Progressive-Width Shearing Device for Aggregate-Safe Dewatering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shearing devices and arrangements for separating solids from liquid suspensions, such as thickeners and clarifiers, face inefficiencies due to high shear rates near the shearing elements, which delay dewatering processes.
Innovation Solution
A shearing device with angled shearing elements that progressively increase in width from the first end to the second end, along with varying intervals, creating a more uniform shear rate and reducing the likelihood of high shear rates near the elements, thereby enhancing dewatering efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform shear rate is applied throughout the device, then aggregate breakage is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex with varying shearing element widths
Solution Approach 1:
The shearing elements have different widths at different locations along the device length. The width varies from a first width at the proximal end to a second width at the distal end, creating locally adapted shear rates that prevent aggregate breakage while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The width parameter of the shearing elements is changed progressively along the length of the device. This parameter variation creates a gradient in shear rate distribution, ensuring uniform shear action throughout the suspension processing area without requiring complex control mechanisms
2Productivity
If high shear rates are used near shearing elements, then mixing intensity increases, but aggregate breakage occurs and dewatering is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the device apply different shear rates appropriate to local requirements. The varying shearing element widths create lower shear rates in regions where aggregates are present, while maintaining higher mixing intensity in other areas, thus achieving both mixing and aggregate protection
Solution Approach 2:
The shear rate distribution is dynamically adapted through the geometric design of shearing elements rather than using uniform high shear rates throughout. This dynamic optimization ensures adequate mixing while preventing the excessive shear that would break aggregates and delay dewatering
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 device achieves a more uniform shear rate across the suspension, preventing aggregate breakage and promoting effective dewatering by minimizing high shear rates, thus improving the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
the shearing elements are spaced apart along the arm to define respective intervals therebetween... creating a more uniform shear rate and reducing the likelihood of high shear rates near the elements
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A shearing device (1), an arrangement and uses thereof. The shearing device is connectable to a drive assembly of the arrangement for separating solids from liquid, the shearing device (1) comprising - attachment arrangement (3) arranged in a first end (4) of the device for connecting the shearing device (1) to the drive assembly, - a shearing arrangement (19) being arranged to define shearing elements (5) angled with the lengthwise direction (AL) of the device and intervals (6) therebetween, wherein - the device (1) has a proximal portion (7) closer to the first end (4) and a distal portion (8) closer to a second end (9) of the device opposite to the first end (4), and - average width of the shearing elements (5) arranged in the distal portion (8) is greater than average width of the shearing elements (5) arranged in the proximal portion (7).