Drum Screen Separation Using Flexible Compression Screw to Resist Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing separators face issues with solid materials forming large clumps that clog the compression screw, leading to reduced capacity, increased maintenance needs, and wear of components, while the dry matter stopper formation is inconsistent, causing inefficiencies and interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A separator apparatus with a compression screw and screen featuring a flexible pressure element on the flighting, allowing greater tolerances and improved wear resistance, along with a structured approach to ensure consistent dry matter stopper formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the clearance between the screen and compression screw is made as small as possible, then separation efficiency is improved, but wear of the screen and screw increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the compression screw from rigid metal to flexible rubber, allowing greater clearance (0.5-2.0 mm) while maintaining effective compression through elastic deformation, thus reducing wear on both screen and screw components
Solution Approach 2:
The compression screw is made of rubber material which combines flexibility and durability, creating a composite solution that tolerates larger clearances while maintaining separation efficiency and reducing mechanical wear
2Productivity
If solid materials are fed into the separator, then processing capacity is improved, but clogging of the compression screw increases
Solution Approach 1:
Changing the compression screw material to flexible rubber allows it to deform and pass around solid particles like hay and straw, preventing clogging while maintaining processing capacity for mixed solid-liquid slurries
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible rubber compression screw dynamically adapts its shape and clearance during rotation, allowing it to flex around solids and maintain continuous operation without clogging, unlike rigid metal screws
3Productivity
If the compression screw operates continuously, then productivity is improved, but maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression screw is made of relatively inexpensive rubber material that can be easily replaced when worn, reducing the impact of maintenance needs on continuous operation through affordable, quick replacements rather than complex repairs
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
Enhances reliability, efficiency, and service life by preventing clogging and maintaining steady dry matter stopper formation, reducing maintenance and improving operational consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a compression screw equipped with a rotating shaft and a flighting and placed to extend through the screen, and which flighting is equipped with a pressure element made of flexible material
Implementation Method 2
The compression screw compresses the liquid from the material through the perforated surface of the drum-like screen
Implementation Method 3
a pressure element made of flexible material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
This invention relates to an apparatus for separating liquid and solid material from each other, which apparatus comprises at least a drum-type screen (10) and a compression screw (8) equipped with a rotating shaft (8a) and a flighting (9) and placed to extend through the screen (10), and which flighting (9) is equipped with a pressure element (12) made of flexible material. The apparatus comprises in the longitudinal direction of the compression screw (8) sections (A, B, C) in each of which the rotating shaft (8a) comprises operational structures suited to the operation of that particular section (A, B, C) .