Method and apparatus for treating the outlet air of a pneumatic waste conveying system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pneumatic material conveying systems, particularly those used for waste transportation, face issues with odor nuisances, noise problems, and variable airflow rates due to partial-vacuum generators, which are not universally suitable and can lead to inefficiencies in air treatment.

Innovation Solution

The method involves introducing additional air into the conveying air before the output aperture of the partial-vacuum generator and further diluting odor-causing components by mixing it with the outlet air, using a lobe rotor blower to maintain a constant outblowing flow rate and reduce odor perception, while also cooling the generator to prevent overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a partial-vacuum generator is used to convey wastes, then the conveying function is achieved, but odor nuisances and noise problems occur in the outlet air

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste conveying efficiencyVSAvoidodor nuisances
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second aperture that allows ambient air to enter the chamber as an intermediary substance. This additional air mixes with the outlet air from the partial-vacuum generator, diluting the odor-causing components and reducing noise levels without interfering with the waste conveying function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the composition parameter of the outlet air by introducing additional air through the second aperture. This alters the concentration of odor-causing substances and acoustic properties of the air mixture, thereby reducing odor nuisances and noise problems while maintaining conveying efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If additional air is introduced into the conveying air, then odor nuisances are reduced, but the airflow rate may become variable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor nuisancesVSAvoidairflow rate consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a lobe rotor blower that automatically maintains a substantially constant outblowing flow rate. The device self-regulates to compensate for variations caused by introducing additional air through the second aperture, ensuring stable airflow without requiring external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The lobe rotor blower incorporates inherent feedback mechanisms that monitor and adjust the airflow to maintain constant outblowing flow rate. This automatic regulation ensures that the additional air introduced for odor reduction does not compromise airflow stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a liquid-air ejector is used to bind odors, then odor nuisances are reduced, but the system requires a specific partial-vacuum generator type that is not universally suitable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveodor nuisancesVSAvoidsystem compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal solution that can be applied to any partial-vacuum generating device regardless of type. By introducing additional air through the second aperture, the system effectively reduces odors without requiring specific ejector designs, making it adaptable to vacuum pumps, ejector apparatus, and other partial-vacuum generators.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using liquid-air ejectors that require specific system configurations, the patent uses ambient air introduced through the second aperture as a universal intermediary. This approach binds and dilutes odors in a manner compatible with all types of partial-vacuum generating devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 significantly reduces odor nuisances and maintains a consistent airflow rate, enhancing the efficiency of air treatment and reducing noise issues associated with pneumatic waste conveying systems.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure difference, in which apparatus a partial vacuum is achieved in the conveying pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a partial vacuum is achieved in the conveying pipe with partial-vacuum generators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPartial vacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

additional air is brought into connection with the outlet air, which additional air dilutes the originators of odor in the air volume

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDilution: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP2828180B1Method and apparatus for treating the outlet air of a pneumatic waste conveying system
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 MARICAP OY
  • EP2828180B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2828180B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

Method for treating outlet air in a pneumatic waste conveying system, in which the outlet air is at least partly the conveying air to be used in waste conveying. In the method in a first phase additional air is brought into the body of conveying air in the partial-vacuum generator (2) of the pneumatic waste conveying system before the output aperture (35) of the partial-vacuum generator, and that in the method in a second phase additional air is brought into the body of outlet air as a consequence of the suction effect brought about by the outlet air in such a way that the outlet air and the additional air mix with each other at least partly. The invention also relates to an apparatus.