Mixing Vessel Dosing Screw Blockage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing containers for biogas plants are prone to blockages due to the design of the discharge opening, which allows long-fibrous and sticky biomass components to get stuck between the mixing screw and the dosing screw, leading to inefficient discharge and potential clogging issues.
Innovation Solution
The dosing screw is arranged in a position that avoids the structural flow obstacles created by the mixing screws, with its receiving opening located outside the turning circles, allowing for unimpeded discharge and preventing blockages by using a design where the dosing screw can project into the container and be oriented to align with the axial direction of the mixing screws or positioned between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the discharge opening is positioned within the turning circle of the mixing screw, then the mixing screw can effectively convey biomass through the opening, but long-fibrous and sticky components get stuck between the mixing screw and dosing screw causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge opening is repositioned from a horizontal position within the turning circle to a vertical position above the mixing screw's turning circle. This dimensional change allows the dosing screw to receive material from above without the mixing screw's rotating components interfering with the discharge path, thereby preventing blockages while maintaining conveyance efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A receiving hopper is introduced as an intermediary component between the mixing screw and the dosing screw. The hopper collects material discharged by the mixing screw and feeds it to the dosing screw, creating a buffer zone that prevents direct contact between the mixing screw and dosing screw, thereby eliminating the blockage problem
2Ease of operation
If the receiving opening is positioned in the side wall, then access is improved, but the mixing screw cannot effectively press biomass through the opening due to consistency variations
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge opening is repositioned from a horizontal side wall position to a vertical position above the mixing screw. This allows gravity to assist in directing material downward into the dosing screw while the mixing screw maintains effective conveyance pressure from below, resolving the conflict between accessibility and conveyance effectiveness
3Adaptability or versatility
If the dosing screw is positioned directly on the outside of the container, then forced conveyance of difficult materials is enabled, but the receiving opening becomes susceptible to blockages from long-fibrous components
Solution Approach 1:
A receiving hopper is introduced as an intermediary component between the mixing screw and the dosing screw. The hopper collects material discharged by the mixing screw and feeds it to the dosing screw, creating a buffer zone that prevents direct contact between the mixing screw and dosing screw, thereby eliminating the blockage problem while maintaining the ability to handle difficult materials
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 configuration ensures smooth and efficient discharge of mixed materials, including sticky and long-fibrous mixes, without the risk of blockages, even when using materials like straw-containing stable manure or rotted grass, by allowing the dosing screw to pull out the material without relying on the mixing screws to press or scrape it through.
Implementation Method 1
the fine-grained material is conveyed in a mixing container by means of two or three mixing screws encased by pipes at different speeds from bottom to top
Implementation Method 2
the dosing screw can pull out the material without relying on the mixing screws to press or scrape it through
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The mixing vessel (1) has a container (3) which is provided an inner space (I) for enclosing side wall (6). The mixing screws (7a,7b) are arranged in the inner space of container. The metering screw (11) provided in the inner space of the container is provided with receiving opening for discharging to-be-mixed material, and rotated with respect to rotation portions (8a,8b) having working surfaces (50a,50b). The receiving opening is extended in axial direction of the rotational axis of mixing screws.