Granular Material Segregation Control via Periodic Surface Flow Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Granular materials with different physical properties tend to segregate when flowing, leading to uneven distribution and reduced efficiency in industrial processes such as filling hoppers and forming piles.
Innovation Solution
The method involves varying the angle of the free surface flow of granular materials as they are deposited, using mechanisms such as changing the feed rate, moving the feed zone, tilting the collection base, or vibrating the material, to induce controlled stratification and reduce segregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If granular materials are allowed to flow under gravity to form piles or fill hoppers, then the materials are deposited and collected efficiently, but segregation occurs causing uneven distribution of particle types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic oscillation to the collection base or feed zone, creating cyclic variations in the deposition process. This periodic action prevents continuous segregation by periodically redistributing particles during deposition, maintaining mixture uniformity while preserving efficient deposition rates
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic motion to either the collection base (oscillating it) or the feed zone (moving it laterally), transforming the static deposition process into a dynamic one. This dynamic approach prevents the formation of segregated layers by continuously altering deposition conditions during the filling process
2Stability of the object's composition
If the angle of free surface flow is varied periodically to create controlled layering, then segregation is reduced by creating segregated layers, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the angle of the free surface flow by dynamically oscillating the collection base or moving the feed zone laterally. This dynamic variation in flow angle creates controlled layering patterns that segregate particles into distinct layers based on their physical properties, achieving composition control through motion rather than complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the natural flow behavior of granular materials and their tendency to segregate during deposition, turning the harmful segregation effect into a useful feature. By controlling the deposition angle variations, the system allows particles to self-organize into layered structures based on their inherent physical properties, reducing the need for active control mechanisms
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 reduces segregation by creating layers of different particle types, maintaining good mixing, and allowing for control of stratification thickness and extent, thereby improving the consistency and efficiency of industrial processes.
Implementation Method 1
Mixtures of particles having different physical properties such as size, shape, density, friction coefficient, and stiffness tend to segregate when they are allowed to flow under gravity
Implementation Method 2
varying an angle of a free surface of collected deposited flow from the inlet to the collection base periodically so as to provide controlled layering
Data Source
AI summary
Layering of initially mixed granular dissimilar material components deposited by surface flow is realized by varying the relative angle of the flowing layer periodically with respect to the bulk of the pile formed. Layer thickness and extent can be controlled by varying the timing and extent of the surface variations. Variation in surface flow rates may be realized by varying the feed rate from an inlet to a collection base at a fixed feed location, varying the feed location relative to the collection base, tilting the collection base that is supporting the material, and reducing the pile repose angle using vibration or fluid flow through the base.