Vibratory Screening Apparatus for Wet Slurry Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vibratory screening equipment faces inefficiencies in classification due to issues like screen blinding, agglomeration of solids, and reduced process capacity, particularly in wet screening processes, which affect the separation of solids from fluids and lead to reduced classification efficiency and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory screening apparatus with a screen element mounted over a reservoir holding a liquid slurry, where the screen is inclined and vibrated to prevent blinding and agglomeration, allowing undersize solids to pass through and oversize solids to be de-watered and discharged, with controlled slurry levels and vibratory frequencies to maintain high liquidity and prevent solid accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vibratory screening equipment is used for wet screening, then solids can be separated from fluids, but screen blinding and agglomeration of solids occur reducing classification efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibratory motion to the screen element to prevent solids from adhering to the screen surface and to break up agglomerations. The vibration keeps the screen surface dynamic, preventing blindings and maintaining classification efficiency during wet screening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid (water or air) to the screen surface to prevent solid accumulation and agglomeration. The fluid acts as a lubricant and cleaning agent, washing solids off the screen surface and preventing blinding, thereby maintaining reliable classification efficiency.
2Reliability
If screen motion is increased to prevent blinding, then classification efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude) to achieve effective blinding prevention at minimum energy consumption. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system maintains high classification efficiency while minimizing the energy required to drive the vibratory motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid (water or air) to assist in preventing screen blinding, reducing the reliance on high-intensity vibration alone. This hybrid approach allows lower vibration amplitudes to be used effectively, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining classification efficiency.
3Reliability
If fluid sprays are used to prevent agglomeration, then solids separation improves, but equipment complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the screening function with the fluid application system into an integrated unit. The fluid spray system is merged with the screen structure, allowing both functions to work together seamlessly while reducing the number of separate components and simplifying maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the fluid spray system to automatically clean the screen surface during operation, providing self-maintenance functionality. The continuous fluid flow prevents blinding and agglomeration without requiring external intervention or complex maintenance procedures, thereby improving solids separation while keeping equipment simple.
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 design enhances classification efficiency, reduces screen blinding, and minimizes the need for fluid sprays, resulting in improved throughput and reduced equipment size while maintaining high process efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
means formed and arranged for vibrating said screen element such that oversize solids in a liquid slurry, in use of the apparatus, are dewatered on the screen element and are discharged from the second elevated end of screen element and undersize solids pass through the screen element
Implementation Method 2
a first end of said screen element being disposed at a level inside said reservoir such that, in use, said first end is submerged in a said body of liquid slurry at one end of said reservoir, with the second end of said screen element being disposed above the other distal end of said reservoir, such that said screening element is inclined to the horizontal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vibratory screening apparatus which comprises a vibratable screen element (2) mounted in a basket (4), which basket (4) is mounted over a reservoir (6) which contains and holds a pool of liquid slurry (8). A first end (10) of the screen element (2) is disposed within the reservoir (6) such that it is submerged in the body of liquid slurry (8). The reservoir has a deep end (12) in which the first end (10) of the screening element (12) is disposed and a second shallow end (14) above which a median portion (16) of the screening apparatus is disposed. The second end (18) of the screen element (2) is disposed above a portion (20) of the reservoir which extends above the surface of the body of liquid slurry held within the reservoir (6). Vibration means are provided for vibrating the screen element such that oversized solids in the liquid slurry in use of the operation are dewatered on the screen element and are discharged from the second elevated end of the screen element and underside solids pass through the screen element, where they may be collected. A vibratory screening machine is also described.