Hybrid Fan Pump Suction System for Pneumatic Conveying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction systems either excel in thick-flow conveying with high pressure but low volume flow, or in thin-flow conveying with low pressure and high volume flow, but not efficiently in both modes, and require excessive drive power for differential pressure increase.

Innovation Solution

A suction system combining fan and pump systems in series or parallel configurations within a common suction flow line, integrated with a separator and filter, allowing for adjustable volume flow and pressure difference, and featuring a shut-off system to prevent counter-directional suction, and a safety system to manage vacuum levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If pump systems are used to generate high differential pressure, then thick-flow conveyance is enabled, but volume flow remains comparatively low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifferential pressureVSAvoidvolume flow
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a fan system and a pump system in a hybrid suction system. The fan system generates high volume flow while the pump system provides the necessary differential pressure. Both systems operate simultaneously on the same suction line, merging their capabilities to achieve both high pressure and high volume flow that neither system could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If fan systems are used to generate large air flows, then volume flow is increased, but differential pressure remains comparatively low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume flowVSAvoiddifferential pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid suction system merges the high volume flow capability of the fan system with the high differential pressure capability of the pump system. The fan creates the bulk air flow necessary for lean phase conveying, while the pump provides the additional pressure head required for efficient material transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stress or pressure

If two or more fans are connected in series to increase differential pressure, then differential pressure is increased, but drive power increases quadratically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifferential pressureVSAvoiddrive power
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of connecting multiple fans in series which would require quadratic increases in drive power, the patent combines a single fan system with a single pump system. The pump handles the pressure generation efficiently without the exponential power increase, while the fan maintains high volume flow capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a hybrid fan-pump system is used for both thick and thin flow conveyance, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyance mode adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates a fan system and pump system into a unified suction system with a common suction line and separator. This merging approach provides versatility for both thick and thin flow conveyance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through shared components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hybrid system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can handle both thick-flow and thin-flow conveyance, adapt to different material types, and operate in various suction scenarios. The fan and pump work together to provide universal capability across different conveying requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient operation for both thick and thin flow conveyance with reduced energy consumption and increased performance, suitable for both stationary and mobile applications, and adaptable to various materials and flow conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The first pump unit (2.2.1) and the second pump unit (2.2.2) ... to generate the suction flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The separator can also be designed as a cyclone separator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 3

A suction system according to the invention is characterized in that a fan system consisting of one or more fans and a pump system consisting of one or more pumps are present to generate the suction flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3090101B1Suction system for generating a suction flow within a suction flow line
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 RSP GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3090101B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3090101B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3090101B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a suction system (1) for generating a suction flow (7) within a suction flow line (3) through which material (6) is pneumatically transported, comprising a separator (3.1) which is connected to the suction flow line (3) and in which the material (6) is separated out from the suction flow (7), characterized in that a fan system (2.1) composed of one or more fans and a pump system (2.2) composed of one or more pumps for generating the suction flow (7) are present. The invention also relates to a suction conveying installation having a suction system (1) according to the invention and to a carrier vehicle (12) having a suction conveying installation.