Continuous Aeraulic Separation of Heterogeneous Particulate Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating heterogeneous particulate materials by size and density are inefficient and energy-intensive, as the second classification phase only activates after the combined action of grinding and initial classification, leading to reduced efficiency and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method involving simultaneous grinding and aeraulic classification, where particles are separated into multiple fractions by size and density through a two-stage aeraulic separation process, with fractions being reinjected into the grinding process for continuous separation and recovery of specific product streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the second classification phase is performed successively after grinding and initial classification, then the particles can be separated by both size and density, but the classification efficiency is reduced and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines grinding and aeraulic classification operations into a single integrated device where both functions occur simultaneously within the same chamber. The grinding elements and classification mechanisms operate together, allowing particles to be ground and classified in one continuous process rather than through separate sequential stages, thereby improving efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements continuous classification during the grinding process itself, rather than performing classification only after grinding is complete. Particles are continuously separated by density and size while being ground, ensuring that the classification action is ongoing throughout the entire processing cycle, which maximizes efficiency and avoids the energy waste of re-processing already classified material.
2Manufacturing precision
If the second classification phase is performed after the combined action of grinding and initial classification is finalised, then the separation can be completed, but the process requires high energy consumption to treat the entirety of the materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification by density during the grinding process itself, before the grinding is completely finalized. The aeraulic classification mechanism continuously separates particles based on density differences while grinding is occurring, so that when grinding completes, the material is already partially classified, reducing the need for subsequent energy-intensive re-processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the grinding and classification operations into a single simultaneous process within one device. The grinding elements and aeraulic classification mechanisms work together in the same chamber, allowing density-based separation to occur during grinding, thereby avoiding the need for separate sequential classification stages and the associated energy consumption.
3Manufacturing precision
If a successive classification approach is used, then the particles can be separated into different fractions, but the efficiency of the classification is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous classification during grinding, where particles are continuously separated by density and size while being ground in the same chamber. This eliminates the idle time and re-processing required in successive classification approaches, maintaining constant productive action throughout the process and significantly improving both classification efficiency and overall processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines grinding and classification into a single integrated operation that occurs simultaneously. By merging these functions into one device operating in real-time, the system achieves both size reduction and density-based separation in one pass, improving efficiency and productivity compared to sequential methods that require multiple separate stages.
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 approach enhances the efficiency of classification, reduces energy consumption, and allows for the simultaneous recovery of multiple product streams with improved particle size and density separation, making the process more cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
generating a gas stream conveying the ground particles
Implementation Method 2
first aeraulic separation on said gas stream in a first aeraulic separation unit in order to separate the particles it contains into a first fraction consisting of the coarsest particles with variable densities, and a second fraction consisting of the finest particles
Implementation Method 3
second aeraulic separation on said first fraction in a second aeraulic separation unit in order to separate the particles it contains into a third fraction consisting of the coarsest and/or densest particles and a fourth fraction consisting of the least coarse and/or the least dense particles
Data Source
AI summary
A method for continuous aeraulic separation of particulate materials consisting of a mixture of particles that is heterogeneous in both particle size and density is provided. The method includes grinding particles of materials, generating a gas stream conveying the ground particles, first aeraulic separation on the gas stream in order to separate the particles it contains into a first fraction consisting of the coarsest particles with variable densities and a second fraction consisting of the finest particles. A second aeraulic separation is performed on the first fraction in order to separate the particles that it contains into a third fraction consisting of the coarsest and/or most dense particles and a fourth fraction consisting of the least coarse and/or the least dense particles. A re-injecting of the third fraction or the fourth fraction at the inlet of the grinding is performed while simultaneous recovery of the second fraction as well as the fourth fraction or the third fraction, respectively, as output products.