Multi-Fractional Coal Sorter Using X-Ray Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coal processing methods, particularly wet processing, face environmental issues, energy efficiency losses, and ecological concerns due to the generation of sludge and pollution, while dry processing methods lack efficient sorting technologies to remove rocks and contaminants effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fractional coal sorting device and method utilizing x-rays to differentiate and separate coal from rocks and contaminants by measuring x-ray absorption, employing collimated x-ray beams, air blasts, and screens to sort materials into multiple fractions, enhancing dry processing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If wet processing is used to reduce ash and sulfur content, then contaminant removal is improved, but environmental pollution and wastewater treatment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wet mechanical processing systems with an X-ray based detection and air blast ejection system. The X-ray detector identifies high-density contaminants (rock, metal, glass) and the air blast ejection mechanism removes them dry, eliminating wastewater generation while maintaining effective contaminant removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic air blast ejection to remove identified contaminants from the coal stream. Compressed air is directed at high velocity to eject contaminated material without water, replacing hydraulic wet processing systems and eliminating the need for wastewater treatment facilities
2Object-generated harmful factors
If wet processing is used to clean coal, then ash and sulfur content are reduced, but energy efficiency decreases due to latent heat loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces energy-intensive wet processing systems with an X-ray detection and air blast ejection system. This mechanical/optical system requires minimal energy input compared to heating and pumping large volumes of water, preserving the latent heat energy in the coal while still achieving effective contaminant removal
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dry processing is used to avoid environmental issues, then waste treatment requirements are reduced, but sorting efficiency and contaminant removal capability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sorting methods (screens, gravity separators) with an X-ray detection system that can identify contaminants based on their density and atomic number. This allows for precise identification and selective ejection of contaminants in a dry process, maintaining high removal effectiveness without environmental drawbacks
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from mechanical properties (size, shape) to physical properties (X-ray absorption, density). This allows the system to distinguish contaminants from coal based on their inherent physical characteristics, achieving high sorting efficiency in a dry processing environment
4Loss of substance
If traditional dry processing is used to maintain fuel value, then coal fines are preserved, but rock and contaminant removal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulk mechanical separation methods with targeted X-ray detection and selective air blast ejection. This allows for precise identification of individual contaminants within the coal stream and their selective removal, preserving valuable coal fines and small particles that would otherwise be lost in traditional mechanical sorting
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by treating each particle in the coal stream individually based on its specific properties detected by the X-ray system. Instead of bulk processing, the air blast ejection is targeted at specific contaminated particles, removing only what is necessary while preserving the surrounding clean coal material
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 solution enables high-throughput, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly coal sorting with minimal fuel loss, reducing contaminants like sulfur and mercury, improving boiler performance, and decreasing water usage and ash production.
Implementation Method 1
determining measurements of x-ray absorption of pieces of the sample
Implementation Method 2
receiving a collimated x-ray beam from an x-ray tube by a detector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods of sorting coal into multiple fractions based upon x-ray absorption and size characteristics in order to remove rocks and other contaminants of various sizes from coal. The use of such dry processing of coal is desirable as it reduces pollution and transportation costs. The multi-fractional sorting of coal is a more efficient manner for identifying and removing rock and contaminants from coal.