Gravity-Fed Pouring Dispenser for Salt Additive Dosing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional dosing units for non-caking agents in salt systems suffer from additive loss, clogging issues, and corrosion due to spraying methods, particularly with acidic additives like FeMTA, which leads to inefficiencies and equipment damage.

Innovation Solution

A device with a conveyor and dispensers connected to a continuous supply of aqueous additive solution, using gravity-fed pouring outlets with evenly distributed spouts to minimize loss and corrosion, featuring a V-shaped cross-section and a weir for even distribution, and optionally made from non-corrosive thermoplastics with a Cardan suspension for stable dispensing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If spraying is used to dose additive solution, then dosing speed is improved, but additive loss increases and corrosion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing speedVSAvoidadditive loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional spraying approach by using a pouring method where the solution is delivered through a controlled outlet that allows the liquid to flow down and distribute itself over the bulk material. This inversion of the delivery mechanism eliminates the mist formation and associated losses while maintaining efficient dosing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary pouring outlet structure that mediates between the solution supply and the bulk material. This intermediary component controls the flow of solution, allowing it to distribute evenly over the material without spraying, thereby preventing additive loss while maintaining dosing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If spraying is used to dose additive solution, then dosing speed is improved, but corrosion of equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing speedVSAvoidcorrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional spraying approach by using a pouring method where the solution is delivered through a controlled outlet that allows the liquid to flow down and distribute itself over the bulk material. This inversion of the delivery mechanism eliminates the mist formation and associated losses while maintaining efficient dosing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary pouring outlet structure that mediates between the solution supply and the bulk material. This intermediary component controls the flow of solution, allowing it to distribute evenly over the material without spraying, thereby preventing additive loss while maintaining dosing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If spraying is used to dose additive solution, then dosing speed is improved, but clogging of nozzles occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedosing speedVSAvoidclogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional spraying approach by using a pouring method where the solution is delivered through a controlled outlet that allows the liquid to flow down and distribute itself over the bulk material. This inversion of the delivery mechanism eliminates the mist formation and associated losses while maintaining efficient dosing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary pouring outlet structure that mediates between the solution supply and the bulk material. This intermediary component controls the flow of solution, allowing it to distribute evenly over the material without spraying, thereby preventing additive loss while maintaining dosing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution effectively minimizes additive loss and corrosion, ensuring even distribution and continuous dosing of non-caking agents over the particulate material, reducing clogging and equipment damage while maintaining a controlled mixing ratio.

Implementation Method 1

The aqueous solution of the additive is poured under the influence of gravity only, rather than being sprayed on the particulate material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9981285B2Device for dosing an additive solution

Publication Date: 2018.05.29 AKZO NOBEL CHEMICALS INTERNATIONAL BV

AI summary

Device (1) and method for dosing an aqueous solution (2) of an additive, e.g., a non-caking agent, into an amount of a particulate material, such as a salt. The device comprises a conveyor (4) for transporting the particulate material and a dispenser (5) arranged above the conveyor. The dispenser is connected to a supply for the aqueous solution. The dispenser comprises a pouring outlet (10) extending over at least a part of the width of the conveyor (4). The additive solution is poured with a controlled flow velocity over at least a part of the width of the conveyor (4) transporting the particulate material.