Adjustable Static Classifier for Gypsum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing static classifiers are limited to specific airflow and velocity, making them unsuitable for classifying a wide range of materials, particularly natural and synthetic gypsum, which requires varying airflow rates due to differences in moisture levels and feed types.

Innovation Solution

A static classifier with adjustable flow restrictors, including moveable sleeves and vanes, that can alter the flow velocity and direction of particles entrained in gas, allowing for flexible operation across different materials and airflow rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a static classifier is designed with fixed airflow and velocity parameters, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to different materials and airflow rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different materialsVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the flow restrictors adjustable rather than fixed. The flow restrictors can be positioned at different locations along the airflow path, allowing the classifier to adapt to different materials and airflow rates. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility without requiring a completely different classifier design for each material type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by allowing modification of the flow restrictor position and configuration parameters. By changing the airflow velocity and direction parameters through adjustable restrictors, the same classifier can handle different materials (natural gypsum, synthetic gypsum, FGD) with varying moisture levels and feed types, thereby achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If different classifiers are used for classifying different materials, then each classifier is optimized for its specific material, but the overall system complexity increases and equipment inventory grows

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle wide range of materialsVSAvoidnumber of different classifiers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single classifier that can perform multiple functions across different material types. The adjustable flow restrictors enable one classifier to handle natural gypsum, synthetic gypsum, and FGD materials with varying moisture contents and feed types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized classifiers and reducing equipment inventory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic adjustability of the flow restrictors provides the versatility needed for a universal classifier. The ability to reposition restrictors and modify airflow characteristics allows the same device to adapt to different material properties, achieving multi-functionality without requiring separate optimized classifiers for each material type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If airflow rate is increased to handle materials with higher moisture levels, then classification capacity increases, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclassification capacityVSAvoidairflow energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by enabling adjustment of airflow velocity and direction through repositionable flow restrictors. This allows optimization of airflow parameters to match the specific requirements of different materials, achieving the necessary classification capacity for high-moisture materials without unnecessarily increasing energy consumption across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The adjustable flow restrictors enhance the classifier's ability to separate particles effectively across varying airflow rates and material types, optimizing classification efficiency and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

particles entrained in a gas flow through the static classifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow entrainment: Entrainment

Implementation Method 2

separating ground or pulverized particles of different sizes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS12103046B1Adjustable static classifier

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 COPERION PROCESS SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

A static classifier including a vessel having an inlet and an outlet and having a vessel interior area. A classifier chamber is positioned in the vessel interior area. The classifier chamber has a plurality of openings extending through a side wall of the classifier chamber and into a classifier interior area of the classifier chamber. The plurality of openings are configured for passing particles entrained in a gas from the vessel interior area into the classifier interior area. One or more flow restrictors are arranged with the classifier chamber. The flow restrictors are configured to establish an optimal flow velocity and direction of the particles entrained in the gas, through the static classifier.