Disc Filter Floating Flow Control Element Air Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disc filters in paper and board machines experience inefficiencies due to high air content in fibre pulp suspensions, which reduces operational capacity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a floating flow control element in the supply box to direct fibre pulp suspension flow in a manner that minimizes air formation and promotes air removal, ensuring the suspension is supplied to the vat with reduced air content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fibre pulp suspension is supplied through a supply box to the vat over a wall, then the suspension can be delivered to the disc filter, but a lot of extra air is formed in the suspension due to the fall
Solution Approach 1:
A flow control element is introduced as an intermediary component between the supply box and the vat. This element mediates the flow of fibre pulp suspension, controlling its movement to prevent excessive air formation while maintaining delivery functionality. The flow control element acts as a buffer that manages the transition of suspension from the supply box to the vat without creating harmful air pockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control element modifies the flow parameters of the fibre pulp suspension, specifically controlling velocity and flow pattern. By changing these parameters, the system prevents the suspension from falling freely and generating excessive air, while still maintaining adequate flow to the vat for continuous operation.
2Productivity
If the air content in fibre pulp suspension increases by 1%, then the capacity of the disc filter must be increased by 10% to maintain the same output
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control element performs preliminary action by controlling the flow of fibre pulp suspension before it enters the vat. This preliminary control prevents air formation at the source, rather than dealing with air removal after the fact. By managing the flow characteristics in advance, the system maintains lower air content and preserves filter capacity without requiring oversizing.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a flow control element is added to control suspension flow, then air content is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control element is designed to regulate suspension flow automatically based on the fluid dynamics within the system. It performs self-service by utilizing the inherent properties of the fibre pulp suspension and the flow conditions to maintain optimal flow characteristics without requiring external control mechanisms, sensors, or complex actuation systems.
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 effectively decreases air content in the fibre pulp suspension, enhancing the operational efficiency and capacity of the disc filter by ensuring a controlled and air-reduced supply, leading to improved filtrate quality and increased production.
Implementation Method 1
The floating ability of the flow control element provides an easy way for the flow control element to change its position or alignment when the level of the surface of the fibre pulp suspension or the density, and thereby the flow behavior of the suspension, varies
Implementation Method 2
the flow control element is arranged to act on the direction of at least part of the flow of the fibre pulp suspension when the fibre pulp suspension is supplied through the supply box to the vat
Data Source
Figure 1~9
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A disc filter comprises a supply box (11) and a vat (8), whereby fibre pulp suspension to be supplied into the disc filter (1) is supplied to the vat (8) through the supply box (11). The disc filter (1) comprises at least one flow control element (30, 32, 44, 49) arranged to act on at least part of the flow (F) of the fibre pulp suspension to be supplied through the supply box (11) to the vat (8). Also a method for supplying fibre pulp suspension into a disc filter (1).