Automatic Slurry Strainer with Rotating Scraper
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual removal and cleaning of solids or particles from strainers in ethanol production is time-consuming, as they tend to stick to screens, hindering efficient processing.
Innovation Solution
An automatic strainer assembly with a rotatable screen, scraper, and collection vessel that automatically scrapes and collects solids, allowing for ergonomic design and efficient operation, including a timing mechanism for cleaning and recycling of materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual removal and cleaning of solids from strainer is used, then the strainer can be cleaned, but it is time-consuming and reduces processing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer screen is designed to rotate automatically, transforming the static manual cleaning process into a dynamic automated system. The rotation mechanism allows continuous operation without manual intervention, directly addressing the time loss issue while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a scraper mechanism that automatically removes solids from the rotating strainer screen without human intervention. This self-service feature eliminates the manual cleaning step entirely, resolving both the time consumption and productivity concerns.
2Reliability
If solids stick to strainer screens, then straining function is maintained, but manual removal becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating strainer screen prevents solids from firmly adhering by continuously moving the screening surface. This dynamic approach maintains the straining function while making solid removal effortless through the automated scraper system.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper acts as an intermediary mechanism between the strainer screen and the collected solids. It facilitates easy removal of solids that have been strained, converting the difficult manual removal process into an automated simple operation.
3Extent of automation
If automatic scraper mechanism is added, then automated cleaning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper mechanism is integrated with the rotating strainer screen system, combining the straining and cleaning functions into a unified automated assembly. This merging approach achieves automation while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
4Ease of operation
If rotatable strainer member is used, then automated operation is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable strainer member introduces a dynamic element that enables automated operation. While this increases manufacturing complexity compared to a static strainer, the rotation mechanism is a standard engineering solution that balances the added complexity with significant operational benefits.
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
Facilitates efficient and automated removal of solids from slurries, reducing manual intervention and increasing processing efficiency, while enabling the recycling and reuse of materials.
Implementation Method 1
A scraper is positioned substantially adjacent to the outer surface of the strainer member for removing material from the outer surface of the strainer member
Implementation Method 2
The strainer member defines a plurality of passageways for strained fluid to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 3
A collection vessel is positioned substantially below the body for receiving material scraped from the outer surface of the strainer member
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic strainer assembly for straining a slurry comprises an inlet for receiving the slurry, a horizontally disposed strainer body in fluid communication with the inlet, and a rotatable strainer member received within the body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The strainer member defines a plurality of passageways for strained fluid to pass therethrough. A scraper is positioned substantially adjacent to and contacting the outer surface of the strainer member for removing material from the outer surface of the strainer member. A collection vessel is positioned substantially below the body for receiving material scraped from the outer surface of the strainer member. This collection vessel can include a transport member for returning this scraped material to an initial slurry supply for reprocessing thereof. An outlet is provided in fluid communication with the horizontal strainer body to expel the strained slurry.