Manure Lagoon Agitation Drum with Angled Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
In open pit storage systems like manure lagoons, solids can accumulate and cause floating masses, leading to issues such as solids piling up on the banks or creating islands that are difficult to break up with conventional means.
Innovation Solution
A manure lagoon agitation device featuring a floating frame with a spinning drum equipped with angled blades to direct material toward the center and a cover to control the flow of material projected from the drum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional means are used to break up solids in manure lagoons, then some agitation is achieved, but solids accumulate and form floating masses and islands that are difficult to break up
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation device segments the solid masses by using multiple blades arranged radially on a spinning drum, which cut through and divide accumulated solids into smaller pieces, preventing the formation of large floating islands and making agitation more effective
Solution Approach 2:
The rapidly spinning drum creates mechanical vibration and impact forces that help break up hardened solids and accumulated material, enhancing the ability to disrupt floating masses and re-suspend settled solids in the lagoon
2Quantity of substance
If solids are allowed to accumulate in the lagoon, then storage capacity is maintained, but floating masses form and push up over the banks
Solution Approach 1:
The agitation device operates continuously or periodically to keep solids suspended and prevent accumulation, maintaining storage capacity while avoiding the harmful effect of solids pushing up over the banks by ensuring continuous movement and mixing of the lagoon contents
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical action of the spinning drum creates sufficient force to prevent solids from settling and forming floating masses that would push up over the banks, while still allowing the lagoon to maintain its storage capacity
3Productivity
If a spinning drum with blades is used to agitate the lagoon, then solids are broken up effectively, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the functions of solid breaking, mixing, and suspension into a single spinning drum assembly with radially arranged blades, achieving effective solid breakdown without requiring multiple separate agitation mechanisms, thus limiting the increase in device complexity
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 device effectively agitates and breaks up solids in manure lagoons, preventing accumulation and facilitating the management of liquid manure, while also being adaptable for use in various applications such as pond clearing and snow removal.
Implementation Method 1
a spinning drum rotatably mounted to the frame, a plurality of blades mounted on the spinning drum, wherein at least some of the blades are oriented at an angle to direct material toward a center of the spinning drum
Data Source
AI summary
An example manure lagoon agitation device can include a spinning drum rotatably mounted to a floating frame. The spinning drum includes a plurality of blades oriented to direct material toward a center of the drum and project material outward. A moveable cover with an adjustable chute controls flow direction of projected material. The device includes lift cylinders to position the drum between storage and operating positions. The spinning drum can operate at variable speeds and depths for breaking up solids or projecting liquid. The device may include protection features like skids and pivoting flails to prevent damage from obstacles.