Flat-Face Valve Gas Venting for Rotary Drum Vacuum Washer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary drum vacuum washer filters face challenges in maintaining high suction levels due to air and gas entering the filtrate chamber and drop leg conduit, as conventional flat-face valve plates allow trapped air and gases to be released into the filtrate chamber.
Innovation Solution
A flat-face valve with a plate seat, plenum chamber, and gas venting system is introduced, where air and gases from the drainage channels are diverted into a plenum chamber and vented externally, preventing their entry into the filtrate chamber and drop leg conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flat-face valve plate is used to block drainage channels during air-filled rotation, then air and gases are prevented from entering the filtrate chamber, but trapped air and gases are released into the filtrate chamber as the drain channels pass the valve plate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plate is segmented with multiple openings that allow controlled passage of filtrate while blocking air and gases. The openings are strategically positioned and sized to maintain filtration effectiveness while preventing harmful gas entry into the filtrate chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve plate acts as an intermediary element between the drainage channels and the filtrate chamber. It mediates the flow by allowing liquid filtrate to pass through while blocking air and gases, thus protecting the filtrate chamber from gas contamination without completely blocking the drainage path.
2Reliability
If the flat-face valve plate blocks all drainage outlets to prevent air entry, then air and gases are kept out of the filtrate chamber, but filtrate flow is also restricted reducing dewatering efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plate incorporates openings with specific local qualities - certain areas are open to allow filtrate flow while other areas remain blocked to prevent air and gas entry. The openings are positioned and dimensioned to provide selective permeability, allowing liquid passage while blocking gaseous contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve plate design changes the flow parameters by creating specific opening configurations that allow liquid filtrate to pass through while blocking air and gases. The opening size, shape, and position are optimized to maintain adequate filtrate flow for dewatering efficiency while preventing gas contamination.
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 solution effectively reduces air and gas entry into the filtrate chamber and drop leg conduit, maintaining high suction levels and ensuring consistent dewatering performance by venting gases before they can disrupt the filtration process.
Implementation Method 1
The downward flow of liquor and wash liquid create a suction that draws the liquor and wash liquid through the pulp mat and porous surface of the rotary drum
Implementation Method 2
An upper gas vent connected the plenum chamber vents air and other gases from the plenum chamber
Implementation Method 3
A lower liquid drain allows filtrate liquids to drain from the plenum chamber
Data Source
AI summary
In a rotary drum for thickening pulp, the rotary drum may include drainage channels for delivering filtrate from a pulp mat on the rotary drum to a filtrate chamber at an end of the rotary drum, and includes a flat face valve and plenum chamber assembly in the filtrate chamber. The flat face valve can be juxtaposed against drainage outlets of the drainage channels, wherein the flat face valve does not block the drainage outlets during a majority of the rotation of the rotary drum. An opening on the flat face valve may extend through the front surface and be aligned with the drainage outlets to provide a fluid passage through the flat face valve and to a plenum chamber behind the flat face valve such that air in the filtrate is collected in the upper portion of the plenum chamber and removed from the rotary drum.