Dry Ice Block Former for Blasting Media Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon dioxide blasting systems face limitations in utilizing dry ice pellets or particles, as blocks of dry ice are not readily available for shipment and use, restricting the flexibility of blasting systems configured for pellets or granules.
Innovation Solution
A device that forms non-homogeneous blocks from carbon dioxide pellets or particles using a pneumatic compression system, allowing the conversion of dry ice pellets into blocks for use in blasting systems, which can then generate granules for surface cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If carbon dioxide particles are formed as individual particles and shipped, then they can be used in blasting systems, but blocks of dry ice are not readily available for shipment and use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming carbon dioxide particles into blocks at a central location before shipment. The block former device compresses CO2 particles into dense blocks that can be easily transported and stored, then converted to granules at the point of use. This resolves the contradiction by making blocks readily available through advance preparation while maintaining shipping feasibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a block former device is added to convert particles into blocks, then dry ice pellets can be used in any blasting system configuration, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The block former device utilizes pneumatic principles by employing a hopper to feed particles under gravity and using pneumatic pressure to compress the particles into blocks. The system includes a compression chamber where pneumatic force densifies the CO2 particles. This pneumatic approach simplifies the overall device structure compared to mechanical compression systems, reducing complexity while achieving the desired adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The block former is designed as a self-service system where the hopper automatically feeds particles into the compression chamber, and the formed blocks are automatically ejected onto a conveyor or collection area. This automated self-service operation minimizes the need for complex control systems and manual intervention, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Productivity
If dry ice blocks are formed and shipped, then they can be converted into granules for blasting, but the initial formation and shipping process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the dry ice delivery process into distinct stages: particle formation at central location, block formation in the block former device, shipping of blocks, and granule conversion at the blasting site. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently - blocks are formed to a density and size ideal for shipping, then converted to granules of the specific size needed for blasting operations, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through process division.
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
Enables the flexible use of dry ice pellets or particles in blasting systems, regardless of configuration, by forming blocks that can be easily transported and converted into blast media, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A block former device uses a pneumatic compression system to form the carbon dioxide particles into a non-homogeneous block
Data Source
AI summary
A block former comprises a portable device for compression forming of carbon dioxide particles into a non-homogenous block of carbon dioxide. The formed non-homogenous block can be used with carbon dioxide blasters that shave the formed block, and then eject the carbon dioxide shavings into a pneumatic jet as a blast media for cleaning surfaces. The block former further comprises a control system comprising a logic system of switches, valves, and timers to perform a timed sequence of events to form loose carbon dioxide particles into a non-homogenous block, to release compression on the block, and to eject the formed block from the block former. A single compression surface is provided to compress the carbon dioxide particles block, to release pressure on the block, and to eject the block from the block former device. The carbon dioxide particles used to form the non-homogeneous block can vary in size from snow to chunks or pellets.