Device for cleaning of regenerator filling for burner systems

Abstract

A device for cleaning the regenerator (2) filling for burner systems using vibratory screening for separating the regenerator (2) filling, with the principle of the solution being that the device comprises a complex assembly of interconnected parts of a tilting frame (1), a regenerator (2), a hopper (3), a vibratory screener (4), a collecting box (5), a transport box (6), an exhaust assembly (7) and a control system (8), around which the frame structure (9) is arranged, wherein - the upper face (11) of the tilting frame (1) is mounted in a unilateral tilting manner and is equipped with guiding elements (16) to enable the regenerator body (2) to be mounted, - the regenerator (2) consists of an insulated cased box, which features a discharge hole (22) located on the side wall (21) to allow the filling to be emptied, - in front of the side wall (21) of the regenerator body (2), a hopper (3) in the shape of a downward tapering trough is placed below the level of its bottom (23), - under the hopper (3) there is a vibratory screener (4) consisting of a base (41) above which a vibrating table (42) is mounted, consisting of a perforated sheet (421) arranged in the inclined plane position, - below the level of the trailing edge (422) of the perforated sheet (421) a transport box (6) is placed for collecting cleaned heat carriers, - the base (41) of the vibratory screener (4) is adapted for the passage of waste particles from the cleaning process falling under the perforated sheet (421), where the collecting box (5) is placed, - the regenerator (2), hopper (3), vibratory screener (4) and collecting box (5) are equipped with suction holes or suction throats (71) connected to branches of the air bleeding pipe (72) of the exhaust assembly (7), - the control system (8) is centralized in a switchboard (81), which is preferably equipped with programmable industrial controllers connected to the control and steering parts of the device components, namely the tilting frame (1 ), hopper (3), vibratory screener (4) and the exhaust assembly (7).

Description

[0001] Device for cleaning of regenerator filling for burner systems

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a new concept of equipment for cleaning the filling of regenerators for heating burner systems of industrial melting furnaces, whose fillings represent heat carriers of various material origin and shapes.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] The process of cleaning heat carriers in regenerators is currently implemented in most cases through manual mechanical cleaning by authorized personnel. Tilting of the regenerator body to facilitate emptying is usually done by suspension on a bridge crane or by local support on tendentially unstable structures. After opening the regenerator outlet opening, the operator separates the regenerator filling with suitable tools (e.g. rake) and gradually by digging doses the soiled regenerator filling onto perforated metal sheet of the given mesh size. After dispensing an adequate amount of heat carriers onto the screen, the operator wipes the heat carrier balls against the screen, and against each other, by moving the rake. In doing so, dust particles and impurities are gradually separated and released from the heat carrier mass. After a visual check of the condition, the operator manually transfers the cleaned heat carrier balls into the prepared transport box again using a rake. Contaminants and heat carrier chips fall through the screen as sub-sieve waste and are disposed of in the follow-up step as hazardous waste. When emptying the filling from the regenerator, significant dust pollution of the air occurs by harmful particles.

[0006] The downside of the existing solutions is the necessity of manual handling of the contaminated filling, from its separation by mechanical wiping until collection in the transport box. At the same time, the operator is exposed to a prolonged stay in a dusty environment that contains harmful substances. The regenerator fillings comprise heat carriers of various material origin, shapes and sizes. Typical features of these media are high hardness, brittleness and abrasiveness during cleaning. The sources of pollution are combustion products, the furnace atmosphere and particles and residues from the technological process it contains. These pollutants enter the regenerator from the passing flue gas stream, which is the product of combustion and at the same time carries away the furnace atmosphere. Soiling of the regenerator with these particles has a negative effecton its permeability to the flue gas and combustion air stream. Once the regenerator reaches a high degree of soiling (significant increase in pressure loss and reduction in heat transfer efficiency from the flue gas to the heat carriers), the regenerator must be replaced. A second (spare) pair of regenerators is installed on the furnace and the clogged regenerator is subjected to cleaning of the filling. From an economic point of view, it is not cost-effective to dispose of the filling and always refill with a new batch of heat carriers. Depending on the nature of the operations and the furnace load, the frequency of regenerator replacement may vary considerably.

[0007] An alternative solution for operational cleaning of the regenerator filling during melting furnace operation is known from file EP1812752 B1 (Apparatus and method for cleaning regenerative-burner media bed), which deals with regenerative burner equipment for furnaces and the method of removing contaminants from such equipment. The described burner apparatus includes a burner for combustion of fuel mixed with air, a medium consisting of heat-resistant particles, and a duct for supplying combustion air to the burner during ignition and for extracting flue gas from said furnace after ignition is complete. The combustion air and flue gases gradually pass through the medium. The apparatus is equipped with means for periodically supplying a rapid stream of decontamination gas to said medium. The rapid stream has sufficient force to release contaminants accumulated in the medium from the passing flue gas. This solution consequently is based on the use of a dynamic pulse of the medium (air from the reservoir) evenly across the heat carrier bed in the regenerator, thus releasing the stuck particles and removing them via a duct, In this way, the operating life of the regenerator filling can be extended, but it is not a method that ensures complete cleaning of the regenerator filling after removing the regenerator from the furnace, as is the case with the device presented herein. A similar principle is described on the website https: / / www.jasper-gmbh.de / regclean-2438. but this method also does not deal with the technology of cleaning the regenerator filling when the regenerator is removed from the furnace, only with extension of the operating life between the regenerator replacement cycles due to contamination of the filling from the heating system operation.

[0008] Several authors have dealt already with the topic of vibratory screening or sorting of ceramic balls, however, they focus rather on defect detection with applications primarily in the initial manufacturing process of the ceramic balls, as does for example the file US11327028B2. Another separate category are the actual vibratory' screeners, which arewell known as stand-alone devices. The aim of these gradual patented improvements is usually to optimize the vibratory screen technology in order to extend the equipment lifetime, reduce material clogging and not least increase efficiency, as described, for example, in files WO2019082644, CN207533548(U), CN215031085(U) or EP3725426.

[0009] The purpose of the submitted invention is to present a new conceptual arrangement of a regenerator filling cleaning device, which, by a complex arrangement of its components, their connection, optimal setup and conceptual process-driven alignment, creates a functional unit that is innovative and substantially increases the efficiency of the regenerator filling cleaning process while ensuring that the working environment for the operators remains pleasant (minimising contact with dusty medium, extraction of dust and fly particles, etc.). The device is also used for safe, i.e. dust-free and efficient separation of contamination from the regenerator bed as well as of mutually agglomerated heat carriers. Optionally, this device also allows the waste products generated to be separated by different fractions, thus facilitating their use as secondary commodities.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] The stated aim is achieved by the invention, which is a device for cleaning the regenerator filling for burner systems using vibratory screening for separating the regenerator filling, the principle of which is that it comprises a complex assembly of interconnected parts of a tilting frame, a regenerator, a hopper, a vibratory screener, a collecting box, a transport box, an exhaust assembly and a control system, around which a frame structure is arranged, wherein

[0012] - the upper face of the tilting frame is mounted in a unilateral tilting manner and is equipped with guiding elements to enable the regenerator body to be mounted,

[0013] - the regenerator consists of an insulated cased box, which features a discharge opening located on the side wall to allow the filling to be emptied,

[0014] - in front of the side wall of the regenerator body, a hopper in the shape of a downward tapering trough is placed below the level of its bottom,

[0015] - under the hopper there is a vibratory' screener consisting of a base, above which a vibrating table is mounted consisting of a perforated metal sheet arranged in the inclined plane position,

[0016] - below the level of the trailing edge of the perforated sheet a transport box is placed forcollecting cleaned heat carriers,

[0017] - the base of the vibratory screener is adapted for the passage of waste particles from the cleaning process falling under the perforated sheet, where the collecting box is placed, - the regenerator, hopper, vibratory screener and collecting box are equipped with suction holes or suction throats connected to flanges of the exhaust assembly,

[0018] - the control system is centralized in a cabinet, which is preferably equipped with programmable industrial controllers connected to the control and steering parts of the device components, namely the tilting frame, hopper, vibratory screener and the exhaust assembly.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the upper face is attached to the tilting frame by means of pins mounted in bushings, while a lifting mechanism equipped with a hydraulic cylinder is incorporated in the lower part of the frame and the guiding elements consist of vertically disposed spikes or pins.

[0020] Further it is preferred that the sides of the hopper are fitted with integrated suction throats of the exhaust assembly, wherein the inclined impact bottom surfaces of the hopper are preferably fitted with damping elements, and the bottom edges of the bottom surfaces are connected to a vertical tube of rectangular cross-section under which the vibratory screener is located.

[0021] Finally, it is preferred for the vibrating table of the vibratory screener to be equipped with a pair of asynchronous drive motors and its perforated sheet to be provided with holes, wherein in the upper part, a guard is fixed around the upper surface of the perforated sheet of the vibrating table to prevent overflow of heat carrying elements falling off the hopper tube, and in the lower part, the vibrating table is provided with guide rails to direct the movement of the cleaned heat carriers towards the trailing edge of the perforated sheet.

[0022] In an optimum embodiment, the transport box is provided with an inclined bottom and a sealable through-hole on one of the walls to allow easy transfer of the heat carriers back into the regenerator body.

[0023] The submitted solution achieves a new and stronger effect in that the conceptual arrangement of the device components allows for a smooth, user-friendly and safe flow ofthe soiled filling from the regenerator body; through the hopper to the body of the vibrator / screener and then to the transport box. Thanks to its concept and logical arrangement of access points, the device also enables auxiliary operations to be carried out, such as cleaning the space under the grate in the regenerator (this grate carries the filling consisting of heat carriers) of dirt, as well as refilling, or local repairs on the regenerator body. All this while ensuring comfort and safety for the operator.

[0024] Description of Drawings

[0025] The specific- examples of the invention embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, where

[0026] Fig.1 is a basic simplified block diagram of the arrangement of the main functional parts of the device,

[0027] Fig. 2 is an overall axonometric view of the basic embodiment of the device with the functional parts fitted on a frame structure equipped with service walkways,

[0028] Fig. 3 is a side view of the device from Fig. 2,

[0029] Fig.4a) is an axonometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the tilting frame, Fig.4b) is a side view of the tilting frame from Fig.4a),

[0030] Fig. 5 is an axonometric view of the hopper embodiment with side exhausts,

[0031] Fig. 6 is an axonometric view of the vibratory screener embodiment,

[0032] Fig.7 is an axonometric view of the transport box, and

[0033] Fig, 8 is a process flow diagram of the regenerator filling cleaning operations using the presented device.

[0034] The drawings illustrating the present invention and the following examples of particular embodiments do not in any way limit the scope of protection stated in the definition, but merely illustrate the principle of the invention.

[0035] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0036] The device according to the invention comprises a complex assembly of interconnected functional parts, namely a tilting frame 1, a regenerator 2, a hopper 3, a vibratory screener 4, a collecting box 5, a transport box 6, an exhaust assembly 7 and a control system around which the frame structure 9 is arranged, equipped with service walkways 91provided with handrails 92. to facilitate access and handling of these functional parts.

[0037] The basic part of toe device is a tilting frame 1 preferably consisting of a set of truss profiles, the upper face 11 of which is fixed in a unilateral tilting manner by means of pins 12 mounted in bushings 13, as shown in Figures 4a) and 4b). The tilting of the face 11 is provided by a lifting mechanism 14, for example a hydraulic unit, located in the lower part of the frame 1 and equipped with a hydraulic cylinder 15. The face 11 is further provided with vertically disposed guiding elements 16, such as spikes or pins, in the corner portions to allow the regenerator body 2 to be mounted before the cleaning process is started. Locking of the regenerator body 2 to ensure its stability during tilting is then implemented by non-shown safety clamps.

[0038] The regenerator body 2 is an associated functional part of the device, although removable, that is placed on the face 11 of the tilting frame 1 before the cleaning process begins by means of a suitable handling device (not shown), such as an overhead crane, and secured in its position by means of guidance elements 16. The regenerator body.2 may have different shapes and dimensions depending on the supplier of the heating system or regenerator 2. In general terms, the regenerator.2 is an insulated, cased box with a filling consisting of heat carriers. Typically, the regenerator 2 is provided with a pair of covered openings, namely an upper inlet opening (not shown) and a discharge hole 22 located on the side wall 21 to allow the filling to be emptied, as well as unmarked seating flanges for connection to the heating system.

[0039] In front of the side wall 21 of the regenerator body 2, a hopper 3 in toe form of a downward tapering trough is provided below the level of the bottom 23 of the former, the trough side walls 31 are fitted with integrated suction throats 71 of the air bleeding pipe 72 of the exhaust assembly 7 in order to reduce dust release into the surrounding environment during the emptying of the regenerator 2, wherein to reduce noise levels during the discharge of heat carrying elements from the regenerator 2, the inclined impact bottom surfaces 32 of the hopper 3 are preferably fitted with non-shown damping elements. A vertical tube 33 of rectangular, preferably oblong, cross-section is connected to the bottom edges of the bottom surfaces 32, below which a vibratory screener 4 is placed, consisting of a base 41, above which a vibrating table 42 equipped with a pair of asynchronous drive motors 43 is mounted. The vibrating table 42 comprises a perforated sheet 421 arranged in the inclined plane position, which is provided with perforations (not shown) the size ofthe holes of which is selected according to the dimensions of the material to be cleaned. In the upper part, a guard 422 is fixed around the upper surface of the perforated sheet 421 to prevent overflow of heat carrying elements falling off the tube 33 of the hopper 3 and in the lower part, the vibrating table 42 is provided with guiding rails 44 to direct the movement of the cleaned heat carriers towards the trailing edge 422 of the perforated sheet 421. Below the level of the trailing edge 422 of the perforated sheet 421, a transport box 6 for collecting the cleaned heat carriers is placed, preferably provided with an inclined bottom 61. and, on one of the walls, a closable through-hole 62 to allow easy transfer of the heat carriers back into the regenerator body 2. The transport box 6 is designed, i.e. structurally adapted for handling by means of a forklift truck (not shown) or for suspension on an adequate type of lifting device. The base 41 of the vibratory screener 4 further comprises an outlet opening (not shown) for the waste particles from the cleaning process, that is, for separated dirt, heat carrier fragments and dust particles that fall under the perforated sheet 421. These waste particles are collected in a collecting box 5, which may be, for example, a big-bag or other type of sealable container, according to the preference of the end user of the equipment.

[0040] An integral part of the device is the exhaust assembly 7, which is designed to ensure the elimination of dust in the working environment, where it is necessary to provide air exhaustion functionality from all working areas of the functional parts 2, 3, 4, 5 of the device, which are equipped for the purpose with suction holes (not shown) or suction throats 71. The requirements for the amount of exhaust air and the required negative pressure on the exhaust route are defined in relation to the size of the equipment and the degree of contamination of the regenerator 2 filling. A possible overall concept of the exhaust, assembly 7 is shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3, indicating also the air bleeding pipe branches 72 whose locations and routes depend on the usable spatial layout of the facility.

[0041] Another integral part of the device Is the control system 8, which is based on a central computer installed in the common switchboard 81 and preferably equipped with programmable industrial controllers (not shown), by means of which it is possible to manually or remotely control via wires 82 or wireless connection the components 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 of the device, as well as to monitor their functionality or diagnose problems. The power supply to the components 1., 2, 3, 4, 7 is also preferably implemented via the switchboard.

[0042] When cleaning the regenerator.2 filling, the regenerator body is placed using a suitablehandling device, e.g. a bridge crane, on the tilting frame 1, where it is secured by safety clamps. The operator then switches on the extraction from the control panel and performs the operation of opening the discharge hole 22, which is used for emptying the regenerator 2 filling. Then they activate the tilting mechanism of the tilting frame 1, as well as the vibratory screener 4. By the increasing tilt, emptying of the filling from the regenerator 2 is started. The quantity of heat carriers dosed is controlled by the screener 4 and / or the technical design of the hopper 3. Depending on the nature of the soiling, morphology and heat carrier material, the required retention time and vibration intensity to achieve the desired degree of cleaning is defined. The heat carriers as well as the separated waste (sub-sieve) fractions exit the vibratory screener 4 at a defined rate, The cleaned heat carriers are collected in the transport box 6 and transferred back to the regenerator body 2. i.e. for further use, after the cleaning process is completed. Waste is collected and, after filling the collecting box 5, adequately disposed of or used as a secondary commodity. A visual diagram of the process of cleaning the regenerator 2 filling is shown in Figure 8.

[0043] industrial Applicability

[0044] The invention is conceived as a device for cleaning the filling of regenerators for heating burner systems of industrial melting furnaces, whose fillings represent heat carriers of various material origin and shapes. The presented device can be placed in production plants containing furnaces with heating systems based on regenerative burners, where the nature of the operations requires frequent cleaning of the regenerator filling. The lengthy and unsafe process of cleaning the regenerator filling can thus be substantially accelerated, with the added value of significantly improving safety and working conditions for the operator.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1. A device for cleaning the regenerator (2) filling for burner systems using vibratory screening for separating the regenerator (2) filling, characterized in that it comprises a complex assembly of interconnected parts of a tilting frame (1), a regenerator (2), a hopper (3), a vibratory screener (4), a collecting box (5), a transport box (6), an exhaust assembly (7) and a control system (8), around which the frame structure (9) is arranged, wherein the upper face (11) of the tilting frame (1) is mounted in a unilateral tilting manner and is equipped with guiding elements (16) to enable the regenerator body (2) to be mounted, - the regenerator (2) consists of an insulated cased box, which features a discharge hole (22) located on the side wall (21) to allow the filling to be emptied,- in front of the side wall (21) of the regenerator body (2), a hopper (3) in the shape of a downward tapering trough is placed below the level of its bottom (23),- under the hopper (3) there is a vibratory screener (4) consisting of a base (41) above which a vibrating table (42) is mounted, consisting of a perforated sheet (421) arranged in the inclined plane position,- below the level of the trailing edge (422) of the perforated sheet (421) a transport box (6) is placed for collecting cleaned heat carriers,- the base (41) of the vibratory screener (4) is adapted for the passage of waste particles from the cleaning process falling under the perforated sheet (421), where the collecting box (5) is placed,- the regenerator (2), hopper (3), vibratory screener (4) and collecting box (5) are equipped with suction holes or suction throats (71) connected to branches of the air bleeding pipe (72) of the exhaust assembly (7),- the control system (8) is centralized in a switchboard (81 ), which is preferably equipped with programmable industrial controllers connected to the control and steering parts of the device components, namely the tilting frame (1), hopper (3), vibratory screener (4) and the exhaust assembly (7),2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper face (11) is attached to the tilting frame (1) by means of pins (12) mounted in bushings (13), while a lifting mechanism (14) equipped with a hydraulic cylinder (15) is incorporated in the lower part of the frame (1) and the guiding elements (16) consist of vertically disposed spikes or pins.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sides (31) of the hopper (3) are fitted with integrated suction throats (71) of the air bleeding pipe (72) of the exhaust assembly (7), wherein the inclined impact bottom surfaces (32) of the hopper (3) are preferably fitted with damping elements, and the bottom edges of the bottom surfaces (32) are connected to a vertical tube (33) of rectangular cross-section under which the vibratory screener (4) is located.4 Device according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vibrating table (42) of the vibratory screener (4) is equipped with a pair of asynchronous drive motors (43) and its perforated sheet is provided with holes, wherein in the upper part, a guard (422) is fixed around the upper surface of the perforated sheet (421) of the vibrating table (42) to prevent overflow of heat carrying elements falling off the hopper (3) tube (33), and in the lower part, the vibrating table (42) is provided with guide rails (44) to direct the movement of the cleaned heat carriers towards the trailing edge (422) of the perforated sheet (421).5 Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport box (6) is provided with an inclined bottom (61) and a sealable through-hole (62) on one of the walls to allow easy transfer of the heat carriers back into the regenerator body (2).

Images