Adjustable Diverter for Mineral Slurry Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mineral processing technologies, such as spiral concentrators, face challenges in efficiently controlling and separating mineral slurries due to limitations in adjustable and flexible diverter mechanisms, which affect the separation performance and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The development of a diverter or flow controller system with adjustable and pressure-actuated displacement members, including baffles and a dart splitter, that can be remotely operated to control the flow path by extending and retracting to manage slurry flow effectively within mineral processing apparatuses like spiral concentrators, up-current classifiers, and sluices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inflatable bladder is used to control the flow diverter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and precision of flow control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single inflatable bladder is segmented into multiple independently controllable bladder sections (first bladder section, second bladder section, third bladder section). Each section can be inflated or deflated independently through separate pneumatic lines, allowing precise control of different portions of the flow diverter to optimize separation performance for various mineral processing conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diverter element remains in the slurry flow path, then the adaptability of flow control is improved, but the harmful factors (drag, erosion, clogging) increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow diverter is designed as a dynamic element that can change its position and configuration. The inflatable bladder sections can be inflated to extend the diverter into the slurry flow path for active flow control, or deflated to retract the diverter, minimizing its presence in the flow path and reducing drag, erosion, and clogging risks during periods when flow adjustment is not required.
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment of splitter position is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and separation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated pneumatic control system. Inflatable bladder sections controlled by pneumatic lines enable remote and automated adjustment of the flow diverter position, eliminating the need for manual intervention and allowing rapid response to changing processing conditions, thereby increasing productivity and separation efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pneumatic lines are used to control each bladder section, then the adaptability of flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic control system is designed with multi-functionality. The same pneumatic lines and control mechanisms are used to inflate and deflate multiple bladder sections, with each line capable of controlling different combinations of bladder sections depending on the processing requirements. This universal control approach enables precise flow adjustment while avoiding the need for separate dedicated pneumatic lines for each bladder section.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the control over mineral separation by allowing precise manipulation of the diverter elements, improving the separation efficiency and throughput of mineral processing systems, enabling simultaneous or sequential operation of multiple units in a pre-programmed pattern.
Implementation Method 1
The or each displacement member can be pressure actuated
Implementation Method 2
The slurry flow is subjected to centrifugal and gravitational forces. The heavier minerals (high density particles) accumulate towards the inner part of the trough and the gangue (low density particles) tend towards the outer part of the trough.
Implementation Method 3
The slurry flow is subjected to centrifugal and gravitational forces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~8
Figure 9~12
AI summary
The present invention provides a diverter or flow controller 1.060, 26.060 for controlling a flow on or within an apparatus 1.001, 26.500, including at least one diverter or flow controller element 1.065, 26.2 and one or more displacement members 1.064, 26.064 adapted to move at least part of the diverter or flow controller element 1.065, 26.2 or a corresponding one of the diverter or flow controller element 1.065, 26.2 into or out of contact with a flow path. The invention also provides a remotely controlled diverter or flow controller and is applicable to flow devices or apparatus such as spiral concentrators and banks of these as up-current classifiers, hydraulic classifiers, teeter bed style classifiers, sluices, weirs, or channels.