Sewage Sludge Drying with Segmented Paddle and Comb Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sludge drying devices face issues with unwanted caking, soiling, and inefficient cleaning, as well as the inability to break down dried sludge to a defined granule size due to intermittent operation and design limitations.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates tines pointing downwards on the conveying and turning device and comb pins on the drying surface, which interact to clean and break down the sludge, with adjustable spacing to control granule size and resilient spring elements for foreign matter protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a paddle roller is used to transport sludge, then the sludge can be moved over the drying area, but the roller needs long cycles to return to starting position causing unwanted caking on the drying surface
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle roller is segmented into multiple independent paddles that can be distributed along the conveying path. This allows continuous operation as different segments work at different positions simultaneously, eliminating the need for long return cycles and preventing caking on the drying surface.
Solution Approach 2:
A chain or cable serves as an intermediary carrier that transports the paddle segments continuously over the drying area. This intermediary system enables the paddles to move sludge efficiently without requiring the entire mechanism to stop and return to the starting position, thus reducing cycle time and preventing caking.
2Loss of time
If a scraper conveyor is used to continuously move sludge, then caking is prevented, but the device becomes difficult to clean and cannot break down dried sludge to defined granulate size
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle conveyor is designed to perform multiple functions: it conveys sludge continuously to prevent caking, and the paddles themselves serve as breaking elements that crush dried sludge into defined granulate sizes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cleaning and granulation equipment, making the device easier to maintain and more versatile.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a continuous scraper that accumulates dirt on its surface, the invention uses discrete paddles that pass through the sludge material. This inversion of the conveying mechanism allows the paddles to be easily cleaned by passing through the sludge itself, which acts as a cleaning medium, while simultaneously providing the granulation function.
3Device complexity
If the conveying device operates intermittently, then simple structure is maintained, but soiling of the conveying device occurs and requires time-consuming elimination
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle conveyor operates continuously with paddles distributed along the entire conveying path, maintaining constant motion and preventing sludge from settling and soiling the device. This continuous operation eliminates idle periods where soiling would occur, and the simple paddle structure requires minimal cleaning maintenance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for drying sewage sludge (1) or a similar biomass comprising a drying surface (2) on which the sewage sludge or the like can be placed for drying. The sewage sludge (1) or the like can be moved on the drying surface (2) with a conveyor and/or turnover device (3). The conveyor and/or turnover device (3) at least in some areas has prongs (9) or the like that point downward toward the drying surface (2), while there are combing pins on the drying surface (2) projecting essentially upward therefrom.