GB2288169A - High security fluent material transfer system - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluent material, e.g. diamondiferous concentrate, transfer system includes at least one discharge unit 10 with outlet port 15 and valved, encoded locking module 16 and at least one receiver unit 12 with inlet port 17 and valved, encoded locking module 20, the locking modules being microprocessor controlled such that their valves are only openable, automatically or manually via a handle (48, figure 2), to allow dispensing of material under gravity from a discharge unit to a receiver unit when predetermined locking modules are correctly mated. Preferably the modules 16 and 20 lock together to prevent separation of the discharge and receiver units when the valves are in their open positions. Each locking module may include a microprocessor, and either a central computer 25 controls the operation of the microprocessors or the module microprocessors communicate directly to determine correct mating, (figure 3). <IMAGE>

Description

"MATERIAL TRANSFER SECURITY SYSTEM" BACKGROUND TO THE MENTION THE invention relates to a material transfer security system.

One application of the invention is in the handling of fillet materials using container. In certain materials processing plants some of the processes may be carried out on a batchwise basis. A ypical example is in a batchwise diamond recovery process In such cases, it is important that The material of one batch should be kept separate froin that of another batch To provide some secunly against different batches of materials being mixed up, devices leave been proposed to lock a separating panel or slide valve in the closed position at the container discharge port. For example in batchwise minerals processing ordinary door-tpc lever locks have been fitted to the slide valves which control discharge from the container discharge ports. The shift supervisor or other person in a position of responsibility tben carries the appropriate keys and is the only person authorised to lock or unlock respective containers as required by the processing operation While simple systems of this type do provide a measure of security, it is believed that a higher level of security is necessary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a secure material transfer system comprising - a series of discharge units from which material is to be discharged, eadi discharge unit having a first material transfer port throu which material is to be discharged, - a series of receiver units to receive material discharged from the discharge units, each receiver unit having a second material transfer port through wbich material is to pass into the receiver unit from the material transfer port of a discharge unit, - respective encoded locking modules mounted to the discharge and receiver units, the locking modules including respective valves which are movable between open and closed positions to open and close the respective material transfer ports, and the loddng modules of respite discharge and receiver units being arranged to mate with one another, and - pre-programmed electronic control means which is responsive to mating of a predeteiiiied discharge unit locking module with a predetertnined receiver unit locking module to allow the respective valves to move to open positions and thereby to permit material to discharge fron the predetermined discharge unit to the predetermined receiver unit through the material transfer pom Preferably, the locking modules of the discharge and receiver units are arranged to lock with one another to prevent separation of the respective units when the salves are in open positions.

In the preferred embodiments, each locking module includes a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the associated valve. and wherein the system further includes a central control computer which controls the operation of the microprocessors.

In one version. of the iwentian, each locking module includes a transpoTkder and the central control computer is arrangcd to interrogate the locking modules via their transponders and in response to a determination that a predetermined discharge unit locking module is mated with a predetermined receiver unit discharge module, to activate the microprocessors of the discharge unit and receiver unit locking modules, via the transpondus, to allow opening of the associated valves bi another version of the invention, each locking module includes a microprocessor and associated communication electronics for communicating direc:y with another locking module with which it is mated, the microprosors of mated modules being arranged, on detertninmg that predetermined modules are mated with one another, to allow opening of the associated vahrts.

In both cases, each locking module may include a manual valve operating handle which is normally disconnected from the associated valve, and electonnechanical actuating means for engaging the handle with the associated valve, under the control of the microproressor, when the microprocessor determines that predetermined locking modules are mated, thereby to permit manual operation of the associated valve.

Alternatively, each locking module may include means operating automaticaSIy to control the associated valve when the microprocessor of the module determines that predetemiined locking modules are mated.

Ia a preferred application of the system of the invention it is used to control the transfer of a diamondiferous concentrate between an item of mineral processing equipment and a movable container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF The DRAWINC1S The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 diagrammatically illustrates tbe main components of oue embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 diagrammatically illustrates the operation of a looking module seen in Figure 1 and incorporating a valve apparatus; Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention;; Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of relevant components of the lodging mechanism seen in Figure 3 and Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the base of a container locking assembly as used in the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings which illustrate a first embodiment of the invention, the numeral 10 revers to a container charged with a batch of fluent material and the numeral 12 to a receptacle for receming the contents of the container. The container may for instance accommodate a batch of slunry which is to undergo processing.In a practical example, the shurry can be one derived during the course of diamond or other mineral processing operations In ch an example, the receptacle 12 could be a inachine or other item of equipment, possibly a densimetric or clone separation device, X-ray sorting device or the like, which is to be supplied with scurry from the container 10 for further processing to recover the valuable component thereof.

As illustrated, the container 10 has a funnel-shaped bottom 14 leading to a material flow conduit 15 which carries a first locking module 16.

The receptacle 12 is fitted with a docking port, indicated with the mineral 18, that includes a second locking module 20, similar to the first module 16, at its base. The second locking module 20 is carried at the upper end of a material flout conduit 17. The locking modules arc securely fixed to the container and receptacle respectively.

Each of the locking modules 16. 20 includes a microprocessor 22 and a radio frequency transponder 24. A solenoid drive control unit 26, a sensor unit 28, an encoding unit 30 and a power monitoring unit 32 are linked to each microprocessor 22. In addition, each locking module 16, 20 incorporates an electromechanical valve apparatus indicated general witty the numeral 23 in Figure 2. The valve apparatus 23 serves in each case to control flow through the respective flow conduit 15 or 17.

In use, when the contents of the container 10 are to be discharged into the receptacle 12, the container 10 is rn ocsred into the correct position relative to the receptacle 12, such that the locking module 16 of the eontaincr docks into the docking port 18 alongside the locking module 20. In practice, the container 10 can be moved into position in any coiwentional 'nnner.

Suitable mechanical guides, such as slides and/or wedges, may be provided in association with Ite docking port 18 to ensure positional accuracy of the container relative to the receptacle and bench of the locking modules relative to one another. When the container has been accurately positioned relative to the receptacle, the flow conduit 15 of the container registers vertically with the corresponding flow conduit 17 of the receptacle.

The system of the Invention also includes a control computer 25 linked to a radio frequency couwmwcations unit 27. The tit 27 is able to communicate with the transponders 24 of the modules 16 and 18.

When the container 10 has been docked relative to the receptacle 1t the locking modules 16 and 20 are interrogated by the computer 25 via the communications unit 27 and the transponders 24. The computer 25 is preprogrammed, in accordance with the desired sequence of operations in the processing plant, to transmit a signal to each transponder 24 wbich results in operation of each of the valve apparatuses 23 in a manner to open the associated valve, as described below.

In effect, the computer instructs each module 16, 20 to open tile associated valve if the module has a specific code, as determined by the encoding unit 30. In otter words, a valve opening command issued by the computer will only be acted upon if the interrogated module, identified by its individual code, is tbe correct module in accordance with the data with which the computer 25 has been programmed If, for instance, the module 16 is for some reason not the correct module in accordance with the computer programme, the valve opening command will not be acted upon, with the result that the relevant valve will not open and there will be no transfer of material from the container 10 to file receptacle 12.

Assuming that the correct modules 16 and 20, corresponding to tbe correct container 10 and receptacle 12, are in tact preset the valve operating command transmitted by the communicatinns unit 27 to the respective transponders 24 is acted upon by the microprocessors 22.

Under the control of the respective microprocessors 22 and solenoid drive control units 26, solenoids 34 of the valve apparatuses are energised.

In each case, the solenoid 34 extends a plunger 36 against the action of a coil spnng 38. Attached to the plunger 36 is a lever 40 mounted pivotally at a point 42. The opposite end of the lever is attached to a rotatable shaft 44 carrying a dutch component 46 at one end and a crank handle 48 at the other end. The pivotal movement of the lever 40 about the point 42 caused by extension of the plunger 36 causes the clutch component to move to the right in Figure 2, into rotational engagement with a cooperating clutch component 50 at one end of a shaft 52 carrying a leaciscrew 54 at its opposite end.A carriage 56 is mounted on the lead screw 54 and is connected to a slide valve 58 mounted for sliding movement relative to the material flow conduit 15 of the container 10.

In Figure Z the clutch corrIponents 46 and 50 are ilhlstrated as being af a type that key mechanically with one another, but it uil be appreciated that a conventional friction disc type clutch arrangement inay also be used.

Onoe the clutch components 46 and 50 are engaged in a rotationally fast manner with one another, an operator can rotate the crank handle 48 to cause corresponding rotation of the shafts 44 and 52. The resulting rotation of the lead scrcw cases moves the carriage 56. This moves the slide valve 58 across the flow conduit 15 from a closed to an open position, as indicated by the arrow and broken lines in Figure 2.

The flow conduit 15 is now open and the contents of the container 10 can discharge under gravity into the receptacle 12 through this conduit.

Figure 2 Illustrates the valve apparatus 23 associated with the container 10 but it will be appreciated that a similar apparanis is provided for the receptacle 12 to open the conduit 17 to material flow.

The slide valve 58 of the container module 16 isatranged to engage a portion of the docking port 18 as soon as it starts moving from the closed to the open position. With such an arrangement, the container 10 is effectively locked to the receptacle 12 during material discharge from the container, so that inadvertent movement of the container away from the receptacle during the material transfer procedure is prevented. The slide valve 58 only disengages from the port 18 when it is retuned to a fully dosed position, so it is only at this stage that the modules can be separated from one anothcr.

The sensor unit 28 of each module 16, 20 includes a series of position sensors, such as Hall effect sensors, which are sensitive to the status of the valve 58. Sensors may, for instance, be provided to indicate conditions of full valve opening, full valve closure, rotation of the leadscrew 54 and so forth Thus if, for instance, the valve jams in a partially dosed position, the microprocessor 22 can, in response to the relevant signal from the sensor unit 28, terminate, reverse or otherwise modify the operation of the solenoid unit 34, as appropriate.In addition, signals representative ofthe status of the valve in each case are transmitted by the relevant transponder 24 to the control computer 25, which is therefore able to monitor the overall status of the material discharge operation.

At the end of a discharge cycle as descnbcd above, the operator can close the valve again by opposite rotation of the crank bandle 4 & BR< Thereafter, the container 10 can be detached from the receptacle 12 and moved to a new site for a rechargiii or other operation.

Instead of manual operation of the crank handle and hence of the slide valve 58 it would of course be possible to provide an electric motor drive aperated automatically, under the control of the microprocessor, in rcsponse to signals from the computer.

An important advantage of the system as described above is the fact that the slide valve 58 cannot be opened otter than when the computer ses the appropriate command in recognitiou of tht fact that the correct container is mated with the correct receptacle. There is therefore tittle chance of maternal from an incorrect batch lndvertently being fed into the receptacle.

Additiona1y, the electromechanical valve arrangement of each module 16, 18 will improve the overall security of the system by nialung unauthorised valve operations more difficult.

As açplained above, the container module 16 and receptacle module 20 are cadi identified by an individual code determined by the encoding unit 30. Security can be enhanced by periodically re-encoding the modules 16 and 18. The power monitoring unit is provided to monitor possible system overloads. power failures and so forth so that appwpriate remedial action can be taken by the relevant microprocessor 22 andlor computer 25.

Although the system has been described above with a single container and a single reccptade, it will be appreciated that in a typical application such as in a minerals processing plant, there will be manly different containers and receptacles in operation at any one time at different stages of the processing operation. The control computer 25 is arranged as a central control in communication with all of tbe containers and receptacles, thereby to monitor the overall Stators of the processing operation of the plant.

While the system has been described above in relation to a container discharge operation, it could equably well be applied to a container charging or other material transfer operation. In such a case, a container may, for instance, be docked beneath a densimetric separator to collect imderflow discharged from the separator.Of course, the long modules will in this case be provided at the upper end of the container and the lower end of the receptacle. Le. the separator, rather than at the lower end of the container and at the upper end of the receptacle as in the illustrated embodiment Additional security can be provided by fixing the modules 16 and 20 firmly to the container and receptacle in a tamperproof manner.

According to a preferred feature of the system as described above, the flow passage defined by the conduit 15 changes from a round crosssection at its upper end to a rectangular, preferably square crossTection at the position where the slide valve 58 is situated It is anticipated that this change in cross-secton will act to reduce the chances of material bridging across the conduit and blocking the flow.

Figures 3 to 5 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 3 shows a housing 100 which is fixed in use to the bottom of an item of fixed mineral processing equipment from which concentrated diamondiferous material is to be discharged and transported to another site for further processing. The housing 100 accommodates a locking module or assembly 102. The numeral 104 indicates a container, in this case in the form of a mn, which carries a cooperating locking module or assembly 106 at its upper enj Each of the locking assemblies 102 and 106 includes a tapered chute 108, 110 carried by a circular base 112, 114.The base 114 of the locking assembly 106 is illustrated in Figure 5. As exemplified by the base 114 of Fgtire 5, each base 112, 114 is formed with a sector-shaped material traSer port 116. The base 114 is also formcd with diametrically opposed pockets 113, 115. The base 112 carries diametrically opposed mechanical interlocks 117,119 at circumferential positions responding to the positions of Ite pockets 113 and 115.

Pivoted centrally to the bases 112 and 114 are respective rotary gate valves 120 and 122 which are generally of sectorchape. The rotary gate valves are formed with corresponding sector-shaped cutouts 123 which, in the appropriate rotational positions of the valves;, align with the respective material transfer ports 116.

The bases 112 and 114 also carry respective solenoid locks 124 and 126.

In Figure 4 the plunger of the solenoid lock 126 is indicated with the reference numeral 130, but it will be understood that the solenoid lock 126 has a corresponding plunger (not visible in the drawings). Figure 4 shows only the solenoid lock 126 and gate valve 122 of the locking assembly 106 of the can 104, other components being omitted in the interests of clarity of il1nstratio The solenoid lock 124 and the gate valve 122 are connected to a central shaft.

When the solenoid locks 124 and 126 are in their locked condition, their plungers locate in openings (not visible in the drawings) in the bases 112 and 114, and prevent the valves from rotating relative to their respective bases.

The gate valve 120 carries a peg 132 and the gate valve 122 is formed with a peripheral cut-out 134 in wbich the peg is received when the locking assemblies 10:2, 106 are correctly mated with one another, as destbed below in more detail.

The base 112 ofthe locking assembly 102 carries a valve operating lever 136 connected to the central shaft so as to be rotationally fast with the gate valve 120. The lever 136 is mounted alongside the solenoid lock 124 and is arranged in such a manner that when the solenoid lock is energized its associated plunger withdraws from an opening in the lever so that the lever can be rotated to cause corresponding rotation of the gate valve. With the plunger extended into the abovementioned opening the base 112 prior to the solenoid being energised, the lever cannot be rotated.

The housings of the solenoid locks 124 and 126 also accommodate independent, pre-progammmed microprocessors incorporating appropriate encoded communications electronics and suitable power supply modules.

The operation of the embodiment of Figures 3 to 5 is as follows, assuming that the can 104 is to be docked to the item of equipment carrying the hottong 100 and that material is to be transferred from the item of equipment to the can under secure conditions.

The can, with its associated locking assembly 106, is brought into position beneath the item of equipment so that the locking assemblies 102 and 106 are vertically aligned with one another. The locking assemblies are brought together so tbat the peg 132 locates in the cutout 134, thereby locking the rotary gate valves 120 and 122 to oric another in rotationally fast manner The mating of the locldug assembies is also such that the medical interlocks 117 and 119 locate in the pockets 113 and 115 respectively. A control switch 140 on the housing 100 is then operated to activate the microprocessOrs associated with the two locking assemblies, The communication electronics of the respective microprocessors communication one another. H;; as a result of their Communication, the microprocessors determine that they are correctly matched, i.e. that the correct item of equipment is mated with the correct can 104 in accordance with the pre.progralrmiing of the microprocessors, the solenoid locks 124 and 126 are encrgiseda The plungers of the solenoid locks are withdrawn with the result, as explained above, that the rotary gate valves 120 and 122 are freed to rotate relative to their respective bases 112 and 114. At the same time the operating lever 136 is freed to rotate and can now be manually operated in manner to rotate the valve 120 about the central axis.

Because of the Iocation of the peg 134 in the cut-out 136, the other rotary gate valve 122 rotates stondhronously.

Prior to rotation of the rotary gate valves 120 and l2, the mechanical interlock 117 is aligned with registering, circumferentially extending cutouts 142 at the peripheries of the gate valves, and the mechanical interlock 119 is aligned with the sector-shaped cutouts 123 of the gate valves. This enables the locking assemblies to mate with one another as described above. As soon as synchronous rotation of the two gate valves takes place, the edges of the valves enter undercut recesses 144, 146 presented by the mechanical interlocks, as illustrated in Figure 4. This effectively locks the locking modules or assemblies to one another and prevents them from being separated from one another.

When the lever 136 is fully rotated the cut-outs 123 are brought into vertical alignment with the respective material transfer ports 116, thereby establishing dear coinmunication between the item of equipment and the can 104. Material passes under gravity from the equipment to the can through the aligned chutes 108 and 110.

After complete discharge of the item of equipment into the can 104, the lever 136 is rotated in the opposite direction to rotate the gate valves 120 and 122 to closed positions in which they are no longer aligned with the material transfer ports 116. When a condition of full closure has been attained, the plungers of the solenoid Iocks spring back to their normal locked positions to prevent rotation of the gate valves relative to their respective bases At the same time, the mechanical int & ocks 117 and 119 are brought once again into positions in which they are aligned with tbe cut-outs 123 and 142.

The locking assemblies can now he separated vertically from one another and the can 104 can be transported to another site for fiirther processing or subsequent discharge of its contents.

It will be noted that in the second embodiment described above with reference to Figures 3 to 5, there is no overall control computer which interrogates the individual locking modules or assemblies to ensure that the correct assemblies are mated with one another and to monitor the QvCil operation of a materials processing ploaL Correct mating is ensured merely by the correct communication protocol being achieved between the coinmunication electronics carried by the respective locking modules or assemblies themselves in accordance with individual codes and the prograrnrning of the microprocessors.Thus to this cxteut tile second embodant is somewhat simpler than the first embodiment and is accordingly considered more suitable for smaller scale applications in which there is a limited number of material transfer operations in progress at any one time.

In both embodiments there is nevertheless a high degree of security. In both cases, the correct modules must be mated witch one another before a material transfer operation can take place. The locking arrangements described in each case are such as to prevent unauthorised tampering with the valve mechanism until such time as the correct modules are correctly mated Thus the individual locking assemblies cannot be opened to allot maternal discharge, either from tile item of equipment or the can, until correct mating takes place. Also, in both cases, during the actual transfer of material, the respective units are locked to one another, thereby ensuring a complete transfer with no material loss.

It will be appreciated that in the second embodiment, where the lever 136 is manually operated, it would be possible to provide an automatic valve opening apparatus which opens the rotate gate valves when correct mating of the locking modules or assemblies has take place.

Claims (9)

cLATMS

1.

A material transfer system comprising: - a series of discharge units from which material is to be discharged, each discharge unit having a first material transfer port through which material is to be discharged, - a series of receiver units to receive material discharged from the discharge units, each receiver unit having a second material transfer port througb which material is to pass into the receiver unit from the material transfer port of a discharge unit, - respective encoded locking modules mounted to the discharge and receiver units, the locking modules including respective valves which are movable between open and closed positions to open and close the respective material transfer ports, and the loco modules of respective discharge and receiver units being ananged to mate weith another, and - pre-programmed electronic control means which is responsive to matting of a predetermined discharge unit locking module with a predetermined receiver unit locking module to allow the respective valves to move to open positions and thereby to permit material to discharge from the predetermined discharge unit to the predetermined receiver unit through the material transfer ports.

2.

A material transfer system according to claim 1 wherein the locking modules of the discharge and receiver units are arranged to lock with one another to prevent separation of the respective nits when the valets are in open positions.

3.

A material transfer system according to claim 2 wherein each lowering module includes a microprocessor for controlling the operation of the associated valve, and wherein the system furthcr includes a central control computer which controls the operation of the microprocessors,

4.

A material transfer system according to claim 3 wherein each lodging module includes a transponder and the central control computer is arranged to interrogate tie locking modules via their tmnders and, in response to a determination that a predetermined discharge unit locking module is mated with a predetermined receiver unit discharge module, to acuvate the microprocessors of the discharge unit and receiver unit locking modules, via the transponders, to allow opening of the associated valves.

5.

A material transfer system according to claim 2 wherein each locking module includes a microprocessor and associated communication electronics for commnnicating directly with another locking module with which ft is mated, the microprocessors of mated modules being arranged, on determining that predetermined modules are mated with one another, to allow opening of the associated valves

6.

A material transfer system according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein each locldiig module includes a mammal valve operating handle which is normally disconnected from the associated valve, and electromechanical acting means for engagig the handle with the associated valve, under the control of the microprocessor, when the microprocessor determines that predetermined locking modes are mated, thereby to permit manual operation of the associated valve.

7.

A material transfer system according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein each locldng module include means operating automatically to control the associated valve when the microprocessor of the module determines tbat predetermined locking modules are mated.

L A material transfer system according to any one of the preceding cairns when used to control the transfer of a diamondiferous concentrate between an item of mineral processing equipment and a movable comamer.

9.

A material transfer system substantially as herein described with reference to either one of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawing