Biomass Separation Device Using Adjustable Pneumatic Air Jet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomass processing methods fail to effectively separate stones and inert substances from biomass fractions, resulting in contamination that does not meet quality specifications for biomass fuel production, with existing methods like roller separators lacking selectivity and the swim-sink method being too expensive.
Innovation Solution
A device using a conveyor belt with an air chamber and pressure fan to separate biomass based on mass force and flow resistance, with adjustable air flow direction and collection means to optimize separation selectivity, and a movable separating apex to adapt to specific biomass properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If roller separators are used to remove impurities, then the biomass processing can be performed, but the separation selectivity is insufficient to meet quality specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a jet of compressed air directed at the biomass material on the conveyor belt to create an aerodynamic effect that selectively removes impurities. The air jet generates forces that interact differently with particles based on their mass, density, and shape, achieving separation with high selectivity that meets quality specifications for biomass fuel production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of the air jet parameters (pressure, flow rate, direction) to optimize separation selectivity for different biomass types and impurity characteristics. This parameter variability enables the system to adapt to different quality requirements and material properties, resolving the contradiction between selectivity and compliance reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the swim-sink method is used to separate impurities, then separation can be achieved, but the processing cost becomes too expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air jet system replaces the water-based swim-sink method with a pneumatic separation approach. This eliminates the need for water consumption, drainage infrastructure, and associated environmental treatment costs, while achieving comparable or superior separation efficiency through aerodynamic forces acting on the particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/swim-sink separation system with a pneumatic field-based system. The air jet creates aerodynamic forces that separate particles based on their physical properties without requiring the complex mechanical infrastructure and operational costs of the swim-sink method, thereby reducing processing costs while maintaining separation efficiency.
3Device complexity
If a fixed separation system is used, then the device structure is simple, but the separation sharpness cannot be optimized for specific biomass properties
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable parameters including air jet pressure, flow rate, and direction that can be dynamically modified based on the specific biomass type and impurity characteristics. This dynamic adjustability allows optimization of separation sharpness for different materials without requiring completely different device structures, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the air jet system (pressure, flow characteristics, angular direction) to adapt to specific biomass properties. These parameter adjustments provide optimization capability for separation sharpness while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple, avoiding the need for complex fixed systems designed for each specific application.
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 device achieves improved separation efficiency and selectivity by utilizing the mass and flow resistance differences between biomass and impurities, allowing for precise separation and meeting quality specifications for biomass fuel production.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical separation principle is used to remove the impurities from the biomass, i.e. the removal of stones, inert substances or similar substances from the biomass, which is based on the separation of individual particles based on their ratio of mass force and flow resistance in a gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
The device (1) has a conveyor band (2) and a chamber that provides a pressure blower (6) for generating an air stream (7) in an interior of the chamber. Two receiver units (9,10) are limited by a separation part (11). The separation part extends in the direction of the chamber upper side from the chamber base.