Method for assembling a silo with hopper insert

Abstract

The current invention relates to a method for assembling a silo with a hopper insert, comprising the steps of: (i.) the vertical construction of one or more cells; (ii.) the positioning of one or more outlets underneath the afore-mentioned cells; and (iii.) the connection of walls of said cells to the corresponding outlets by means of a transition plate, comprising: the connection of said transition plate to an inner wall of the cell, covering corresponding four base angles of said cell at a desired angle a between the wall of the cell and said transition plate; the connection of said transition plate to a lower flange, by means of an auxiliary support piece; the positioning of a flat connection plate to the lower flange; and the connection of the outlet to the lower flange.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for assembling a silo with a hopper insert. In particular, the invention relates to method for assembling silos consisting of a vertically arranged cell, an outlet opening at the bottom, and more specifically silo complexes comprising a connection of cell walls to the corresponding outlets by means of a transition plate, flanges and an auxiliary support piece.BACKGROUND

[0002] Silos are used industrially for the temporary storage of bulk or dump goods in the form of powders or granular products such as grain, coals, cement, animal feed, sand, gravel, fertilizer, etc. The two most common types of silos have cylindrical or square towers, which function as cell or storage space. At the bottom of the cell, the silo is provided with one or more outlet openings where the stored material can be transferred to a transport system or to a truck for transport. A method for assembling such silos is known.

[0003] In these known silos and their associated know construction methods, the cell of the silo is directly attached to the outlet, usually by welding or mechanical means. These techniques result in poor force distribution. All forces will be focused on certain points, creating weak spots in the silo.

[0004] Another problem with these known construction methods is that residue of the stored material can be left behind between e.g., bolts and screws, either due to incomplete sealing, poor positioning or poor assembly. If the stored material relates to food, it can decay or degenerate, as a result of which not only the quality of the stored material may be jeopardised, but also creating a risk of infection for all the material stored in the cell of the silo.

[0005] The current state of the art does not provide or does not adequately provide a solution to one or more of the above-mentioned problems or shortcomings.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end, the present invention relates to a method for assembling a silo with a hopper insert according to claim 1.

[0007] This method is particularly advantageous because of the use of an auxiliary support piece and special positioning to attach components of silo the together. This creates a strong construction, in which forces are evenly distributed. The auxiliary support piece has the benefit that it creates a space between the lower flange and the partial plate that is large enough to provide a strong and sufficiently large weld.

[0008] The method results in a strong silo also due to the positioning of the transition plate on the lower flange. Because of this positioning, the forces on the bolts of the flange will be evenly distributed, so no deformation of the flange will occur. By positioning the parts in this way, no residual products will be left between the flanges, bolts, etc.

[0009] This method also offers the advantage that the material stored in the silo experiences a uniform shear along the periphery of the outlet opening. Consequently, no material is left behind, for example in the corners of the cell, as a result of which decay or rotting of organic or biological material could come about.

[0010] Preferred embodiments of the method are shown in any of the claims 2 to 13.

[0011] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a silo with a hopper insert obtained according to claim 14.DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0012] The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features. The figures serve the purpose of further illustrating the invention, without thereby limiting the scope of the invention. With as a goal illustrating better the properties of the invention the following presents, as an example and limiting in no way other potential applications, a description of a number of preferred applications of the method for examining the invention.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a sideview of the positioning of the transition plate on the outlet via the flanges.

[0014] FIG. 1 shows that the transition plate 1 is welded on the upper edge of the lower flange 4 and the outlet 2 is welded at the bottom edge of this lower flange 2. The flat connection plate 5 will also be provided at the bottom edge of the lower flange 2. The upper flange 3, the lower flange 4 and the flat connection plate 5 are fitted together using bolts and screws 6.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a sideview of the auxiliary support piece.

[0016] FIG. 2 shows the auxiliary support piece 7, which comprises a rectangular body prat 8 and along one side two notches 10 and a protruding part 9. The protruding part 9 is beam-shaped and will be perpendicular to the body part 8 of the auxiliary support piece. The two notches 10 are provided on either side of the protruding part 9.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a sideview of the positioning of the auxiliary support piece between the transition plate and the lower flange.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows the positioning of the auxiliary support piece 7. The protruding part 9 of the auxiliary support piece 7 is provided between the transition plate 1 and the lower flange 4 after which a weld is made, and the auxiliary support piece is subsequently removed.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a perspective of the inside components of the silo and shows a magnified view of the flanges.

[0020] FIG. 4 shows an internal perspective view of the silo. The inner components comprise the bended transition plates 1, the upper flange 3, the lower flange 4, the flat connection plate 5, the outlet part 2 and mechanical fastening means (6) e.g., bolts and screws. The exploded view of the flanges shows that the upper flange 3 is provided only at the transitions where the outlet part 2 is divided.

[0021] The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments shown in the figures. On the contrary, methods according to the present invention may be realized in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.

[0023] “A”, “an”, and “the” as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, “a compartment” refers to one or more than one compartment.

[0024] “Comprise”, “comprising”, and “comprises” and “comprised of” as used herein are synonymous with “include”, “including”, “includes” or “contain”, “containing”, “contains” and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g., component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

[0025] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0026] Whereas the terms “one or more” or “at least one”, such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any ≥23, ≥24, ≥5, ≥6 or ≥7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members.

[0027] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0028] The term “silo” refers to a storage volume comprising one or more silo blocks, each silo block comprising one or more cells or silo cells, each cell suitable for the storage of a dump or bulk material. Such cells are generally arranged vertically, whereby each cell is provided with at least one outlet opening. In a broad sense, the term “silo” should be understood in the context of the present invention as a silo complex comprising a plurality of cells and / or a plurality of outlet openings.

[0029] The term “cell”, in the context of the present invention, should be understood as a synonym for the terms “silo cell”, “container”, “tank”, “reservoir”, “barrel”, “repository”, “holder”, “cistern”, and refers to a volume formed by one or more walls for the storage of bulk or dump material. At the upper side, said cell may be sealed by means of a covering or roof; at the bottom side, said cell is partly or completely open, and merges into one or more outlet openings.

[0030] The term “outlet opening” is to be understood as a synonym for the terms “opening”, “outlet”, “orifice”, “mouth”, “aperture”, and is to be understood as an opening along which the bulk or dump material can leave the silo to thus be transferred on a conveyor belt or in a loading wagon for transport.

[0031] The term “transition plate” is to be understood as a synonym for the terms “intermediate plate”, “intermediate element” or “transition element”, and indicates a plate which is located between the inner walls of the cell and the outlet opening, and which is connected at least partially and preferably completely to the inner walls of the cell and the outlet opening. Said transition plate may be completely or partially curved, and may be formed by one or more segments, which may be referred to as “partial plates”

[0032] The term “partial plate” is to be understood as “segment” or “transition segment” and indicates a plate which in appropriate combination with the corresponding partial plate or partial plates, forms one whole corresponding to said intermediate plate or transition plate.

[0033] De term ‘auxiliary support piece’ is to be understood as a synonym for the terms “temporary attachment”, “support piece”, “auxiliary piece”, “auxiliary support attachment” and indicated a piece which is temporary located between two parts of the silo to create space to connect the parts together. After attaching the two parts together, the auxiliary support piece will preferably be removed.

[0034] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for assembling a silo with a hopper insert, comprising the steps of:

[0035] (i.) the vertical construction of one or more cells having an angular cross-section;

[0036] (ii.) the positioning of one or more outlets underneath the afore-mentioned cells; and

[0037] (iii.) the connection of walls of said cells to the corresponding outlets by means of a transition plate, comprising the following steps:

[0038] a) the connection of said transition plate to an inner wall of the cell, when mounted in the silo, covering corresponding four base angles of said cell at a desired angle a between the wall of the cell and said transition plate;

[0039] b) the connection of said transition plate to a lower flange, wherein an auxiliary support piece is provided between the transition plate and the lower flange after which a weld is made, and the auxiliary support piece is subsequently removed;

[0040] c) the positioning of a flat connection plate under the lower flange; and

[0041] d) the connection of the outlet to the lower flange.

[0042] This method is particularly beneficial because of the use of an auxiliary support piece and special positioning to attach the components of the silo together. This results in a sturdy construction, in which forces are evenly distributed. The use of the auxiliary support piece has the benefit that it creates space between the lower flange and the partial plates, to provide a strong and sufficiently large weld. This method results in a strong silo also due to the positioning of the transition plate on the lower flange. This positioning ensures that the stresses on the bolts are spread uniformly, preventing any deformation of the flange. By positioning the parts in this way, no residual products will be left between the flanges, bolts, etc.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method wherein the transition plate is comprised as a kit of four, preferably six and most preferably eight partial plates. Said partial plates can be obtained by a bending of a plate to a desired curvature, corresponding the desired angle a between the wall of the cell and said transition plate.

[0044] This offers the advantage that said partial plates can easily be mounted in said silo at the level of the transition from the cell to the outlet opening. In addition, such partial plates can be transported more easily to the location of the silo to be constructed. When the transition plates are mounted in the silo, the material stored in the silo experiences a uniform shear along the periphery of the outlet opening. As a result, no material is left behind, for example in the corners of the cell, as a result of which decay or rotting of organic or biological material could come about. Such degeneration is to be prevented in order to guarantee the quality of the stored material.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method wherein the partial plates are arranged adjacent and then connected to each other by means of the weld seam. The partial plates are also arranged to connect with the inner walls of said cell at an upper edge by means of the weld seam.

[0046] Welding offers the advantage that it creates a uniform and smooth surface, therefore no material e.g., food residue will get stuck between the weld seams.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method wherein the bottom edges of the partial plates are provided to an upper edge of a lower flange by means of the weld seam via the auxiliary support piece. The auxiliary support piece is provided between the transition plate and the lower flange after which a weld is made, and the auxiliary support piece is subsequently removed.

[0048] The advantage of this positioning of the transition plates is that forces are evenly distributed across the flange, more specifically, on the bolts of the flange. This eliminates flange deformation and extends the life of the silo. This particular arrangement also ensures that no product or residue is left between the flanges. Using the auxiliary support piece, a sufficiently large weld seam can be created. This has a positive effect on uniformity and no bulk material residue remains in the silo.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method wherein the auxiliary support piece has dimensions such that a space between the partial plates and the upper edge of the lower flange comprises 1.5 mm width, preferably 2 mm and most preferably 2.5 mm.

[0050] The advantage hereby is that a sufficiently large weld can be made between the partial plates and the flange. Welded joints are strong, light and rigid. A welded joint is also quicker to make than, for example, glued joints, because a welded joint does not need to dry or harden. It will provide smooth surfaces. This is important for the inside of the silo because of flow resistance and hygiene, no residue of products will be left in the silo. The welded connection will also withstand high temperatures and can therefore be used in various places. Because of this feature, the silo can also be cleaned at a high temperature, for example, with hot water to remove dirt and kill bacteria, which improves hygiene. Welded joints have a good force transmission, which means no weakening of the construction.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method wherein the flat connection plate comprises preferably four, more preferably six and most preferably eight partial connection plates and are connected with each other by mechanical means. The partial flat connection plates are provided on the bottom edge of the lower flange.

[0052] The flat connection plate is additionally divided to nest it more optimally. On location, these partial plates are fitter together by mechanical means. Those mechanical means can comprise bolts, screws, etc. It can also be welded, or adhesives can be used. In addition, such partial connection plates can be transported more easily to the location of the silo to be constructed.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method wherein an upper edge of the outlet part is provided on the bottom edge of the lower flange, and wherein the upper flange is provided at the transitions where the partial plates are interconnected. The flanges are fitted together using mechanical means.

[0054] An outlet part may have to be subdivided because, for example, it cannot be transported in one piece. The individual outlet parts may deform during welding and transport. By providing an upper flange on site at the transition points, these deformations can be straightened out. By partitioning components of the silo and using flanges and mechanical means, it is easier to replace parts without having to replace the entire silo each time. It is possible, for example, to replace only the outlet of the silo. This significantly increases durability and saves material. If a component of the silo is broken or needs a replacement, the silo does not have to be completely replaced. It is therefore also possible to partially reuse components of the silo. Silos are easier to assemble and disassemble thanks to the various separate components.

[0055] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a silo with a hopper insert obtained by using the aforementioned method.

[0056] However, it is obvious that the invention is not limited to this application. The method according to the invention can be applied in all sorts of silos.

Claims

1. A method for assembling a silo with a hopper insert, comprising:vertically constructing of one or more cells having an angular cross-section;positioning of one or more outlets underneath the one or more cells; andconnecting walls of the one or more cells to the corresponding one or more outlets by means of a transition plate, comprising:connecting said transition plate to an inner wall of the one or more cells, when mounted in the silo, covering corresponding four base angles of the one or more cells at a desired angle a between the walls of the one or more cell and said transition plate;connecting said transition plate to a lower flange, wherein an auxiliary support piece is provided between the transition plate and the lower flange after which a weld is made, and the auxiliary support piece is subsequently removed;positioning of a flat connection plate to the lower flange; andconnecting of the one or more outlets to the lower flange.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said transition plate is comprised as a kit of four to eight partial transition plates.

3. The method according to claim 12, wherein said partial transition plates can be obtained by a bending of a plate to a desired curvature, corresponding the desired angle between the walls of the one or more cells and said transition plate.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein said partial transition plates are arranged adjacent and then connected to each other by means of a weld seam.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein said partial transition plates are arranged to connect with the inner walls of said one or more cell at an upper edge by means of a weld seam.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein a bottom edge of the transition plate is provided to the upper edge of the lower flange by means of a weld seam via the auxiliary support piece.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the auxiliary support piece has dimensions such that a space between the partial plates and an upper edge of the lower flange comprises 1.5 mm width.

8. The method according to claim 2, wherein an upper flange is provided at transitions where the partial plates are interconnected.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the flat connection plate comprises four to eight partial connection plates.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the partial connection plates are connected with each other by mechanical means.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein said partial flat connection plates are provided at a bottom edge of the lower flange.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein an upper edge of an outlet part is provided at the bottom edge of the lower flange.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the upper flange, the lower flange, and the flat connection plate are fitted together using mechanical means.

14. A silo with hopper insert obtained by using the method according to claim 1.

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