FR3096357A1 - Advanced filling system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (7) for distributing solid particles for a storage container filling system (1) comprising at least one scattering element (13) for filling the container with solid particles in a homogeneous manner. , each scattering element (13) comprising at least one rotating plate (15) provided with fins (16) making it possible to eject, by centrifugal force, the solid particles in a homogeneous distribution. According to the invention, the fins (16) comprise, at their periphery, brushes (19) comprising series of flexible bristles extending along a projecting surface in the form of an inverted T so that the brushes (19) deform elastically. the passage of the solid particles to protect the solid particles between them and then restore this absorbed energy to direct the final ejection towards the container of the solid particles.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Improved filling system Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of filling containers with solid particles such as grains or granules.

These containers can be, for example, reactors for the petroleum or chemical industry or silos for the storage of cereals, fertilizers or any other product in the form of solid particles.

Technical background

The filling of such containers is done by transferring the solid particles from hoppers or funnels, which discharge the solid particles into the container through flexible sleeves or rigid pipes.

Generally, one seeks to fill the container with the maximum of solid product and to have a distribution of the solid particles as homogeneous as possible in terms of particle size in order to come as close as possible to the optimum filling determined theoretically.

[0003] Thus, in the case of chemical reactors in particular, it is advantageous to have the largest possible mass of reactant granules in the reactor in order to be able to space out the stops of the apparatus linked to the replacement of the reactant granules 11 It is also important to have a homogeneous particle size distribution throughout the reactor in order to avoid the appearance of preferential paths (zones with less density of reactant granules) for the substances having to pass through the bed of reactant granules. in fact, in such a case, only a part of the reagent granules is used, which would entail a replacement of all the reagent granules although a part has not been used.

Since these reactant granules have a relatively high cost, it is therefore possible to understand the determining aspect of the homogeneous particle size distribution throughout the reactor.

[0004] When loading such a container, it may happen that the filling system suffers a partial obstruction due to parasitic elements (pieces of plastic resulting from the opening of the packages containing the solid particles, of detritus from the cleaning of hoppers, etc.).

Each obstruction disturbs the distribution of the filling system which can no longer guarantee homogeneous filling of the container.

Summary of the invention 100051 The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a filling system whose distribution is less dependent on any parasitic elements present with the solid particles to be distributed in the container. 2

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a filling system for a container intended to store solid particles comprising a device for distributing solid particles intended to receive and selectively distribute the solid particles to a distribution device and comprising at least one element for dividing the flow of solid particles, the distribution device comprising at least one element for scattering solid particles intended to fill the container homogeneously, characterized in that the dividing element is rotatably mounted around a axis substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the flow of solid particles in the distribution device in order to distribute any defect in the flow of solid particles in the distribution device.

Advantageously according to the invention, if a partial blockage of the dividing element occurs, the filling system can selectively move the dividing element in rotation in order to distribute the defect induced by the sealing in a circular manner in the container if although it does not remain localized.

It is therefore understood that this rotation makes it possible, as the container is filled, to correct the defect in the upper front of solid particles generated by the sealing.

The filling system is therefore much less sensitive in the event of the presence of parasitic elements present with the solid particles to be distributed in the container.

[0008] The invention can also include one or more of the following optional characteristics, taken alone or in combination.

[0009] According to a first embodiment, the dividing element can be mounted idle on a fixed ring of the distribution device, which makes it possible to be able to directly actuate the dividing element without moving other members.

[0010] According to a second embodiment, the divider element may be integral with a ring mounted idle on a fixed structure of the distribution device, which makes it possible to easily mount external mechanisms to actuate the divider element.

Whatever the embodiment and according to a first variant, the divider element can be coupled to a drive mechanism in order to be selectively moved which makes it possible to choose the moment when the divider element is moved and how fast.

According to a particular version of the first variant, the drive mechanism is coupled to the distribution device in order to make the displacement of the dividing element proportional to that of the scattering element which allows, by example, using the motor of the dispensing device to move the dividing element.

Whatever the embodiment and according to a second variant, the distribution device comprises at least one drive element intended to cooperate with the flow of solid particles to move the divider element which avoids 3 of have to add a drive mechanism.

The scattering element may include at least one turntable provided with fins of varying lengths so that the periphery of the plate extends in the form of substantially at least one spiral so as to fill the container in the form of 'a homogeneous rain of solid particles.

Brief description of the figures

Other features and advantages will emerge clearly from the description thereof. made below, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

1-fig.11 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a filling system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0017] [fig.2] Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 in which a housing has been removed in order to view a dividing element of the filling system according to the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a filling system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

detailed description

In the various figures, identical or similar elements bear the same references, optionally added with an index.

The description of their structure and function is therefore not systematically repeated.

100201 In what follows, the orientations are the orientations of the figures.

In particular, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “above”, “below”, “towards the front” and “towards the rear” are generally understood to mean with respect to the direction of representation of the figures.

100211 The invention generally relates to a filling system for a vessel such as a catalysis reactor or a storage silo intended to store solid particles such as catalyst in the form of granules or cereal grains.

The filling system is intended to be mounted in the upper part of the receptacle in order to distribute the solid particles in a homogeneous and regular manner, making it possible to fill the receptacle progressively along an upper front forming a substantially flat and horizontal surface.

This type of filling in fact makes it possible to maximize the quantity of solid particles stored in the container according to a very homogeneous distribution but also to ensure the protection of the solid particles in particular by avoiding their dust-generating attrition.

100221 In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the filling system 1 is arranged to fill a chemical reactor with reactant granules.

Of course, the invention can also be applied to other fields such as grain silos or more generally to any container of solid particles such as grains of vegetable plants such as coffee beans or wood pellets.

In the examples illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the filling system 1 is arranged to cooperate with a feed device (not shown) of solid particles.

Typically, for chemical reactors, the feed devices are generally conveyors discharging the reactant granules through a filling line fed through the upper opening of the reactor.

The filling system 1 according to the invention is therefore placed in communication with this filling pipe in order to distribute the reactant granules in a homogeneous manner in the reactor.

As shown in Figure 1, the filling system 1 comprises a fixing device 3, a distribution device 5 and a device 7 for distributing the solid particles.

The fixing device 3 mainly comprises at least two arms 4 (three in FIG. 1) intended to support the filling system 1 in the reactor and to be each fixed to at least part of the reactor.

The distribution device 5 is intended to receive and selectively distribute the solid particles coming from the filling line to the distribution device 7.

To this end, the distribution device 5 comprises a flexible tube 8 extended by a casing 9.

As visible in Figure 1, the flexible tube 8 is intended to receive, for example by fitting, the filling pipe in order to channel the reactant granules from the filling pipe to the housing 9 and in particular to at least one dividing element 11. flow of solid particles.

The flexible tube 8 is not an essential element of the invention.

Thus, it could be removed or replaced by another type of delivery member.

The casing 9 comprises an upper part 9a and a lower part 9b which are essentially tubular and intended mainly to guide the solid particles towards each dividing element 11 located inside at the level of the lower end of the lower part 9b. .

The upper part 9a also receives a drive mechanism for the dispensing device 7.

The latter is made integral with the fixing device 3 by a frame 6 connecting its three arms 4 passing through the upper part 9a of the distribution device 5.

The dividing element 11 can be of different types.

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the invention can, for example, use a dividing element 11 of the type described in document EP 2 648 837.

More specifically, as visible in the example of FIG. 2, the dividing element 11 can thus be a diaphragm mechanism comprising a plurality of shutter flaps, each closing an angular sector of the bottom of the casing 9.

More precisely, the diaphragm mechanism comprises means for controlling the movement of the shutter flaps, configured to be able to partially shut off an angular sector independently of the other angular sectors.

According to this example of dividing element 11, a filling of a container with solid particles is obtained, regardless of the size of the particles.

Each annular sector can also comprise a plurality of shutter flaps, typically at least two, each covering a same angular shutter sector.

By moving these flaps with respect to each other, for the same annular sector, the opening of the angular sector through which the solid particles can pass is modified, so as to at least partially block the sector.

It is understood that the obturation of an angular sector can be total.

By separately controlling the flow in each angular sector, we can flexibly modulate the distribution of solid particles to the distribution device 7 and thus avoid clogging effects of these sectors.

It will then be understood that each angular sector selectively offers an axial opening towards the dispensing device 7.

Of course, other types of dividing element 11 can be envisaged in addition to or replacing the diaphragm mechanism of the type described in document EP 2 648 837 without departing from the scope of the invention.

In no way limiting, concentric cylinders arranged in the casing 9 could, for example, also divide the flow of solid particles in addition to or in replacement of the diaphragm mechanism of the type described in document EP 2 648 837.

In addition, the opening of the dividing element 11 could, in addition or as a replacement, offer at least one radial opening (that is to say substantially perpendicular to the axial opening) and / or oblique (that is to say that is to say oriented between the axial orientation and the radial orientation) towards the dispensing device 7.

The distribution device 7 can be of different types.

It comprises at least one scattering element 13 intended to fill the container with solid particles in a homogeneous manner and, preferably, in the form of a homogeneous rain of solid particles.

The distribution device 7 may comprise between one and twenty scattering elements 13 and, preferably, between two and five.

In no way limiting, several scattering elements 13 (three in Figures 1 to 3 of which only one is mainly visible) may each include, as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, a turntable 15 provided with fins 16 for ejecting , by centrifugal force, the solid particles in a homogeneous distribution.

As visible in Figures 1 to 3, the fins 16 preferably have scalable lengths so that the periphery of its associated plate 15 extends in the form substantially of a spiral or several spirals (two to in Figures 1 to 3) so in ejecting the solid particles according to several rays capable of creating the distribution in the form of homogeneous rain. 6

In addition, each channel 17 formed between two fins 16 preferably comprises a slope 18 directly above one (or more) angular sector (s) of the dividing element 11 in order to modify the substantially axial flow of the solid particles leaving the dividing element 11 in a substantially radial flow towards the ends of the fins 16.

The axial orientation in the position of use of the filling system 1 substantially corresponds to that of the action of gravity.

Finally, preferably, the fins 16 comprise, at their periphery, brushes 19 comprising series of soft and flexible bristles with scalable lengths in a manner similar to the fins 16.

The bristles of the brushes 19 can be of various geometries.

They are preferably prismatic and / or conical and / or frustoconical, that is to say each pile or the bristles between them, and according to a circular or polygonal section.

In the examples illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, each brush 19 extending the end of a fin 16 has a projecting surface in the form of an inverted T "-L".

More precisely, a first upper series of bristles is substantially vertical and joins a second lower series of substantially horizontal bristles at the median level of the latter.

These bristles have the characteristics of being flexible and smooth in order to protect the solid particles between them.

When the solid particles are dispersed, the bristles are arranged to deform elastically as the solid particles pass, then to restore this absorbed energy to direct the final ejection towards the container of the solid particles.

According to a preferred variant, the second lower series of bristles extends, from the end of each fin 16, in an oblique direction with respect to the horizontal axis.

More precisely, the second series extends upward relative to the horizontal axis, from the end of each fin 16, so that at least the free ends of the second series of bristles are on the path of the solid particles emerging from its associated channel 17.

The slope relative to the horizontal axis of all or part of the second series can thus be between 5 and 10 degrees and, preferably, around 7 degrees.

Advantageously, this slope makes it possible to release the solid particles from the dispensing device 7, at the level of the free ends of the second series of bristles, at a height greater than the outlet of the channels 17 without too much braking so that they are distributed further radially into the container.

Of course, other distribution devices 7 can be used, for example of the strap type or of the whip type.

When loading such a container, it may happen that the filling system 1 suffers a partial obstruction in the housing 9 as at the level of the dividing element 11 because of parasitic elements (pieces of plastic resulting from the opening 7 of the packages containing the solid particles, of detritus resulting from the cleaning of the hoppers, etc.).

Each obstruction disturbs the distribution of the filling system 1, which can no longer guarantee homogeneous filling of the container.

Advantageously according to the invention, the dividing element 11 is rotatably mounted about an axis substantially parallel to the direction of flow of the flow of solid particles in order to distribute a possible defect in the flow of solid particles in the device 7 distribution.

Thus, for example, if a partial blockage of the dividing element 11 occurs, the filling system 1 can selectively move the dividing element 11 according to a rotation in order to distribute the defect induced by the sealing so well in the container circularly. that it does not remain localized.

It will therefore be understood that this rotation makes it possible, as the container is filled, to correct the defect generated by the plugging on the upper front of solid particles in the container.

The filling system 1 is therefore much less sensitive in the event of the presence of parasitic elements mixed with the solid particles to be distributed in the container.

According to a first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the dividing element 11 is mounted idle on a fixed ring 21, that is to say free to rotate relative to the fixed ring 21, of the device 5 distribution.

This embodiment thus makes it possible to be able to directly actuate the dividing element 11 without moving other members.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, it can be seen that the fixed ring 21 is mounted on a distribution device 5 by three bars 22 attached to the frame 6.

The fixed crown 21 cooperates with the dividing element 11 by means of an assembly 24 for relative displacement.

The latter, in the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, mainly comprises an annular cam 23 integral with the dividing element 11 and several rollers 25 pivotally mounted on the fixed ring 21.

The peripheral surface of the annular cam 23 is therefore capable of rolling against the grooves formed in the peripheral surface of each roller 25 in order to drive the assembly of the divider element (s) 11 in rotation.

In the example illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the assembly 24 of relative displacement comprises a roller 25 on either side of each bench 22, that is to say comprises six rollers 25 in total.

Of course, the relative displacement assembly 24 could include other types of rollers 25 and / or a different number of rollers 25.

Likewise, the relative displacement assembly 24 could be reversed, that is to say that the fixed ring 21 could carry the annular cam 23 and, the dividing element 11, the rollers 25, without leaving the frame of the 'invention.

Finally, the relative displacement assembly 24 cannot be limited to cam 23 - rollers 25 pairs.

Thus, in no way limiting, the relative displacement assembly 24 could be of the rolling type, such as for example a ball, without departing from the scope of the invention.

According to a second embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the element 11 divider is 8 integral with a ring 31 mounted loose on a fixed structure of the device 5 distribution.

This embodiment thus makes it possible to easily mount external mechanisms to actuate the dividing element 11.

In the example illustrated in Figure 3, it can be seen that the ring 31 is mounted below and projecting from the periphery of the dividing element 11 so that the latter 11 is integral in movement with this first 31 .

Furthermore, in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the dividing element 11 is integral with the lower part 9b of the casing 9.

In addition, the lower part 9b cooperates with the rest of the (fixed) parts of the distribution device 5 with the aid of a relative displacement assembly 34 The latter 34, in the example illustrated in FIG. 3, mainly comprises a annular cam 33 integral with the peripheral part of the lower part 9b and several rollers 25 pivotally mounted on bearings 32 fixed to the frame 6.

The peripheral surface of the annular cam 33 is therefore capable of rolling against the grooves formed in the peripheral surface of each roller 25 in order to drive in rotation the assembly comprising said at least dividing element 11, the idler ring 31 and the lower part 9b of the casing 9 relative to the rest of the parts of the distribution device 5.

In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the assembly 34 of relative movement comprises two rollers 35 on each bearing 32, that is to say comprises six rollers 35 in total.

Of course, the relative displacement assembly 34 could include other types of rollers 35 and / or a different number of rollers 35.

Likewise, the assembly 34 of relative displacement could be reversed, that is to say that the bearing surfaces 32 could carry the annular cam 33 and, the lower part 9b, the rollers 35, without departing from the scope of the invention. .

Finally, the relative displacement assembly 34 cannot be limited to cam 33 - rollers 35 pairs.

Thus, in no way limiting, the assembly 34 for relative displacement could be of the rolling type, such as for example a ball, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Whatever the embodiment and according to a first variant, the dividing element 11 can be coupled to a drive mechanism in order to be selectively moved.

This makes it possible in particular to be able to control the movement (start, speed, stop, etc.) according to the operating conditions of the filling system 1.

In no way limiting, it is for example possible to use a drive mechanism of the electric type (not shown).

The drive mechanism can thus mainly comprise a toothed wheel integral with the fixed crown 21 or the idle crown 31, a reduction gear and a motor assembly.

Therefore, it is understood that the rotation of the dividing element 11 can be actuated without the mandatory presence of an operator.

By way of example, the activation of the rotation of the dividing element 11 could be slaved to the activation of the feed device (not shown) or the presence of solid particles in the casing 9.

According to a particular version of the first variant, the drive mechanism is coupled to the distribution device 7 in order to make the displacement of the dividing element proportional to that of the scattering element which allows, for example, to use the motor of the dispensing device 7 to move the dividing element 11.

Thus, in no way limiting, the reduction gear train explained above could be coupled to the motor of the distribution device 7 or to a transmission shaft of the motor such as, for example, that of the scattering element 13.

Typically, the dividing element 11 could rotate between two and four hundred times slower than the plate 15, and, preferably, between ten and two hundred times slower.

However, conversely, nothing prevents the dividing element 11 from rotating at the same speed or faster than the scattering element 13.

Whatever the embodiment and according to a second variant, the distribution device 5 comprises at least one drive element (not shown) intended to cooperate with the flow of solid particles to move the dividing element 11 .

This makes it possible in particular to be able to absorb part of the energy of the movement of the solid particles so as not to have to add a drive mechanism to the filling system 1 as in the first variant.

By way of example, the drive element could be formed by a curved or rectilinear rib mounted upstream of the dividing element 11 or on the internal wall of the lower part 9b so that the stop of part of the displacement axial direction of the solid particles against these ribs induces a rotation of the dividing element 11.

It is therefore understood that the rotation of the dividing element 11 would be dependent on the flow rate of solid particles arriving in the casing 9.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments and variants presented and other embodiments and variants will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

The invention cannot be limited to the applications described above but can be applied to any type of filling with solid particles of a container.

In addition, although it is proposed automable movements of the dividing element 11, the invention relates mainly to the rotary mounting of the dividing element 11 which can, of course, also be moved manually by an operator. directly (direct gripping) or indirectly (use (one tool or one command).

It can also be envisaged that the filling system 1 comprises several divider elements 11 of identical shape or not mounted for example coaxially in order to optimize the distribution of the solid particles.

In addition, it can also be envisaged that the filling system 1 comprises several distribution devices 7 of identical geometry or not mounted, for example coaxially in order to optimize the distribution of the solid particles. 11

Claims (1)

CLAIMS [Claim 1] Device (7) for the distribution of solid particles for a storage container filling system (1) comprising at least one scattering element (13) intended to fill the container with solid particles in a homogeneous manner, each scattering element (13) comprising at least one rotating plate (15) provided with fins (16) making it possible to eject, by centrifugal force, the solid particles in a homogeneous distribution, characterized in that the fins (16) comprise , at their periphery, brushes (19) comprising series of flexible bristles extending along a projecting surface in the shape of an inverted T so that the brushes (19) deform elastically as the solid particles pass to protect the solid particles between they then restore this absorbed energy to direct the final ejection towards the container of the solid particles. [Claim 2] A dispensing device (7) according to the preceding claim, in which each brush (19) comprises a first upper series of substantially vertical bristles which joins a second lower series of substantially horizontal bristles at the median level of the latter. [Claim 3] A dispensing device (7) according to the preceding claim, in which the second lower series of bristles extends, from the end of each fin (16), in an oblique direction with respect to the axis horizontal. [Claim 4] A dispensing device (7) according to the preceding claim, in which the second series extends upward with respect to the horizontal axis, from the end of each fin (16), so that that at least the free ends of the second series of bristles are on the path of the solid particles emerging between two fins (16). [Claim 5] Device (7) for dispensing according to one of the preceding claims, comprising between two and five scattering elements (13). [Claim 6] Device (7) for dispensing according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fins (16) have varying lengths so that the periphery of the plate (15) extends in the form of substantially at least one spiral. so as to fill the container in the form of a homogeneous rain of solid particles. [Claim 7] A dispensing device (7) according to the preceding claim, in which the bristles of the brushes (19) have varying lengths similar to those of the fins (16). 12 [Claim 8] [Claim 9] [Claim 10] Dispensing device (7) according to one of the preceding claims, in which each channel (17) formed between two fins (16) has a slope (18) in order to modify the substantially axial flow of the solid particles arriving on the distribution device (7) in a substantially radial flow towards the ends of the fins (16). Filling system (1) for a container intended to store solid particles comprising a device (5) dc distribution of solid particles intended to receive and selectively distribute the solid particles to a device (7) dc distribution in order to fill it with solid particles. container in a homogeneous manner, characterized in that the dispensing device (7) is according to one of the preceding claims. Filling system (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the distribution device (5) further comprises at least one element (11) for dividing the flow of solid particles.