Helical-Flow Suction Head for Cohesive Granular Offloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently offloading granular materials due to insufficient suction pressure overcoming cohesive forces, leading to particle accumulation and potential immobilization of suction heads, especially in densely packed or strongly bonded materials, which can cause storage capacity reduction and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A system with a suction head design featuring inner and outer nozzles generating helical flows, combined with shearing elements and secondary nozzles, enhances fluidization and offloading by applying pressurized fluid uniformly, reducing the risk of suction head immobilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction pressure is increased to overcome cohesive forces, then offloading efficiency is improved, but the risk of suction head immobilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the granular material by introducing pressurized fluid to achieve fluidization, transforming the material from a cohesive solid mass to a fluid-like state that can be easily suctioned without requiring excessive suction pressure, thereby preventing suction head immobilization
Solution Approach 2:
Pressurized fluid acts as an intermediary substance between the suction head and the granular material. The fluid penetrates the granular material, reduces inter-particle cohesive forces, and facilitates the removal of particles through suction without the suction head becoming embedded in the material
2Quantity of substance
If suction pressure is increased to remove densely packed particles, then storage capacity is maintained, but particle accumulation and corrosion worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary fluidization of the granular material before suction removal. By introducing pressurized fluid in advance, the cohesive bonds between particles are weakened and the material structure is loosened, enabling complete and uniform removal without residual accumulation that could cause corrosion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the granular material through fluidization, transforming it from a densely packed cohesive state to a fluid-like state with reduced inter-particle forces, enabling complete removal and preventing accumulation-related corrosion
3Productivity
If moveable suction head is used to access all areas, then offloading completeness is improved, but the risk of immobilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressurized fluid serves as a mediator that travels with the suction head into the granular material. The fluid continuously fluidizes the material ahead of the suction head, preventing it from becoming embedded or immobilized while enabling the suction head to move freely and access all areas for complete offloading
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 fluidizes and offloads granular materials, preventing suction head immobilization and increasing storage capacity by ensuring uniform fluidization and controlled suction, thus maintaining operational efficiency and reducing corrosion risks.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzles are configured to emit a pressurized fluid to generate a helical flow within the suction head and around the suction head, thereby fluidizing the granular material
Implementation Method 2
The at least one suction head comprises a plurality of shearing elements distributed along the central axis of the suction head
Data Source
AI summary
A system for temporary storage and offloading of granular materials is presented. The system comprises a tank for storage of a granular material and a suction head for offloading granular material from the tank. The suction head comprises a lower end, an outlet for removing granular material from the suction head, and sidewalls, extending from the lower end to the outlet. The suction head further comprises at least one opening for the inflow of granular material into the suction head and one or more nozzles configured to emit a pressurized fluid. The one or more nozzles comprise one or more inner nozzles, configured to generate a helical flow within the suction head, and one or more outer nozzles, configured to generate a helical flow around the suction head in the same direction as the inner nozzles. Also presented is a method for storage and offloading of granular materials.