Pneumatic Waste Conveying System with Differential Pressure Push
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pneumatic solid waste collection systems face inefficiencies in energy use, high initial investment costs, space requirements, and maintenance challenges, especially when conveying solid waste over long distances, and are limited by the need for costly vacuum equipment and corrosion-prone materials.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a moving means within a waste transport conduit to push solid waste using differential pressure, allowing for variable conduit diameters and reducing the need for high-powered vacuum equipment, while using corrosion-resistant materials and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional pneumatic systems use vacuum equipment to convey solid waste over long distances, then conveying capability is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional vacuum-based suction approach by using positive pressure pushing mechanisms. Instead of creating sub-atmospheric pressures to suck waste through pipes, the system uses compressed air or mechanical pushers to force waste forward, significantly reducing energy consumption over long distances while maintaining conveying capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic pushing mechanisms using compressed air to propel solid waste through the conveying system. This pneumatic push approach replaces energy-intensive vacuum systems, achieving efficient long-distance waste transport with lower energy input by utilizing positive pressure waves and air flow to move waste plugs through the conduit
2Speed
If high-powered vacuum equipment is used to maintain minimum air speed in pipes, then conveying capability is achieved, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic intermittent pushing actions rather than continuous high-powered vacuum operation. Compressed air is delivered in periodic bursts or waves to propel waste plugs forward, maintaining necessary air speeds only when needed, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and operating costs while achieving effective waste conveyance
3Strength
If steel pipes are used to resist abrasion from solid waste, then durability is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to acidic leachate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using composite or coated pipe materials that combine abrasion-resistant properties with corrosion protection. Instead of plain steel pipes vulnerable to acidic leachate, the system employs pipes with protective linings or composite constructions that resist both mechanical wear from solid waste and chemical corrosion from acidic environments, ensuring long-term reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a more chemically inert environment within the conveying system by controlling atmospheric conditions and using corrosion-resistant pipe materials. This inert environment protection prevents acidic leachate from attacking metal pipes, combining with abrasion-resistant design to achieve both durability and corrosion resistance simultaneously
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 approach reduces initial investment costs, improves energy efficiency, minimizes maintenance, and extends the conveying distance without the limitations of traditional systems, enabling more widespread adoption of solid waste collection systems.
Implementation Method 1
pushing and moving the solid waste in the waste transport conduit to the at least one collection conduit or at least one collection station by using moving means
Data Source
Figure 1(a)
Figure 1(b)~1(c)
Figure 1(d)~1(e)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and system of using at least one moving means (22) for the pushing and moving solid waste (20) from at least one holding area (10) within buildings or outdoors through a waste transport conduit (14) to at least one collection station (28) or at least one collection conduit (26). The movement of the at least one moving means (22) is driven by generating differential pressure across the at least one moving means (22) to push and move the solid waste (20) towards the at least one collection station (28) or at least one collection conduit (26). The differential pressure creates systematic directional air movement inside the waste transport conduit (14) to move the at least one moving means (22) to move and push the solid waste (20) to the at least one collection station (28) or at least one collection conduit (26). The differential pressure is delivered by controlling a system of valves (30) that is connected to at least one higher pressure air conduit (32) and at least one lower pressure air conduit (34) or removes air to or from the waste transport conduit respectively. Both the at least one higher pressure air conduit (32) and at least one lower pressure air conduit (34) is connected to air handling apparatus.