Rotor Comminution Device for Waste Fuel Slurry Homogenization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for introducing waste materials and alternative fuels into clinker production processes face challenges due to varying states of aggregation and composition, requiring complex pre-treatment and specialized equipment, limiting the direct use of diverse materials.

Innovation Solution

A tubular device with a rotatable rotor and radially directed blades for mechanical comminution and homogenization of materials into a pumpable slurry form, allowing for efficient introduction into clinker production systems, with features like a discharge cone and cooling air introduction to manage particle size and temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If waste materials are introduced in different states of aggregation and composition, then the versatility of the clinker production process is improved, but the complexity of pre-treatment and equipment specialization increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility of waste material acceptanceVSAvoidcomplexity of pre-treatment equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with a universal feed mechanism that can handle various waste materials in different states (solid, liquid, sludge) through a single standardized interface. The homogenizing mixer and pumpable mass formation system allow diverse materials to be processed through the same pathway, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pre-treatment lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transforms diverse waste materials into a standardized pumpable mass form by controlling particle size (pre-comminution to 100-80mm) and forming a slurry with specific flow characteristics. This parameter standardization allows materials of varying composition and initial state to be handled uniformly through the injection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If mechanical comminution is performed with high relative speed between rotor plates and material, then the deagglomeration effect is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeagglomeration effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption of rotor
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs pre-comminution of solid waste materials to a maximum particle size of 100mm (preferably 80mm) before they enter the pumpable mass formation stage. This preliminary size reduction minimizes the energy required during the subsequent high-speed mechanical comminution in the homogenizing mixer, as smaller particles require less impact energy for deagglomeration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If raw materials are used as sludge or in slurried form, then the ease of transport is improved, but the risk of incomplete conversion and product homogeneity impairment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of material transportVSAvoidconversion completeness and product homogeneity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs extensive mechanical comminution and homogenization of the sludge/pumpable mass before introduction into the clinker production process. The high-speed rotor with radially directed plates creates intense mechanical action that breaks down agglomerates and ensures uniform distribution of solids in the slurry, preventing incomplete conversion and maintaining product homogeneity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The rapid rotation of the rotor plates creates mechanical vibration and impact forces that effectively break down agglomerates in the pumpable mass. This mechanical action ensures thorough comminution and uniform distribution of solid particles throughout the slurry, preventing clumping and ensuring consistent combustion and conversion in the kiln.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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

Enables the efficient and flexible use of different waste materials and alternative fuels without significant modifications, ensuring homogeneity and composition of the end product through mechanical deagglomeration and homogenization, while maintaining simplicity and ease of maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a high relative speed can be achieved between the rotating plates and the material to be pushed in at a low number of revolutions, which means that when these impact bars impact on the material, a corresponding mechanical deagglomeration takes place

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact Force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

the raw materials are subjected to mechanical comminution as sludge or in slurried form as a pumpable mass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

With a correspondingly high rotation speed, excessive heating of the housing can be avoided by introducing cooling air into the free space swept by the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2086902B1Device for introducing waste and/or alternative fuels into a clinker production method
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 HOLCIM TECHNOLOGY LTD
  • EP2086902B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for introducing waste and/or alternative fuels into a clinker production method. The invention is characterized in that the starting materials are subjected, as sludges or in suspended form as a pumpable compound, to mechanical deagglomeration. The pumpable compound is ejected into rising pipes, pre-calcining furnaces and/or the rotary kiln. The device for carrying out the method is characterized by a tubular housing (1) having a rotor (2) that is received so that it can be rotated in relation to the axis of the tube in a substantially concentric manner and can be driven to rotate. Said rotor has rotor blades (3) that sweep over the space between the rotor shaft and the housing wall, a plurality of lines or openings (6, 7, 11, 14) being adjacent to the jacket of the tubular housing (1) and at least one line (6) being arranged together with the sludge supply and at least one being off-set in the circumferential direction.