Pneumatic Blowing System for Densimetric Separation of Construction Waste

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machines for separating light fractions from construction waste and other recyclable materials are expensive, require high electrical power, and are not suitable for processing materials with fines, limiting their integration into existing systems and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An eco-sustainable machinery using an innovative blowing system with a vibrating distributor and pneumatic separation method, featuring adjustable air flow and frequency, along with a motorized roller and damping chamber, to efficiently separate light fractions from heavy fractions without manual operation, and equipped with IT tools for predictive maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional suction devices are used to remove light fractions, then separation can be achieved, but the machinery becomes expensive and requires high electrical power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a pneumatic blowing system with adjustable air flow rates to separate light fractions from heavy fractions. The blowing air flow rate is controlled to be within 0.5-5 m/s, providing sufficient force to lift light materials while avoiding excessive energy consumption. This pneumatic approach replaces conventional high-power suction devices, achieving effective separation with lower energy requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If conventional suction devices are used, then light fractions can be removed, but dust generation increases requiring expensive filter systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoiddust generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic blowing system uses controlled air flow (0.5-5 m/s) to lift and separate light fractions without generating excessive dust. The gentle blowing action compared to strong suction reduces particle mobilization and dust generation, eliminating the need for expensive dust collection filters while maintaining separation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional machinery is used, then separation can be performed, but it cannot process materials containing fines as they are suctioned with light fractions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial processing capabilityVSAvoidseparation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic blowing system with controlled air flow rates (0.5-5 m/s) selectively lifts light fractions while leaving heavy fractions and fines on the conveyor belt. This differential response to air flow enables the system to process materials containing fines effectively, as the gentle blowing action does not suction away the heavier fine particles, thus expanding material processing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Reliability

If bulky separation machines are used, then separation can be achieved, but integration into existing systems becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation system is segmented into modular components: a blowing air generation unit, a conveyor belt with blowing nozzles integrated along its length, and a control system. This modular segmentation allows the separation function to be added to existing conveyor systems without requiring complete system replacement, reducing integration complexity while maintaining separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Achieves high separation efficiency (90-100%) with minimal operator demand, capable of processing various materials, and can be integrated into existing systems, with predictive maintenance reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Implementation Method 1

a vibrating distributor (11) installed in the upper part of said frame (10), adapted to receive the dirty material to be recycled and adapted to stratify the material according to the density

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

stratify the material according to the density, i.e. the heavy material advances underneath the light material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDensity gradient separation: Density Gradient

Implementation Method 3

an array of nozzles (16) installed at the outlet of said vibrating distributor (11)... distributes the previously pressurized air in the pressurizer (15), generating a uniform blade that crosses the material and the light fractions, accelerating the moving of the latter away from the product to be cleaned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic separation:

Implementation Method 4

pressurized air in the pressurizer (15), generating a uniform blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 5

a damping chamber (18), installed in the immediate vicinity of the outlet of the vibrating distributor (11), on the one hand slows down the light fractions, which subsequently fall into the special purified conveyor (20), and on the other hand depressurizes the thrust air generated by said array of nozzles (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4140604B1Machinery for densimetric separation of the inerts
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 CAVE SERVICE
  • EP4140604B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4140604B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Machinery for densimetric separation of the inerts (100), comprising: - a frame (10) adapted to maintain firm and protect all the components; - a vibrating distributor (11) adapted to stratify the material according to the density; - an electric aspirator (14) adapted to supply an array of nozzles (16); - a pressurizer (15) adapted to stabilize the air pressure before it is distributed by said array (16); - an array of nozzles (16) adapted to generate a uniform blade that crosses the material and the light fractions, accelerating the moving of the latter away from the product to be cleaned; - a control panel (24) adapted to allow to adjust the incidence and the capacity of the blade; - a motorized roller (17) which drives the light fractions towards said damping chamber (18); - a damping chamber (18) adapted to depressurize the thrust air generated by said array of nozzles (16); - a conveyor belt (20) adapted to receive the clean heavy fraction.