Gravity Separation Tank With Turbulent Slurry Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mining and recycling processes consume excessive energy and water, causing environmental impact and operational costs, and are inefficient in separating valuable heavy pieces from granular material, especially in remote areas and during cold weather.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a separation tank with a pipe outlet positioned low in the tank to create turbulent flow, using gravity for separation without excess water or energy, allowing heavy pieces to settle at the bottom while lighter materials float and are separated, reducing the need for diesel and water consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional mining separation methods are used, then heavy pieces can be separated from granular material, but excessive water and diesel fuel are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses gravity as a free natural force to drive the separation process, eliminating the need for external energy inputs like diesel-powered pumps or motors. The slurry flows downward through the separation tank under gravitational force alone, with no mechanical assistance required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical separation systems (conveyer belts, scrubbing machines, pumps) with a passive gravity-based flow separation system. The separation is achieved through fluid dynamics and gravitational settling rather than mechanical means
2Loss of energy
If traditional mining separation methods are used, then heavy pieces can be separated from granular material, but excessive water is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the physical parameters of the separation process by using a controlled slurry flow with specific gravity and velocity characteristics. The pipe outlet position and angle are optimized to create the right flow conditions for separation without requiring excessive water volume
Solution Approach 2:
The gravity-driven flow system is self-sustaining and does not require external water supply infrastructure. The process uses the natural weight of the material itself to drive separation, eliminating dependence on external water sources
3Quantity of substance
If water ponds are constructed for water supply, then water can be supplied during mining, but environmental impact increases and wildlife is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and eliminates the need for large-scale water storage infrastructure (ponds) by using a compact, self-contained gravity flow separation tank that processes material in-situ without requiring external water supply systems
4Quantity of substance
If gravity separation is used without turbulent flow, then water consumption is reduced, but separation effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates controlled turbulence and chaotic flow patterns in the slurry stream as it exits the pipe outlet. This turbulent motion enhances the separation effectiveness by preventing laminar layering and ensuring thorough mixing and differentiation of particles with different densities
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe outlet is positioned at a specific angle and height to create dynamic flow conditions. The outlet orientation is optimized to generate turbulent flow patterns that enhance separation effectiveness while maintaining low water consumption
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
The system effectively separates heavy pieces from granular material using gravity, reducing energy and water consumption, minimizing environmental impact, and enabling year-round mining operations without the need for extensive water supply or diesel fuel.
Implementation Method 1
the pipe outlet is facing the bottom of the separation tank so that the slurry flows through the pipe outlet in a substantially vertical direction towards the bottom to cause a turbulent flow of the slurry in the separation tank
Implementation Method 2
The pipe outlet is located in a lower third of the separation chamber, and the pipe outlet is facing the bottom of the separation chamber so that the slurry flows through the pipe outlet in a substantially vertical direction towards the bottom
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system and method for separating pieces having a second density (9c) from granular material. The system includes a separation tank (2) comprising a first side wall (12) provided with a tank outlet (6), a bottom (7), a pipe (4) defining a channel (3a) for allowing a slurry to enter the tank (2). A pipe outlet (4b) is spaced apart from the tank outlet and arranged vertically below the outlet (6). The separation tank (2) comprises a trap (5) for collecting said pieces. A separation chamber (8a) is arranged in liquid communication with the pipe outlet to allow slurry to enter the separation chamber. The pipe outlet is in a lower third of the separation tank facing the bottom of the tank so that slurry flows vertically through the pipe outlet towards the bottom causing a turbulent flow of the slurry in the tank.