Modular Screen Modules for Dust Explosion Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current screens used in chipboard factories for screening wood-based raw materials after chipping and drying are large, expensive to manufacture, difficult to transport, and lack effective solutions for managing dust explosions, particularly in the lower sections of double-layered screens.

Innovation Solution

A modular screen design with a frame part and multiple screen modules, each equipped with explosion hatches or burst discs for controlled pressure release and a flame extinguisher, allowing for safer and more economical assembly, maintenance, and reduced risks from dust explosions, while enabling compact and efficient transportation in standard-sized containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a large steel structure screen is used for screening wood-based raw materials, then the screening capacity is sufficient, but the manufacturing cost increases and transportation becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The screen is divided into multiple screen modules (first screen module, second screen module, third screen module) that can be assembled together. Each module contains smaller steel structures that are easier and cheaper to manufacture individually, yet when combined they provide the necessary large-scale screening capacity. The frame modules also serve as support structures for multiple screen modules, creating a scalable system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If a large steel structure screen is used for screening wood-based raw materials, then the screening capacity is sufficient, but transportation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening capacityVSAvoidtransportation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The screen system is segmented into transportable modules including first, second, and third screen modules along with frame modules. These modular components can be transported separately and assembled on-site, significantly reducing transportation costs compared to moving a single large steel structure. The standardized modular design allows for efficient packaging and transport logistics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If explosion hatches are installed in the top part of single-layered screen, then explosion pressure is released in controlled manner, but no solution exists for dust explosion in lower screen section of double-layered screen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexplosion pressure releaseVSAvoidexplosion management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screen structure is divided into multiple layers with frame modules positioned between screen modules. Each layer can be equipped with explosion hatches independently, allowing controlled pressure release from dust explosions in any specific layer. The frame modules serve as structural supports that can accommodate explosion hatches at various heights, enabling comprehensive explosion management throughout the entire screen assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If a modular screen design with multiple screen modules is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced and transportation is easier, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame modules serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the screen modules, act as explosion containment chambers with explosion hatches, and serve as connection points for the circular motion mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure despite the modular design. The standardized frame module design can be reused across different screen configurations.

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

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 modular design reduces manufacturing costs, enhances safety by controlling dust explosions, and allows for easier transportation and installation, minimizing risks and wear, while maintaining efficient screening performance.

Implementation Method 1

a constant centripetal acceleration rotating around an essentially vertical axis gets the material to be screened on top of and through the mesh levels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

explosion hatches, via which explosion pressure is released in a controlled manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure release: Depressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP3930927B1Screen, especially prepared for dust induced explosions and preferably usable in the wood-working industry
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 DIEFFENBACHER GMBH MASCH UND ANLAGENBAU
  • EP3930927B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3930927B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3930927B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A screen, preferably making a circular trajectory, for use for example in the wood-working industry, the screen being implemented by means of meshes having different mesh sizes and comprising a number of mesh levels (7) one above another, with which screen wood-based raw material is screened into different-sized fractions, preferably after chipping and drying, which screen comprises a frame part (1) and a moving part (2). The invention is implemented in such a way that the moving part (2) of the screen comprises at least two screen modules (4) and at least one frame module (5).This invention is especially prepared for using material of the wood-working industry and its contamination with dust after the chipping and/or drying. Therefore one of the main issues to be dealt is the prevention of damages due to dust explosions.