Improvement applied to a static machine element known as a discharge chamber integrated into equipment known as a hydrocyclone used in the stage of verifying ore particle size quality after the crushing stage, and process of assembly, coupling, and uncoupling thereof with respect to the hydrocyclone body

Abstract

The invention relates to an improvement applied to a static machine element known as a discharge chamber integrated into equipment known as a hydrocyclone used in the stage of verifying ore particle size quality after the crushing stage, and to the process of assembly, coupling, and uncoupling thereof with respect to the hydrocyclone body, represented by an evolutionary solution in the industrial and commercial sector of particle classifier / separator equipment for ores that have undergone concentration, desliming, solids recovery, and closed-circuit grinding procedures, with particular application to equipment known as hydrocyclones (Eq), wherein in order to overcome problems of premature wear and complex maintenance of the static machine element known as a discharge chamber, the invention provides an improved structural design thereof, now consisting of three components: a lower part (10), a quick-fit male part (20), and a fixed base (30), wherein a quick coupling / uncoupling concept is introduced for the operational lower part (10), enabling verification of the integrity of the cut diameter (H), distinguished in that only the quick coupling / uncoupling of the assembly formed by lower part (10) and quick-fit male part (20) need be performed.

Description

[0001] "IMPROVEMENT APPLIED TO THE STATIC MACHINE ELEMENT DISCHARGE CHAMBER THAT INTEGRATES THE EQUIPMENT CALLED HYDROCYCLONE USED IN THE QUALITY CHECKING STAGE OF THE ORE GRANULOMETER AFTER PASSING THROUGH THE CRUSHING STAGE, ITS ASSEMBLY PROCESS, COUPLING AND DECOUPLING OF THE HYDROCYCLONE BODY"

[0002] TERMINOLOGY

[0003] [1] For the purpose of better understanding the matter revealed and claimed in this invention patent, the meaning of some terms and acronyms abundantly cited in the body of the descriptive report is presented, where:

[0004] [2] - Industrial installation: for the purposes of the present invention, an industrial installation is considered, here defined as an industrial installation of interest, a mining installation (not limited to) of various raw materials, such as iron ore, copper ore, rock salt, among other related materials.

[0005] [3] - Production line: for the present invention, it can be understood as a form of series production or continuous production process in mining activity, carried out with the help of machines and / or equipment specialized in several specific functions.

[0006] [4] - Hydrocyclone: ​​is a piece of equipment widely used in the mining industry with the function of separating solid material from liquid material in crushed ore, which is achieved by using centrifugal force.

[0007] [5] - Centrifugal pump: also called pure or radial centrifugal pump) is a subclassification of turbo pumps, whose purpose is to provide the transport of fluids by flow, which in this case is the flow of crushed ore.

[0008] [6] - Discharge range: technically and commercially it is identified by experts in quality measuring equipment as the hydrocyclone, by the acronym APEX, positioned immediately below the Vortex forming sector of this equipment, more specifically at its lower end.

[0009] [7] It presents a constructive concept in the form of a funnel, where its upper diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the vortex-forming sector of the hydrocyclone, causing the flow of crushed ore containing few particles of smaller granulometry and less dense to be dragged by the secondary vortex and directed to the upper orifice of the hydrocyclone, which is technically and commercially known by the name of "vortex finder", while the diluted solution with smaller granulometry leaves through the current of the "overflow" sector.

[0010] [8] The practical effect obtained lies in the fact that only part of the liquid solution together with the densest particles (of larger granulometry) are able to escape through the flow generated in the "underflow" sector.

[0011] [9] - Hydrocyclone batteries: hydrocyclones are conveniently installed in the highest part of the plant, since it is necessary to use pumping, so that the other equipment can be fed by gravity. To save space and ensure uniform distribution of the hydrocyclone feed, they are arranged in batteries, in a distributor called a "manifold" (distributor), known in mining as a "spider" (CHAVES, AT Theory and practice of mineral treatment,

[0012] Volume 1 - 3 a edition - São Paulo: Signus publisher, 2006) .

[0013]

[0010] - Maintenance: for the purposes of this invention patent, it is defined as the action of maintaining, supporting, repairing or even preserving equipment, notably equipment intended for mining activities and specifically hydrocyclone equipment.

[0014]

[0011] Equipment maintenance activities consist of a set of actions that help ensure the proper functioning of equipment. In this context, maintenance is defined as the following types:

[0015]

[0012] - corrective;

[0016]

[0013] - preventive;

[0017]

[0014] - predictive; and

[0018]

[0015] - detective.

[0019]

[0016] For the purposes of this invention patent, the maintenance system is aimed at providing excellence in predictive and corrective maintenance.

[0020]

[0017] - Predictive Maintenance: is the action performed based on modification of "condition" or "performance" parameters, the monitoring of which follows a systematic approach. The objective of this type of maintenance is to prevent failures in equipment or systems by monitoring various parameters, allowing the continuous operation of the equipment (in this case, the hydrocyclone equipment) for as long as possible.

[0021]

[0018] - Corrective Maintenance: according to the Brazilian standard NBR-5462, it is the maintenance carried out on equipment (in this case, the hydrocyclone equipment) after the occurrence of a failure (or breakdown), intended to restore an item to a condition to perform a required function. Corrective Maintenance is the most expensive type of maintenance, which takes the most time and brings the most damage to the company.

[0022]

[0019] - NBR-5462: identification of the Brazilian technical standard regulated by ABNT, from November / 1994, entitled Reliability and maintainability.

[0023]

[0020] - Polymers: are materials that present in their molecular structure relatively simple units that repeat themselves, linked to each other by sp3 covalent bonds, forming long chains and, therefore, resulting in compounds of high molecular mass.

[0024]

[0021] - Thermosetting: or thermosetting, are polymers that have their polymer chains joined together through crosslinks or crosslinks, which are primary intermolecular attraction forces.

[0025]

[0022] - Polyurethane: known by the acronym "PU", is a polymer made from the reaction of two substances: a polyol and a diisocyanate. The raw materials used in the process may vary depending on the application's needs. In terms of polyols, the most commonly used are castor oil and polybutadiene.

[0026]

[0023] - Elastomer: is a polymer that presents "elastic" properties, obtained after crosslinking. It supports large deformations before breaking. The term rubber is a usual synonym for elastomer. Elastomeric materials such as tires are normally based on natural rubber and synthetic rubber.

[0027]

[0024] - Ceramic material: is a type of non-polymeric, non-metallic material and normally composed of metallic and non-metallic chemical elements joined by ionic bonding, covalent bonding or both. Ceramic materials can be crystalline, partially crystalline or amorphous.

[0028]

[0025] - Silicon carbide: is a chemical compound of silicon and carbon. It is most familiar as a synthetic compound widely used as an abrasive, but it also occurs in nature in the form of the very rare mineral called moissanite.

[0029]

[0026] - Man of the trade: according to the understanding of the treatise writers CHAVANNE, Albert & BURST, Jean-Jacques, in their work Droit de Lá Propriété Industrielle. Paris: Dalloz, 1993, p. 53-55, in a remissive manner, is the technician in the subject who has the normal and average knowledge of the technique that will be the object of study, which for the purposes of the present invention is the technician knowledgeable of technical specifications in equipment and procedures in mining activity and more specifically the one involved in procedures for verifying the maintenance technical specification of the hydrocyclone equipment.

[0030]

[0027] - Metallic material: they are mainly composed of metallic elements and have very similar characteristics such as electrical and thermal conductivity, deformation capacity, among others.

[0031]

[0028] - IPC: International Patent Classification.

[0032]

[0029] The list of terms, technologies and technical concepts presented in this preliminary topic must be appreciated for the correct understanding of the present invention patent, conferring the necessary descriptive sufficiency to the body of the present descriptive report, as well as they must be used as a reference for studies in comparative analyses, whether with hypothetical solutions of the state of the art that are pertinent to the technical field of the invention (hydrocyclone equipment) disclosed and / or marketed by third parties other than the holders of the present patent, whether on a date before or after the date of its filing.

[0033] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0034]

[0030] To complement this description in order to obtain a better understanding of the state of the art, identification of the problem to be solved and the distinctive characteristics of the present invention, this descriptive report includes, in annex, a set of drawings, where:

[0035]

[0031] Figure .1a is an illustrative representation in a photographic report of a hydrocyclone battery installation, installed at the Sossego Mine, located in Canaã dos Carajás - PA, representative of the technical field of the present invention (Source: Figure .08, page 43 of the Monograph presented by Graziele Santos Rocha, under the title USES AND APPLICATIONS OF THE HYDROCYCLONE IN INDUSTRIAL FIELDS, by the Federal University of Pará, Marabá - PA, 2010);

[0036]

[0032] Figure . lb is an illustrative representation in a photographic report of another hydrocyclone battery installation, (Source: www.rochemt.com.br / imagens / cyclonel.jpg );

[0037]

[0033] Figure 2a is an illustrative representation of the constructive concept of a hydrocyclone unit, revealing its constructive concept and highlighting the static machine element "discharge chamber" (Phone: Figure 2, page 19 of the Monograph presented by Graziele Santos Rocha, under the title USES AND APPLICATIONS OF THE HYDROCYCLONE IN INDUSTRIAL FIELDS, by the Federal University of Pará, Marabá - PA, 2010), this being the development paradigm of the present invention;

[0038]

[0034] Figure . 2b is an illustrative representation of the operational concept of a hydrocyclone unit revealing its constructive concept and highlighting the static machine element "discharge chamber" (Phone: Figure . 02, page . 19 of the Monograph presented by Graziele Santos Rocha, under the title USES AND APPLICATIONS OF THE HYDROCYCLONE IN INDUSTRIAL FIELDS, by the Federal University of Pará, Marabá - PA, 2010), this being the development paradigm of the present invention;

[0039]

[0035] Figure 3a is an illustrative representation in perspective view of the conventional static "discharge chamber" machine element, highlighting its constructivity;

[0040]

[0036] Figure . 3b is an illustrative representation in side or front or rear view of the conventional static "discharge chamber" machine element, highlighting its constructivity;

[0041]

[0037] Figure . 3c is an illustrative representation in exploded side or front or rear view of the conventional "discharge chamber" static machine element, evidencing its constructivity;

[0042]

[0038] Figure . 3d is an illustrative representation in cross-sectional view of the conventional static "discharge chamber" machine element, highlighting its constructivity;

[0043]

[0039] Figure . 3e is an illustrative representation in exploded cross-sectional view of the conventional static "discharge chamber" machine element, evidencing its constructivity;

[0044]

[0040] Figure . 4 is an illustrative representation in cross-sectional view of the conventional "discharge chamber" static machine element, highlighting its constructivity, notably the lower channel of the discharge chamber static machine element, its condition at the start of use (new part) and its condition at the end of its useful life;

[0045]

[0041] Figures . 5a and . 5b are illustrative representations in side or front or rear view in enlarged detail of the coupling region of the conventional "discharge chamber" static machine element in the lower part of the conical section of the hydrocyclone equipment, evidencing the decoupling operation of the conventional discharge chamber static machine element;

[0046]

[0042] Figure 6a is an illustrative representation in perspective view of the improved static machine element "discharge chamber", evidencing its constructivity;

[0047]

[0043] Figure . 6b is an illustrative representation in side or front or rear view of the improved "discharge chamber" static machine element, highlighting its constructivity;

[0048]

[0044] Figure . 6c is an illustrative representation in exploded side or front or rear view of the improved "discharge chamber" static machine element, evidencing its constructivity;

[0049]

[0045] Figure . 6d is an illustrative representation in cross-sectional view of the improved static machine element "discharge chamber", evidencing its constructivity;

[0050]

[0046] Figure . 6e is an illustrative representation in exploded cross-sectional view of the improved static machine element "discharge chamber", evidencing its constructivity;

[0051]

[0047] Figures . 7a and . 7b are illustrative representations in side or front or rear view in enlarged detail of the coupling region of the improved static machine element "discharge chamber" in the lower part of the conical section of the hydrocyclone equipment, evidencing the operation of its decoupling in this region of the equipment; and

[0052]

[0048] Figure 8 is a representation in the form of a graph, with the period (days) versus wear (millimeters) relationship obtained with the use of the improved discharge chamber, or improved APEX.

[0053] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0054]

[0049] The present invention patent with the title in the title and subject of description and claim in this document deals with an evolutionary solution that finds notable benefit in the industry and trade sector of equipment for classifying / separating mineral particles that have undergone a concentration, desliming, solids recovery and closed circuit grinding procedure, with particular application in equipment called hydrocyclones.

[0055]

[0050] More specifically, hydrocyclone-type equipment (Eq) is applied after the ore grinding procedure, and is commonly arranged in a plurality of hydrocyclones (Eq), . . . . (Eqn), in the form of batteries (Ba), as illustrated in figures . 1a and . 1b.

[0051] For the purpose of acculturation only, on average a battery (Ba) is composed of at least 22 hydrocyclones (Eq).

[0056] DEMAND FOR THE INVENTION

[0057]

[0052] a. Introduction

[0058]

[0053] The applicant devised the present invention based on its technical expertise capitalized on years of practical experience in managing activities related to mining, considering its particularities when extracting and treating the ore that is removed from deposits, converging on a privileged view of the predicates and limitations identified by it in relation to the support equipment for this industrial activity widely used in the mining sector.

[0059]

[0054] In this regard, for the present invention the identified demand is related to the activity of solids recovery and closed grinding circuit, with particular application in equipment called hydrocyclones (Eq), as illustrated in figures . 2a and . 2b .

[0060]

[0055] b . Demand for the invention

[0061]

[0056] The demand for the present invention is translated by the identification of the list of needs related to the quality assurance of the granulometry of ore particles after the grinding procedure, where for this purpose technicians in the subject recognize the importance of the wide use of batteries (Ba) of cyclone-type equipment (Eq), see figures . la and . lb .

[0062]

[0057] Having made this brief introduction, where the technical field of the present invention is reinforced, experts in the field observed, during visits to clients in the mining sector, several complaints, of which those related to the opinion of operators that in order to maintain the quality specified in the cutting / separation of the ore classification, measured by the hydrocyclone equipment (Eq), see figure 2a, during the imminent activity of its maintenance, which brings with it the desired list of demands, deserve to be highlighted:

[0063]

[0058] - the operation of removing the static machine element from the discharge chamber (Eq4), see figure 2a, which is also known technically and commercially by the acronym "APEX", is carried out quickly, in a reduced time and, as a consequence, in the most ergonomic way possible;

[0064]

[0059] - mitigate the consumption of inputs for fixing the static machine element discharge chamber (Eq4) with the lower "Underflow" part (Eq3) of the hydrocyclone equipment (Eq), see figure .2a; and

[0065]

[0060] - increase the useful life of the static machine element discharge chamber (Eq4), see figure .2a, ensuring the maintenance of the cutting diameter (H) in its previously defined specification, for as long as possible, see figure .2b, and therefore, being able to be reused after the inspection procedure, which in a few words involves disassembling this part in relation to the underflow sector (Eq3) of the hydrocyclone (Eq), see figures .2a and .2b.

[0066] INVENTION REQUIREMENTS

[0067]

[0061] In line with the demand for the invention, the applicant devised the "IMPROVEMENT APPLIED TO THE STATIC MACHINE ELEMENT DISCHARGE CHAMBER THAT INTEGRATES THE EQUIPMENT NAMED HYDROCYCLONE USED IN THE STAGE OF CHECKING THE QUALITY OF THE GRANULOMETRY OF THE ORE AFTER PASSING THROUGH THE CRUSHING STAGE, ITS ASSEMBLY PROCESS, COUPLING AND DECOUPLING OF THE HYDROCYCLONE BODY" provided with novelty associated with inventive step, as it does not arise in an obvious or evident manner from other techniques anticipated by the state of the art, conferring advantages from the technical, industrial and quality assurance points of view of the crushed ore, as will be demonstrated in a subsequent topic of this title.

[0068]

[0062] In addition, the "invention" has industrial application, is economically viable and, therefore, meets the strict requirements for patentability, notably as an invention patent, for having aggregated industrial application, novelty and inventive step.

[0069]

[0063] Therefore, the invention deals with a form of implementation that makes it feasible to meet the list of demands previously listed as well as adheres to the patentability requirements, since as will be demonstrated, the improvement devised for the static machine element "discharge chamber", aiming to speed up maintenance procedures and also extend its useful life, is not anticipated by solutions of this nature identified by the state of the art, whose deficiencies will be commented on in a later topic.

[0070]

[0064] Finally, it is correct to state that a person skilled in the art, or a professional, when faced with the material revealed for a conventional static "discharge chamber" machine element, cannot, with the teachings provided by them, arrive at the solution revealed and claimed in the present invention patent. TECHNIQUE FUNDAMENTALS

[0071]

[0065] In order to provide veracity and consolidate the context explained in the topics of the introductory table, a detailed explanation will be presented on the state of the art for conventional static "discharge chamber" machine elements, also recognized by the acronym APEX, where after critical analysis of this, once evaluated by professionals, their limiting aspects will be identified, thus consolidating the identification of the list of demands previously listed.

[0072]

[0066] a. I understand the structure of a hydrocyclone equipment

[0073]

[0067] As illustrated in Figures . 2a and . 2b , hydrocyclones (Eq) are composed of the elements listed herein :

[0074]

[0068] - injection tube (Eql), with the function of providing access and feeding of the crushed ore into the hydrocyclone (Eq);

[0075]

[0069] - vortex finder (Eq2);

[0076]

[0070] - upper sector (Eq3), preferably with a cylindrical tubular section;

[0077]

[0071] - intermediate sector (Eq4), preferably with a conical tubular cross-section;

[0078]

[0072] - lower sector (Eq5), where the discharge chamber machine element is defined, also known by the acronym APEX, which drains the flow of ore with larger grain sizes to the underflow; and

[0079]

[0073] - upper outlet (Eq6), which drains the flow of ore with smaller grain size to the overflow.

[0080]

[0074] b . Operational logic of a hydrocyclone

[0075] As illustrated in figure . 2b, its operation is based on the capture of flow and feeding of crushed ore (Mvl ) to the interior of the upper sector (Eq3 ), deriving into a downward spiral movement of this flow (Mv2 ), dragging the particles of larger grain size and consequently heavier crushed ore (Mv3 ) to the conical sector (Eq4 ) and then reaching the discharge chamber (Eq5 ) to finally reach the lower outlet (Mv4 ), technically called "underflow" (downflow or subflow).

[0081]

[0076] In turn, the particles with smaller grain size and consequently less dense are dragged to the upper and central portion of the Hydrocyclone (Eq), specifically the vortex finder (Eq2), generating an ascending spiral movement (Mv5) leading to an upper outlet (Eq6), technically called "overflow" (overflow or ascending flow).

[0082]

[0077] The flow rates of the "underflow" and "overflow" sectors are defined by the specification of their diameter and by the working pressure to which the hydrocyclone (Eq) is subjected to operate, which in turn is generated from a centrifugal pump.

[0083]

[0078] c . Invention development paradigm

[0084]

[0079] For the present invention patent, the object of study for improvement is defined as the static machine element conventional discharge chamber (Eq5), also called by the acronym APEX.

[0085]

[0080] d . State of the art

[0086]

[0081] d . l Conventional construction concept

[0087]

[0082] The static discharge chamber machine element (Et), also called by the acronym APEX, in a classical embodiment, is represented in figures 3a to 3e, where the components and their respective items are defined in a cross-referenced manner:

[0088]

[0083] - cradle (1), technically also called "APEX door", formed by a tubular structure (la), whose nozzle ends have defined perpendicular flaps (1b) and (1c), respectively, with the function of dressing the discharge chamber (2) itself, being made of metallic material, preferably steel;

[0089]

[0084] - discharge chamber (2), technically also called APEX, formed by a tubular structure (2a), provided in its upper nozzle with a perpendicular flap (2b), with an external diameter slightly smaller than the external diameter of the tubular structure (la) of the cradle (1), and an internal diameter defined by a conical upper section (2c) that develops in the narrow tubular segment (2d), with a narrowing of diameter in the lower part and bordering the lower section, with a constant diameter (H).

[0090]

[0085] This part is preferably manufactured in polymeric material, specifically polyurethane.

[0091]

[0086] d.2 Operational logic of quality control

[0092]

[0087] As shown in figure 2b, in a cross-referenced manner, it is possible to understand the operational process of the hydrocyclone (Eq), as being the feeding with pulp of minerals or other materials (Mvl), through centrifugal pumping.

[0093]

[0088] Measuring the reliability of the crushed ore flow quality control procedure (Mv3) involves collecting samples of the crushed ore that exits through the Underflow, that is, that ultimately passes through the conventional discharge chamber (Et), or conventional APEX.

[0094]

[0089] In turn, the collected samples are inspected according to two previously defined parameters, namely:

[0095]

[0090] (i) inspection of the "cutting diameter" (H) defined at the narrowing of the discharge chamber (Et), see figure .2b, which must fit within the values ​​of a table that determines the specified value of the "cutting diameter" (H), and the value obtained is submitted for acceptance so that it does not compromise the defined quality criteria of the crushed ore flow; and

[0096]

[0091] (ii) verification by sampling of the particle size distribution of the crushed ore flow (Mv3) that passes through the undeflow.

[0097]

[0092] Therefore, depending on the results obtained, it is decided whether to reuse the discharge chamber (Et) evaluated or to replace it.

[0098]

[0093] e. Identification of problems and / or restrictions

[0099]

[0094] Although the constructive concept of the conventional discharge chamber (Et) meets its objective of providing the guarantee of the granulometry of crushed ore that flows to the underflow (see figure .2b), some limitations are evident and are now reported,

[0100]

[0095] Those skilled in the art know that the mining process, from end to end, is characterized by being a continuous process, which makes maintenance stops significantly detrimental to this production system, since any stop, even if punctual, implies generating productivity bottlenecks.

[0096] In view of this scenario, regarding the durability of this conventional discharge chamber (Et), it is decisive in the production cycle, being however inevitable, since its wear is directly related to the friction condition caused by the contact of the crushed mineral flow (Mv3) with the internal walls of the conventional discharge chamber (Et), notably with the narrow tubular segment (2d).

[0101]

[0097] This inevitable wear condition is illustrated in figure .4, where for condition (a), notably a condition of start of operation of the conventional discharge chamber (Et), a nominal value of cutting diameter (Hl) is recorded for the narrow tubular segment (2d), that is, in this condition the internal surface of this segment was not subjected to friction from the flow of crushed ore (Mv3).

[0102]

[0098] In a later condition (b), after a certain operating time of the conventional discharge chamber (Et), a nominal value of worn cutting diameter (H2) is recorded for the narrow tubular segment (2d), that is, in this condition the internal surface of this segment was intensely subjected to friction from the flow of crushed ore (Mv3).

[0103]

[0099] Therefore, having confirmed the irreversible damage to this narrow tubular segment (2d), its preventive or even corrective maintenance becomes inevitable.

[0104]

[0100] In turn, the removal of the conventional discharge chamber (Et) implies its decoupling from the intermediate sector (Eq4), preferably with a conical tubular section, as illustrated in figures 5a and 5b, revealing the complexity or difficulty in the operation of removing the fastening elements (Px), generally formed by screws and their respective washers and nuts.

[0105]

[0101] Finally, once the desired decoupling has been obtained, the inspection of the operational condition of the conventional discharge chamber (Et) is carried out by measuring the wear of the narrow tubular segment (2d), as illustrated in figure 4, where a caliper or calibrator is used for this purpose.

[0106]

[0102] In this regard, the time to check or replace a conventional discharge chamber unit (Et), also known by the acronym APEX, is estimated at between 20 and 30 minutes, but it should not be lost sight of the fact that this condition necessary for decoupling the conventional discharge chamber (Et) is enhanced when, in a broader view, it must inevitably be applied to all hydrocyclones (Eql), (Eq2), ... (Eqn) of a battery (Ba), on average 22 units, as illustrated in figures .la and .lb.

[0107]

[0103] Finally, the need for frequent inspections for preventive maintenance of the conventional discharge chamber (Et) imposes physical demands on workers, which, combined with the unfavorable micro environment, make it an unhealthy activity.

[0108]

[0104] f. Causes of identified problems

[0109]

[0105] fl From the point of view of the constructive concept of the conventional discharge chamber (or conventional APEX)

[0110]

[0106] Premature wear resulting from abrasive contact of the ground ore particles with the internal surface of the classification tube and compromising the cutting diameter (H) leads to a loss of reliability of the reading obtained for classifying the ground ore, which can be attributed to the specification of the material from which the conventional discharge chamber (Et) is constructed, with thermosetting polyurethane material often being used;

[0111]

[0107] f .2 From the point of view of maintenance operation

[0112]

[0108] As the device is designed as a single piece, or monoblock, during maintenance operations the conventional discharge chamber (Et) must be removed in its entirety, resulting in the verified difficulty of execution (lack of ergonomics), requiring a long period of equipment downtime.

[0113] INVENTION PROPOSAL

[0114]

[0109] a. Objective

[0115]

[0110] It is an objective of the present invention to solve the problems and limitations listed in relation to the constructive concept of the conventional discharge chamber (Et), thus converging on the list of predicates:

[0116]

[0111] - Ensure the reliability / quality of the precision required in the classification of crushed ore, for as long as possible, making the inspection operation as close as possible to the concept of assured quality;

[0117]

[0112] - Significant reduction in the need for maintenance operations (corrective or predictive) of hydrocyclone equipment (Eq);

[0118]

[0113] - Ensure productivity in a continuous process;

[0119]

[0114] - Eliminate the complexity of the maintenance operation of the hydrocyclone unit (Eq) that integrates a battery of equipment (Ba ), in particular the operation of removing the discharge chamber for inspection, making it simpler;

[0115] - Reduce the cost of replacing a discharge chamber; and

[0120]

[0116] - Improve working conditions during maintenance operations of the discharge chamber.

[0121]

[0117] b . Distinctive feature

[0122]

[0118] To make the objective of the invention feasible, the improvement applied to the hydrocyclone (Eq) was devised, more specifically an improvement applied to the static machine element discharge chamber (A), also known by the acronym APEX, which was devised with the following distinctive characteristics:

[0123]

[0119] b . l From the point of view of ensuring durability

[0124]

[0120] It becomes a device whose constructive concept is based on three components, namely:

[0125]

[0121] - fixing base, with the function of providing fixing of the improved discharge chamber to the lower end of the "Underflow" (Eq3) of the hydrocyclone equipment (Eq), becoming a definitive assembly part, and whose interior has defined a female quick-fit element;

[0126]

[0122] - quick-fit male part, which covers the upper part of the lower part, with the function of receiving the assembly and fixing by quick fitting to the quick-fit female element defined inside the fixing base part; and

[0127]

[0123] - lower part, with the technological basis of the conventional discharge chamber, differentiated by being provided with a quick-fit male element.

[0128]

[0124] Therefore, for the new improved discharge chamber, or improved APEX, only this lower part will be subject to the inevitable maintenance to verify integrity within acceptable parameters of the cutting diameter.

[0129]

[0125] b .2 From the point of view of the durability of the discharge chamber

[0130]

[0126] In particular, the third part, described in the previous item and which will be the only object aiming at reducing the inevitable maintenance of the discharge chamber, is manufactured from the possible mixture formulations (blend): Fed = A + B, where:

[0131]

[0127] - Fed: Blend itself;

[0132]

[0128] - A = highly abrasion-resistant thermosetting polymeric material; and

[0133]

[0129] - B = ceramic material.

[0134]

[0130] In turn, the fixing base parts and quick-fit male, as they are not subject to premature wear due to abrasion, as they have not been exposed to the flow of crushed ore (highly abrasive), can be made of metallic material (steel).

[0135] OF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0136]

[0131] The following detailed description should be read and interpreted with reference to the drawings presented , representing a preferred embodiment for the improved discharge chamber static machine element ( , not being intended to limit the scope of the invention , which is limited only to that explained in the table of claims .

[0137]

[0132] a. Constructive concept of the improved discharge chamber

[0138]

[0133] The improved discharge chamber static machine element (A) is revealed in a preferred embodiment in figures 6a to 6e wherein, being formed by the component parts described below:

[0139]

[0134] (i) lower part (10), as illustrated in a generic manner in figures .6a; .6b and .6c, whose detailed construction concept can be seen in figures .6d and .6e, where the following elements are identified:

[0140]

[0135] - monolithic body (10a);

[0141]

[0136] - internal conical passage (10b);

[0142]

[0137] - internal regular tubular passage (10c), defined immediately below the lower end of the conical passage (10b);

[0143]

[0138] - support tab (10d), defined at the lower end of the extension (10e), with diameter (10f) with the function of accommodating the assembly and stability of the quick-fit male part component (20);

[0144]

[0139] (ii) quick-fit male part (20), as illustrated in general terms in figures 6a; 6b and 6c, the detailed construction concept of which can be seen in figures 6d and 6e, where the following elements are identified:

[0145]

[0140] - tubular body (20a), with external diameter (20c) slightly larger than the diameter (10f) of the extension (10e) of the lower part (10), thus ensuring solid assembly between both elements;

[0146]

[0141] - male thread (10b) , defined throughout the contour in the lower portion of the tubular body (10b) , with the function of providing quick engagement and locking to the female thread element (30c) defined in the internal part of the body (30a) of the fixing base component (30) ; and

[0142] (iii) fixed base (30) , as illustrated in a generic manner in figures .6a; .6b and .6c, whose detailed construction concept can be seen in figures .6d and .6e, where the following elements are identified:

[0147]

[0143] - a tubular-shaped part holder (30a) with a flattened edge (30a") defined around the entire contour of its upper nozzle;

[0148]

[0144] - a tubular segment piece (30b) , with an internal diameter (30e) larger than the external diameter (20c) of the quick-fit male piece (20) ;

[0149]

[0145] - female thread (30c) defined throughout the internal contour of the tubular segment piece (30b), with the function of providing quick coupling with the male thread (20b) defined in the quick-fit male piece (20); and

[0150]

[0146] - flattened tab (30d) defined around the entire contour of its upper nozzle.

[0151]

[0147] b. Nature of the forming material of the improved discharge chamber

[0152]

[0148] In view of the requirement to provide high abrasion resistance, thus mitigating wear of the operating element of the improved discharge chamber (A), each component part is specified with the following materials:

[0153]

[0149] (i) lower part (10), must be made from a mixture (blend) with possible formulations, Fed = A + B, where:

[0154]

[0150] - thermosetting material, such as polyurethane in association with

[0155]

[0151] ceramic material, such as silicon carbide;

[0156]

[0152] - elastomeric material in association with ceramic material, such as silicon carbide;

[0153] - only thermosetting material, such as polyurethane; and

[0157]

[0154] - elastomeric material only.

[0158]

[0155] (ii) quick-fit male (20), may be made of metallic material, for example steel;

[0159]

[0156] (iii) fixing base (30), can be made of metallic material, for example steel.

[0160]

[0157] b. Improved discharge chamber assembly

[0161]

[0158] Follow the sequential steps (see figure .6e for reference):

[0162]

[0159] Step 1 Proceed to assemble the quick-fit male part (20) with the lower part (10), where the internal diameter opening (20c) of the body (20a) passes through in an adjusted manner with the external diameter (10f) of the extension (10e);

[0163]

[0160] Pass 2 Having obtained the quick-fit male part (20) with the lower part (10), the male thread (20b) is positioned inside the fixed base part (30);

[0164]

[0161] Step 3 The male thread (20b) is positioned in a solid manner with the female thread (30c) defined inside the fixed base part (30);

[0165]

[0162] Step 4 The quick-fit male part (20) and the lower part (10) are rotated (a quarter turn, for example) in relation to the fixed base part (30), promoting a solid displacement between the female thread (30c) and the male thread (20b), converging in the locking of the parts and consolidating the static machine element of the improved discharge chamber (A), as illustrated in figures 6a, 6b and 6d;

[0166]

[0163] c. Assembly of the improved discharge chamber in the hydroci clone

[0164] Follow the step:

[0167]

[0165] Step 1 Assembly of the improved discharge chamber (A), next to the lower part of the sector (Eq3), preferably with a cylindrical tubular section, using fastening elements (Px), as illustrated in figure .7a.

[0168]

[0166] c. Disassembly of the improved discharge chamber in the hydroci clone

[0169]

[0167] Follow the step:

[0170]

[0168] Step 1 A counter-rotation (quarter turn for example) is carried out of the quick-fit male part assembly (20) with the lower part (10) in relation to the fixed base part (30), promoting a solid displacement between the female thread (30c) and the male thread (20b), converging in the unlocking and detachment of the quick-fit male part assembly (20) with the lower part (10), with the fixed base part (30) being kept connected to the lower part of the upper sector (Eq3) of the hydrocyclone (Eq).

[0171] RELEVANT FACT

[0172]

[0169] With the new construction concept designed for the improved discharge chamber (A), or improved APEX, it is clear that only the quick-fit male part (20) and the lower part (10) are of interest for inspection of the quality and maintenance of the cutting diameter (H).

[0173] TECHNICAL EFFECT OBTAINED

[0170] In particular, the implementation of the improved discharge chamber (A) in field tests converged in the consolidation of the arguments described and justified thus far regarding the requirement for a significant increase in useful life, which can be interpreted by reading the significant reduction in wear of the cutting diameter (H), see figures . 6a to . 6e, and which can be appreciated through the graph in figure . 8 which indicates a considerable gain in durability (reduction in wear) over the evaluated time.

[0174] CLOSING

[0175]

[0171] The choice of the preferred embodiment of the invention which is the subject of the claim in this document, described heretofore, is provided by way of example only. Changes, modifications and variations may be made to any other embodiment of the improved discharge chamber (A), changes which may be devised by those skilled in the art without, however, diverging from the objective disclosed in the claim of the present patent, which is exclusively defined by the attached claims.

[0176]

[0172] It can be seen from what has been described and illustrated that the "IMPROVEMENT APPLIED TO THE STATIC MACHINE ELEMENT DISCHARGE CHAMBER THAT INTEGRATES THE EQUIPMENT NAMED HYDROCYCLONE USED IN THE STAGE OF CHECKING THE QUALITY OF THE GRANULOMETRY OF THE ORE AFTER PASSING THROUGH THE CRUSHING STAGE, ITS ASSEMBLY PROCESS, COUPLING AND DECOUPLING OF THE HYDROCYCLONE BODY" now claimed complies with the rules governing the invention patent in light of the Industrial Property Law, deserving, for what has been exposed and as a consequence, the respective privilege.

Claims

CLAIMS 1) "IMPROVEMENT APPLIED TO THE STATIC MACHINE ELEMENT DISCHARGE CHAMBER THAT INTEGRATES THE EQUIPMENT CALLED HYDROCYCLONE" being this formed by at least one injector tube (Eql), vertex finder (Eq2); an upper sector (Eq3), of preferably cylindrical tubular section, an intermediate sector (Eq4), of preferably conical tubular section, lower sector (Eq5), where the discharge chamber machine element is defined, also called by the acronym APEX and upper outlet (Eq6), which drains the flow of ore of smaller grain size to the overflow, characterized by the improved discharge chamber (A) having a constructive concept with at least the components (and respective elements): (i) lower part (10) , composed of the elements monolithic body (10a) , internal conical passage (10b) , internal regular tubular passage (10c) , defined immediately below the lower end of the conical passage (10b) , support tab (10d) , defined at the lower end of the extension (10e) , with diameter (10f) with the function of accommodating the assembly and stability of the quick-fit male part component (20) ; (ii) quick-fit male part (20), where the following elements are defined: - tubular body (20a), with external diameter (20c) slightly larger than the diameter (10f) of the extension (10e) of the lower part (10), thus ensuring solid assembly between both elements; - male thread (10b), defined throughout the contour in the lower portion of the tubular body (10b), with the function of providing quick engagement and locking to the female thread element (30c) defined in the internal part of the body (30a) of the fixing base component (iii) fixed base (30), where the following elements are identified: - a tubular-shaped part holder (30a) with a flattened edge (30a") defined around the entire contour of its upper nozzle; - a piece of tubular segment (30b) , with an internal diameter (30e) larger than the external diameter (20c) of the quick-fit male piece (20) ; - female thread (30c) defined throughout the internal contour of the tubular segment piece (30b), with the function of providing quick coupling with the male thread (20b) defined in the quick-fit male piece (20); and - flattened brim (30d) defined around the entire contour of its upper nozzle; 2) "IMPROVEMENT APPLIED TO THE STATIC MACHINE ELEMENT DISCHARGE CHAMBER" wherein each part of the improved discharge chamber (A) of claim 1 is characterized by: (i) lower part (10), must be made from a mixture (blend) of thermosetting material in association with ceramic material, or elastomeric material in association with ceramic material or only thermosetting material such as polyurethane or only elastomeric material; (ii) quick-fit male (20), can be made of metallic material, for example steel; (iii) fixing base (30), may be made of metallic material, for example steel; 3) "IMPROVEMENT APPLIED TO THE STATIC MACHINE ELEMENT DISCHARGE CHAMBER" according to claim 2 wherein in an embodiment for the nature of the material of the part (10) of the improved discharge chamber (A) is characterized by a mixture (blend) of polyurethane in association with silicon carbide; 4) "ASSEMBLY PROCESS" of the improved discharge chamber (A) of claim 1, characterized by the sequential steps: - Step 1 Assemble the quick-fit male part (20) with the lower part (10), where the internal diameter opening (20c) of the body (20a) passes through in an adjusted manner with the external diameter (10f) of the extension (10e); - Step 2 Once the quick-fit male part (20) and the lower part (10) have been assembled, the male thread (20b) is positioned inside the fixed base part (30); Step 3 The male thread (20b) is positioned in a solid manner with the female thread (30c) defined inside the fixed base part ( 30 ); - Step 4 The quick-fit male part (20) and the lower part (10) are rotated (a quarter turn for example) in relation to the fixed base part (30), promoting a solid movement between the female thread (30c) and the male thread (20b), converging in the locking of the parts and consolidating the static machine element of the improved discharge chamber (A); 5) "ASSEMBLY PROCESS" of the improved discharge chamber (A) of claim 1 in the hydrocyclone (Eq) characterized by the assembly of the improved discharge chamber (A), next to the lower part of the sector (Eq3), of preferably cylindrical tubular section, through the use of fastening elements (Px); and 6) "DISASSEMBLY PROCESS" of the improved discharge chamber (A) of claim 1 of the hydrocyclone (Eq) characterized by carrying out a counter-rotation (quarter turn for example) of the quick-fit male part assembly (20) with the lower part (10) in relation to the fixed base part (30), promoting a solidary displacement between the female thread (30c) and the male thread (20b), converging in the unlocking and detachment of the quick-fit male part assembly (20) with the lower part (10), keeping the fixed base part (30) connected to the lower part of the upper sector (Eq3) of the hydrocyclone (Eq).

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