EP3771500A1 - Separator and method of operation - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1), which is used to separate particles of a bulk material, which can be supplied at an initial location and processed at a target location in different or similar particle sizes or in an at least approximately uniform particle size, comprises at least one separating element (3), the one metal separating plate (31) with through openings (30) provided therein, which can be acted upon by ultrasonic energy and for this purpose is connected to an ultrasonic transducer (6) and which is held by a holding device (2). According to the invention it is provided that the holding device (2) is a mounting shaft (2) which is fixed or movable, in particular rotatable and / or axially displaceable, at one end or at both ends, and which is held at one end or at both ends with an ultrasonic transducer is connected, by means of which ultrasonic energy can be coupled into the separating element (3) via the assembly shaft (2), which is designed to be dimensionally stable.

Description

The invention relates to a separating device with a holding device by means of which a separating element, preferably a sieve, is held, and to an operating method for this separating device.

In numerous industrial sectors, such as the food industry, the chemical industry, the pharmaceutical industry and the building materials industry, intermediate products are often required which are present in particle form, i.e. "atomized" in the form of separate particles. In this form, the intermediate product can be precisely dosed and used efficiently. Incorrect dosages, which could cause undesirable taste, stabilization, financial or medical errors, are avoided. Bulk material can be required atomized in a uniform particle size or in different particle sizes.

Separating devices therefore allow particles of a bulk material to be separated from one another and, if necessary, also to provide the bulk material in a largely uniform particle size. The bulk material is transported from a starting position to a target position in which it should be in the desired shape. This transport usually takes place under the action of gravity, mechanical movements and, in screening technology, possibly also with the supply of ultrasonic energy.

According to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sieve, separating devices in the form of a sieve device comprise a sieve lining which, as a separating medium, contains a large number of openings of the same size. The size of the openings is called the mesh size. Larger grains remain above the openings (sieve overflow), smaller grains fall down (sieve passage). A grain that is roughly the same size as the mesh size is called a border grain. A sieve can consist of one or more sieve linings lying on top of one another, the sieve lining with the largest mesh size being on top in the sieve stack. For the efficiency of a sieve is The cleanliness of the screen lining is important. In particular, the clogging of the sieve openings by boundary grain must be carried out by suitable measures (e.g. brushes, balls, chains, rubber cubes that "run" on or under the sieve or by increasing the diameter of the holes downwards, e.g. with conical or double-cylindrical holes) be avoided.

In large-scale applications, screen linings are excited by a drive to make certain movements to improve screening performance. The movement of the screen lining serves to transport the feed material further in the longitudinal direction of the screen, to eject the boundary grain from the mesh openings and to ensure the sustainability of the separation (screen efficiency).

Tumbler screening machines are known (see e.g. EP0943374A2 ), which have a sieve structure that can be brought into a tumbling motion (throwing and oscillating motion), a support device that elastically supports the sieve structure and an assembly shaft driven in rotation by an electric motor, which drives a sloping pin with adjustable inclination and eccentricity on which the sieve structure is mounted. The screen lining is thus set in a predetermined and always the same movement by the assembly shaft and the inclined pin. Such systems are complex and cause considerable building vibrations and noise and require a relatively high level of maintenance.

When transporting, storing, mixing, separating, dosing, handling powders and bulk materials, their flow properties play an important role. When sieving the bulk material, it is important that the particles of the bulk material reach the sieve lining and can pass through the sieve openings.

The WO2018219840A1 describes a sieve device with a support device from which a sieve is held, which has a sieve lining which is held by a sieve frame which is connected to a drive device. The Drive device, which is controlled by a control unit, comprises at least three actuators, which are connected on the one hand via a first swivel joint to the support device and on the other hand each via a second swivel joint to the screen frame, so that the screen is held solely by the actuators and within a Working volume is displaceable and optionally rotatable. The screen lining is also preferably subjected to ultrasonic energy so that the screening process is accelerated. This separating device, which delivers very good results, is also designed in a complex manner and requires a relatively large amount of space. The supply of the bulk material through a conveying container, however, is not easy or can only be implemented with great effort.

From the JP2011245446A a screening device is known which has a screen lining which is held by an outer frame and against which a metallic diaphragm rests, via which ultrasonic energy is transmitted to the screen lining from an ultrasonic source. Under the influence of the ultrasonic energy, particles of the bulk material with a diameter smaller than the mesh size of the screen lining can pass through the screen lining more quickly as a sieve passage. Particles of the bulk material, the diameter of which is larger than the mesh size of the sieve lining, are carried away to the outside as sieve overflow via the outer frame. This separating device with a sieve lining and a diaphragm resting thereon is also relatively complex.

Dietmar Schulze, Powder and Bulk Materials, Flow Properties and Handling, 3rd Edition, Springer-Verlag Berlin 2014, Chapter 1 , describes common problems with bulk solids. If the outlet opening is too small, a stable arch (bridge) can form so that the flow of bulk material comes to a standstill. Another problem can be core flow, which occurs when the hopper walls are not steep or smooth enough. In this case, the bulk material in the filled silo cannot slide down directly on the hopper walls. Dead zones are formed, which may be asymmetrical and in which the bulk material is no longer can flow out solely due to gravity. Core flow can also lead to parts of the product having extremely short dwell times, so that freshly filled in product is immediately withdrawn and cannot be treated or vented in the silo. The problems described result on the one hand from equipment conditions and on the other from the properties of the bulk material (strength, friction). When designing silos, feed hoppers, containers etc. or when optimizing powders and bulk goods, the behavior of the bulk goods must first be determined. This then leads to a geometric shape (funnel, outlet size) through the application of well-founded design processes.

Known devices are therefore regularly tied to the processing of a certain type of bulk material, which is why the flexible use of these devices is not possible.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of creating an improved device for separating particles of a bulk material which, using ultrasonic energy, allows particles of the bulk material to be separated from one another and to provide them in different or similar particle sizes or in an at least approximately uniform particle size.

Furthermore, an operating method for this improved separating device is to be specified, by means of which various processes, such as processes for loading, separating, mixing, ventilating, venting, unloading the bulk material, can advantageously be carried out. Furthermore, processes for cleaning and maintaining the separating device should be able to be carried out advantageously.

The separating device should have a simple and compact design and can be maintained with little effort. The separation device should have a high efficiency and a correspondingly reduced energy requirement. Vibrations and shocks, as they occur in known separating devices, should be avoided or essential can be reduced without reducing the efficiency of the separation device.

The bulk material should be able to be processed within the shortest possible path between a starting point and a destination in order to avoid bulky devices.

The processed bulk material should be made available in high quality with a high degree of separation, so that incorrect dosages are avoided when using the processed bulk material.

Further processes should be able to be carried out in a simple manner while the bulk material is being processed. In particular, it should be possible to easily remove the bulk material in a certain processing state. Furthermore, at least one further material should advantageously be able to be admixed with the bulk material, after which the mixed product is likewise provided in the desired particle form.

The processing of the bulk material should advantageously be possible under increased or reduced pressure of the air or a liquid.

The separating device and supply channels and / or discharge channels should be designed largely independently of the type of bulk material and be able to be implemented with small dimensions. Residues of bulk material and corresponding changes in the cross-section of the transport routes, in particular dead zones, should be avoided during operation of the separating device.

The operating method should allow optimal working parameters for the separating device to be set so that the bulk material present in each case can be optimally separated.

This object is achieved with a separating device and an operating method which have the features specified in claims 1 and 14, respectively. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in further claims.

The device, which is used to separate particles of a bulk material, which can be supplied at an initial location and processed at a target location in different or similar particle sizes or in an at least approximately uniform particle size, comprises at least one separating element, which is a metal separating plate with openings provided therein has which can be acted upon with ultrasonic energy and is connected to an ultrasonic transducer and which is held by a holding device.

According to the invention it is provided that the holding device is a mounting shaft which is fixed or movable, in particular rotatable and / or axially displaceable, at one end or at both ends, and which is connected at one end or at both ends to an ultrasonic transducer through which Ultrasonic energy can be coupled into the separating element via the assembly shaft, which is designed to be dimensionally stable.

For the transmission of electrical energy, in particular an alternating voltage, from an ultrasonic generator to the ultrasonic transducer, the mounting shaft is preferably provided with a contacting device. The contacting device preferably comprises slip rings and sliding contacts attached to them, via which AC voltage signals and / or DC voltage signals, possibly control signals, can be transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer or a control device provided there and / or an ultrasonic transducer connected to the assembly shaft, which in turn feeds the ultrasonic transducer.

The ultrasonic transducer preferably has a piezoelectric transducer, which preferably comprises a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric elements are preferably clamped between two metal plates, which are positively or non-positively connected or welded to the assembly shaft, and connected jointly or individually to the ultrasonic generator by connecting contacts. Vibrations of the piezoelectric Elements are transferred via the metal plates to the mounting shaft and further to the at least one separating element. The metal plates can each be arranged as screw nuts on a thread of the mounting shaft. By tightening the nuts, the piezo elements are tensioned and at the same time there is an optimal connection between the nuts and the assembly shaft. It is also advantageously possible to use only one screw nut, by means of which the piezo elements can be pressed against a metal plate firmly connected to the assembly shaft.

The mounting shaft can be made from one or more pieces. The mounting shaft is integral or connected to the motor shaft of the drive motor by a coupling.

In a preferred embodiment, the piezoelectric elements are ring-shaped so that they can enclose the mounting shaft. This configuration results in a compact structure with maximum effect. Five to twenty piezo elements are preferably provided. The piezo elements are preferably separated from one another by contact elements and, if appropriate, insulation plates.

The piezo elements can be excited to vibrate by alternating voltages in the ultrasonic range, which vibrations are transmitted to the at least one separating element. The ultrasonic vibrations cause the particles of the bulk material to be detached from one another and to pass through the separating element if they have a correspondingly small diameter. Furthermore, it is prevented that a firm contact between the separating element and the bulk material results. The static friction and / or sliding friction and thus the frictional forces that result between the separating element and the bulk material are thus significantly reduced so that the bulk material is kept flowing and not blocked.

Any types of bulk material, homogeneous bulk material or non-homogeneous bulk material, as well as bulk material with any particle size can be processed. Within the separating device, the bulk material can be subjected to processes in which it is thermally treated and / or ventilated and / or cleaned and / or its composition is changed.

The use of a dimensionally stable separating element and its connection to an elongated, e.g. rod-shaped or cylindrical assembly shaft made of metal, into which ultrasonic energy can be coupled, results in a separating device with numerous advantages.

Since the separating element is held by a preferably centrally arranged assembly shaft and is designed to be dimensionally stable, larger assembly devices, in particular separating elements with a mounting frame, can be dispensed with. At the same time, there is the possibility of acting more directly and flexibly on the bulk material. The bulk material can optionally be exposed to any mechanical and acoustic effects in order to optimize the separation process. The separation process can also be carried out more efficiently with reduced energy consumption. At least one separating element or at least one separating plate can be subjected to any axial movements and rotary movements and any ultrasonic waves via the mounting shaft. If the bearing devices by means of which the assembly shaft is held are also rotatably mounted, further rotary movements can be carried out.

Since the at least one separating element is not held peripherally, but rather centrally by the assembly shaft, the separating device is made more flexible. By avoiding connecting elements by means of which the separating element is connected peripherally, e.g. to a housing, with brackets or other assembly elements, the parts that are now independent of the separating element can be realized with higher degrees of freedom.

Due to the flexibility of the device, the properties of the separation device can be significantly influenced by the Operating parameters of the control device are determined, which is why the construction of the separation device requires less attention and effort. The partition plate can protrude, for example, peripherally between flanges, which form a seal with respect to a housing, for example, and ensure that bulk material can only pass through the partition element. In principle, the mounting of the mounting shaft can also be supported or replaced by mounting the separating element.

The separating device 1 can be adapted to a bulk material and the objectives specified by the user with simple measures or the selection of operating parameters. The separating device according to the invention can thus optimally process different types of bulk material. For example, chemical powders, food particles, crystals, mechanical small parts and the like can be processed with the same separating device. If, on the other hand, the same bulk material is always processed, it is advisable to provide separating devices with appropriately adapted dimensions.

The dimensions of the separating device and the separating elements can therefore differ from one another by orders of magnitude. Likewise, the operating parameters, in particular the rotational speeds of rotatably mounted separating elements and switching frequencies, can differ from one another by orders of magnitude.

The separating device including the supply channels and / or discharge channels can be designed largely independently of the type of bulk material with regard to the possibility of setting significantly different operating parameters. The cost of producing the separating devices is advantageously shifted from the structural level to the software level. The separating device has a simple but very flexible structure, which allows the implementation of new processes for treating the bulk material.

The bulk material can be processed within a short distance between the starting point and the destination, so that Separating devices according to the invention, which are provided for processing bulk material in the aforementioned industrial sectors, can generally be implemented with reduced dimensions.

Due to the advantageous possibilities for acting on the bulk material, the separation of the particles can be carried out more efficiently not only in the area of the separating element or the separating elements, but over the entire transport path of the bulk material. Due to the flexibilization of the separating device and the more advantageous effect on the bulk material, residues with changes in the cross-section of the transport routes, in particular dead zones, are advantageously avoided. The optimal operation of the separating device can therefore be maintained over a longer period of time and the effort for maintaining the separating device is significantly reduced. The flexibilization of the separating device also enables at least partial self-cleaning of the device. For this purpose, the separating elements can be moved at the required speeds, for example to remove a sieve overflow. In preferred embodiments, cleaning agents can be injected or sprayed in (see Figure 4a ), for example via the same channels through which work processes are influenced.

The flexibilization of the separating device thus enables not only the optimal realization of the separating process, but also the realization of further processes, in particular mixing processes and cleaning processes. During the processing of the bulk material, e.g. additional materials, substances and media can easily be fed in at any point or at any separation elements and / or intermediate processed bulk material can be removed.

The bulk material can also be processed in a closed chamber under any gas pressure, possibly vacuum.

Due to the advantageous direct effect on the bulk material, the energy requirement can be reduced. Vibrations and shocks, as they occur with known separating devices are significantly reduced. With reduced energy, the bulk material can be acted on more directly and therefore more intensively. Vibrations of the separating device, which could lead to shocks in the building, are advantageously avoided.

The processed bulk material can be provided in high quality with a high degree of separation, so that incorrect dosing when using the processed bulk material is avoided. As mentioned, qualitative changes in the bulk material can advantageously be made in the work processes. A mixed material is optimally distributed and integrated into the bulk material.

The separating element or the separating plate preferably forms a body of revolution.

In preferred embodiments, the partition plate has a basic structure and is, for example, flat, cone-shaped, helical, spiral-shaped, wave-shaped, helical, sawtooth-shaped or provided with steps or bevels. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the partition plate is designed in the shape of a spherical wave. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic waves can propagate particularly advantageously over the surface of the partition plate.

At least one of the separating plates can also be provided with an additional three-dimensional surface structure which overlays the basic structure and which engages in the bulk material and can move it. A surface structure in the form of radially or inclined indentations or formations is preferably used, which are arranged at regular or irregular intervals. The partition plate can therefore have a first basic shape or basic structure which favors the uniform propagation of the ultrasonic waves and which is optionally overlaid by a surface structure which serves for mechanical interaction with the bulk material.

The separating plate can have a uniform thickness or gradually extend from the center to the periphery, for example in the manner of a blade continuously rejuvenate. In the thinned periphery, vibrations with a greater amplitude can develop. Otherwise, the dimensions of the partition plate are selected depending on the required strength with regard to the bulk material and the diameter of the partition plate. At the point at which the partition plate is connected to the assembly shaft, a material thickness in the range from 1 mm to 50 mm can be. If the separating plate tapers outwards, there can be a material thickness reduced by 10-100 times. The diameters of the partition plates can range from 10 mm to 1000 mm or more. Again, the properties, in particular the specific weight of the bulk material, are decisive.

Separation plates made of metal which conducts ultrasound, such as aluminum, steel, in particular stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium or an alloy, for example with such metals, are preferably used. Separating plates that are provided with a resistant protective layer, such as a noble metal layer, can also advantageously be used.

The partition plate is made, for example, by primary molding from granular, powdery or liquefied material; by forming, such as rolling, forging, bending, pressing or deep drawing; by thermal ablation, such as spark erosion, die sinking, laser cutting; or by machining e.g. by turning, drilling, milling, grinding.

The passage openings in the partition plates can also be realized by the processes mentioned. The diameter of the passage openings is, for example, in the range of 1 micron - 1000 microns for powdery bulk material. For bulk material with larger mechanical particles, the diameter of the passage openings can be in the range of, for example, 1mm-15mm. The diameter of the passage openings of all separating elements can be the same size or also change gradually, so that the partition plate passing through first has the largest passage openings and the partition plate passing through last has the smallest passage openings.

In preferred embodiments, the separating element has a central axis and is designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to this central axis. The mounting shaft is preferably aligned coaxially or preferably only slightly eccentrically to the central axis of the separating element. If the assembly shaft is arranged eccentrically to the central axis, oscillations and vibrations result that facilitate the separation process. The partition plates are preferably arranged to be rotatable or displaceable, so that they can be rotated or displaced and fixed from a coaxial position to an eccentric position. It is particularly advantageous that in this arrangement the at least one separating element can optionally be rotated in one direction or the other at a desired switching frequency and preferably optionally accelerated.

The separating element can be connected to the mounting shaft in various ways. For example, the partition plate comprises a mounting element in the form of a connecting sleeve or at least two connecting rods, which preferably have different diameters. For example, four connecting rods with different diameters are provided crosswise. By using such connecting rods, the coupling can advantageously take place, in particular in a circularly rotating manner. Standing waves are avoided or reduced. Instead, different waves are superimposed, which activates the entire surface of the partition plate.

The one-piece or multi-part assembly shaft made of metal is elongated and preferably rod-shaped or cylindrical. The assembly shaft preferably has several shaft elements that can be connected to one another, each of which is connected fixedly or rotatably and optionally releasably to an associated separating element. The individual shaft elements can preferably be connected to one another in a form-fitting manner, screwed to one another or welded to one another. Provided the individual shaft elements are detachable from one another, the separating device can be configured as desired and adapted to a specific bulk material.

In particularly preferred refinements, the one-piece or multi-piece assembly shaft is connected to a drive motor at one end or at both ends. The assembly shaft or the shaft elements can be driven individually in one or the other direction or alternately in one and the other direction about their longitudinal axis by the drive motor or the drive motors.

The assembly shaft is fixedly or rotatably mounted at one end or at both ends in a bearing device and is preferably connected to an assembly body, possibly a conveying container, by means of radially aligned connecting bodies.

In order to implement various work processes, the assembly shaft with the at least one separating element is preferably arranged in a conveying container in which the bulk material is trapped and in which different conditions, such as overpressure or underpressure or a vacuum, spray mist or the like and thus different treatment processes can be implemented are.

For this purpose, the conveying container is provided with an open or optionally lockable passage channel through which the bulk material can be transported from the starting point to the destination.

The conveying container preferably has an outlet opening for at least one of the separating elements through which bulk material fractions, such as processed or separated bulk material fractions or an overflow, can be discharged. The outlet openings are preferably optionally lockable.

In a further preferred embodiment, the conveying container preferably has an inlet channel and / or an outlet channel for each of the separating elements, which are implemented, for example, by tubular elements.

In preferred embodiments, an energy supply device, which is connected to the drive motor or the drive motors and possibly with one or more ultrasonic transducers, and a control unit with a control program are provided, by means of which the process for separating the particles of the bulk material and possibly further processes, such as cleaning processes or Maintenance processes are controllable. Various process phases can be implemented by setting the parameters. In a mixed phase, the bulk material can be roughly distributed by continuously or alternately rotating the at least one separating element over a few revolutions or a larger fraction of a revolution, e.g. 45 ° - 180 °. In a working phase, the bulk material can be subjected to mechanical vibration by alternately rotating the at least one separating element over a small fraction of a rotation of e.g. 0.5 ° - 5 °, which separates the particles from one another and allows them to pass through the openings of the separating elements. In an unloading phase, remaining bulk material or a sieve overflow can be thrown outwards at high speed and removed by rotating the at least one separating element.

The parameters can change over a wide range and are not least dependent on the ultrasonic energy that is coupled into the separating elements.

The rotational speeds can be in the range from one to several 1000 revolutions and are essentially dependent on the size, shape and specific weight of the particles of the bulk material and the design of the separating elements. The level of the accelerations is also particularly important. Due to high accelerations over a fraction of a revolution, for example in the range from 5 ° to 180 °, the layers of the bulk material are shifted against each other and mixed in the mixing phase. This effect can be increased accordingly by incorporating surface structures in the partition plates.

In the working phase, the bulk material is already relatively well mixed and at least partially separated on the separating elements. In this phase, the bulk material particles are completely separated from one another and conveyed through the passage openings of the separating elements. For this purpose, the assembly shaft is moved back and forth over small rotational ranges in the range of, for example, 0.5 ° -5 ° with a switching frequency that is preferably in the range of 10 Hz-1000 Hz or more. In the working phase, the separating elements are therefore subjected to mechanical vibrations in the range of 10 Hz - 1000 Hz and ultrasonic vibrations in the range of typically 10 kHz - 40 kHz. The switching frequency for the mechanical vibrations is preferably changed continuously or suddenly during the working phase. The frequency of the ultrasonic oscillations is preferably also changed continuously or abruptly. For example, the frequencies of the switching frequency and the ultrasonic vibrations are keyed, i.e. continuously changed between specific, possibly predetermined or randomly selected frequency values. Alternatively, the frequencies of the switching frequency and the ultrasonic vibrations are continuously changed or are each subjected to a so-called scan; the frequency changes can run against each other or in the same direction. It is also possible that one of the frequencies is keyed and the other is subjected to a scan.

Sporadic changes from the work phase to the mixed phase are also possible.

In the unloading phase, bulk material can be removed from the separating elements at high revolutions, for example in the range from 25 to 1000 revolutions per second. A cleaning liquid is then preferably introduced into the separating device, for example sprayed, in order to clean the separating elements. Finally, a gaseous medium, such as air, can be admitted to dry the separating device. After an unloading phase, the separating device can therefore be transferred to a cleaning phase by the operating software in which the separating device is again is returned to the initial state. The separating device can therefore be operated with minimal maintenance effort, particularly with regard to this self-cleaning function.

In preferred embodiments, alternating forces or vibrations can be coaxially coupled into the assembly shaft in the mixing phase and / or the working phase and / or the unloading phase, so that forces can also act parallel or anti-parallel to gravity on the bulk material particles. Such force effects with a selectable frequency can, for example, be coupled into the assembly shaft in a simple manner according to the moving coil principle of acoustic loudspeakers. For example, the mounting shaft is held elastically or vertically displaceably and provided on the bottom or top with a e.g. cylindrical magnet that is immersed in a coil to which an alternating current in the range of 5 Hz - 15 kHz is supplied. All of the above-mentioned effects on the assembly shaft can take place simultaneously or alternately or only sporadically.

The ultrasonic generator is provided for emitting alternating voltage signals, preferably in the frequency range of preferably 15 kHz to 45 kHz. The ultrasonic generator is preferably designed for continuous change and / or for keying of the frequency and / or for changing the amplitude of the alternating voltage signals. The frequency of the output signal, which is in the frequency range mentioned, is preferably changed with a keying frequency which is in the range from 10 Hz to 2 kHz. For example, the output signal of the ultrasonic generator is repeatedly keyed with a keying frequency of 10 Hz ten times per second between the ultrasonic frequencies of 25 kHz and 35 kHz. A whole sequence of ultrasonic frequencies of, for example, 25 kHz, 30 kHz and 35 kHz can also be run through with the keying frequency. Instead of selective keying, a continuous frequency change can also be carried out. For example, a scan between two or more ultrasonic frequencies is carried out ten times per second with a change frequency of 10 Hz.

The described changes in the ultrasonic frequencies ensure that no stationary wave nodes occur on the separating plate and that the effect of the ultrasonic signals occurs without any gaps.

Fig. 1a

eine erfindungsgemässe Trennvorrichtung 1 mit optionalen Antriebsvorrichtungen 8, 80 in elementarer Ausgestaltung mit nur einem Trennelement 3, das eine konisch geformte Trennplatte 31 mit Durchtrittsöffnungen 30 aufweist und das von einer fest oder drehbar gelagerten Montagewelle 2 gehalten ist, an die ein Ultraschallwandler 6 angeschlossen ist, der von einem Ultraschallgenerator 70 gespeist wird;

Fig. 1b

die Trennvorrichtung 1 von Fig. 1a mit einer exemplarisch dargestellten Vorrichtung zur Versorgung des drehbar gelagerten Trennelements 3 mit Ultraschallenergie;

Fig. 2

eine erfindungsgemässe Trennvorrichtung 1 in einem Viertelschnitt mit drei Trennelementen 3A, 3B, 3C, welche von einer fest oder drehbar gelagerten mehrteiligen Montagewelle 2 gehalten sind, an die ein Ultraschallwandler 6 angeschlossen ist;

Fig. 3

eine erfindungsgemässe Trennvorrichtung 1 mit sechs in einem Förderbehälter 5 angeordneten Trennelementen 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, die von einer mehrteiligen Montagewelle 2, in die Ultraschallenergie einkoppelbar ist, drehbar gehalten sind;

Fig. 4a

eine erfindungsgemässe Trennvorrichtung 1 mit sechs von einer Montagewelle 2 drehbar gehaltenen Trennelementen 3A, 3B, ... , die zusätzlich erlaubt, dem bearbeiteten Schüttgut Material oder Gase zuzuführen und bearbeitetes Schüttgut an verschiedenen Stellen zu entnehmen;

Fig. 4b

ein Teil der Trennvorrichtung 1 von Fig. 4a;

Fig. 5a

eine erfindungsgemässe Trennvorrichtung 1 mit wendelförmig ausgebildeten Trennelementen 3A, ..., 3L, die mittels der zugehörigen Montagewelle 2 drehbar gelagert und mit Ultraschallenergie beaufschlagbar sind;

Fig. 5b

ein Teil der Trennvorrichtung 1 von Fig. 5a;

Fig. 6

die Trennvorrichtung von Fig. 2a in einer vorzugsweisen Ausgestaltung des Trennelements 3 mit vier Anschlussstäben 321, 322, 323, 324 unterschiedlicher Dicke, mittels denen die Metallplatte 31 mit der Montagewelle 2 verbunden ist; und

Fig. 7

ein Trennelement 3 mit einer kugelwellenförmig geformten Trennplatte 31, wie es in der Vorrichtung von Fig. 4 eingesetzt ist.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. It shows:

Fig. 1a

a separating device 1 according to the invention with optional drive devices 8, 80 in an elementary configuration with only one separating element 3, which has a conically shaped separating plate 31 with passage openings 30 and which is held by a fixed or rotatably mounted mounting shaft 2 to which an ultrasonic transducer 6 is connected, fed by an ultrasonic generator 70;

Figure 1b

the separator 1 of Fig. 1a with an exemplary device for supplying the rotatably mounted separating element 3 with ultrasonic energy;

Fig. 2

a separating device 1 according to the invention in a quarter section with three separating elements 3A, 3B, 3C, which are held by a fixed or rotatably mounted multi-part assembly shaft 2 to which an ultrasonic transducer 6 is connected;

Fig. 3

a separating device 1 according to the invention with six separating elements 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F arranged in a conveying container 5, which are held rotatably by a multi-part assembly shaft 2 into which ultrasonic energy can be coupled;

Figure 4a

a separating device 1 according to the invention with six separating elements rotatably held by a mounting shaft 2 3A, 3B, ..., which additionally allows material or gases to be supplied to the processed bulk material and processed bulk material to be removed at various points;

Figure 4b

part of the separation device 1 of Figure 4a ;

Figure 5a

a separating device 1 according to the invention with spiral-shaped separating elements 3A, ..., 3L, which are rotatably mounted by means of the associated mounting shaft 2 and can be acted upon by ultrasonic energy;

Figure 5b

part of the separation device 1 of Figure 5a ;

Fig. 6

the separator from Fig. 2a in a preferred embodiment of the separating element 3 with four connecting rods 321, 322, 323, 324 of different thicknesses, by means of which the metal plate 31 is connected to the mounting shaft 2; and

Fig. 7

a partition member 3 with a spherically wave-shaped partition plate 31 as used in the device of FIG Fig. 4 is used.

Fig. 1 shows a device 1 according to the invention for separating particles of a process material or bulk material S, which can be supplied at an initial location A and removed after processing in the separating device 1 at a target location B in different or similar particle sizes or in an at least approximately uniform particle size.

In this embodiment, the separating device 1 comprises only one separating element 3 with a metal separating plate 31, which forms a rotational body or a cone, which has passage openings 30, preferably of the same size. The separating element 3 or the conical separating plate 31 has a central mounting element 32, which is held by a mounting shaft 2 fixed or rotatable and / or axially displaceable. The assembly shaft 2 is aligned with its longitudinal axis x coaxially to the axis of rotation of the separating element 3, preferably parallel to the axis of gravity. Bulk material is therefore preferably conveyed through the separating device 1 by gravitational force.

This funding process is preferably promoted and accelerated by the measures described below. During the machining, the separating element 3 is acted upon at least in phases with ultrasonic waves, which are typically in the frequency range from 15 kHz to 40 kHz. For this purpose, the underside of the mounting shaft 2 is connected to an ultrasonic transducer 6, to which electrical signals 71A from an ultrasonic generator 70 can be fed. The ultrasonic generator 70 is preferably controllable by a control device 9 or the control program 99 implemented therein, so that ultrasonic frequencies can be set and changed as desired.

Furthermore, the separating element 3 can be subjected to mechanical vibrations in a frequency range from a few Hertz to, for example, 1 kHz. As a first option, a drive motor 8 is provided, by means of which the assembly shaft 2 can be rotated in one and / or in the other direction. The range of rotation, the acceleration and the speed of rotation and the switching frequency for changing the direction of rotation can in turn be controlled by the control device 9 or the control program 99 implemented therein. A high-frequency vibration motor that can be used in the separating device according to the invention is, for example, from CN105827059A known.

The separating device 1 can also be subjected to a vibratory movement with forces acting along the longitudinal axis x of the mounting shaft 2. Such vibrations can easily be generated by motors whose motor shafts are eccentrically loaded. The assembly shaft 2 can be coupled to such a motor 80, which in turn can be controlled by the control device 9 or the control program 99 implemented therein. According to the speed of the Motor 80 can in turn be set to any frequency of vibration.

Alternatively, the assembly rod 2 can be connected to a preferably cylindrical magnet 28 which is arranged within a coil 88 to which an alternating current can be fed from a frequency generator 800. The switching and switching off as well as the frequency of the alternating current are in turn controllable by the control device 9 or the control program 99 implemented therein.

In preferred embodiments, the separation device is controlled in the mixing phase and / or the working phase and / or the discharging phase, taking into account sensor signals which are emitted by sensors 95. For example, the bulk material lying on the separating element 3 is optically monitored

The options described for vertical or rotary vibration and for coupling in ultrasonic energy of the separating element 3 can be used alone or optionally in combination. The vibration frequencies and / or the vibration amplitudes can be the same or different.

The mounting shaft 2, which serves as a holding device for the separating element 3, is held by a mounting device 52 and a bearing device 58 in a fixed or rotatable and / or axially displaceable manner as far as required by the amplitudes for an axial displacement or vibration. In this embodiment, the mounting shaft 2 is only held on one side. On the underside of the mounting shaft 2, the ultrasonic transducer is also mounted, preferably with a positive fit and a force fit, preferably screwed, e.g. clamped or welded by a press fit.

Figure 1b shows the separation device 1 of Fig. 1a with a device shown as an example for supplying the rotatably mounted separating element 3 with ultrasonic energy. Electrical energy is supplied to the ultrasonic transducer 6 from the ultrasonic generator 70 via a multi-core cable 71B and a contacting device 4 supplied, which has sliding contacts 41, 43 which bear against slip rings 42, 44 which are rotatably connected to the assembly shaft 2. The multi-core cable 71B is connected to the sliding contacts 41, 43. AC voltages in the frequency range of the ultrasonic waves are transmitted via the sliding contacts 41. The corresponding slip rings 42 are connected to connecting cables 77 via which the alternating voltages are transmitted to piezo elements 631 or, if necessary, to a control unit 60 in which the alternating voltages are output to piezo elements 631 via switches.

The ultrasonic transducer 6 preferably comprises a plurality of piezo elements 631 separated from one another by contact elements 64 (only one shown), each of which has a transfer opening through which the assembly shaft 2 is guided. The piezo elements 631 are pressed together by two locking elements 632 connected to the assembly rod 2, via which ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted to the assembly shaft 2. The locking elements 632 are, for example, screw nuts, which are each rotatably held by a thread that is incorporated into the mounting shaft. The piezo elements 631 can therefore be fixed in a simple manner and supplied with electrical voltages via the contact elements 64 in between.

In preferred embodiments, a control unit 60, which is connected to the central control device 9, is arranged in the ultrasonic converter 6. Control signals are sent via the cable 71B to the further sliding contacts 43, which are in contact with the further slip rings 44. The control signals are transmitted via control lines 78 to the control unit 60, which then controls the output of alternating voltages to the piezo elements 631 or the connection contacts 64. The control unit 60 can also comprise an ultrasonic generator to which a supply voltage can be fed via the contacting device 4 and which is provided for emitting the ultrasonic signals. The The ultrasonic generator 70 shown is integrated in the control unit 60 in this case.

The Figures 1a and 1b illustrate the significant advantages of the separating device 1 according to the invention. It can be seen that the separating element 3 can be acted on mechanically and / or with ultrasound energy in different ways via the assembly shaft 2 with minimal structural effort. Mechanical and acoustic vibrations, rotations and axial displacements can be transmitted with simple means to the mounting shaft 2, which in turn can be rotatably and / or displaceably mounted in a simple manner. The mechanical movements and / or ultrasonic waves acting on the assembly shaft 2 can be transmitted centrally from the assembly shaft 2 to the at least one separating element 3.

It is also particularly advantageous that the separating device shown in a simple embodiment from Fig. 1a and 1b can be constructed in a simple manner.

Fig. 2 shows a separating device 1 according to the invention with a mounting shaft 2 which comprises three shaft elements 2A, 2B, 2C, each of which has a separating element 3A; 3B; 3C is connected. The shaft elements 2A, 2B, 2C comprise coupling elements 21, 22 on both sides, which can be pushed into one another or screwed together. The assembly shaft 2 can thus be expanded as required, so that a separating device 1 with the desired number of separating elements 3A, 3B, 3C results. The shaft elements 2A, 2B, 2C are preferably designed identically, but can also differ in their dimensions, in particular in length, for example in order to be able to hold separating elements 3 of different sizes. An ultrasonic transducer 6 is positively connected to the lowermost shaft element 2C, possibly screwed. Mounting shafts 2 of all separating devices 1 according to the invention can thus either be formed in one piece or consist of several shaft elements.

The separating elements 3A, 3B, 3C have openings of different sizes, so that individual particles can be separated not only from one another but also in terms of size or grouped on each of the separating elements. After the work phase, the particles of the bulk material in different sizes are separated from one another on the separating elements 3A, 3B, 3C ready for removal. In an unloading phase, the separating elements 3A, 3B, 3C can be rotated in order to remove the bulk material fractions separated from one another by means of centrifugal force through outlet channels 5A, 5B and 5C.

The individual separating elements 3A, 3B, 3C have passage openings 30 of different sizes. This is typically provided if particles of different sizes are to be separated from one another. However, passage openings 30 of different sizes can also be provided when lumps of bulk material are broken up in upper separating elements 3A, 3B and only then are the individual particles of the same size separated from one another.

Fig. 3 shows a separating device 1 according to the invention with six separating elements 3A,..., 3F arranged in a conveying container 5, which are supported by a multi-part assembly shaft 2, which is aligned with its longitudinal axis x parallel to the conveying axis of the separating device 1. In this preferred embodiment, the mounting shaft 2 has a lower shaft element 2A and an upper shaft element 2B, which are aligned coaxially to one another and rotatably connected to one another at the ends facing away from one another by a coupling element 26, possibly a coupling sleeve, and which are connected to one another at the ends facing away from one another in storage devices 58A; 58B are rotatably mounted. The ultrasonic transducers 6A, 6B held by the shaft elements 2A, 2B are integrated in the bearing devices 58A, 58B. Subsequent to the bearing devices 58A, 58B, the contacting devices 4A, 4B, which are connected to at least one ultrasonic generator 70, are connected to the shaft elements 2A, 2B, which are further connected to an associated drive motor 8A and 8B via an associated coupling 85A and 85B are connected.

The lower three separating elements 3A, 3B, 3C can therefore, controlled by the control program 99, be rotated by the lower drive motor 8A, while the upper three separating elements 3D, 3E, 3F, controlled by the control program 99, can be rotated by the upper drive motor 8B.

Control signals and AC voltage signals can also be transmitted individually via the lower and upper contacting device 4A and 4B to the lower and upper ultrasonic transducer 6A, 6B.

The separating device 1 shown therefore comprises two smaller separating devices 1 ', 1 "each with three separating elements 3A, 3B, 3C or 3D, 3E, 3F. The lower separating device 1' with the three separating elements 3A, 3B, 3C and the upper separating device 1 "with the three separating elements 3D, 3E, 3F can be operated autonomously in the same or in different process phases. During a first process phase, a program of the work phase can be used in the upper separating device 1 ″, while a program of the mixing phase is used in the lower separating device 1 '. In a second process phase, a Program of the work phase to be applied. In a third process phase, a program for the unloading phase can be used in the upper separating device 1 ″, while the lower separating device 1 ′ is still being operated in the working phase.

The assembly shaft 2 with the six separating elements 3A, ..., 3F is arranged in a conveying container 5 which is open at the top and the bottom and which has a conveying channel 50 through which the bulk material S is transported by means of gravity. The conveying container 5 also has outlet openings or outlet channels 50A, ..., 50F in the side wall through which an overflow or an intermediate product Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, Se, Sf of the bulk material S is separated from the assigned separating elements 3A, .. ., 3F can be conveyed to the outside and carried away, as shown symbolically. In the unloading phase, the speed of rotation of the separating elements 3A, ..., 3F is increased in such a way that that the intermediate products Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, Se, Sf are carried away by centrifugal force.

The energy supply device 90 shown is activated by the control unit 9 in order to output energy for the motors 8A, 8B and, if necessary, the ultrasonic generator 70, which can also be integrated into the energy supply device 90.

Figure 4a shows a separating device 1 according to the invention with six separating elements 3A,..., 3F which are rotatably held by a mounting shaft 2 and which have a flat spherical wave shape. A spherical waveform is a waveform that results in the water after a stone is thrown into it. The spherical wave shape promotes optimal distribution of the ultrasonic waves so that the bulk material can be divided up particularly efficiently. The separating elements 3A, 3B, ... preferably have one or more resonance frequencies at which maximum vibrations are generated with minimal ultrasonic energy. Particularly in the work phase, the frequency of the ultrasonic waves is preferably keyed between the resonance frequencies so that the most intense and changing influences on the bulk material result and the bulk material is quickly separated into its particles.

The separating elements 3A, ..., 3F are connected to one another by a mounting shaft 2, which is formed in one piece or can also have several shaft elements which are firmly connected to one another. The assembly shaft 2 is connected via a coupling 85B to an upper drive motor 8B, to which control signals 81B from the control unit 9 or an energy supply device 90 connected to it can be fed. The mounting shaft 2 is rotatably held with the upper ultrasonic transducer 6b in an upper bearing device 58 and is practically suspended. The conveying container 5 is attached to the floor, wall or ceiling of a building, for example by means of a bracket.

On the underside of the separating device 1, below the lowermost separating element 3F, a closing cone 55 is provided, in which the particles of the bulk material that have been processed up to the last are collected.

The conveying container 5 has for each of the separating elements 3A, ..., 3F a tubular inlet channel 500A, ..., 500F and an outlet channel 501A, ..., 501F. At least one powdery solid material, at least one liquid or at least one gaseous medium can preferably be fed to the bulk material through the inlet channels 500A,..., 500F. Material can be removed from the individual separating elements 3A,..., 3F or from the closing cone 55 through the output channels 501A,..., 501F.

The conveying container 5 in the present form is preferably sealed so that the processing of the bulk material can be carried out under overpressure or underpressure. Bulk material or bulk material components can be supplied through inlet pipes 5S1, 5S2. The processed bulk material can be removed through one or two exit pipes 5X, 5Y.

The illustrated embodiment of the separating device 1 thus allows various intermediate treatments to be carried out on the bulk material and to ventilate or de-aerate it in a simple manner.

Any desired mixing processes can therefore be carried out at the level of each separating element 3A,..., 3F in order to achieve a specific mixed product or to accelerate the separating processes at this level.

Figure 4b shows part of the separating device 1 of FIG Figure 4a in an enlarged view. The output channels 501A, ..., 501F, like the input channels 500A, ..., 500F are cut at an angle on the front. Other shapes can also advantageously be used, for example shovel shapes directed to the side, in which material can easily be grasped and transported away, possibly sucked off.

Figure 5a shows a separating device 1 according to the invention with spiral-shaped separating elements 3A,..., 3L, which by means of the associated mounting shaft 2 are rotatably mounted and can be acted upon with ultrasonic energy. The separating elements 3A, ..., 3L are mutually directed in pairs and vertically displaced against one another. An arrangement is also possible in which the separating elements 3A,..., 3L run continuously in the same direction in a helical or helical manner.

In this separating device 1, all the particles of the bulk material pass through the entire conveying container 5 and are completely separated from one another. This separating device 1 is preferably used when the particles of the bulk material are to be separated from one another, but not grouped according to their size.

Figure 5b shows part of the separating device 1 of FIG Figure 5a in an enlarged view.

Fig. 6 shows the separator of Fig. 2a in a preferred embodiment with four connecting rods 321, 322, 323, 324 of different thicknesses, by means of which the metal plate 31 is connected to the mounting shaft 2. The change in the diameter of the connecting rods 321, 322, 323, 324 takes place in accordance with an arithmetic or a geometric series. In this way, the coupling of the ultrasonic energy can be advantageously influenced. In particular, wave images can be generated in which wave nodes are reduced. Symbolically, a surface structure in the form of radial waves is drawn in, by means of which an interaction with the bulk material is to take place in order to move and distribute it.

Fig. 7 Figure 3 shows a separator 3 as it is in the device of Fig. 4 is used. The separating element 3 or the separating plate 31 is embodied in the shape of a spherical wave.

Claims (15)

Device (1) for separating particles of a bulk material, which can be supplied at an initial location and processed at a target location in different or similar particle sizes or in an at least approximately uniform particle size, with at least one separating element (3) comprising a metal separating plate (31 ) with through openings (30) provided therein, which can be acted upon by ultrasonic energy and for this purpose is connected to an ultrasonic transducer (6) and which is held by a holding device (2), characterized in that the holding device (2) is an assembly shaft (2) which is held fixed or movable at one or both ends and which is connected to an ultrasonic transducer (6) at one or both ends, through which ultrasonic energy can be coupled into the separating element (3) via the mounting shaft (2), which is dimensionally stable. Separating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the assembly shaft (2) is held rotatably or that the assembly shaft (2) is displaceable along its longitudinal axis or that the assembly shaft (2) is held rotatably and displaceably along its longitudinal axis. Separating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating plate (31) has a flat or curved surface and / or that the separating plate (31) has a constant thickness or a thickness that decreases towards the outside. Separating device (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one separating element (3) has a central axis (x) and is designed to be rotationally symmetrical with respect to this central axis (x) and that the mounting shaft (2) is at least approximately coaxial to the Central axis (x) is aligned. Separating device (1) according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the separating plate (31) of the at least one separating element (3) has a basic structure such as a cone shape, wave shape or spherical wave shape, helical shape, spiral shape and optionally a surface structure superimposed on the basic structure intended for mechanical interaction with the bulk material. Separating device (1) according to one of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the separating plate (31) has the same or different diameters by at least one mounting element (32), such as a connecting sleeve or by at least two connecting rods (321, 322), is connected to the mounting shaft (2). Separating device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the mounting shaft (2) has a plurality of shaft elements (2A, 2B, 2B), each of which is fixedly or detachably connected to one of the separating elements (3A, 3B, 3B) and that the Shaft elements (2A, 2B, 2B) are preferably positively connected to one another, rotatably connected to one another, screwed to one another or welded to one another. Separating device (1) according to one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the assembly shaft (2) is connected at one end or at both ends to a drive motor (8A; 8B) through which the assembly shaft (2) or two shaft elements ( 2A, 2B) the assembly shaft (2) can be driven individually in one direction or the other or alternately in one and the other direction about its longitudinal axis. Separating device (1) according to one of claims 1 - 8, characterized in that the mounting shaft (2) is provided with a contacting device (4) with slip rings (42; 44) and sliding contacts (41; 43) via the AC voltage signals and / or DC voltage signals, if necessary control signals to the ultrasonic transducer (6) which preferably comprises a piezoelectric transducer (61) with at least one piezoelectric element (611), to which alternating voltage signals with a constant or variable frequency can be fed from the ultrasonic generator (70), preferably in the frequency range of 20 kHz to 45 kHz. Compaction device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the preferably ring-shaped piezoelectric elements (631) are clamped between two metal elements or metal plates (632) which are connected to the mounting shaft (2) in a form-fitting, screwable, force-fitting or one-piece manner, and are connected to the ultrasonic generator (70) by connection contacts (64) and the contacting device (4). Separating device (1) according to one of claims 1 - 10, characterized in that the assembly shaft (2) with the at least one separating element (3) connected to it is arranged in a conveying container (5) which has an open or lockable passage (50), through which the bulk material can be transported from the starting point to the destination. Separating device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the conveying container (5) has an outlet opening (50A, 50B, 50C) for at least one of the dividing elements (3A, 3B, 3C) and / or that the conveying container (5) preferably for each of the separating elements (3A, 3B, 3C) has an input channel (500A, 500B, 500C) and / or an output channel (501A, 501B, 501C). Separating device (1) according to one of claims 8 - 12, characterized in that an energy supply device (90) which is connected to the drive motor (8A) or the drive motors (8A, 8B) and a control unit (9) with a control program, by means of which the process for separating the particles of the bulk material can be controlled are provided. Operating method for controlling the separating device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the drive motor (8A) or the drive motors (8A, 8B) can be controlled in such a way that the assembly shaft (2) in a mixing phase at a mixing speed the fraction of a revolution corresponding to a switching frequency is rotated in one direction and again in the other direction, or that the assembly shaft (2) is rotated in a discharge phase with a discharge speed by a multiple of a rotation in one or the other direction, the mixing speed and the switching frequency can be selected such that the bulk material is mixed, and that the discharge speed is selected such that remaining bulk material is removed from the at least one separating element (3) by centrifugal force. Operating method for controlling the separating device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that bulk material is removed from at least one of the separating elements (3) in the mixed phase or that additional materials are added to at least one of the separating elements (3) in the mixed phase.

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