Dust Mixture Separation via Partial Fluidization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to effectively separate dust mixtures containing dusts of different densities due to overlapping particle sizes and unsuitability for separating ultra-fine particles, particularly when customary screening methods and high-speed air flow methods are ineffective.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a fluidizing gas to partially fluidize a dust mixture, with a controlled vertical gas flow that separates dusts of different densities by creating a lower, non-fluidized area for the denser dust and an upper, fluidized area for the lighter dust, allowing the lighter dust to be discharged like a liquid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional sieving methods are used to separate dust mixtures, then separation can be achieved for particles of different sizes, but separation fails when dust particles have overlapping sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidapplicability to overlapping particle sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the physical state parameter of the dust mixture from static to fluidized state by introducing fluidizing gas. This parameter change enables separation based on density rather than size, allowing effective separation of particles with overlapping sizes that cannot be separated by conventional sieving methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical sieving system with a fluidization-based separation system. Instead of using physical screens and mechanical movement to separate particles, the system uses fluidizing gas to create different fluidization states for particles of different densities, achieving separation through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical filtration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If high-velocity airflow is used to tear fine particles from material mixture, then fine particles can be separated, but the method is not suitable for separating dust mixtures of different densities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefine particle separationVSAvoidsuitability for density-based separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the velocity parameter of the fluidizing gas to a specific range that is sufficient to fluidize lighter dust particles but insufficient to fluidize heavier particles. This controlled velocity parameter enables density-based separation, distinguishing the invention from high-velocity airflow methods that merely tear particles apart without achieving selective fluidization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies partial fluidization by controlling the fluidizing gas velocity to affect only a portion of the particle population (the lighter dust particles) while leaving heavier particles in a non-fluidized state. This partial action on different particle populations enables selective separation based on density differences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If complete fluidization is applied to dust mixture, then all particles become fluidized and behave like liquids, but separation of different density components cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluidized state for liquid-like behaviorVSAvoidseparation of different density components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies partial fluidization by controlling the fluidizing gas velocity to affect only a portion of the particle population (the lighter dust particles) while leaving heavier particles in a non-fluidized state. This partial action on different particle populations enables selective separation based on density differences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates different local states within the dust mixture: an upper region where lighter particles are fluidized and behave like liquids, and a lower region where heavier particles remain non-fluidized. This local differentiation of physical states enables separation while maintaining the beneficial liquid-like behavior of the fluidized component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If fluidizing gas velocity is increased to fluidize denser dust, then complete fluidization occurs, but separation efficiency decreases as lighter dust also becomes fully fluidized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluidization of denser dustVSAvoidseparation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the velocity parameter of the fluidizing gas to a specific range that is sufficient to fluidize lighter dust particles but insufficient to fluidize heavier particles. This parameter change enables separation based on density rather than size, allowing effective separation of particles with overlapping sizes that cannot be separated by conventional sieving methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Achieves efficient separation of dust fractions by stabilizing partial fluidization of organic dusts and preventing fluidization of inorganic dusts, enabling effective removal of interfering components like sand from coal dust, with improved separation efficiency and minimal residual dust in the fluidized area.

Implementation Method 1

passing a fluidizing gas through the dust mixture and only partially fluidizing it with respect to the first dust, wherein a vertical component of the amount of fluidizing gas passing through the dust mixture is adjusted such that it causes the fluidization of the first dust

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluidization: Fluidisation

Implementation Method 2

a vertical component of the amount of fluidizing gas passing through the dust mixture is adjusted such that it causes the fluidization of the first dust, but is lower than the vertical component of the amount of fluidizing gas passing through the dust mixture at which fluidization of the second dust occurs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2439001B1Device and method for separating a dust mixture into its dust components
Publication Date: 2022.04.13 BUCHBERGER AUGUST
  • EP2439001B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2439001B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2439001B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A dust mixture (5) comprising low-density dust and high-density dust and fluidizing gas are provided to a vertical component (2). The low-density dust is fluidized using the fluidizing gas and raised in the vertical component, and high-density dust settles. Thus the separation of dust mixture is carried out. An independent claim is included for device (1) for separating dust mixture.