Vibrating Plate Air Classifier for Residue Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for separating residues from thermal waste treatment into fine and coarse fractions face issues such as screen clogging and wear, as well as inefficient burnout and increased landfill costs due to dust escape and heavy slag weights.

Innovation Solution

The method employs ambient air or oxygen-rich gas from the waste treatment plant for air classification, using vibrating plates and a cascading system with controlled gas flow to separate residues, preventing dust escape and enhancing burnout, while the device features a housing with inclined vibrating plates and adjustable gas flow for effective separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If screens are used to separate the fine fraction of less than 2 mm, then separation is achieved, but the screens become clogged and are subject to heavy wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidscreen reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical screen separation system with a pneumatic air classification system. Residues are conveyed through a fluidized bed where air flow separates fine particles from coarse material based on aerodynamic properties, eliminating physical screens that clog and wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses controlled air flow through a fluidized bed to achieve separation. The pneumatic system creates upward air currents that carry fine particles while heavier coarse material settles, providing reliable separation without mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If wet slag removers are used to prevent dust escape, then dust is contained, but the residual materials or slag that are discharged have a higher weight, which increases the costs for the landfill

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust escape preventionVSAvoidslag weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wet mechanical slag removal with a controlled pneumatic extraction system. Air flow through the fluidized bed naturally separates and removes fine dust particles, while the fluidization process maintains proper combustion conditions without adding water weight to the slag.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and properties of the slag by maintaining it in a fluidized, high-temperature state during processing. This prevents premature cooling and condensation that would increase weight, while controlled pneumatic extraction removes dust without wetting the material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If ambient air is used for air classification, then separation is achieved, but oxygen is consumed and may cause false air entry into the combustion chamber

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair classification precisionVSAvoidoxygen consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the air classification system multi-functional by using the same air flow for both separation and combustion support. The pneumatic system serves dual purposes: classifying residues by size and providing oxygen to the fluidized bed combustor, eliminating waste and potential false air issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the air classification function with the combustion air supply system. The pneumatic conveyor and fluidized bed share the same air source and flow path, combining what were previously separate functions into a unified system that improves efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If residues are conveyed downwards in a cascading manner over shaking stages, then separation is achieved, but the system becomes complex and requires multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex multi-stage shaking cascade system, retaining only the essential fluidized bed separation function. By removing unnecessary mechanical stages and keeping only the pneumatic fluidization process, the system achieves separation with simpler equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the complex mechanical cascade shaking system with a simpler pneumatic fluidized bed system. The separation function is maintained through air flow and particle dynamics rather than mechanical vibration and multiple conveyors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach achieves better burnout and separation efficiency, reduces landfill costs, and prevents false air entry into the combustion chamber, improving slag quality and reducing contamination by effectively separating fractions and recycling pollutants.

Implementation Method 1

the fine fraction is separated off by a gas flow in the free fall sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir classification: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

the residues are conveyed downwards in a cascading manner in tracks and intermediate free fall sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFree fall: Free Fall

Implementation Method 3

the residues are conveyed by vibrating movement on plates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 4

conveyed by the shaking movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShaking: Shaking

Implementation Method 5

a post-reaction occurs in the residues, particularly in the area of the free-fall sections, so that the slag quality can be improved due to the higher degree of burnout

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 6

better burnout of the residues

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 7

the gas flow after the air classification is first fed to a cyclone separator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCyclone separation: Cyclone Separation

Data Source

PatentEP1882529B1Method and device for separating residual materials
Publication Date: 2014.10.29 MARTIN GMBH FUR UMWELT UND ENERGIETECHNIK
  • EP1882529B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The device for separating residual materials from thermal waste treatment into a fine fraction and a coarse fraction comprises a housing (1) supported on vibration elements (2) with several plates (3.1 - 3.5) arranged one below the other and at an angle, which are connected to the housing (1) at their side edges. The housing (1) is equipped with means (5) for generating a vibration component directed towards the downwardly angled plates (3.1 - 3.5). Furthermore, the device has a suction line (6) and an inlet opening for a gas that can be directed between the plates for air classification. Residual materials or slag from a waste treatment plant or a combustion plant are fed into this device to separate them into at least one fine fraction and one coarse fraction.