Multiple Nip Washer Press Segmented Wash Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pulp washer presses face challenges in achieving high solids concentrations due to clogging issues and inefficient impurity removal, particularly in achieving optimal washing and dewatering results with existing single displacement wash zones and limited surface area contact.

Innovation Solution

A multiple nip multiple displacement wash zone washer press system with a mechanical or pressurized distributor that allows controlled introduction of wash water across a wider drum surface area, incorporating multiple pulp slide plates to create additional wash zones and increase surface contact, enabling higher solids concentration processing and improved impurity removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the solids concentration at the nip point is increased to improve impurity removal, then the amount of impurities removed increases, but the trough becomes clogged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpurity removal efficiencyVSAvoidtrough clogging
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The single displacement wash zone is segmented into multiple wash zones by introducing additional pulp slide plates. This creates separate compression and washing regions, allowing the system to process higher solids concentrations without clogging the entire trough, as each zone can be optimized independently for its specific function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extends the washing process from a single linear displacement zone to multiple zones distributed along the drum circumference. This dimensional expansion allows progressive washing at different solids concentrations, preventing clogging while maintaining high impurity removal efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single displacement wash zone is used to simplify the system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the washing efficiency and impurity removal are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of wash zonesVSAvoidwashing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wash press is segmented into multiple displacement wash zones with separate pulp slide plates for each zone. This segmentation allows independent control of washing parameters in each zone, significantly improving overall washing efficiency and impurity removal compared to a single zone system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each displacement wash zone is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its function. The pulp slide plates are positioned to create appropriate compression forces and wash water distribution patterns for each zone, enabling tailored washing conditions that maximize productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the drum surface area contact is increased to improve washing, then the washing efficiency increases, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing efficiencyVSAvoiddrum surface area
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single large drum surface area, the invention segments the washing function into multiple zones along the drum circumference. This allows efficient use of the available drum surface by concentrating washing action in specific zones rather than distributing it uniformly across the entire surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system achieves increased washing efficiency and purity levels, accommodating a wide range of solids concentrations while using the same amount of water, with enhanced impurity removal and increased production capacity, resulting in a more purified pulp mat and improved processing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the pulp suspension moves within a trough adjacent to the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 2

the pulp suspension is pressed against at least one rotating cylindrical drum in order to separate some of the water and move this water out of the pulp suspension into the interior of the drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

the wash water merely mixes with existing impurities

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMixing:

Data Source

PatentEP2620544B1Pulp suspension washer press, and method for washing and dewatering a liquid pulp suspension
Publication Date: 2016.08.10 ANDRITZ INC
  • EP2620544B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2620544B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A washer press (101; 201) apparatus for washing and dewatering a wide range of solids concentrations of pulp in liquid suspensions includes multiple distinct displacement wash zones about a drum (105; 205) with multiple nips.