Vertical Particle Transfer Using Alternating Suction and Pressure Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for transferring powder-type particles through vertically-installed vertical pipes in transfer lines result in clogging due to particle stagnation and increased pipe thickness, leading to material and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A particle transfer system utilizing a combination of suction-feed and pressure-feed methods to facilitate smooth passage of particles through vertical pipes, employing transfer units with modules for precise control and stabilization of the transfer process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the suction-feed method is used to transfer particles through a vertical pipe, then the particles can be transferred upward, but the particles remain and stagnate in the vertical pipe after transfer completion, causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies periodic suction and pressure feed actions in sequence. First suction feed transfers particles upward, then pressure feed pushes remaining particles downward to prevent stagnation. This periodic alternation of feeding directions ensures complete particle transfer without clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuing suction after particle transfer, the system inverts the feeding direction by applying pressure feed from the lower end. This reverse action pushes any remaining particles downward, preventing them from stagnating in the vertical pipe.
2Productivity
If the pressure-feed method is used to transfer particles through a vertical pipe, then the particles can be transferred, but the pressure increases requiring thicker pipes, resulting in increased material costs
Solution Approach 1:
The particle transfer process is segmented into two distinct phases: suction feed for upward particle movement and pressure feed for clearing remaining particles. This segmentation allows each method to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall pressure requirements compared to using pressure feed alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic alternation between suction and pressure feed, applying pressure only briefly to push remaining particles downward after the main transfer is complete by suction. This reduces the sustained pressure requirements and allows for thinner pipes.
3Productivity
If conventional suction-feed is used, then particles can be transferred upward, but the transfer process is incomplete leaving particles in the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous particle transfer action by alternating suction and pressure feed. The suction phase transfers the majority of particles upward, and the subsequent pressure feed phase continues the useful action by pushing remaining particles downward, ensuring complete transfer without interruption or stagnation.
Solution Approach 2:
The periodic alternation between suction feed (upward movement) and pressure feed (downward pushing) ensures that all particles are transferred completely. The rhythmical switching between the two feeding methods eliminates the incomplete transfer problem of conventional single-method systems.
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
Ensures smooth passage of particles through vertical pipes, reduces pipe thickness and maintenance costs, and enhances the purity and efficiency of particle transfer by minimizing stagnation and clogging.
Implementation Method 1
a suction-feed module configured to suction the particles discharged from the pressure-feed module and move the suctioned particles upward through the vertical pipe
Implementation Method 2
a pressure-feed module configured to feed the particles into the vertical pipe using process gas or compressed air pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a particle transfer system and a particle transfer method which allow preciously-weighed particles to smoothly pass through a vertically-provided vertical pipe of a transfer line when powder-type particles are transferred along the transfer line, and which prevent the particles from remaining or stagnating in the vertical pipe. To this end; the particle transfer system includes a particle transfer unit including at least one from among: a first transfer unit for transferring the particles in correspondence to first transfer information; a second transfer unit spaced from the first transfer unit to transfer the particles in correspondence to second transfer information, which is the same as or different from the first transfer information; and a third transfer unit spaced from the first transfer unit and the second transfer unit to transfer the particles in correspondence to third transfer information, which is the same as or smaller in amount than the first transfer information or the second transfer information.