Rotating Discharge Device for Sludge Bin Wall Scraping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In sludge handling systems, sewage sludge often becomes compacted and adheres to the side walls of bins with sloped surfaces, leading to reduced gravity flow and potential bridging or arching at the discharge opening, which complicates efficient discharge.
Innovation Solution
A rotating discharge device, comprising a foil arm mounted on a rotatably driven cylindrical table, scrapes sludge from sloped side walls and directs it toward the discharge opening, utilizing a peripheral seal and optional conical structure for pressure relief and protection from rotating components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If sloped side walls are used in the bin, then gravity flow of sludge is improved, but sludge adheres to the side walls and does not flow readily
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating discharge device performs preliminary action by scraping sludge from the side walls before discharge is needed. The foil arm continuously contacts and removes adhered sludge during the storage period, preventing the harmful adhesion from blocking gravity flow when discharge occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic rotating discharge device that moves along the sloped side walls. The rotating motion of the foil arm allows it to effectively scrape and remove adhered sludge, converting the static gravity flow problem into a dynamic solution that maintains flow efficiency throughout storage.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If sludge is stored in the bin for extended periods, then compaction and adhesion increase, but discharge efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating discharge device performs preliminary cleaning action during the entire storage period. By continuously scraping sludge from side walls throughout the storage duration, it prevents the buildup that would otherwise reduce discharge efficiency after extended storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge device operates continuously during storage, maintaining useful action throughout the storage period. This continuous scraping ensures that sludge does not adhere to side walls regardless of storage duration, preserving discharge efficiency from short-term to long-term storage.
3Productivity
If a rotating discharge arm is used to sweep the bottom floor, then compacted sludge is pushed toward the discharge opening, but sloped side wall surfaces cause sludge accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating discharge device performs multiple functions: it sweeps the bottom floor to push compacted sludge toward the discharge opening, and simultaneously scrapes sludge from the sloped side walls. This multi-functional approach addresses both the bottom and side wall sludge accumulation problems with a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating motion of the discharge device allows the foil arm to contact both the bottom floor and the sloped side walls during its rotation. This dynamic movement enables the single device to effectively address sludge accumulation on different surfaces that a fixed discharge arm could not reach.
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 ensures sludge is effectively removed from side walls and directed to the discharge opening, maintaining efficient flow and preventing bridging, even as the sludge volume decreases, by using the Bernoulli principle to facilitate sludge movement.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating discharge device, comprising a foil arm mounted on a rotatably driven cylindrical table, scrapes sludge from sloped side walls
Implementation Method 2
by using the Bernoulli principle to facilitate sludge movement
Implementation Method 3
sludge may not readily flow outwardly of the bin, via gravity flow
Data Source
AI summary
A sludge handling system includes at least one bin that receives sewage sludge at an upper end thereof, and that has sloped side wall(s) at the lower end thereof, for directing sewage sludge toward a generally central discharge opening. A rotating discharge device is provided in the form of a thin foil or blade that is rotationally driven to scrape along the sloped side wall(s) of the bin, scraping sludge therefrom, to keep the sludge from adhering to sloped portions of the bin, and to direct sludge out the discharge opening. The rotating discharge device is mounted on and carried by a generally cylindrical rotating table that is motor-driven. A generally cylindrical seal is also carried by the rotating table, and slides along the inside of a sludge discharge chute, at the discharge opening of the bin.