Pneumatic Conveying Branch With Separator for Mixed Material Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pneumatic material conveying systems face challenges in transporting materials of varying sizes and properties over long distances, particularly when they are not suitable for traditional pneumatic conveying due to size or quality, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to the conveying system.

Innovation Solution

A second material conveying arrangement is connected to the first material conveying system, utilizing the suction and pressure difference provided by the first system, allowing materials to be conveyed to a separate collection container via a dedicated pipe with a separator device, which is adapted to the specific properties of the material being transported.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If material is conveyed over long distances in a single pipe to a waste management station, then the system provides a tidy and environmentally friendly solution, but materials that are not suitable for long-distance transport cannot be satisfactorily transported

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste management efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial transport suitability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent conveying arrangements, each with its own separator device and collection container. This allows different materials to be separated and conveyed to different destinations along the pipe route, enabling both long-distance transport of suitable materials and local collection of unsuitable materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Separator devices act as intermediary components that intercept materials from the main conveying pipe and redirect them to separate collection containers. This intermediary mechanism allows unsuitable materials to be removed from the conveying system before they can cause problems during long-distance transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single conveying pipe is used for all materials, then the system structure is simple, but materials of varying sizes and properties cannot be adequately handled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveying system structureVSAvoidmaterial handling capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying system is segmented into multiple independent arrangements, each optimized for specific material types. While this increases structural complexity, it enables the system to handle diverse materials effectively by providing specialized conveying paths for different material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each conveying arrangement is designed with local quality tailored to the specific material it handles. Separator devices and collection containers are positioned and configured according to the specific needs of different material types, allowing optimal handling of each material while maintaining overall system organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If collection containers are positioned along the pipe route for local material deposition, then materials unsuitable for long-distance transport can be collected locally, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial collection flexibilityVSAvoidconveying system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator devices and collection containers are designed as universal components that can handle multiple material types. Each conveying arrangement can serve both as a local collection point and as part of the overall network, reducing the need for completely separate systems for different materials.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Materials are separated and directed to appropriate collection containers before they traverse the entire pipe length. This preliminary action prevents unsuitable materials from entering the long-distance conveying path, simplifying the overall system operation by avoiding the need for complex retrieval mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution enables efficient transfer and collection of materials that are not suitable for full-distance transport in a single pipe, reduces the need for frequent emptying of collection containers, and allows for the use of existing vacuum sources to power multiple collection points, enhancing system efficiency and reducing wear on the conveying system.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure difference needed for transporting the material, in which partial-vacuum apparatus the negative pressure into the conveying pipe is provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

conveying pipe into which conveying pipe suction is arrangeable by partial-vacuum devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

separator device, which is adapted to the specific properties of the material being transported

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP4267493B1Method for conveying material and material conveying arrangement
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 MARICAP OY
  • EP4267493B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4267493B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b
  • EP4267493B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An arrangement for a pneumatic material conveying system comprising a first material conveying system. The arrangement comprises a second material conveying arrangement comprising at least one second input point (200) for feeding a second material (M), a second separator device (10), a second conveying pipe (102) between the at least one second : point (200) and the second separator device (10), which second separator device (10) is operatively connectable into medium communication with a conveying pipe (100) of the first material conveying system along the pipe, in order to connect a suction or a pressure difference acting in the first pipeline (100) to act via the second separator device (10) in the second conveying pipe (201) to convey the second material (M) from the second input point (200) in the second conveying pipe (201) to the second separator device (10) configured to separate the second material (M) from transporting air flow, and to collect the material (M) into a collection container (11) of the second separator device (10).