Shearing Device With Angled Elements For Uniform Shear Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-liquid separation technologies in the mining and mineral processing industries face inefficiencies due to high shear rates that break aggregates, delaying dewatering processes.
Innovation Solution
A shearing device with angled shearing elements and varying widths along its length, connected to a drive assembly, is designed to create a uniform shear rate, minimizing high shear rates near the shearing elements and optimizing aggregate disruption for effective separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If uniform shear rate is applied to aggregates of pulp, then dewatering effectiveness is improved, but device structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shearing elements are designed with varying widths along their length, with the distal portion having greater average width than the proximal portion. This local variation in geometry creates a uniform shear rate distribution across the aggregates of pulp, improving dewatering effectiveness without requiring complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The width parameter of the shearing elements is changed along the length of the device, transitioning from narrower proximal portions to wider distal portions. This parameter variation compensates for the rotational speed differences in centrifugal separation, achieving uniform shear rates throughout the separation chamber
2Productivity
If high shear rates are applied near shearing element surfaces, then aggregate disruption is improved, but aggregate breakage occurs which delays dewatering
Solution Approach 1:
The shearing elements feature varying width profiles where the distal portions are wider than proximal portions. This local geometric variation distributes the shear stress more evenly across aggregate surfaces, providing effective disruption while avoiding excessive localized shear rates that would cause harmful breakage
Solution Approach 2:
The shearing device operates in a centrifugal field where rotational speed varies with radius. The dynamic design accounts for this velocity gradient by adjusting shearing element widths along the rotational path, maintaining optimal shear rates for aggregate disruption without causing breakage
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 solution enhances the separation process by preventing aggregate breakage and promoting dewatering, resulting in a more efficient and effective solid-liquid separation in mining and mineral processing.
Implementation Method 1
a shearing arrangement being arranged to define shearing elements angled with the lengthwise direction of the device and intervals therebetween
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A shearing device (1), an arrangement and uses thereof. The shearing device is connectable to a drive assembly of the arrangement for separating solids from liquid, the shearing device (1) comprising - attachment arrangement (3) arranged in a first end (4) of the device for connecting the shearing device (1) to the drive assembly, - a shearing arrangement (19) being arranged to define shearing elements (5) angled with the lengthwise direction (AL) of the device and intervals (6) therebetween, wherein - the device (1) has a proximal portion (7) closer to the first end (4) and a distal portion (8) closer to a second end (9) of the device opposite to the first end (4), and - average width of the shearing elements (5) arranged in the distal portion (8) is greater than average width of the shearing elements (5) arranged in the proximal portion (7).