Rotating Mesh Drum Separator for Dry Fiber Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber recycling methods require large and complex equipment due to the need for wet processing, which is inefficient and resource-intensive for extracting high-quality fiber from feedstock.
Innovation Solution
A fiber processing device with a rotatable mesh cylinder and a segregated housing configuration that uses air currents to separate and recover fibers efficiently, preventing unwanted components from adhering and allowing for continuous recovery of accreted material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wet processing is used to separate fibers from feedstock, then fiber separation is achieved, but equipment size and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional wet mechanical processing system with a dry airflow-based separation system. Air currents are used to transport and separate fibrous material from feedstock, eliminating the need for water-based mechanical processing equipment, thereby reducing equipment size and complexity while maintaining fiber extraction efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by employing air currents to achieve fiber separation and transport. The airflow system replaces complex wet mechanical processing equipment, using gas flow dynamics to separate and convey fibrous material, thus simplifying the overall equipment configuration
2Productivity
If wet processing is used to separate fibers from feedstock, then fiber separation is achieved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes water-based processing with an air-based pneumatic system. Air currents perform the separation and transport functions previously requiring water, thereby eliminating significant water consumption while maintaining effective fiber separation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental processing parameter from liquid (water) to gas (air). This parameter change transforms the separation mechanism from wet processing to dry pneumatic processing, reducing water consumption to zero while preserving fiber separation effectiveness
3Productivity
If continuous recovery of accreted material is implemented, then processing efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous recovery of accreted material through a rotating mesh member that continuously presents fresh surfaces for material deposition and enables ongoing separation. The rotation mechanism ensures uninterrupted processing, with material continuously being deposited, recovered, and reused, maintaining constant productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a dynamic rotating mesh member instead of a static structure. The rotation enables continuous operation by constantly renewing the accretion surface, allowing uninterrupted fiber separation and material recovery, thereby achieving continuous processing efficiency
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
This configuration enables efficient extraction of high-quality fibers from feedstock with reduced water usage, simplifying equipment design and improving processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an air current generator configured to supply an air current flowing from outside the circumferential surface of the mesh member, through the mesh member, to the third area
Implementation Method 2
a mesh member configured as a rotatable cylinder having mesh in at least part of the circumferential surface
Data Source
AI summary
A separator as part of a sheet manufacturing apparatus has a mesh drum configured as a cylinder that can rotate and has mesh in at least part of the side; and a case that houses the mesh drum. The case has a supply port and a recovery port that communicate with an inside area, which is the inside of the mesh drum; a discharge port that communicates with a discharge area, which is outside the side of the mesh drum; and an inside wall segregating at least part of the inside area, forming a material recovery area. First screened material is supplied from the supply port to the inside area. In the material recovery area, the separator recovers accreted material, which is first screened material that was supplied through the supply port and accreted on the inside surface of the mesh drum, from the recovery port.