Vertical Perforated Rotor Pulp Washing for Compact Dewatering

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulp processing apparatuses are large, heavy, and expensive due to their massive structures, leading to high manufacturing costs and inefficiencies, particularly in high-output volume applications.

Innovation Solution

A vertical casing with a rotating perforated rotor is used to separate solids from liquids, utilizing pressure differences and centripetal forces to control the flow of materials, allowing for modular and cost-effective designs with multiple washing stages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If wash presses and DD-washers are used for dewatering and washing pulp, then washing efficiency and production rate are improved, but equipment size, structural complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewashing efficiency and production rateVSAvoidequipment size and structural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into multiple washing zones (first washing zone, second washing zone, third washing zone) with different functional characteristics. Each zone has specific inlet openings for washing liquid and outlet openings for liquid removal, allowing independent optimization of washing efficiency in each segment while keeping individual zone structures compact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from horizontal drum configurations to a vertical apparatus design. The rotor rotates vertically within the casing, creating liquid flow patterns in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows more efficient use of space and reduces the horizontal footprint while maintaining washing capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If existing technology is scaled up to achieve higher production capacity, then output volume increases, but equipment becomes more massive and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction capacityVSAvoidequipment mass and size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor is designed to rotate within the casing, creating dynamic liquid flow patterns through centrifugal forces. This dynamic action enhances washing efficiency and liquid removal without requiring proportionally larger equipment dimensions. The rotational speed can be adjusted to optimize performance for different production capacities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus utilizes hydraulic principles where washing liquid is introduced through inlet openings and utilizes the rotational motion to distribute liquid throughout the pulp mass. Liquid removal is achieved through outlet openings that exploit pressure differentials created by rotation, enabling efficient dewatering without massive mechanical pressing structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If high loads are applied in wash press technology for mechanical pressing, then dewatering efficiency improves, but equipment requires massive rolls and structures leading to high costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedewatering efficiencyVSAvoidstructural requirements and material costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical pressing with a hydrodynamic system. Instead of using massive rolls to apply mechanical pressure, the rotating rotor creates centrifugal forces and pressure differentials that drive liquid removal. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy-duty mechanical pressing structures while achieving comparable or superior dewatering efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus changes the operating parameters from high mechanical pressure to controlled rotational speed and liquid flow rates. By adjusting rotational speed, washing liquid flow, and outlet positioning, the system achieves efficient dewatering through fluid dynamic parameters rather than mechanical force parameters, reducing structural requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 apparatus achieves efficient dewatering and washing of pulp with reduced size and cost, enabling higher production volumes and environmentally friendly resource use.

Implementation Method 1

rotating a vertical perforated rotor within the casing, removing liquid from the mixture through the rotor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

utilizing pressure differences to separate liquids from solids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12630976B2Method and apparatus for treating mixtures of liquids and solids

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 LEAN PULP OY

AI summary

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided. an apparatus and a method for treating mixtures of liquids and solids. The apparatus comprises a casing and a rotor mounted inside the casing and having an inner volume delineated by an outer surface. The outer surface is provided with flow connections to the inner volume and configured to be rotated within the casing. The casing and the rotor are set in a vertical position.