Rotor-Stator Bulk Material Processor with Internal Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for changing bulk material properties have complex machine constructions with external material circuits and dead spaces, which hinder efficient processing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a dead space-free process chamber utilizing an internal circulation flow of a particle-gas mixture, featuring a rotor-stator system with interchangeable stator and rotor designs, and a rotor disk with stress elements for impact and shear stress, allowing for adjustable stress intensity and elimination of external gas flow for material transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an external material circuit is used to circulate particles through air or gas, then particles can be stressed multiple times, but the machine construction becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the material circulation function into the process chamber itself by creating an internal circulation flow that combines particle transport and multiple stressing cycles within a single integrated chamber, eliminating the need for separate external circulation circuits and reducing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gas stream as an intermediary medium that carries particles through the process chamber in a controlled circulation pattern, enabling multiple stressing cycles without requiring complex mechanical transport mechanisms
2Reliability
If a closed rotor disk is used, then particles are contained, but dead space is created where material can be deposited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the rotor disk partially open with specific opening patterns that allow gas and particle flow through the rotor structure, eliminating dead spaces while maintaining effective particle containment through the combined rotor-stator configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor disk is designed with openings that function similarly to porous structures, allowing the gas-particle mixture to pass through while maintaining the integrity of the containment system and preventing material deposition in dead zones
3Manufacturing precision
If high energy stress is applied to particles, then surface properties are improved, but particles may be crushed and fines content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by subjecting particles to repeated cycles of stress and relaxation as they circulate through the process chamber, allowing surface improvement through multiple gentle stressing events rather than a single high-energy impact, thereby reducing particle crushing
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic gas flow patterns and variable rotor speeds to adjust the intensity and duration of particle stress, enabling optimization of surface properties while minimizing excessive force that would cause particle fragmentation
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 device effectively changes bulk material properties by smoothing particle surfaces, improving flowability and density without external gas assistance, enabling efficient processing of various materials without material deposition issues.
Implementation Method 1
The particles are mainly stressed by impact and shearing
Implementation Method 2
The particles are mainly stressed by impact and shearing
Implementation Method 3
The rotor creates a highly turbulent particle-gas flow inside the process chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
In a device and method for modifying bulk material properties, an internal circulation flow for the particle-gas mixture to be treated is to be provided within a dead-space-free process chamber. This is achieved by designing the rotor of the device in a disc shape with openings and by having stress elements evenly arranged around its circumference on the rotor disc, whereby the particles to be treated in a particle-gas mixture form an internal circulation flow in the process chamber and around the rotor.