Triboelectric Granule Separation with Fluidized Batch Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating granular mixtures using the triboelectric effect face challenges such as difficulty in controlling the progression of granules, inefficient charging, and high operational costs, especially when the mixture composition changes.
Innovation Solution
A batch-wise separation method involving a fluidization chamber where granules are initially at rest, then fluidized by an ascending fluid stream, followed by controlled modification of the fluid stream to discharge and separate the charged granules using electric fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If granules are continuously fed into a stirring box for charging, then productivity is improved, but control over granule progression and charging efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is designed to rotate between a fluidization position (for charging) and a discharge position (for emptying), creating dynamic control over granule movement. This rotational mechanism allows the system to maintain continuous operation while precisely controlling granule progression through different operational phases, resolving the contradiction between productivity and operational control.
2Productivity
If a fluidized bed reactor is used to increase charging speed and flow-rate, then productivity is improved, but control over granule extraction and progression deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by alternating between fluidization mode (for rapid charging) and discharge mode (for controlled extraction). The reactor rotates to switch between these states, allowing high-speed charging during fluidization phases while maintaining control during discharge phases, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and operational control.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the reactor is large to accommodate long charging times, then charging completeness is improved, but operational costs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by implementing continuous rotation and continuous fluidization throughout the charging process. Granules are constantly moved and charged without interruption, eliminating idle time and reducing the required reactor volume. This continuous operation achieves complete charging in a compact reactor, resolving the contradiction between charging completeness and operational costs.
4Manufacturing precision
If mechanical modifications are made to adjust for mixture composition changes, then separation effectiveness is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses parameter changes (electrical charge levels) rather than mechanical modifications to adapt to different mixture compositions. By controlling the fluidization process and electrical charging parameters, the system can optimize separation for various materials without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, resolving the contradiction between separation effectiveness and device complexity.
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
Achieves effective and productive separation with controlled charging and discharge, reducing malfunctions and operational costs, while maintaining high productivity even with varying mixture compositions.
Implementation Method 1
starting a fluidization and obtaining at least one fluidized bed in the fluidization chamber, the fluidization being obtained by at least one ascending stream of fluid passing through the fed in batch and putting at least a fraction of the granules of the fed in batch in suspension
Implementation Method 2
The triboelectric effect is an electrostatic phenomenon whereby at least two materials of different nature electrify each other by contact. Electrons from one are transferred to the other and such situation persists. Thereof is called static electricity.
Implementation Method 3
passage through one or a plurality of electric fields for separating the mixture between at least a first mixture rich in granules of the first material and a second mixture rich in granules of the second material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for separating, in batches, a mixture comprising granules of at least two materials, comprising the following successive steps for each of the batches:introducing a batch into a fluidizing chamber (40) defined by a reactor (16) and obtaining an introduced batch (38),the granules of the batch being initially at rest, starting fluidization and obtaining at least one fluidized bed (18) in the fluidizing chamber, the fluidization being achieved by way of at least one ascending stream of fluid (42) that puts at least a fraction of the granules of the introduced batch into suspension, the fluidized bed being charged via the triboelectric effect,modifying the stream of fluid (42) and discharging at least 90% by mass of the introduced batch from the fluidizing chamber,passing the fed out batch in one or more electric fields intended to separate the discharged batch.