Refiner Segment Last-Box Fluid Connection for Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refiner segments with bars and dams experience wear due to abrasive contact with lignocellulosic material, leading to decreased efficiency and the need for frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
Implementing last-box fluid connections between adjacent bars to equalize pressure between last boxes, reducing the likelihood of uneven wear and leakage by positioning the connections close to the last dams, thereby distributing pressure more evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If bars and dams are provided as protruding structures on the refiner segment to achieve efficient refining, then refining efficiency is improved, but wear resistance deteriorates due to abrasive contact with material
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the refiner segment surface into multiple boxes using bars and dams as segmentation elements. Each box acts as an independent refinement zone, allowing material to be processed in distributed segments rather than a single continuous area, which reduces concentrated wear on any one structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates different functional zones within the refiner segment by providing bars and dams at specific locations. The boxes formed have localized characteristics where material flow and pressure distribution can be optimized independently, allowing certain areas to bear more wear while maintaining overall refining efficiency
2Productivity
If bars and dams are provided to create boxes for material flow, then refining efficiency is improved, but pressure distribution becomes uneven causing localized wear and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges adjacent boxes through fluid connections that allow pressure equalization between them. This combining of previously isolated pressure zones creates a more uniform pressure distribution across the refiner segment, preventing localized high-pressure areas that would cause uneven wear and leakage
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 prolongs the lifespan of the refiner segments by evenly distributing wear and minimizing the risk of leakage, ensuring consistent refining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a last-box fluid connection provided through a bar for connecting a last box on one side of this bar with a last box on the other side of this bar
Data Source
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AI summary
A refiner segment (101; 201) for use in a refiner disc (30; 30∗) of a refiner (100) for refining of lignocellulosic material, said refiner segment (1) having an active surface comprising a plurality of bars (10) which are extending over the active surface (2) towards an outer periphery (18b) of the refiner segment, wherein at least three of the bars (10) comprises a last-box fluid connection (21) which is a fluid connection provided through the bar (10) for connecting a last box (23a) on one side of this bar with a last box (23a) on the other side of this bar (10) such that a pressure can be equalized between these two last boxes (23a) via the last-box fluid connection (21), wherein said last-box fluid connection (21) is provided in the bar (10) at a distance between 0.0-15.0 mm from the closest last dam (11a) which is extending from this bar (10) to another adjacent bar (10).