Rotating Powder Transfer Device Preventing Arch Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for transferring powders, such as those used in nuclear fuel production, face issues with flow disruptions due to arch formation and electrostatic forces, leading to fluctuating and delayed flow rates, which hinder the filling speed and homogeneity of press molds, and existing solutions like mechanical scrapers and pneumatic systems are inefficient or cause contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device with an axisymmetric container that rotates about its axis, applying a sufficient acceleration to the movable wall to ensure continuous sliding of the powder, preventing arch formation and maintaining a constant flow rate, and an oscillating rotating movement to break arches and maintain flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical scrapers or dome-breakers are installed in the powder bed to improve flow, then flow disruption is reduced, but the system becomes complex, difficult to maintain, and causes powder contamination through wear and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical scraper systems with a rotational movement system that applies centrifugal force to the powder bed. Instead of using mechanical scrapers that contact and remove material, the system rotates the container wall to create a centrifugal field that prevents arch formation and maintains flow continuity without mechanical intrusion into the powder bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pneumatic system with gas insufflation to facilitate powder flow. By introducing gas into the powder bed, the system creates a fluidized state that prevents arch formation and maintains continuous flow, replacing the need for complex mechanical scraping systems.
2Reliability
If pneumatic systems are used to insufflate gas for flow improvement, then flow is facilitated, but the system becomes complex and may cause powder dispersion or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex pneumatic systems with a simpler rotational mechanical system. Instead of using gas insufflation that requires complex piping and control systems, the invention uses rotational movement of the container wall to create centrifugal force, achieving flow facilitation through a more straightforward mechanical approach.
3Reliability
If vibrations are applied to the hopper wall to break arches and improve flow, then flow is improved, but excessive vibrations increase compactness and promote arch formation, while weak vibrations have no effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic rotational movement of the container wall rather than static vibration systems. By continuously rotating the wall, the system creates changing centrifugal forces that prevent arch formation without causing the excessive compactness that leads to new arch formation. The dynamic nature of the rotation allows for better control and more consistent flow improvement.
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 solution provides a constant and uninterrupted flow of powder, maintaining the compactness of the powder and ensuring a consistent mass flow, enhancing the filling speed and homogeneity of press molds, and increasing production rates while avoiding contamination.
Implementation Method 1
means for rotating a movable portion of the wall of the container about an axis whereon the discharge opening is, said means able to apply to the movable portion of the wall of the container at least one acceleration of a sufficient value to ensure a continuous sliding of the powder with respect to the wall of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A device for transferring a given powder or a mixture of given powders contained in a container including a side wall and at least one discharge opening, the container with axisymmetric shape having an axis of rotation being arranged in the transfer device such that the discharge opening thereof is located in a lower portion of the container, the transfer device including rotating the container about the axis thereof, on which the discharge opening is located and control for controlling the rotation such that the to rotation imposes on at least one portion of the side wall of the container, referred to as movable portion, a first moving phase wherein an acceleration no lower than a minimum acceleration is capable of causing the powder to slide relative to the movable portion.