Powder Supply Device Pressure Compensation Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powder supply devices face inaccuracies in controlling the flow rate of pulverized fuel due to the expansion/contraction part's inner pressure affecting weight measurements, leading to incorrect adjustments in valve aperture and differential pressure, which compromises the accuracy of powder flow control.
Innovation Solution
A powder supply device and method that subtract the force caused by the expansion/contraction part's inner pressure from the load cell readings, and account for the rate of change in pressure, allowing for precise calculation of powder weight and flow rate, using a controller with inputs from a load cell, pressure indicator, and optional displacement gauge to adjust the flow rate accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the expansion/contraction part is used to detect feed tank weight via load cell, then the weight detection function is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates when inner pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure indicator is introduced as an intermediary device to measure the inner pressure of the expansion/contraction part. This separate measurement allows the system to distinguish between weight-induced compression and pressure-induced expansion, enabling accurate weight detection despite pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from both the load cell (weight measurement) and pressure indicator (inner pressure measurement) to continuously monitor and compensate for pressure effects. The controller processes both signals to calculate corrected weight values, ensuring accurate measurement under varying pressure conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the expansion/contraction part expands due to inner pressure, then the feed tank position shifts, but weight measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure indicator serves as an intermediary that quantifies the expansion effect. By measuring inner pressure separately, the system can calculate the expected expansion-induced position shift and subtract its effect from the load cell reading, isolating the true weight signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner pressure that causes harmful expansion is also used beneficially as a measurement parameter. The pressure indicator converts the harmful pressure effect into useful information that enables compensation and correction of the weight measurement.
3Productivity
If pressure changes occur in the expansion/contraction part, then flow control flexibility is improved, but control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives continuous feedback from both the load cell and pressure indicator to dynamically adjust powder supply control. This dual-feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain accurate flow rate control even when pressure changes are used to adjust flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure indicator acts as an intermediary that provides separate pressure information to the controller, enabling the controller to distinguish between pressure changes intended for flow control and pressure variations that affect measurement accuracy.
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 enhances the accuracy of powder flow control by reducing errors associated with pressure changes, ensuring a more precise and stable supply of pulverized fuel, even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a bellows-like expansion/contraction part, which has alternating large and small diameters, is provided in a middle portion of this pipe. This expansion/contraction part is configured to be capable of expanding and contracting slightly in a vertical direction due to the force of the feed tank pulling the pipe.
Implementation Method 2
The weight of the powder in the feed tank is obtained from the weight of the feed tank measured by the load cell
Data Source
AI summary
A powder supply device 1 includes a powder feed pipe, at least part of which is an expansion/contraction part, a load cell, a pressure indicator, and a controller, wherein the controller obtains a powder weight or a rate of change in powder weight in the feed tank by using a value obtained by subtracting a value proportional to the pressure in the expansion/contraction part from the load applied by the feed tank to the load cell and adding a value proportional to a rate of change in pressure in the expansion/contraction part, and controls the flow rate of the powder to be fed to the outside of the feed tank by using the powder weight or the rate of change in powder weight.