Ring Ramp Distribution Orifice for Uniform Pneumatic Product Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dry agricultural product applicators with pneumatic delivery systems face issues of particulate material settling and drifting along delivery line surfaces, leading to delivery inconsistencies due to gravitational settling and uneven distribution, especially in longer delivery lines and near distributors that divide airflow.
Innovation Solution
A distribution orifice system with a ring ramp that redirects particulate matter back into the main airflow using a concentrically mounted annular body with ramped surfaces, facilitating even distribution and regulating system pressure by preventing localized pressure increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If longer delivery lines are used to widen application coverage, then coverage area is improved, but particulate material settling and delivery consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A ring ramp is introduced as an intermediary component within the delivery line to redirect particulate material that has settled on the inner circumferential surface back into the main airflow. This mediator component resolves the contradiction by maintaining delivery consistency in longer delivery lines without requiring shorter lines, thus preserving the expanded coverage area while eliminating the settling problem.
2Productivity
If pneumatic delivery system is used to increase coverage, then delivery speed and coverage are improved, but particulate material drifting and settling worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ring ramp converts the harmful effect of particulate material drifting and settling on the delivery line surface into a beneficial outcome by redirecting these particles back into the main airflow. The ramp uses the existing airflow dynamics and particle momentum to achieve redirection, transforming the drift problem into an opportunity for improved distribution uniformity.
3Manufacturing precision
If distributor is used to divide airflow for even distribution, then distribution uniformity is improved, but particulate material settling upstream of distributor worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The ring ramp performs a preliminary action by redirecting particulate material back into the main airflow before the material reaches the distributor. This pre-prevention measure ensures that particles are properly positioned in the airflow upstream of the distributor, preventing uneven distribution at the distributor outlets and eliminating the need for complex distributor designs.
4Loss of energy
If delivery line inner surface is smooth to reduce friction, then flow efficiency is improved, but particulate material clinging and dragging worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The ring ramp serves as an intermediary mechanism that addresses the particulate material clinging problem without requiring a change in the delivery line surface characteristics. By introducing this geometric feature that redirects particles back into the airflow, the system maintains smooth surface flow efficiency while eliminating the harmful clinging and dragging effects.
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 improves delivery consistency by ensuring uniform distribution of particulate matter and maintaining system pressure, reducing settling and drifting issues, and allows for easy renewal of worn parts to maintain performance.
Implementation Method 1
dry agricultural product particulate material can drift out of the delivery line's centrally flowing main airflow portion and cling to or drag along the delivery line's inner circumferential surface or inside wall surface(s). This may include gravitationally settling out
Implementation Method 2
The particulate material's settling, dragging, or drifting out of the main airflow portion can lead to delivery inconsistencies. The particular surface(s) that particulate material may cling to or drag against during pneumatic transport may depend on, for example, a direction(s) that the particulate material's momentum carries it
Implementation Method 3
During pneumatic delivery, dry agricultural product particulate material can drift out of the delivery line's centrally flowing main airflow portion
Implementation Method 4
the distribution orifice system presents a ramped constriction in a delivery line that redirects particulate matter back into a main airflow portion, which may help regulate system pressure by avoiding localized pressure increases at or behind masses or volumes of settled-out or other flow-compromised volumes of particulate material
Data Source
AI summary
A distribution orifice system for a dry product applicator with a pneumatic conveyance system is provided which redirects product that drags along a surface(s) of a delivery line's wall(s) back into a main central or primary airflow portion that carries the product downstream through the pneumatic conveyance system. The distribution orifice system may deflect the agricultural product's particulate material radially inward away from the delivery line's wall while longitudinally advancing it in a downstream direction. The system may include a ring ramp that can be renewed by uninstalling the ring ramp, flipping it 180-degrees, and reinstalling it to present an intact ramp surface facing upstream and the wore ramped surface facing downstream.