Reciprocating Frame Silo Obstruction Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Viscous wet materials, such as municipal waste sludge, tend to clump and form bridges in silos, making discharge difficult due to their non-free-flowing nature, and existing discharge devices are not optimally constructed or operated to effectively address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a reciprocating frame actuated by a hydraulic system with an obstruction sensor and controller, which reverses direction and increases force to clear obstructions, ensuring efficient material flow by breaking up clumps and pushing material towards a discharge opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a reciprocating frame is used to discharge viscous wet materials from a silo, then the discharge capability is improved, but the frame may encounter obstructions formed by clumped material bridges
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating frame operates with variable motion parameters - normal reciprocating motion for regular discharge, and enhanced motion (reversed direction with increased force) when obstructions are detected. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high productivity while reliably clearing obstructions to ensure continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstruction detection system provides feedback to the control system, which then adjusts the reciprocating frame's motion accordingly. When an obstruction is detected, the system automatically initiates a clearance sequence with reversed direction and increased force, resolving the contradiction between maintaining discharge capability and ensuring operational reliability.
2Force
If the reciprocating frame increases force to clear obstructions, then the obstruction clearance capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-force obstruction clearance mode is activated periodically only when obstructions are detected, rather than operating continuously at high force. The system alternates between normal reciprocating motion and enhanced clearance motion, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the capability to clear obstructions when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system dynamically changes its operating parameters - using normal force during regular reciprocating motion and increasing force only when obstruction clearance is required. This parameter adaptation allows the system to achieve high obstruction clearance force when needed while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
3Productivity
If the reciprocating frame moves continuously to maintain material flow, then the discharge efficiency is improved, but the frame may become stuck on obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating frame operates with dynamically adjusted motion characteristics - smooth continuous reciprocating motion during normal operation to maintain discharge efficiency, and modified motion with direction reversal and increased force when obstructions are detected, ensuring smooth operation throughout all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstruction detection system identifies potential sticking conditions before they fully develop, allowing the control system to initiate a preventive clearance sequence. This preliminary action maintains smooth frame movement by addressing obstructions early, preventing disruptions to discharge efficiency.
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 clears obstructions and promotes the flow of viscous materials by using a reciprocating frame with increased force, enhancing the discharge efficiency and reducing maintenance costs by initiating an obstruction clearance mode before shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
The reciprocating frame is connected to a hydraulic system, which actuates the reciprocating frame between a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A method for clearing obstructions in a silo having a reciprocating frame uses an obstruction clearance mode. The method includes driving at least one frame in a reciprocal motion across a silo floor until sensing an indication that at least one frame has encountered an obstruction. Upon sensing the indication of obstruction, an obstruction clearance mode is initiated in an attempt to clear the obstruction.