Rotating Drum Drying Zone for Fibrous Material Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coarse fraction from treated fibrous material is difficult to transport due to its high weight and tendency to slip, especially on conveyor belts, in existing drum-based waste paper treatment processes.
Innovation Solution
The moisture content of the coarse fraction is reduced in the drying zone using conveyor elements and a boundary ring with scoop bars to return water, enhancing transportability and reducing slipping, while the pulping zone is connected to the sorting zone to facilitate mixing and lifting with lifting bars or conveyor spirals, and additional water is introduced to dilute the fibrous suspension for easier passage through perforations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coarse fraction is transported on conveyor belts after drum treatment, then the material can be moved to the next processing stage, but the high moisture content causes slipping and difficult handling
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is divided into functionally distinct zones: a dissolution zone for mixing fiber with water, a sorting zone for separating fine and coarse fractions through perforations, and a drying zone for removing excess moisture from the coarse fraction. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function, with the drying zone specifically addressing the moisture problem that hinders transportability.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the coarse fraction is changed by transitioning it from a high-moisture slurry state in the sorting zone to a lower-moisture state in the drying zone. By changing the moisture parameter through controlled drying, the coarse fraction becomes less slippery and more suitable for conveyor belt transport.
2Productivity
If water is added to dilute the fiber suspension for easier passage through perforations, then sorting efficiency improves, but the moisture content of the coarse fraction increases making transport difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is divided into functionally distinct zones: a dissolution zone for mixing fiber with water, a sorting zone for separating fine and coarse fractions through perforations, and a drying zone for removing excess moisture from the coarse fraction. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function, with the drying zone specifically addressing the moisture problem that hinders transportability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drying zone acts as an intermediary between the sorting zone and the discharge point. It receives the moisture-laden coarse fraction from the sorting zone, removes excess water through evaporation and drainage, and then discharges the drier material suitable for conveyor transport, thus mediating the contradiction between sorting efficiency and transportability.
3Productivity
If the drum is perforated for sorting, then fine fraction can pass through for separation, but the structural integrity and drying capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drum is divided into functionally distinct zones: a dissolution zone for mixing fiber with water, a sorting zone for separating fine and coarse fractions through perforations, and a drying zone for removing excess moisture from the coarse fraction. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function, with the drying zone specifically addressing the moisture problem that hinders transportability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the drum have different structural qualities: the sorting zone has perforations for separation functionality, while the drying zone has a solid or partially solid structure to provide support and facilitate moisture removal. This local differentiation of structural quality allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall drum integrity.
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 reduced moisture content and improved handling mechanisms allow for easier and safer transport of the coarse fraction, reducing its weight and slipping tendency on conveyor belts, while ensuring efficient separation and drying of the fine fraction.
Implementation Method 1
a drying zone for drying the coarse fraction is connected to an end face of the sorting zone
Implementation Method 2
conveying elements are arranged in the drying zone on the inner wall of the drum, which transport water towards the sorting zone
Implementation Method 3
scoop bars are arranged on the boundary ring between the sorting and drying zones to return water from the drying zone to the sorting zone
Implementation Method 4
water should be sprayed onto the drum from the outside and/or from above in the sorting zone area
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotating drum for treating fibrous material, the axis of rotation (3) of said drum being tilted at most 30° with respect to the horizontal, comprising a sorting zone (2), into which fibrous material mixed with water is fed and in which the drum is perforated, wherein a fine fraction flows through the perforation and a coarse fraction is repelled by the perforation. The transportability of the coarse fraction should be improved in that a dry zone (4) for drying the coarse fraction adjoins an end of the sorting zone (2).