on the particulate material on one or more additional grinding paths on the grinding table. Device.

21. 21. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising one or more additional feeds for feeding the particulate material to the vertical roller mill; each of the one or more additional feeders is positioned to receive a supply of the particulate material and direct a material stream of the particulate material to a respective grinding zone of one of the grinding rollers; Device.

22. 22. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the grinding table and grinding rollers of the vertical roller mill are fixed relative to each other during operation except for rotation at a predetermined adjustable distance, thereby forming a fixed grinding area.

23. 23. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the vertical roller mill further comprises an inner grinding zone support device extending axially away from the grinding table beyond the grinding surface of the grinding table, the inner grinding zone support device being substantially concentric with the axis of rotation of the grinding table and having an outer diameter equal to 0.8 to 1.0 times the inner diameter of the grinding surface of the grinding table.

24. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 23, the vertical roller mill includes at least one outer grinding zone support device extending radially beyond the grinding surface of the grinding roller; the at least one outer grinding zone support device has a surface facing the grinding table; the surface is located axially from the axis of rotation of the grinding table, measured in a plane coincident with the grinding surface of the grinding table, at a distance of 1.0 to 1.1 times the outer diameter of the grinding surface of the grinding table perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the grinding table, whereby the surface of the outer grinding zone support device facing the grinding table provides side support for material flow within the grinding zone, thereby reducing side spillage of material. Device.

25. 17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, configured to be operable at a speed imparting a tangential velocity to the grinding surface of the grinding roller of at least 2 m / s, or at least 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 19, 22 or 25 m / s.

26. 26. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the particulate material is selected from mining ores, industrial minerals and chemicals, sand, slag, ash, clay, coating pigments, pharmaceuticals and cement raw materials.

27. 1. A method for comminuting particulate material, comprising: receiving a supply of particulate material; forming a material stream of the particulate material; directing the particulate material stream to a grinding zone of a vertical roller mill using a feeder comprising at least one belt conveyor including at least two pulleys and a belt extending around the two pulleys, the vertical roller mill comprising a grinding table and a grinding roller having a rotation axis, each of the grinding table and the grinding roller having a grinding surface and arranged to define the grinding zone between the grinding surface of the grinding roller and the grinding surface of the grinding table, the grinding roller arranged to roll over the particulate material on a grinding path on the grinding table, and in particular the material stream is directed at a velocity relative to the axis of the grinding roller that is at least 0.3 times, or at least 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 2.0, 3.0 or 4.0 times the tangential velocity of the grinding surface of the grinding roller; milling the particulate material in the vertical roller mill; A method having the following.

28. 28. The method of claim 27, comprising directing the material stream into the grinding zone with the feeder at a velocity relative to the axis of the grinding roller that is substantially the same as the tangential velocity of the grinding roller in the grinding zone.

29. 29. A method according to claim 27 or 28, further comprising directing the particulate material into the grinding zone of the vertical roller mill in a substantially straight direction, i.e. without substantially changing direction between the feed section and the grinding zone other than that caused by gravity.

30. 30. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, comprising compressing the material flow by applying centrifugal force to impart a change of direction.

31. 31. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 30, comprising directing the particulate material into the grinding zone at a velocity relative to the axis of the grinding roller that is at least 0.6 times the tangential velocity of the grinding surface of the grinding roller, or at a velocity of at least 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 or 2.0 times the tangential velocity of the grinding surface of the grinding roller relative to the grinding table.

32. 32. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 31, further comprising providing an air flow substantially parallel to and in contact with the material flow, the material stream is conveyed by an air stream having a velocity between 0.5 and 3 times the velocity of the material stream of the particulate material, e.g., at least 0.5 times the velocity of the particulate material or at least 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.4, or 2.0 times the velocity of the particulate material; method.

33. 33. A method according to any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein forming the material streams of particulate material comprises combining a plurality of material streams to provide a common material stream.

34. 34. The method of any one of claims 27 to 33, further comprising supporting the particulate material in the grinding zone on at least one side of the grinding zone to reduce escape of the particulate material from the volume between the grinding surfaces.

35. 35. The method of any one of claims 27 to 34, wherein the particulate material is selected from mining ores, industrial minerals and chemicals, sand, slag, ash, clay, coating pigments, pharmaceuticals and cement raw materials.

Images