Pneumatic Waste Pulverization with Internal Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for recycling construction materials are either slow or energy-intensive, making them unsuitable for industrial-scale production, as they require pulverization to fine particles for reuse in new products like geopolymer concrete.

Innovation Solution

An air flow-based method that combines internal heating and proper feeding of waste material into a pulverizing system, utilizing a ball mill and screening device to efficiently pulverize materials, with continuous air flow and heat generation for drying and declogging, ensuring energy-efficient processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional pulverization methods are used, then waste material can be ground to fine particles, but the process is either very slow or very energy-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size reductionVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a pneumatic system where air flow is introduced into the ball mill to facilitate pulverization. The air flow lifts and suspends particles, enabling more efficient mechanical breakdown and reducing the time required to achieve fine particle size compared to conventional dry pulverization methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the pulverization process by introducing air flow, which modifies particle interaction dynamics, heat generation rates, and material suspension characteristics. This leads to faster pulverization while maintaining energy efficiency through controlled air introduction rather than excessive mechanical force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional pulverization methods are used, then waste material can be ground to fine particles, but the process is either very slow or very energy-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size reductionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic air flow assists the mechanical pulverization process by reducing the energy required for particle suspension and transport within the mill. The air flow carries particles through the grinding media more efficiently, reducing the mechanical energy input needed while achieving the same particle size reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The air flow system utilizes the kinetic energy and heat generated during pulverization to facilitate the process itself. The air flow captures and recirculates within the system, using the energy already present in the pulverization process to enhance particle suspension and breakdown, thereby reducing additional energy input requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If air flow is introduced to facilitate pulverization, then processing speed improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it facilitates particle suspension, aids in heat dissipation, assists in material transport within the mill, and can be used for declogging the screen. By making the air flow system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the air flow generation system with existing pulverization components, integrating the pneumatic function into the mechanical grinding system. The air flow is introduced through the same mill structure and utilizes existing rotational motion and heat generation, merging multiple processes into a unified system rather than adding completely separate equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Use of energy by moving object

If continuous air flow is used for pulverization and drying, then energy efficiency improves, but equipment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous air flow system performs multiple functions including pulverization assistance, drying of material, heat dissipation control, and particle suspension. By consolidating these functions into a single air flow system rather than requiring separate drying equipment, heaters, and suspension mechanisms, the patent achieves energy efficiency without proportionally increasing equipment requirements.

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

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

Facilitates efficient pulverization of waste materials into fine particles, enhancing recycling efficiency and sustainability by reducing energy consumption and improving processing speed.

Implementation Method 1

The method is based on an air flow which transfers input waste material and output particles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

The generated heat and the air flow facilitate drying of the waste material as it is being pulverized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInternal friction heating: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4219017A1Method of pulverizing waste material
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 ECOUP OY
  • EP4219017A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4219017A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4219017A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of pulverizing waste material is disclosed. The method is based on an air flow (10) which transfers input waste material (20) and output particles (44), ensures proper feeding of waste material and thereby internal heating which, combined with the air flow, facilitates proper pulverization of the waste material in an energy-efficient manner.