Modular Treatment Unit for Granulate Dust Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for removing dust from bulk materials, particularly granules, face challenges due to strong electrostatic adhesion between dust particles and granules, as well as between dust and device parts, making it difficult to separate and clean the granules effectively, especially when dealing with a large number of very small particles.

Innovation Solution

A modular system for a treatment unit that includes a dedusting container with a separate closure unit for the granulate outlet opening, allowing for flexible configuration and easy maintenance, and a conveying flow generator using compressed air to transport granules, which can be assembled in various configurations depending on the application, including a dust extractor, dryer, or closure unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedusting container with closure element is used to separate granules from dust, then dust removal effectiveness is improved, but maintenance accessibility and configuration flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust removal effectivenessVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment unit is divided into separate modular components: a dedusting container with closure element and a granulate outlet opening. This segmentation allows the closure element to be independently accessed and maintained while preserving the dust-sealing function of the dedusting container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure element is extracted from the dedusting container as a separate functional component. This extraction enables independent maintenance of the closure element without requiring disassembly of the entire dedusting container, while the closure element remains effectively sealed to dust particles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If a fixed configuration treatment unit is manufactured, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integration precisionVSAvoidapplication-specific configurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment unit is segmented into standardized modular components with defined interfaces. Each module can be independently manufactured with high precision, while the modular architecture enables flexible assembly into different configurations for various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms, allowing the same components to be used across different applications and configurations. This universality maintains manufacturing precision while enabling adaptability.

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

3Reliability

If the granulate outlet opening is permanently sealed to prevent dust escape, then dust removal reliability is improved, but operational flexibility and maintenance accessibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust seal reliabilityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is segmented and assigned to a dedicated closure element that can be independently controlled. This closure element creates a reliable dust seal when closed, while its separable design allows it to be opened for maintenance and operation without compromising the dust-sealing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure element transitions between closed and open states dynamically. When closed, it provides reliable dust sealing; when open, it allows access for maintenance and operation. This dynamic behavior reconciles the contradiction between seal reliability and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient separation of granules from dust and flexible operation modes, reducing adhesion issues and improving maintenance accessibility, while allowing for customizable configurations to suit different applications and operational needs.

Implementation Method 1

The transport of these bulk materials is often carried out by means of pneumatic conveying, in particular by means of air conveying, in which the granulate is transported to the desired location through conveyor lines by means of air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic conveying: Air Entrainment

Implementation Method 2

The invention relates to the treatment of bulk materials, in particular the removal of dust contained therein, particularly by means of ionization, since the dust often adheres to the granules due to electrostatic charging

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentEP3802051B1Modular system for building a treatment unit for granulate
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 HELIOS GERATEBAU FUR KUNST GMBH
  • EP3802051B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3802051B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP3802051B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

In order to be able to operate a dust separator with or without a lower closure element (44), the closure element (44) is part of a separate closure unit (40) which is mounted under the dust separator if required. For this purpose, the dust separator, the closure unit (40) and optionally further components, such as a delivery flow generator, are kept available in a kit so as to be able to assemble the treatment unit as required. The dust separator can be operated in batches by means of the closure element (44).