Split Fan Wheel Assembly Segmentation for Pulverizer Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed attrition-type coal pulverizers require labor- and time-intensive disassembly for maintenance and repair of fan wheel assemblies, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a split-fan exhaust section with sectionalized hub portions and splice plates that allow for quick and easy installation and removal of fan wheel assemblies from a rotary shaft, enabling maintenance without disassembling adjacent sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a traditional integrated fan wheel assembly is used, then structural strength and reliability are maintained, but maintenance and repair require labor- and time-intensive disassembly of major sections
Solution Approach 1:
The fan wheel assembly is divided into multiple detachable sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be separated from each other. Each section contains specific components (hub portions, wheel portions, splice plates) that can be independently accessed and maintained without disassembling the entire assembly, thereby reducing maintenance time and labor requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the splice plate connections.
2Productivity
If a traditional integrated fan wheel assembly is used, then operational reliability is ensured, but maintenance time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fan wheel assembly is segmented into detachable sections that can be independently removed and maintained. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to quickly access and replace components without disassembling the entire fan wheel assembly, significantly reducing maintenance time and improving productivity during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice plates are designed with dynamic attachment capabilities, allowing them to be quickly connected and disconnected between fan wheel sections. This dynamic connection system enables rapid assembly and disassembly during maintenance operations, reducing the time required to restore operational capability after maintenance activities.
3Ease of operation
If the fan wheel assembly is sectionalized for easier maintenance, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Splice plates serve as intermediary components that connect the detachable fan wheel sections to each other. These splice plates are specifically designed to maintain structural integrity while enabling easy assembly and disassembly, acting as mediators between the segmented sections to ensure that the overall assembly maintains the strength and rigidity of a traditional integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan wheel assembly is segmented into sections that can be easily accessed for maintenance, with splice plates providing robust connections between sections. This segmentation maintains structural integrity through the splice plate connections while providing easy accessibility for maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and systems for transporting a material suspended in a fluid, e.g., pulverized coal, that can be assembled about a rotary element are disclosed. The devices and systems comprise a first portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, a second portion or half of a fan wheel assembly, and a plurality of splice plates for connecting the first portion of the fan wheel assembly to the second portion of the fan wheel assembly about the rotary element. Methods of manufacturing and assembling the sectionalized devices and systems are also provided.