Vibrating Sieve Friction Heating for Bitumen Moisture Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for processing bituminous materials are inefficient and costly due to the need for multiple equipment and machinery, and the presence of moisture in the mixture slows down the asphalt-making process, requiring additional heating and dehumidification steps that can lead to unwanted reactions and incomplete moisture removal.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a feeder, a press module with a sieve having a set of apertures that heats the material through friction, and a cleaning mechanism to efficiently process bituminous materials, reducing the need for multiple machines and manual labor, while effectively removing moisture and cutting the material into consistent sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional heating methods are used to remove moisture from bituminous materials, then moisture is removed, but unwanted reactions and state changes of constituents occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional thermal heating system with a mechanical vibration system. The vibrating screen generates mechanical vibrations that create friction between material particles, producing heat through mechanical energy conversion rather than external thermal heating. This mechanical approach removes moisture through vibration-induced friction heating without causing unwanted chemical reactions or state changes that occur with conventional high-temperature heating methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a blowing device that uses compressed air (pneumatic system) to blow air through the vibrating material layer. This pneumatic action serves dual purposes: it enhances moisture removal by evaporating moisture through the friction heat generated by vibrations, and it prevents unwanted reactions by controlling the thermal environment through forced air circulation rather than direct high-temperature heating.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple equipment are used for asphalt recycling, then processing functions are comprehensive, but operational cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing functions into a single integrated apparatus. The device merges the functions of material feeding, vibration-based drying, moisture removal, and material separation into one unified system. The vibrating screen serves multiple purposes: it conveys material, generates friction heat for drying, separates moisture through vibration, and prepares material for recycling. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate heating equipment, drying facilities, and multiple processing stages, thereby reducing operational cost and time while maintaining comprehensive processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibrating screen apparatus is designed as a multi-functional device that performs various operations simultaneously. It can handle different bituminous materials, perform drying, separation, and preparation functions in one continuous process. The adjustable vibration parameters allow the single device to adapt to different material types and processing requirements, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized machines.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional heating and dehumidification processes are used, then moisture is removed, but the process is time-consuming and incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic vibration action through the vibrating screen. The oscillating motion creates repeated cycles of particle contact and separation, generating continuous friction heat that efficiently evaporates moisture. This periodic mechanical action is more effective than continuous static heating, as it constantly renewes contact between particles and heat sources, achieving complete moisture removal in shorter time. The rhythmic vibration ensures thorough processing without the time delays associated with conventional gradual heating and dehumidification methods.
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 processes bituminous materials efficiently, reducing operational costs and time while maintaining product quality, by heating and drying the material through friction in the sieve and minimizing the use of additional machinery and manual effort.
Implementation Method 1
the material passes through the set of apertures and heats up because of friction experienced by the material while passing through the set of apertures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus (100) for processing a material, comprising a feeder (102) configured to receive the material and a press module (104) operatively coupled to the feeder, wherein the press module comprises a body. The body has a volume of space for receiving the material from the feeder and a first end (104A) and a second end (104B) opposite to the first end. Further, the body comprises a pressing means (204) configured to press and move the material received in the volume of space towards the first end of the body. The apparatus further comprises a sieve (106,300) having a first side (106A) and a second side (106B) opposite to the first side, wherein the sieve is arranged at the first end of the body, the second side of the sieve faces the first end of the body, and the sieve is configured to receive the material in a pressed form from the first end of the body via the second side of the sieve and to eject the material in a processed form via the first side of the sieve. The apparatus also comprises cleaning means (108) arranged to clean the second side of the sieve.