Air Classifier with Rotatable Permeable Member for Waste Fractionation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air classifiers are inefficient in separating mixed waste streams into three distinct fractions (heavy, lightweight, and super lightweight) due to complexity and limited effectiveness in filtering and recycling air, which hampers further processing and recycling.
Innovation Solution
A single fan or blower generates an air curtain to separate mixed waste into heavy, lightweight, and super lightweight fractions, with a rotatable perforated member aiding in the separation of super lightweight materials, and recycled air is reused to maintain negative pressure and facilitate separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additional suction air or a second air curtain is used to capture superlights from the overall lights fraction, then the separation effectiveness improves, but the equipment complexity and air filtration requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air curtain system into two distinct functional zones: a first air curtain for separating heavies from the combined lights/superlights fraction, and a second air curtain specifically for capturing superlights from the lights fraction. This segmentation allows each air curtain to be optimized for its specific separation task, improving overall separation effectiveness while maintaining manageable equipment complexity through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotatable permeable member as an intermediary device between the two air curtains. This member allows the first air curtain to pass through while being acted upon by the second air curtain, enabling the superlights to be captured without requiring a completely separate collection system. The permeable member acts as a mediator that facilitates the dual separation function with a single integrated structure
2Productivity
If an enclosed system with air filtration is used to recycle air, then air circulation efficiency improves, but the system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an air recovery system where air that has passed through the separation zones is recirculated back through the blowers after filtering out captured materials. The rotatable permeable members allow air to pass through while retaining superlights, and the system continuously recycles this filtered air back into the separation process. This discarding and recovering approach maintains high air circulation efficiency while managing system complexity through automated filtration and recirculation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable permeable members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as air permeable surfaces for the first air curtain, collection surfaces for the second air curtain, and automated filtering mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby improving air circulation efficiency while controlling system complexity through component consolidation
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 enables efficient separation of mixed waste into three distinct fractions, improving processing and recycling efficiency by simplifying the equipment design and maintaining effective air circulation.
Implementation Method 1
separating the lightweight second fraction and the super lightweight third fraction from the heavier weight first fraction by permitting the heavier weight first fraction to fall through the stream of air
Implementation Method 2
A single fan or blower generates an air curtain to separate mixed waste into heavy, lightweight, and super lightweight fractions
Implementation Method 3
a rotatable permeable member being arranged in the second section of the separation and classification equipment, the rotatable permeable member permitting the stream of air to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 4
as the stream of air passes through the rotatable permeable member, the super lightweight third fraction tends to be forced against and retained by a surface of the rotatable permeable member
Implementation Method 5
the heavier weight first fraction falls through the stream of air and collects in a heavier weight first collection area
Data Source
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AI summary
Separation and classification equipment for separating a mixed waste stream into first, second and third fractions. The equipment comprises a feeding member for feeding the waste stream toward a gap and a blower for discharging a stream of air for mixing with the waste stream, as the waste stream falls through the gap. The first fraction falls through the stream of air and collects in a first collection area while the stream of air carries away the second and the third fractions. A rotatable permeable member is arranged to permit the stream of air to pass therethrough and thereby force and retain the third fraction against a surface of the rotatable permeable member and be conveyed, by the rotatable permeable member, toward a third collection area while the second fraction tends to separate, from the rotatable permeable member and the third fraction, and collect in a separate second collection area.