Rotary Classifier Constricting Section for Coal Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary classifiers in combustion facilities, such as thermal power plants, face challenges in achieving even distribution of pulverized coal to multiple outlets due to limited obstruction effects from movable vanes and poor assemblability and precision of classification blades, leading to flow rate deviations and uneven powder distribution.

Innovation Solution

A rotary classifier with a constricting section, including an annular member and inclined surfaces, is introduced to increase circulating flow rates by conservation of angular momentum, reducing peripheral flow rate deviations and enhancing even distribution of powder to multiple outlets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a movable vane is provided in the upper side of the classifier to adjust flow path cross-sectional area, then the obstruction effect is improved, but the even distribution of powder flow rate is insufficient due to limited space in the lower side

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstruction effectVSAvoideven distribution of powder flow rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The classifier interior space is segmented into multiple regions by providing both upper and lower constriction sections. The lower constriction section divides the space into first and second regions, while the upper constriction section further divides them into sub-regions. This segmentation allows independent control of powder flow distribution in different areas, achieving even distribution throughout the entire classifier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution extends from a single-dimensional (upper side only) obstruction approach to a multi-dimensional approach by adding constriction sections at both upper and lower sides of the classifier. This spatial extension in the vertical dimension enables comprehensive control of powder flow paths throughout the classifier height, achieving uniform distribution that was impossible with upper-side obstruction alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If classification blades are divided into upper and lower halves with different sweptback angles, then classification precision is improved, but assemblability deteriorates and assembly errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclassification precisionVSAvoidassemblability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The classification blades are segmented into upper and lower halves with different sweptback angles to optimize classification precision for different particle sizes. Meanwhile, the constriction sections are designed as separate, standardized components that can be independently manufactured and assembled, improving overall assemblability while maintaining classification precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sweptback angles are applied locally to different portions of the classification blades - the upper half has one angle optimized for finer particles while the lower half has another angle for coarser particles. This local differentiation achieves high classification precision without requiring the entire blade assembly to be custom-made, thus improving manufacturability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 significantly improves the even distribution of powder to each outlet, reducing flow rate deviations from 9% to 1.1%, ensuring consistent supply of pulverized coal to combustion facilities.

Implementation Method 1

increase circulating flow rates by conservation of angular momentum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConservation of angular momentum: Angular Momentum Conservation

Implementation Method 2

the raw coal is dispersed to the entire surface by centrifugal force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS10882050B2Rotary classifier and vertical mill
Publication Date: 2021.01.05 MITSUBISHI POWER LTD
  • US10882050B2 patent drawing
  • US10882050B2 patent drawing
  • US10882050B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention improves the even distribution of a powder to a pulverized coal pipe. A rotary classifier including: a rotary shaft rotatably supported around a rotational axis extending in a vertical direction; a frame body supported by the rotary shaft and including an opening on the outer periphery of the frame body; a plurality of powder outlets provided along the rotation direction and opening on the upper section of the frame body; a plurality of blades extending in the vertical direction at the opening on the outer periphery of the frame body and provided along the rotation direction; and an annular member that serves as a constricting section provided so as to narrow the interval from the blades to the rotary shaft.