Adaptive air classifier control

Abstract

The invention relates to an air classifier device (15) for air-classifying a material flow (2), comprising at least one static and / or dynamic air classifier (6), and means for supplying a classifying air flow to the air classifier (6), wherein: the air classifier device (15) separates a material flow (2) into a first fraction (8) and a second fraction (7); the first fraction (8) comprises, in particular, films; the air classifier device (15) comprises at least one measuring device; the measuring device is arranged in the region of the air classifier (6), in particular downstream of the air classifier (6); the measuring device detects impurities of at least one material type contained in the first fraction (8); the material type is associated with the second fraction (7); the air classifier device (15) comprises an open-loop and / or closed-loop control device (13); and the open-loop and / or closed-loop control device (13) is designed for the open-loop and / or closed-loop control of at least one parameter influencing the separating behaviour of the air classifier (6), and depending on the number of impurities determined by the measuring device.

Description

[0001] Patent application Applicant: Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH Status: 13.11.2024 Our reference: ST 5765 / CST - 1 - ADAPTIVE WINDSCREEN CONTROL

[0002] The present invention relates to a viewing device for viewing a material stream, and a corresponding method.

[0003] In many waste sorting plants and in almost all sorting facilities for lightweight packaging, air classifiers are used after classification into fractions to separate light and heavy materials. Light materials, such as films, in heavy material streams place a significantly increased load on sensor-based sorters because their low basis weight leads to high surface area coverage, especially due to large-area films, and relative movement on the acceleration belt, which in turn causes increased overlap and thus false detection. The use of air classifiers facilitates subsequent sorting steps, especially those of optical sorting, and allows for their maximum efficiency.

[0004] A problem with known wind separation processes is that bulk density is a crucial factor in the parameterization of air classifiers. The higher the bulk density, the more powerful the fan, for example, must be to generate the wind, and thus the air volume flow rate, in order to remove as much of the lighter material as possible. However, if the air classifier is set too aggressively, too many heavy particles are transferred into the lighter material, causing problems in subsequent sorting processes, such as reduced performance.

[0005] The technical objective of the invention is therefore to improve the state of the art and / or to propose alternative solutions.

[0006] The technical problem of the invention is solved by an object with the technical features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the figure.

[0007] All features described in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the object according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

[0008] The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited by the features described in the description or illustrated in the figures. Patent application Applicant: Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH Status: November 13, 2024 Our reference: ST 5765 / CST - 2 - For the purposes of the invention, the term "heavy fraction" includes, among other things, materials of the following types: cups and / or trays made of polypropylene (PP), bottles and / or cans and / or trays made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), yogurt cups and / or trays made of polystyrene (PS), bottles or trays made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), paper, cardboard, carton, beverage cartons, iron cans, and aluminum cans.

[0009] Furthermore, for the purposes of the invention, on the one hand the term first fraction can be understood to mean a light fraction and on the other hand the term second fraction can be understood to mean a heavy fraction and on the other hand the term first fraction can be understood to mean a heavy fraction and on the other hand the term second fraction can be understood to mean a light fraction.

[0010] Furthermore, for the purposes of the invention, on the one hand the term first fraction material stream can be understood to mean a light fraction material stream and on the other hand the term second fraction material stream can be understood to mean a heavy fraction material stream or on the other hand the term first fraction material stream can be understood to mean a heavy fraction material stream and on the other hand the term second fraction material stream can be understood to mean a light fraction material stream.

[0011] Furthermore, for the purposes of the invention, the term "light fraction" includes, among other things, materials of the following type: films made of low-density polyethylene or polypropylene, or multilayer films made of PP, PE, PET, polyamides (PA).

[0012] Furthermore, for the purposes of the invention, the term "lookup table" includes, for example, conversion tables used in computer science and digital technology to statically define information and use it at runtime of a program, thus avoiding complex calculations or high memory consumption. Control can be implemented manually using a lookup table, but it can also be automated in the form of a control system.

[0013] According to one aspect, the technical problem of the invention is solved by means of an air classifier device for air classifying a material stream, comprising at least one static and / or dynamic air classifier, as well as means for supplying a classifier air stream to the air classifier, wherein the air classifier device separates a material stream into a first fraction and a heavy fraction, wherein the first fraction is a patent application. Applicant: Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH, Status: 13.11.2024 Our reference: ST 5765 / CST - 3 - in particular comprising films, wherein the air classifier comprises at least one measuring device, wherein the measuring device is arranged in the area of ​​the air classifier, in particular downstream of the air classifier, wherein the measuring device detects contaminants of at least one material type contained in the first fraction, wherein the material type is assigned to the heavy fraction, wherein the air classifier comprises a control and / or a regulating device, wherein the control and / or the regulating device is designed to control and / or regulate at least one parameter influencing the separation behavior of the air classifier, and depending on the number of contaminants detected by the measuring device.

[0014] This approach can be advantageous for improving the purity level and optimizing the separation of the material stream. For example, a material type such as PET can be used as a reference or marker to evaluate the separation of the material stream, and based on this, the air classifier can be adjusted to improve performance. This can be advantageous for achieving maximum yield at a predetermined minimum purity level in a lightweight fraction.

[0015] According to a further aspect, the technical problem of the invention is solved by means of a method for operating an air classifier, in particular an air classifier according to claim 1, wherein the air classifier is designed for air classifying a material stream into a first fraction and into a second fraction with at least one static and / or one dynamic air classifier, the method comprising the process steps:

[0016] a) Supplying a stream of air to the air classifier and separating a material stream into a first fraction material stream and a second fraction material stream, b) Determining the number of contaminants contained in the first fraction material stream of at least one material type which is assigned to the second fraction,

[0017] c) Discharge of the contaminants contained in the first fraction, at least of one material type, downstream of the air classifier;

[0018] d) Controlling and / or regulating at least one parameter influencing the separation behavior of the air classifier depending on the number of contaminants in the first fraction material stream.

[0019] This allows for the advantageous maximization of the discharge into the primary material stream while maintaining a minimum purity level. The number of contaminants contained in the primary material stream can be an absolute value or a proportion, for example, a marking or label, in the light and / or heavy material. (Applicant: Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH, Date: November 13, 2024, Our Reference: ST 5765 / CST - 4)

[0020] In a technically advantageous embodiment of the method, it is provided that in process step d) the influencing parameter is determined using and / or by means of a lookup table based on the number or proportion of contaminants in the first fraction material stream.

[0021] This allows steps in the process to be carried out more quickly and eliminates the need for additional components.

[0022] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the method, it is provided that a water content of the material stream upstream and / or downstream of the air classifier and / or a heavy material content in the first fraction material stream upstream and / or downstream of the air classifier is used as a parameter for controlling and / or regulating the air classifier device, wherein in particular the heavy material content in the first fraction material stream is quantified by means of optical sorters.

[0023] The execution of the procedure can be improved and its result optimized.

[0024] Furthermore, in a technically advantageous embodiment of the method, it is provided that in the case of a heavy fraction content, in particular a PET content, in the first fraction material stream greater than a first defined percentage, in particular 3%, the fan speed of the air classifier is reduced and / or in the case of a heavy fraction content, in particular a PET content, in the first fraction material stream less than a second defined percentage, in particular 1.5%, the fan speed of the air classifier is increased.

[0025] This allows for the advantageous maximization of the feed into the primary fraction material stream while maintaining a minimum purity level. Generally, the specified minimum purity already takes into account the performance of the sorting units downstream of the air classifier. For example, a PET content of 3% could correspond to an actual purity of 90%, considering all contaminants. (Applicant: Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH, Date: November 13, 2024, Our Reference: ST 5765 / CST - 5 -) With appropriate design, an optical sorter can increase this to a target purity of over 95%.

[0026] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the figure and are described in more detail below.

[0027] It shows:

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a method for operating an air classifier for air classifying a material stream, as well as

[0029] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an air classifier device for air classifying a material stream.

[0030] The figures illustrate a method for operating an air classifier 15, as well as an air classifier for air classifying a material stream of input material 1, 2 into a first fraction 8 and a second fraction 7, with at least one static and / or one dynamic air classifier 6. The method comprises the following steps:

[0031] a) Supplying a sifting air stream to the air classifier 6 and separating a material stream of an input material 1, 2 into a first fraction material stream 8, 2 and into a second fraction material stream 7, 2,

[0032] b) Determining the number or proportion of contaminants of at least one material type contained in the first fraction material stream 8, 2 which is assigned to the second fraction 7,

[0033] c) Discharge of the contaminants contained in the first fraction 8, at least of one material type, downstream of the air classifier 6;

[0034] d) Controlling and / or regulating at least one parameter influencing the separation behavior of the air classifier 6 as a function of the number of contaminants in the first fraction material stream 8, 2, wherein in process step d) the influencing parameter can be implemented using and / or by means of a lookup table based on the number of contaminants in the first fraction material stream.

[0035] Furthermore, it is shown that a water content or moisture content 12 of the material stream 2 upstream and / or downstream of the air classifier 6 and / or a heavy material content in the first fraction material stream 8, 2 upstream and / or downstream of the air classifier 6 is used as a parameter for controlling and / or regulating the patent application. Applicant: Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH, Date: November 13, 2024, Our reference: ST 5765 / CST - 6 - air classifier device 15, wherein in particular the heavy material content in the first fraction material stream 8, 2 is quantified by means of optical sorters, such as a sorting cascade 9, 10 shown. Pre-processing 5, such as screening 5, may also be provided.

[0036] Furthermore, a view of the figures shows an air classifier 15 for air classifying a material stream 2, comprising at least one static and / or dynamic air classifier 6, as well as means for supplying a classifier air stream to the air classifier 6, wherein the air classifier 15 separates a material stream 2 into a first fraction 8 and a second fraction 7, in particular by means of a material separator 18, wherein the first fraction 8 in particular comprises films, wherein the air classifier 15 comprises at least one measuring device, such as an air sensor 16 or an automation sensor 19, wherein the measuring device 16, 19 is arranged in the area of ​​the air classifier 6, in particular downstream of the air classifier 6, wherein the measuring device 16, 19 detects contaminants of at least one material type contained in the first fraction 8, wherein the material type is assigned to the second fraction 7.wherein the air classifier 15 comprises a control and / or a regulating device 13, wherein the control and / or the regulating device 13 is designed to control and / or regulate at least one parameter influencing the separation behavior of the air classifier 6, and depending on the number of contaminants detected by the measuring device, in particular by means of a control and / or regulating signal 20.

[0037] The air sensor 16, primarily for the automatic detection of contaminants or impurities, is located in the air 17 exiting the material separator. The automation sensor 19, integrated into the sorting cascade 10 (which may be configured as an optical sorter), measures the material type and can, for example, be a near-infrared sensor. Based on this measurement, a signal 20 is generated and used to regulate and / or control the air classifier 6. In particular, it may be possible to utilize an existing sensor already present in the sorting cascade instead of requiring an additional sensor.

[0038] This allows existing machine elements to be used advantageously and cost-effectively for the process. Patent application Applicant: Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH Status: November 13, 2024 Our reference: ST 5765 / CST - 7 - Reference list:

[0039] 1 Input material

[0040] 2 Material flow

[0041] 3 Data stream

[0042] 4 sorting system

[0043] 5. Pre-processing, e.g. sieving

[0044] 6 air classifiers

[0045] 7 Second faction

[0046] 8 First Fraction

[0047] 9 Sorting cascade 1

[0048] 10 Sorting Cascade 2

[0049] 11 output fractions

[0050] 12. Moisture content or water content

[0051] 13 computers

[0052] 14 material-specific area flow data

[0053] 15 Air separator device

[0054] 16 air sensor

[0055] 17 air

[0056] 18 material separators

[0057] 19 Automation sensor

[0058] 20 Control / regulation signal

Claims

Patent application Applicant: Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH Status: 13.11.2024 Our reference: ST 5765 / CST - 8 - Claims 1. Air classifier (15) for air classifying a material stream (2), comprising at least one static and / or dynamic air classifier (6), and means for supplying a classifier airflow to the air classifier (6), wherein the air classifier device (15) separates a material flow (2) into a first fraction (8) and a second fraction (7), the first fraction (8) includes in particular foils, wherein the air classifier (15) comprises at least one measuring device, wherein the measuring device is located in the area of ​​the air classifier (6), especially downstream of the air classifier (6), is arranged characterized by the fact that the measuring device detects contaminants of at least one material type contained in the first fraction (8), where the material type of the second fraction (7) is assigned, wherein the air classifier (15) comprises a control and / or a regulating device (13), wherein the control and / or regulating device (13) is designed to control and / or regulate at least one parameter influencing the separation behavior of the air classifier (6), depending on the number of contaminants detected by the measuring device.

2. Method for operating an air classifier (15), in particular an air classifier (15) according to claim 1, wherein the air classifier (15) is designed for air classifying a material stream (2) into a first fraction (8) and into a second fraction (7) with at least one static and / or one dynamic air classifier (6), the procedure encompasses the following procedural steps: a) Supplying a classifying air stream to the air classifier (6) and separating a material stream (2) into a first fraction material stream (8, 2) and into a second fraction material stream (7, 2), b) Determining the number of contaminants of at least one material type contained in the first fraction material stream (8, 2) which is assigned to the second fraction (7), c) Discharging the contaminants of at least one material type contained in the first fraction (8) downstream of the classifier (6); Patent application Applicant: Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH Status: 13.11.2024 Our reference: ST 5765 / CST - 9 - d) Controlling and / or regulating at least one parameter (12, 14) influencing the separation behavior of the air classifier (15) depending on the number of contaminants in the first fraction material stream (8, 2).

3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that In process step d) the influencing parameter is determined using and / or a lookup table based on the number of contaminants in the first fraction material stream (8, 2).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims characterized by the fact that a water content (12) of the material stream upstream and / or downstream of the air classifier (6) and / or a heavy material fraction in the first fraction material stream (8, 2) upstream and / or downstream of the air classifier (6) is used as a parameter for controlling and / or regulating the air classifier device (15), wherein in particular the heavy material fraction in the first fraction material stream (8, 2) is quantified by means of optical sorters (9, 10).

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that in the case of a heavy fraction component, especially a PET content, in the first fraction material stream (8, 2) greater than a first defined percentage, especially 3% a fan speed of the air classifier (6) is reduced and / or in the case of a heavy fraction component, especially a PET content, in the first fraction material stream (8, 2) less than a second defined percentage, especially 1.5% a fan speed of the air classifier (6) is increased.

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