Modular Gyratory Sifter In-Situ Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gyratory sifters require significant downtime and disruption for adjusting the screening deck angle, often necessitating new installations or shimming that can disrupt the balanced dynamics of the sifter.

Innovation Solution

A modular sifting apparatus with a drivebox connected to a frame via adjustable brackets and gussets allows for the basket to be set at various screening deck angles without removal or substantial disassembly, maintaining continuous operation and balanced dynamics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the screening deck angle is adjusted by installing a new sifting unit or shimming hangers, then the screening deck angle can be changed to optimize sifting operation, but significant downtime and disruption occur, and the balanced dynamics of the sifter may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening deck angle adjustmentVSAvoiddowntime for adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the screening deck angle adjustable during operation through a telescopic mechanism. The basket can be extended or retracted relative to the drive unit, allowing continuous adjustment of the screening deck angle without stopping the sifter. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt its configuration while in use, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the sifter into modular components: a fixed drive unit and a movable basket assembly connected by telescopic mechanisms. This segmentation allows the basket to be independently adjusted in position and angle relative to the drive unit, enabling angle changes without affecting the entire system or requiring complete disassembly and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the screening deck angle is adjusted by shimming hangers, then the angle can be modified, but the balanced dynamics of the sifter are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening deck angle adjustmentVSAvoidbalanced dynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic mechanism provides controlled, incremental adjustment of the basket position while maintaining the system's dynamic balance. Unlike shimming which creates static imbalances, the telescopic design allows for precise positioning that preserves the centered drive configuration and balanced operation of the sifter during angle adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The telescopic mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed drive unit and the movable basket. It mediates the angle adjustment process by providing a controlled connection that maintains force distribution and dynamic balance, preventing the disruption of balanced dynamics that occurs with direct shimming of hangers.

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

Enables the adjustment of screening deck angles in situ, minimizing downtime and maintaining operational balance, allowing continuous use and optimizing sifting operations without the need for new installations.

Implementation Method 1

The drivebox imparts a sifting motion onto the basket. The sifting motion imparted may be any suitable motion, known to those of skill in the art, for a given sifting application, and may be a motion such as vibratory, gyratory, gyratory-reciprocal, and the like.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3160659B1Modular gyratory sifter
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER SA
  • EP3160659B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3160659B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3160659B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Apparatus having a drivebox including a motor, a drive connected to the motor, a suitable number of adjustment brackets, and a set of adjustment gussets. A basket is connected to the drivebox through the adjustment brackets and adjustment gussets, and drivebox imparts a sifting motion onto the basket. The basket has a housing, an infeed end, an discharge end, at least one screening deck contained therein, and positioned at a screening deck angle. The apparatus is of a modular design which enables changing the screening deck angle while installed in a facility and without substantial disassembly.