Apparatus and method for treating and conveying particles having high temperatures
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure IB2026051027_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION
[0002] APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING AND CONVEYING PARTICLES HAVING HIGH TEMPERATURES
[0003] Technical field
[0004] This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for treating and conveying particles having high temperatures, greater than 80°C, obtained mainly from waste-to-energy or incineration processes applied to solid secondary waste or other combustible solids.
[0005] Background art
[0006] Known at present in the above mentioned technical field are particle treatment and conveying solutions which essentially comprise a conveyor belt connected, on both sides of it, to respective sealed walls which, with the respective end and front walls, define a tank for containing the cooling fluid. Basically, therefore, the frame which supports the conveyor belt also defines the containment tank. The containment tank is then filled with fluid for cooling the particles and creating a hydraulic guard which prevents uncontrolled air flow from the inlet mouths.
[0007] Such systems have numerous disadvantages, described briefly below. First of all, it is very difficult to inspect and work on the conveyor belt. In effect, the walls do not allow direct inspection of the zone under the conveyor belt (or between the conveying branch and the return branch of the conveyor belt), thus requiring massive operations to even just identify faults. In addition, even routine maintenance operations are not simple and involve very lengthy recovery times.
[0008] Moreover, the fact that the belt is sealed off means that it is common for particles to seep through the conveyor and to be deposited between the conveying section and the return section of the conveyor or positioned on the return section. The grimy deposits prevent smooth running and accelerate wear due to the abrasive action between the components. Wearcauses loss of design tolerances and eventually leads to loss of conveyor belt balance and the frequent need to restore balance which in turn means loss of working time.
[0009] Lastly, a very serious disadvantage is due to the fact that in some cases, the particles build up and form masses of boiling hot material which, in contact with the fluid, causes the fluid to evaporate and expand rapidly, resulting in explosions. In some cases, these explosions apply such stress on the side walls as to bend the walls. Since the belt is connected directly to the walls, bending means the belt is no longer perfectly level, significantly adding to the stress involved.
[0010] These phenomena eventually lead to extra strain on the belt drive assembly, and, in short, higher energy consumption.
[0011] Disclosure of the invention
[0012] This disclosure has for an aim to provide an apparatus and a method to solve the above mentioned problems inherent in the prior art.
[0013] This aim is fully achieved by the apparatus and method of this disclosure as characterized in the appended claims.
[0014] According to an aspect of it, this disclosure provides an apparatus for conveying particles having a temperature above 80°C while cooling them with a fluid.
[0015] The apparatus comprises a conveyor belt.
[0016] The conveyor belt extends along a conveying course between a first end and a second end.
[0017] The conveyor belt includes a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly moves by translation along the conveying course to convey the particles in a discharging direction.
[0018] The conveyor assembly comprises a conveying branch, defining a supporting surface, configured to supportably receive the particles and, in use, facing towards one or more expulsion mouths through which the particles are discharged.The conveyor assembly comprises a return branch, spaced from the conveying branch along a vertical, perpendicular to the conveying course. The conveyor assembly comprises an inspection space, defined by the space, along the vertical, between the conveying branch and the return branch.
[0019] The conveyor belt comprises an actuating assembly, configured to move the conveyor assembly.
[0020] The apparatus comprises a supporting frame on which the conveyor belt is mounted.
[0021] The apparatus comprises a containment tank, defining a containing space. The containment tank includes a pair of side walls, extending at least partly parallel to the conveying course. The containment tank is configured to be filled with a fluid.
[0022] Advantageously, the conveyor belt is mounted inside the containing space. Preferably, the inspection space opens into the containing space.
[0023] The fact that the inspection space opens into the containing space means that when the residual particles seep through the conveying branch (or table), they do not settle in the inspection space or on the return branch (or table) but are effectively pushed out (sideways) and are deposited on the bottom of the containment tank. That way, the conveyor belt remains relatively clean, and wear, belt imbalance and other phenomena are drastically reduced.
[0024] Moreover, in the event of explosions, any deformation which may occur is limited to the walls of the tank. Their deformation, however, does not in any way affect the balance of the conveyor belt, which is not connected to the walls, as it was in the prior art.
[0025] Advantageously, the conveyor belt defines a first side, facing towards a first side wall of the pair of side walls, and a second side, facing towards a second side wall of the pair of side walls, opposite the first side wall, and the inspection space opens into the containing space on the first side and on the second side.The opening of the inspection space on both sides of the belt is particularly advantageous because the particles can effectively seep through to the same extent on both sides. Keeping only one side open would mean subjecting the opposite side to the problems described above and thereby compromising belt balance. This solution is therefore particularly advantageous.
[0026] In an embodiment, the conveyor belt is spaced from at least one side wall of the pair of side walls.
[0027] The fact that the side wall is spaced from the conveyor belt makes it more accessible and facilitates maintenance, because an operator can go inside the tank, examine the inspection space and take the required action without problems, thus significantly reducing system downtime.
[0028] It is specified that, in an embodiment, the conveyor belt is spaced from at least one side wall of the pair of side walls by a gap large enough for an operator to pass through.
[0029] Preferably, the conveyor belt is spaced from both side walls of the pair of side walls.
[0030] It is specified that, in an embodiment, the conveyor belt is spaced from each of both side walls of the pair of side walls by a gap large enough for an operator to pass through in at least one zone.
[0031] In this case, maintenance is even easier in that the operator can choose the side which is more convenient for the maintenance to be carried out.
[0032] Preferably, the conveyor belt is spaced from at least one side wall of the pair of side walls or from both side walls of the pair of side walls.
[0033] The size of the gap may vary according to the available space and the level of accessibility required. Whatever the case, the gap must be such as to allow an operator to go inside and carry out maintenance on the belt.
[0034] Advantageously, the conveyor belt comprises a pair of constraining walls, extending from the conveying branch in a direction outward from the supporting surface.
[0035] The constraining walls allow preventing the particles being conveyed on thebelt from falling off the belt.
[0036] In an embodiment, the belt comprises a pair of guides which are inclined with respect to the supporting surface. The guides each comprise a first end which is proximal to the supporting surface, and a second end which is proximal to a respective constraining wall of the pair of constraining walls. The guides significantly reduce seepage of the particles, although the particles can pass through the gaps between the guides and the supporting surface.
[0037] In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pair of tie rods, each extending between a respective first end, connected to a corresponding side wall of the pair of side walls, and a second end. The second end is connected to a corresponding constraining wall of the pair of constraining walls or, alternatively, it may be connected to the supporting frame.
[0038] The tie rods give the structure added stiffness.
[0039] In an embodiment, the extension of the pair of side walls along the vertical is greater than the extension of the pair of constraining walls along the vertical. That means the water can reach a level higher than the ends of the constraining walls, so as to allow fluid to flow out, in the event of explosion, for example, thus reducing the strain on the belt even more.
[0040] The conveyor belt comprises a first portion, where the supporting surface is perpendicular to the vertical, and a second portion, where the conveying surface is inclined with respect to the vertical. This is the simplest configuration, where an idle transfer element (the one which allows rotation of the translating assembly) is immersed in the fluid.
[0041] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the conveyor belt comprises three portions: a first inclined portion, where the conveying surface is inclined with respect to the vertical, a horizontal portion, where the supporting surface is perpendicular to the vertical, and a second inclined portion, where the conveying surface is inclined with respect to the vertical. The first inclined portion and the second inclined portion have opposite inclinations, in particular, the first inclined portion being a descendingportion and the second inclined portion being an ascending portion. The first portion is upstream of the second portion in the discharging direction, upstream of the third portion. The first and second portions are upwardly inclined in order to keep the idle transfer element of the conveyor belt outside the cooling fluid. The second inclined portion is outside also in order to discharge the cooled particles.
[0042] This allows keeping the drive and idle transfer elements outside the fluid to make it easier to perform visual inspection and, if necessary, maintenance. In practice, therefore, there is a submerged step in which the particles are extinguished and their temperature is lowered, and a step in which they are no longer submerged and are expelled to a storage zone.
[0043] In an embodiment, the belt comprises a plurality of slats, connected to each other to form the belt itself.
[0044] At least some of the slats comprise one or more pushers. The pushers are defined by panels extending perpendicularly to the slats and are configured to collect the material on the belt and to carry it forward, without relative sliding between belt and material.
[0045] In an embodiment, the pusher comprises a first portion, which extends perpendicularly from the slat, and a second portion which, starting from the first portion, extends along an inclined direction with respect to the direction of extension of the first portion. That way, the pusher adopts a spoon-like shape better capable of collecting the material and,, in some cases, of digging into the deposits of material that may accumulate inside the tank defined by the pair of side walls.
[0046] Additionally, in an embodiment, a first slat comprises a one-piece pusher located in the middle of the slat, without reaching the ends of the slat, while a second slat (following or preceding the first) comprises two pushers, spaced apart transversely and not aligned along the movement direction. That way, no slat is ever overloaded or without any relief system.
[0047] In an embodiment, the apparatus may comprise one or more discharge mouths (that is, discharge from the incinerator and, in other words, inletmouths leading onto the conveyor belt). The one or more discharge mouths are configured to convey the particles towards the conveyor belt.
[0048] The one or more discharge mouths extend along the vertical into the containing space.
[0049] The fact the discharge mouths extend into the containing space means that these mouths are immersed in the fluid when the tank is full. This aspect is very important because it allows creating a hydraulic guard which prevents uncontrolled air flow from the inlet mouths.
[0050] According to an aspect of it, this disclosure also provides a control system which allows maintaining apparatus safety levels.
[0051] The control system is configured, essentially, to check that the water is at the right level.
[0052] More in detail, the control system comprises a suitable sensor system and suitable operations actuators. Further, the control system comprises a control unit, connected to the sensor system and to the operations actuators.
[0053] The sensor system comprises one or more of the following sensors:
[0054] - an electronic level sensor, positioned on the bottom of the containment tank;
[0055] - a mechanical level sensor, comprising a float connected to a shaft, the shaft being connected to a position sensor which interprets the position of the shaft to derive a value of level therefrom.
[0056] The operations actuators comprise one or more of the following actuators: - a filler pump, configured to supply water to the containment tank;
[0057] - a gate valve, configured to close the incinerator discharge mouths, preventing material from falling out.
[0058] In light of the above, the control unit is configured for:
[0059] - sending a drive signal to the filler pump responsive to receiving a signal from the electronic or mechanical level sensor, representing a level which is lower than a threshold level value; and / or
[0060] - sending a drive signal to the gate valve to switch it to the closed positionresponsive to receiving a signal from the electronic or mechanical level sensor representing a level which is lower than a threshold level value. The gate valve closes when the water, in which the discharge mouths are normally submerged in order to create the hydraulic guard, is down to a level where the discharge mouths are uncovered. In effect, losing the hydraulic guard, which ensures there is negative pressure in the incinerator, could lead to a state of pressure equilibrium which would reduce the efficacy and safety of the incinerator.
[0061] In an embodiment, the supporting frame comprises a plurality of beams, connected to each other to create a supporting structure which allows the inspection space to be inspected. The supporting structure also allows inspecting a bottom zone which is disposed under the return branch along the vertical.
[0062] Thus, with a reticulated frame like that, it is possible to check the condition of the belt from inside the containing tank, so that action can be taken promptly and selectively.
[0063] According to an aspect of it, this disclosure provides a method for treating and conveying particles also having a temperature above 80°C, by means of an apparatus according to any of the features set out in the foregoing description.
[0064] The method comprises a step of filling the containing tank with a fluid. The method comprises a step of expelling the particles into an expulsion zone through one or more discharge mouths aligned with the conveyor belt along the vertical in the direction of the weight force.
[0065] The method comprises a step of conveying the particles from the expulsion zone to the storage zone by means of the conveyor belt.
[0066] Brief description of the drawings
[0067] These and other features are more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 shows a cross section of an apparatus for treating and conveying particles according to this disclosure;
[0068] - Figure 2A shows a side cross section of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
[0069] - Figure 2B shows a side cross section of another embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
[0070] - Figure 3 shows a cross section of a detail of a conveyor belt immersed in a containing tank of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
[0071] - Figure 4 shows a detail of an embodiment of the apparatus according to this disclosure.
[0072] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes an apparatus for treating and conveying particles, preferably having a temperature above 80°C.
[0073] The apparatus 1 comprises a conveyor belt 2.
[0074] The conveyor belt 2 extends along a conveying course DT between a first end 2A and a second end 2B.
[0075] The conveyor belt 2 comprises a conveyor assembly 21. The conveyor assembly moves by translation along the conveying course DT to convey the particles in a discharging direction VS.
[0076] The translating conveyor assembly 21 comprises a plurality of slats 211. The slats of the plurality 211 are mounted side by side along the conveying course DT.
[0077] The slats of the plurality 211 are rotatable about a respective rotation axis AR, perpendicular to the conveying course DT.
[0078] In an embodiment, each slat of the plurality comprises a respective conveyor tooth 211 D which extends from the respective slat 211. The slats 211 do not necessarily all have a conveyor tooth 211 D but only some of the slats 211 have such a tooth.
[0079] The slats 211 are made of any material whose melting point is higher than 100°C (a metallic material, for example), preferably higher than 500°C.The translating conveyor assembly 21 of the conveyor belt 2 moves with translational motion along the conveying course DT in the discharging direction up to the second end 2B of the belt 2, then rotates and reverses its direction of travel and moves back along the conveying course DT in a return direction VR.
[0080] That way, the translating conveyor assembly 21 defines a conveying branch 21 T. The conveying branch 21 T is the part of the translating conveyor assembly 21 which moves with translational motion in the discharging direction VS. The conveying branch 21 T defines a supporting surface SA, configured to supportably receive the particles.
[0081] The apparatus 1 comprises one or more expulsion mouths 5, disposed along a vertical V, perpendicular to the conveying course DT, and aligned with the supporting surface SA. In practice, the supporting surface SA faces the one or more expulsion mouths 5. The expulsion mouths 5 are configured to expel the particles onto the supporting surface SA of the belt 2 so as to convey them to a discharge zone ZS.
[0082] The translating conveyor assembly 21 defines a return branch 21 R. The return branch 21 R is the part of the translating conveyor assembly 21 which moves with translational motion in the return direction VR.
[0083] The return branch 21 R is spaced from the conveying branch 21 T along the vertical V.
[0084] Thus, the conveyor belt 2 defines an inspection space VI, defined by the space, along the vertical V, between the conveying branch 21 T and the return branch 21 R.
[0085] The conveyor belt 2 comprises an actuating assembly 22, configured to move the conveyor assembly 21.
[0086] The actuating assembly 22 comprises a transmission assembly 221 , such as a chain, for example, on which each slat 211 is rotatably mounted so it can be moved along the conveying course DT.
[0087] In particular, each slat 211 is connected to the transmission assembly 221 by a respective connecting roller, which allows it to rotate about an axisparallel to the transverse direction T in order to allow inverting the direction of motion. The actuating assembly 22 comprises a motor 222, configured to set the chain in rotation, hence to determine the movement of the conveyor belt 2.
[0088] The apparatus comprises a supporting frame 3 on which the conveyor belt 2 is mounted. The supporting frame 3 comprises a plurality of beams 31 which are disposed in such a way as to create a supporting structure under the conveyor belt 2.
[0089] The supporting frame 3 is connected to a fixed portion of the actuating assembly 22 so as to support the conveyor belt while the transmission assembly 221 causes the translating conveyor assembly 21 to move with translational motion.
[0090] It is important to note that the supporting structure defined by the supporting frame 3 is open, that is to say, it is possible to see through it because the beams form a series of openings AP through which the inspection space VI can be inspected.
[0091] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises a containment tank 4. The containment tank 4 defines a containing space VC. The containment tank comprises a pair of side walls 411 A, 411B. The pair of side walls 411 A, 411 B extend parallel to the conveying course DT. The containment tank 4 is configured to be filled with a fluid. The containment tank 4 also comprises a front wall 402, which connects the pair of side walls 411 A, 411 B on one side, and an end wall 403, which connects the pair of side walls 411 A, 411 B on the other side.
[0092] Preferably, the containment tank 4 comprises a filling line 42, on which a feed pump 43 is mounted in order to pump the fluid into the containment tank 4. Preferably, the filling line 42 is located in an upper zone of the containment tank 4.
[0093] Preferably, the containment tank 4 comprises a discharge line 44. The containment tank 4 comprises a discharge valve 45, located on the discharge line 44 and configured to inhibit or enable discharging of fluid fromthe containment tank 4.
[0094] In an embodiment, the containment tank 4 comprises an access door 46, configured to put the outside environment in communication with the containing space VC, thus allowing an operator to enter in order to carry out maintenance on the conveyor belt 2.
[0095] In this regard, it is specified that the containment tank 4 may include:
[0096] - one or more inspection windows which are configured to allow making a quick visual check of the water level to fill when necessary or to check that there is no water in it when the operator needs to go inside to carry out maintenance;
[0097] - a first access door, located on the front wall 402, and a second access door, located on the end wall 403, allowing the user to exit in any situation.
[0098] The conveyor belt 2 is mounted inside the containing space VC. In addition, the inspection space VI opens into the containing space VC.
[0099] By "opens into" is meant that the containing space allows fluid (preferably liquid) to flow from the inspection space VI to the containing space VC to allow flushing out any dirt that might seep through the supporting surface SA and settle in the inspection space VI.
[0100] In effect, the slats 211 have gaps passing through them because they are spaced apart along a transversal direction T, perpendicular to the conveying course DT and to the vertical V, relative to the respective rollers 211 R. The spaces between them may cause - in fact, frequently cause - the particles to pass through them and settle on the return branch 21 R, resulting in the negative consequences described above.
[0101] It is worth noting that in an exemplary embodiment, the conveyor belt 2 is mounted centrally relative to the containment tank 4, that is to say, it is spaced symmetrically from the first and second side walls 411 A, 411 B. This ensures the belt 2 can be easily accessed from both sides.
[0102] Alternatively, in other embodiments, the belt 2 is not transversely centred in the containment tank 4, thus defining a maintenance side which is spacedfurther away from the side walls 411 A, 411 B. It is nevertheless preferable that the other side (opposite the maintenance side) be spaced from the respective side wall so as to allow the fluid to flow freely to flush the particles out of the inspection space VI.
[0103] The conveyor belt 2 defines two transverse sides 2T1, 2T2, each facing a respective side wall 411 A, 411 B. Each transverse side 2T1 , 2T2 is spaced from the respective side wall 411 A, 411 B of the containment tank 4 by more than 20 cm, preferably more than 50 cm.
[0104] The conveyor belt also includes transfer elements (idle or motor-driven) OR for inverting the direction of the translating conveyor assembly, thus separating the conveying branch 21 T from the return branch 21 R. The belt 2 comprises a first transfer element OR1 , located at the first end 2A of the belt 2, and a second transfer element OR2, located at the second end 2B of the belt 2.
[0105] It should be noted that the conveyor belt 2 comprises a first portion 2P1 , extending from the first end 2A of the conveyor belt 2 to the upward incline starting point 2C. The supporting surface SA of the first portion 2P1 is substantially perpendicular to the vertical V.
[0106] In practice, therefore, the first portion 2P1 allows moving the particles relative to the expulsion mouths 5.
[0107] The conveyor belt comprises a second portion 2P2 which extends from the upward incline starting point 2C to the second end 2B of the conveyor belt 2. The second portion 2P2 is thus inclined with respect to the conveying course DT and the vertical V. In particular, the supporting surface SA of the second portion 2P2 is inclined with respect to the vertical V.
[0108] The presence of the second portion 2P2 allows the conveyor belt 2 to emerge from the containment tank 4 and to rise over the top of the end wall 403 so that the particles, which by now have cooled and have been made inert, can be discharged into the discharge zone ZS.
[0109] Thus, the first portion 2P1 is immersed in the fluid contained in the containment tank, while the second portion is at least partly outside the fluidin the containment tank 4, that is to say, it is not immersed therein.
[0110] In a further embodiment, illustrated by way of example in Figure 2B, the conveyor belt includes an additional portion 2P0. In this embodiment, to avoid confusion, we will call the first portion 2P1 horizontal portion 2P1, the second portion, second inclined portion 2P2, and the additional potion 2P0, first inclined portion 2P0.
[0111] In particular, the first inclined portion 2P0 extends from the first end 2A of the conveyor belt 2 to the starting point 2D of the horizontal portion. Thus, the first inclined portion 2P0 is inclined with respect to the conveying course DT and the vertical V. In particular, the supporting surface SA of the first inclined portion 2P0 is inclined with respect to the vertical V.
[0112] The first inclined portion 2P0 and the second inclined portion 2P2 have opposite inclinations, in particular, the first inclined portion 2P0 being a descending portion and the second inclined portion 2P2 being an ascending portion.
[0113] So, in fact, the horizontal portion 2P1 extends from the point 2D where it starts to the upward incline starting point 2C where it ends.
[0114] The first inclined portion 2P0 extends in such a way that the first end 2A of the belt 2 is outside the cooling fluid. In particular, in such a way that the first transfer element OR1 is outside the cooling fluid.
[0115] This configuration allows keeping the transfer elements out of the cooling fluid, for easier inspection and maintenance.
[0116] In an embodiment, the conveyor belt 2 comprises a pair of constraining walls 61 , 62. Each constraining wall 61 , 62 extends from the conveying branch 21 T in a direction outward from the supporting surface SA. The constraining walls 61 , 62 allow preventing the particles being conveyed along the conveying course DT from falling sideways off the conveyor belt 2.
[0117] The constraining walls 61, 62 are each connected to the supporting frame 31 on the respective first side 2T1 and second side 2T2 of the conveyor belt.Along the transverse direction T, the constraining wall 61 , 62 may interfere with the slats in the sense that the ends of the slats 211 may be subjected to the constraining wall, also to reduce the particle seepage.
[0118] Preferably, the extension of the pair of side walls 411 A, 411B along the vertical V is greater than the extension of the pair of constraining walls 61 , 62 along the vertical V.
[0119] In an embodiment, the apparatus 21 comprises a pair of tie rods 611 , 621. Each of the tie rods 611 , 621 is connected to a respective side wall 411 A, 411 B and to a corresponding constraining wall 61 , 62. The tie rods 611 , 621 are preferably in the form of beams but they might also be embodied in other ways, such as, steel cables, for example.
[0120] To further reduce the particle seepage phenomenon, the apparatus 1 comprises a pair of guides 7.
[0121] The guides 7 are positioned to cover the gaps between the slats 211 and the rollers 211 R. In particular, each guide 7 comprises a respective first end 7A, connected to a corresponding constraining wall 61 , 62. In addition, each guide 7 comprises a respective second end 7B, which is positioned above the supporting surface SA, that is to say, above the slats 211 , clearly at a distance necessary to allow the slats 211 to move with translational motion along the conveying course DT. This necessary distance is precisely the constraint which does not allow preventing particle seepage by inhibiting access to the gap and thus requiring a discharging mechanism as proposed in this disclosure.
[0122] Each of the guides is parallel to the conveying course DT and inclined with respect to the transverse direction T and to the vertical V. That way, the particles which are expelled from the mouths 5 are urged towards the middle of the conveyor belt 2, at least reducing the deposits at the sides of the conveyor belt 2, which is proportional to the amount of particle seepage. It is worth noting that in a preferred embodiment, each expulsion mouth (or discharge mouth) 5 comprises a respective discharge end 51 , facing the supporting surface SA.Further, the level of the fluid inside the containment tank 4 or, in particular (when present) the level of the fluid inside the space between the supporting surface SA and the two constraining walls 61 , 62 (which would normally be identical because they are spaces in hydraulic communication) is equal to a value of level distant from the higher end of the side walls 411 A, 411 B by an overflow distance DS.
[0123] Further, the discharging end 51 is spaced from the higher ends of the side walls 411 AS, 411 B along the vertical V by a suction distance DP.
[0124] The suction distance DP is greater than the overflow distance DS.
[0125] In other words, the discharging end 51 is immersed in the fluid inside the containment tank 4.
[0126] It is worth noting that this disclosure also provides a method for conveying and treating effluent particles which, preferably, are hot or incandescent. The method, however, besides the steps of receiving the particles on the supporting surface SA, transferring the particles along a conveying course DT by moving the conveyor belt 2, and discharging the particles in a discharging zone ZS, comprises certain steps regarding maintenance which must be stressed because they differ substantially from the prior art.
[0127] Indeed, it comprises steps of open maintenance, where a technician can drain the containment tank 4 of the fluid present therein and can enter the containment tank 4 through the respective door 46, examine the inspection space VI by simply looking between the conveying branch 21 T and the return branch 21 R (through the supporting frame 31) and check the conditions of the components of the conveyor belt 2.
[0128] Once the potential problem has been identified, the technician can work on the conveyor belt 2 as easily as if it were mounted on the outside.
[0129] Moreover, the particles, which have seeped through the supporting surface SA, have moved across the conveying branch 21 T and, because the inspection space VI is in communication with the containing space VC, have been flushed out, can simply be removed from the end of the containment tank 4, without any problem or complication.
Claims
CLAIMS1. An apparatus (1) for treating and conveying particles having a temperature above 80°C, comprising:- a conveyor belt (2) extending along a conveying course (DT) between a first end (2A) and a second end (2B) and including:a conveyor assembly (21), movable by translation along the conveying course (DT) to convey the particles in a discharging direction (VS), and including:a conveying branch (21 T), defining a supporting surface (SA), configured to supportably receive the particles and, in use, facing towards an expulsion mouth (5) through which the particles are discharged;a return branch (21 R), spaced from the conveying branch (21 T) along a vertical (V), perpendicular to the conveying course (DT);an actuating assembly (22), configured to move the conveyor assembly (21);- a supporting frame (3) on which the conveyor belt (2) is mounted;- a containment tank (4), defining a containing space (VC) and including a pair of side walls (411 A, 411 B), extending at least partly parallel to the conveying course (DT). and configured to be filled with a fluid, wherein the conveyor belt (2) is mounted inside the containing space (VC), and wherein the conveyor belt (2) defines an inspection space (VI), defined by the space, along the vertical (V), between the conveying branch (21 T) and the return branch (21 R),wherein the inspection space (VI) opens into the containing space (VC).
2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the conveyor belt (2) defines a first side (2T1), facing towards a first side wall (411 A) of said pair of side walls, and a second side (2T2), facing towards a second side wall (411 B) of said pair of side walls, opposite the first side wall (411 A), wherein the inspection space (VI) opens into the containing space (VC) at the firstside (2T1) and at the second side (2T2).
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveyor belt (2) is spaced from a side wall (411 A, 411 B) of said pair of side walls, or is spaced from both side walls (411 A, 411 B) of said pair of side walls.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the conveyor belt (2) is spaced by at least 20 cm from at least one of the side walls (411 A, 411 B) of said pair of side walls, or from both of the side walls (411 A, 411 B) of said pair of side walls along a transverse course (T), perpendicular to the conveying course (DT) and to the vertical (V).
5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor belt (2) comprises a pair of constraining walls (61 , 62), extending from the conveying branch (21 T) in a direction outward from the supporting surface (SA).
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, comprising a pair of guides (7), inclined with respect to the supporting surface (SA) and each comprising a first end (7A), proximal to a respective constraining wall (61 , 62) of said pair of constraining walls, and a second end (7B) proximal to the supporting surface (SA).
7. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, comprising a pair of tie rods (611 , 621), each extending between a respective first end, connected to a corresponding side wall (411 A, 411B) of said pair of side walls, and a respective second end, connected to a corresponding constraining wall (61 , 62) of said pair of constraining walls.
8. The apparatus (1) according to claim 5, 6 or 7, wherein the extension of the pair of side walls (411 A, 411 B) along the vertical is greater than the extension of the pair of constraining walls (61 , 62) along the vertical (V).
9. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor belt (2) comprises a first portion (2P1), where the supporting surface (SA) is perpendicular to the vertical (V), and a second portion (2P2), where the supporting surface (SA) is inclined with respect to the vertical (V), wherein the first portion (2P1) is upstream pf the second portion (2P2) in theunloading direction (VS).
10. The apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more discharge mouths (5), configured to convey the particles towards the conveyor belt (2), wherein said one or more discharge mouths (5) extend along the vertical (V) into the containing space (VC).
11. The apparatus (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supporting frame (3) comprises a plurality of beams (31), connected to each other to create a supporting structure which allows inspection of the inspection space (VI) and / or of a bottom zone which is disposed under the return branch (21 R) along the vertical (V).
12. A method for treating and conveying particles having a temperature above 80°C by means of an apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps:- filling the containment tank (4) with a fluid;- expelling the particles into an expulsion zone through one or more discharge mouths (5) aligned with the conveyor belt (2) along the vertical (V) in the direction of the weight force;- conveying the particles from the expulsion zone to the discharge zone (ZS) by means of the conveyor belt (2).5VFig. 2B