Circular Store Removal Device for Bulk Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circular storage facilities for bulk goods face challenges with dead volumes due to radial partition arrangements, which hinder efficient material removal and require complex and dusty conveyor systems.
Innovation Solution
A circular storage facility design featuring a removal device with a rotatable arm and conveying element that can align parallel to partition walls, sealed with radial seals to prevent dust and dirt accumulation, and a central chute for efficient bulk material handling, allowing for compact and stable operation without dead spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If radial partition walls are used in circular storage facilities, then storage areas are separated for different bulk materials, but dead volumes are created on the partition walls that cannot be conveyed
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying element is designed to be movable relative to the partition wall, capable of changing its position between conveying operation and cleaning operation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements, enabling complete utilization of storage space by eliminating dead volumes while maintaining effective separation of bulk materials during storage
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying element performs dual functions: it conveys bulk material during operation and automatically cleans the partition wall surface to eliminate dead volumes. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain itself without external intervention, ensuring complete material removal and preventing material accumulation that would create dead spaces
2Productivity
If scraper conveyors are mounted on rails on both sides, then bulk material can be removed, but the system becomes complex and requires dust-free rail maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying element is extracted from the traditional rail-mounted scraper conveyor configuration and repositioned to operate from one side of the partition wall. This extraction simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for dual-rail mounting and bidirectional control mechanisms, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining effective bulk material removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single-sided conveying element is designed to perform multiple functions: it conveys bulk material, cleans the partition wall surface, and adapts its position as needed. This multi-functionality replaces the need for complex dual-sided scraper systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining or enhancing productivity
3Strength
If partition walls have finite thickness, then structural stability is achieved, but dead spaces are created that cannot be accessed by conveying elements
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying element incorporates vertical movement capability, allowing it to adjust its position dynamically. This enables the conveying element to access bulk material at different heights, including material that would otherwise be trapped behind the finite thickness of partition walls, thereby eliminating dead spaces while preserving structural stability
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a circular store (10) for bulk material (21, 23). The circular store (10) has at least a first storage region (20) for bulk material (21, 23) and a second storage region (22) for bulk material (21, 23). The first storage region (20) and the second storage region (22) are separated by at least one first separating wall (40). The circular store (10) has at least one first removal device. The first removal device is arranged for rotation about the central axis (90) of the circular store (10). The central axis (90) is arranged vertically. The first removal device has a first conveying element (60). The circular store is characterized in that the first removal device has a second axis (100), the second axis (100) being arranged vertically and parallel to the central axis (90), the first removal device having a first arm (140), the first arm (140) being rotatable about the central axis (90), the first arm (140) having an outer end, the outer end being remote from the central axis (90), the second axis (100) extending through the outer end of the first arm (140), the first conveying element (60) being connected to the first arm (140) such that the first conveying element can be rotated about the second axis (100).