Automatic Slurry Strainer with Rotating Scraper and Washdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of straining solids or particles from ethanol production slurries is time-consuming and inefficient, with solids often sticking together, making removal difficult and requiring manual cleaning of basket-type strainers.
Innovation Solution
An automatic horizontal strainer assembly with a rotatable strainer member, scrapers for material removal, a collection vessel, and a washdown system for intermittent cleaning, along with ergonomic design features to prevent material trapping and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a basket-type strainer is used for straining solids from slurry, then straining function is achieved, but manual cleaning is required and process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer system performs self-cleaning through an automated mechanism where a rotating brush contacts the strainer basket surface to remove accumulated solids. The brush is driven by a motor and can be positioned to contact different areas of the basket, enabling automatic cleaning without manual intervention and eliminating the time loss associated with manual cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism uses a rotating brush that moves dynamically against the strainer basket surface. The brush rotation speed and contact pressure can be adjusted to optimize cleaning effectiveness. This dynamic cleaning approach replaces static manual cleaning with an automated moving component that continuously removes solids during or after the straining process.
2Productivity
If solids are filtered through a basket strainer, then particle removal is achieved, but solids stick together and are difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating brush automatically removes accumulated solids from the strainer basket surface through mechanical action. The brush contacts the basket and scrapes away stuck-together solids, which then fall into a collection container. This self-service cleaning mechanism eliminates the difficulty of manually removing adhered solids while maintaining continuous straining operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating brush creates mechanical vibration and friction against the strainer basket surface as it rotates. This vibration helps break apart solids that have stuck together on the basket surface, making them easier to remove. The mechanical action of the rotating brush effectively disaggregates clumped solids while maintaining the straining function.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning of strainer basket is required, then solids can be removed, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates an automated cleaning mechanism that eliminates manual labor for basket cleaning. A motor-driven rotating brush contacts the strainer basket and automatically removes solids, which are collected in a container. This self-service feature maintains the simplicity of the overall design while completely removing the need for manual cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating brush mechanism serves multiple functions: it cleans the strainer basket surface, breaks apart stuck solids, and facilitates solid removal into the collection container. This multi-functional component addresses multiple operational needs with a single mechanism, reducing overall system complexity despite adding automation.
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
Automates the straining process, reduces manual labor, and facilitates recycling of solids, improving overall efficiency and ease of cleaning while preventing material trapping, thus enhancing the straining process in ethanol production and other industries.
Implementation Method 1
a washdown system for intermittent removal of slurry material from the strainer member
Implementation Method 2
The strainer member defines a plurality of passageways for strained fluid to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 3
One or more scrapers are positioned in close proximity with the outer surface of the strainer member for removing material 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. One or more scrapers are positioned for removing material from the outer surface of the strainer assembly. A collection vessel is positioned substantially below the body for receiving material scraped from the outer surface of the strainer member. A transport member can be provided for returning the scraped material to the slurry supply for reprocessing thereof. An outlet expels the strained slurry. A manual or automatic washdown system is provided for removing the slurry from the strainer member. A radial bearing assembly and radial seal are associated with the drive shaft of the strainer member to prevent galling. A method for processing a slurry is provided.