Milling System Classifier Screen Particle Size Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mill systems are unable to produce industrial materials with a specific particle size distribution, often resulting in products that are either too coarse or too fine, and can cause issues with material handling and yield.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a mill, a classifier, and a screen is used to produce industrial materials with a specific particle size distribution. The classifier separates grinded materials based on a first threshold particle size, and the screen further separates materials based on a second threshold particle size, allowing for precise control of the final product's particle size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a mill is operated based on a minimum size threshold, then all particles can be reduced below a certain size, but the particle size distribution becomes uncontrolled and cannot achieve a specific target distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size distribution controlVSAvoidmill operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The particle size separation process is divided into multiple stages using different separation mechanisms. The first classifier performs initial separation at a coarse threshold, and the second classifier performs fine separation at a precise threshold. This segmentation allows each classifier to specialize in a specific size range, achieving overall precise particle size distribution control that a single mill cannot accomplish.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first classifier acts as an intermediary device between the mill and the second classifier. It removes particles that are already below the target distribution range, preventing them from interfering with the second classifier's precise separation work. This intermediary separation simplifies the load on the second classifier and improves overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a single classifier is used to separate particles, then the separation process is simple, but it cannot achieve precise control of the final particle size distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size distribution precisionVSAvoidclassifier system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The classification function is segmented into two distinct classifiers with different threshold settings. The first classifier handles coarse separation with a higher threshold, while the second classifier handles fine separation with a lower threshold matching the target distribution. This segmentation enables precise control of the final particle size distribution by assigning specific separation tasks to each classifier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first classifier performs preliminary separation by removing particles that are already below the target size range before they reach the second classifier. This preliminary action reduces the workload on the second classifier and allows it to focus on achieving the precise target distribution, thereby improving overall manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If traditional milling is used, then material processing is straightforward, but yield is decreased due to material handling issues and inability to produce continuous output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct yieldVSAvoidmaterial handling difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous operation by having the mill continuously grind material while the two classifiers continuously separate particles at different thresholds. The classified materials are continuously directed to appropriate outlets, eliminating interruptions and maximizing productivity. This continuous action ensures high yield by processing all incoming material through the complete separation sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system enables the production of industrial materials with a precise particle size distribution, improving overall yield and reducing material handling issues by allowing for automated or semi-automated processing.

Implementation Method 1

a classifier positioned to separate the grinded materials based on a first threshold particle size

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational settling: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

the classifier is configured to separate the grinded materials based on a first threshold particle size, such that the grinded materials having at least the first threshold particle size are directed toward a second classifier outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir classification:

Implementation Method 3

a screen positioned to receive the grinded materials from the second classifier outlet and including a first screen outlet and a second screen outlet, wherein the screen is configured to separate the grinded materials based on a second threshold particle size

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical screening: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250187018A1Milling systems and methods for producing materials with a particular particle size distribution
Publication Date: 2025.06.12 SUNCOKE TECH & DEV LLC
  • US20250187018A1 patent drawing
  • US20250187018A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Milling systems and methods for producing materials with a particular particle size distribution are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a system for providing materials having a particular particle size includes a mill configured to produce grinded materials, a classifier positioned to receive the grinded materials and including a first classifier outlet and a second classifier outlet, and a screen positioned to receive the grinded materials from the second classifier outlet and including a first screen outlet and a second screen outlet. The classifier can be configured to separate the grinded materials based on a first threshold particle size. The screen can be configured to separate the grinded materials based on a second threshold particle size greater than the first threshold particle size.