Multi-Pair Electrostatic Granule Separation for Single-Pass Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic separation devices for granular materials face inefficiencies in single-pass separation, leading to high rates of unseparated material and increased spatial footprint or time requirements when multiple passes are needed.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic separation device with a configuration of multiple electrode pairs and a controlled electric field distribution, utilizing triboelectric charging and a divergent arrangement of electrodes to enhance single-pass separation efficiency without increasing device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the height of the separation zone is increased to improve single-pass separation rate, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the spatial footprint of the device is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical arrangement (single pair of electrodes with large height) to a horizontal arrangement (multiple pairs of electrodes arranged side by side). This dimensional change allows the separation zone to extend horizontally rather than vertically, maintaining separation efficiency while reducing the device's vertical footprint and overall spatial requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The separation zone is divided into multiple independent pairs of electrodes (at least three pairs) arranged horizontally. Each pair acts as an independent separation unit, and their combined effect achieves high single-pass separation rates without requiring a tall vertical structure, thus reducing the spatial footprint
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple passes are used to reduce unseparated material, then the separation purity is improved, but the hourly throughput and time efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple pairs of electrodes (at least three) working simultaneously in a single pass, providing excessive separation action in one pass rather than partial action requiring multiple passes. This ensures that even materials requiring multiple separation opportunities are separated in the same pass, maintaining high purity while preserving throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal arrangement of multiple electrode pairs creates a continuous separation zone where granules experience sequential electric fields from multiple pairs in a single continuous pass. This continuous action ensures complete separation in one pass, eliminating the need for repeated passes and maintaining both purity and throughput
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
Significantly improves separation rates and reduces energy costs by optimizing the electric field distribution, allowing for efficient and continuous operation with minimal device footprint.
Implementation Method 1
the granules are charged by triboelectric effect in a vibrating or rotating device
Implementation Method 2
the charged granules are conveyed to an electrostatic sorting device where they are separated by an electric field
Implementation Method 3
Positively charged granules are attracted to the anode (the negative electrode), while negatively charged granules are attracted to the cathode (the positive electrode)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrostatic separation device (10) for a mixture of granules of different materials, comprising: - a separation chamber (14) having an inlet (26) and delimiting an internal volume (25), - a granule collection device (18) disposed in the internal volume (25), opposite the inlet (26) in an upward direction (Z), - at least two pairs (20) of electrodes disposed successively in the upward direction in the internal volume (25), between the inlet (26) and the collection device (18), each pair (20) comprising an anode (48) and a cathode (50), disposed on either side of a central axis (A) extending in the upward direction (Z), and - at least one generation system (22), adapted to apply an electrical potential difference between the anode (48) and the cathode (50) of each pair (20).