Coned Auger Segmentation for Faster, Gentler Bulk Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horizontal mixers require significant horsepower to mix bulk materials, take a long time to achieve uniform mixing, and can cause material compression, clumping, and damage to effective fiber, with dead spaces and uneven unloading.
Innovation Solution
The use of a coned auger with a coned section and ribbon fighting, oriented to draw material towards the exit door, reduces mixing time and energy consumption while minimizing material compression and damage to fiber, and enhances uniform mixing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional horizontal augers are used to mix bulk material, then mixing capacity is achieved, but mixing time is excessive (8-10 minutes or longer)
Solution Approach 1:
The auger is divided into distinct functional sections: a coned section with solid fighting for rapid material movement and a ribbon section for gentle mixing. This segmentation allows different parts of the auger to perform specialized functions, achieving both rapid mixing and gentle handling simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the auger have different fighting configurations tailored to their specific functions. The coned section uses solid fighting for aggressive material movement, while the ribbon section uses open fighting for gentle mixing, optimizing performance at each location
2Productivity
If conventional augers operate at high speed to reduce mixing time, then productivity increases, but material compression and clumping occur
Solution Approach 1:
The auger separates material movement function (coned section) from mixing function (ribbon section), allowing high-speed operation without compression because the mixing occurs in the open ribbon section where material is not trapped
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using continuous solid fighting that compresses material, the invention uses open ribbon fighting that allows material to flow freely through the auger, preventing compression even at high speeds
3Strength
If conventional augers use solid fighting, then structural strength is maintained, but dead spaces are generated in the mixer
Solution Approach 1:
The auger uses solid fighting only in the coned section where structural strength is needed for material propulsion, while the ribbon section uses open fighting to eliminate dead spaces and improve mixing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Solid fighting is applied locally only where needed for structural support and material movement, while open ribbon fighting is used where mixing efficiency is the priority, optimizing both strength and productivity in their respective locations
4Ease of operation
If conventional augers use ribbon fighting, then material handling is improved, but mixing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The auger combines ribbon fighting for easy material handling with a coned section that provides rapid mixing action, achieving both ease of operation and reduced mixing time through functional segmentation
Data Source
AI summary
Coned augers for bulk mixers are described. The coned augers comprise first end and second end an auger post having a first end opposite a second end; fighting extending along and about the auger post, the pitch oriented to move bulk material generally from the first end toward the second end during operation of the auger; a coned section along the auger post, the coned section comprising a first cone protruding about the periphery of the auger post, the first cone having a tapered end opposite a wide end. Mixers comprising the coned augers are also described.