Adjustable Extension Ring for Pulverizer Mill Bed Depth

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current pulverizer mill designs have a fixed material bed depth, which cannot be adjusted during operation, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of the grinding process.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that includes a rotatable bowl with an extension ring and an extension mechanism, allowing the depth of the material bed to be adjusted while the bowl is rotating, using mechanisms such as electric motors, hydraulic lifts, or pneumatic lifts to move the extension ring and adjust the bed depth based on real-time operating parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed extension ring is used to define material bed depth, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the material bed depth cannot be adjusted during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial bed depth adjustabilityVSAvoidextension mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extension ring is transformed from a fixed static component to a dynamic adjustable component. The extension mechanism enables the extension ring to move radially inward or outward while the bowl rotates, allowing the material bed depth to be adjusted during operation without shutting down the mill.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

An extension mechanism is introduced as an intermediary device between the fixed bowl structure and the adjustable extension ring. This mechanism mediates the adjustment process by providing the means to move the extension ring radially, enabling depth adjustment without direct manual intervention or system shutdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the extension ring is moved to adjust material bed depth, then depth flexibility is improved, but mill drive motor power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial bed depth adjustabilityVSAvoidmill drive motor power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the geometric parameter of the extension ring position to optimize grinding conditions. By adjusting the extension ring's radial position, the material bed depth is optimized for different operating conditions, improving grinding efficiency and reducing unnecessary energy consumption from excessive motor power requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying load conditions and material properties during operation, optimizing the material bed depth in real-time. This prevents energy waste by maintaining optimal grinding conditions rather than operating with a fixed, potentially suboptimal depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If a fixed material bed depth is used, then the system is stable and simple, but fineness consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefineness consistencyVSAvoidadjustment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback control where the adjustable extension ring responds to operational conditions to maintain optimal material bed depth. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent fineness by dynamically compensating for variations in material properties, load conditions, or wear, thereby improving particle size uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic adjustability of the extension ring enables real-time optimization of the material bed depth, ensuring consistent grinding performance and fineness output. This dynamic control compensates for process variations that would otherwise lead to inconsistent particle size distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the extension ring is made adjustable, then operational flexibility is improved, but the system requires shutdown for ring replacement in traditional designs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth adjustment easeVSAvoidmill shutdown time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The extension mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the extension ring during bowl rotation, eliminating the need for mill shutdowns that were required in traditional fixed-ring designs. This allows depth adjustment to be performed continuously during operation, saving significant time and maintaining production continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The extension mechanism serves as an intermediary that enables adjustment without requiring direct removal or replacement of the extension ring. This mediator mechanism allows the ring to be repositioned radially while the bowl is rotating, avoiding production interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3595816B1System and method for adjusting a material bed depth in a pulverizer mill
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP3595816B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3595816B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3595816B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for adjusting a depth of a material bed in a pulverizer mill is provided. The system includes a rotatable bowl, an extension ring, and an extension mechanism. The rotatable bowl has a surface operative to support the material bed while the bowl rotates such that particles of the material bed are pulverized against the surface by one or more grinding rollers of the pulverizer mill. The extension ring is disposed about a circumference of the rotatable bowl extending away from the surface and defines a depth of the material bed. The extension mechanism adjusts at least one of the extension ring and the rotatable bowl while the rotatable bowl rotates. Adjusting at least one of the extension ring and the rotatable bowl via the extension mechanism moves the extension ring in relation to the surface so as to adjust the depth of the material bed.