Adjustable Inclination Tank for Versatile Aggregate Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current washing apparatus for aggregates require multiple machines and high operational costs due to their limited capabilities in handling various types of materials, as log washers are ineffective for light particles and coarse material washers struggle with clays and silts that don't float.
Innovation Solution
A versatile washing apparatus with a tank that can be adjusted to different inclined angles, equipped with rotatable shafts and blades for scrubbing and conveying, allowing for both low and high water level operations to effectively remove a wide range of materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a log washer is used to release clays, silts, and fine particles, then these materials are effectively removed, but light particles such as paper, cardboard, and ash cannot be released due to low water level
Solution Approach 1:
The tank inclination angle is made adjustable between a first angle (for log washer mode) and a second angle (for coarse material washer mode). This dynamic adjustment allows the single apparatus to adapt its operating characteristics to match different washing requirements, enabling effective removal of both heavy particles (clays, silts) and light particles (paper, cardboard, ash) by switching between operational modes
2Adaptability or versatility
If a coarse material washer is used to release light particles, then paper, cardboard, and ash are effectively removed, but clays and silts cannot be released due to density issues, and no attrition is created due to independent shafts
Solution Approach 1:
The tank inclination angle is adjusted to a second angle greater than the first angle when processing light particles. This steeper inclination, combined with the independent rotating shafts, creates the necessary conditions for light particles to float to the surface while maintaining the capability to process denser materials by adjusting to the first angle
Solution Approach 2:
The washing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions within a single machine. By adjusting the tank inclination angle between two distinct values, the apparatus can function as either a log washer (for clays, silts, and fine particles) or a coarse material washer (for light particles like paper, cardboard, and ash), eliminating the need for separate specialized machines
3Adaptability or versatility
If both log washer and coarse material washer are used to handle various materials, then all material types can be processed, but operational costs and land requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of a log washer and a coarse material washer into a single integrated apparatus. The tank inclination angle can be adjusted between a first angle (for log washer operation) and a second angle (for coarse material washer operation), allowing one machine to replace two separate machines. This eliminates the need for multiple independent washing machines, auxiliary feeders, and conveyors, thereby reducing land requirements, operational costs, and overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The washing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions within a single machine. By adjusting the tank inclination angle between two distinct values, the apparatus can function as either a log washer (for clays, silts, and fine particles) or a coarse material washer (for light particles like paper, cardboard, and ash), eliminating the need for separate specialized machines
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
Enables efficient washing of various aggregate materials by switching between log washer and coarse material washer modes, reducing the need for multiple machines and minimizing operational costs while maintaining effective contaminant removal.
Implementation Method 1
the tank is disposed at an inclined angle such that the first end of the tank is lower than the second end of the tank
Implementation Method 2
They utilize two interconnected shafts with blades that force aggregates to scrape of each other, and this scrubbing action, or attrition releases organic material
Data Source
AI summary
A washing apparatus comprises a tank in which rotatable, bladed shafts are located. The tank has a closable lower outlet located at a first end of the tank, and an upper outlet located at the first end of the tank, the upper outlet being higher than the lower outlet. A further outlet is located at a second end or between the first and second ends. The tank is disposed at an inclined angle such that the first end of the tank is lower than the second end of the tank, and is movable between a first inclined state in which the inclined angle is relatively shallow, and a second inclined state in which the inclined angle is relatively steep. The apparatus is able to perform the tasks of either a log washer or coarse material washer depending on the angle of inclination.