Sparger Device Control Chamber for Slurry Backflow Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sparger devices face challenges in preventing slurry backflow when the sparging fluid flow is interrupted, especially in flotation applications with slurries containing solids, as they require separate adjustments for different operating conditions and are prone to fatigue due to spring pre-tensioning.
Innovation Solution
A sparger device with a control chamber partitioned into two portions, where a pressure differential between the portions opens or closes the nozzle opening, using a control fluid pressure to prevent backflow, and a pressure sensor to maintain desired control fluid pressure, allowing adaptation to various slurry types and tank configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biasing spring is used to bias a needle against a nozzle opening to prevent slurry backflow, then backflow prevention is improved, but the device is prone to fatigue and requires separate adjustments for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based biasing system with a pneumatic or hydraulic control system. A control fluid supply provides controlled fluid pressure to a control chamber, which acts on a piston member to bias the needle against the nozzle opening. This substitution eliminates the fatigue issues associated with springs while maintaining reliable backflow prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of the biasing force by changing the fluid pressure in the control chamber. The control fluid pressure can be adjusted to provide the appropriate biasing force for different operating conditions, such as different slurry types and tank configurations, eliminating the need for separate spring adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate spring adjustments are made for different operating conditions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simplified pneumatic or hydraulic control system. The fluid pressure control system can be adjusted remotely and continuously to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring physical disassembly or mechanical component changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control fluid supply system serves multiple functions: it provides the biasing force for backflow prevention, allows adjustment for different operating conditions, and can be integrated with existing process control systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each operating condition.
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 effectively prevents slurry backflow across different operating conditions by adjusting control fluid pressure, eliminating the need for separate springs and reducing fatigue, enabling efficient operation with different slurries and tank configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid pressure of the slurry, namely hydrostatic pressure within the slurry tank, induces a slurry backflow via the nozzle opening
Implementation Method 2
providing a control fluid pressure exerting, on the piston member, a force greater than that exerted on the first end of the needle by the fluid pressure of the slurry tank
Data Source
AI summary
A sparger device for sparging fluid into a slurry tank includes a hollow elongated body having a nozzle opening for sparging a sparging fluid flow to a slurry tank. The device further includes a needle for opening and closing the nozzle opening, and a control device being arranged to actuate the needle. The control device includes a control chamber partitioned into a first portion and second portion such that a pressure differential between the first portion and the second portion, closes or opens the nozzle opening and prevents slurry backflow from the slurry tank. The second portion may be provided with a control fluid pressure preventing slurry. A flotation apparatus and a flotation system in with such a sparger device are also discussed.