US3542255A

US3542255A - Bulk material flow regulating device

Info

Publication number: US3542255A
Authority: US
Inventors: Hans Oetiker
Original assignee: Buehler AG
Current assignee: Buehler AG
Priority date: 1968-06-05
Filing date: 1969-05-28
Publication date: 1970-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 1987-11-24
Also published as: AT282471B; JPS548939B1; CH492624A; FR2010193B1; GB1236318A; DE1926450C3; DE1926450A1; FR2010193A1; DE1926450B2

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Hans Oetiker St. Gall, Switzerland [21] Appl. No. 828,459 [22] Filed May 28,1969 [45] Patented Nov. 24,1970 [73] Assignee Gebruder Buhler AG St. Gall, Switzerland [32] Priority June 5, 1968 3 3 Switzerland [31] No. 8316/68 [54] BULK MATERIAL FLOW REGULATING DEVICE 20 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 222/445. 222/448, 222/449, 222/504; l37/630.14 [51] Int. Cl G0lfll/26 [50] Field of Search. 222/445, 446, 448,449, 450, 504; 137/630.l4, 630.15

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 709,262 9/1902 Gold l37/630.15 790,294 5/1905 Gold.... l37/630.l5X 2,439,861 4/1948 Pootjes.... 222/445 2,626,066 1/1953 Rasmussen.... 222/445X 2,688,341 9/1954 McBain et al.. 137/630.l4 3,257,045 6/1966 Carpentier 222/450 3,410,422 11/1968 Carpentier 222/445X Assistant Examiner-H. S. Lane Attorney-McGlew and Toren ABSTRACT: A device for facilitating the free flow of bulk goods from a compartment or space at one pressure to a compartment or space at another pressure includes a housing having an intermediate chamber with an inlet connected to the compartment having the goods and a discharge connected to a compartment which is adapted to receive the goods. The intermediate chamber may be closed at the inlet and outlet by a combined action valve mechanism or closing device which includes a closing element which includes an outer annular portion and an inner or central suppressor portion which are separately operable by supporting lever arms. The suppressor portion provides an equalization opening permitting initial communication between the goods contained in the compartment at one pressure and the intermediate chamber and also a similar communication between the intermediate chamber and a compartment at a distinct pressure. The operating mechanism for the closing elements of the inlet and the outlet of the intermediate compartment are interconnected so that they may be operated separately to open the intermediate compartment to receive the goods after effecting the opening of the suppressor opening to equalize the pressure and thereafter the outer annular opening. The same operation is effected in respect to the opening of the discharge.

Patented Nov. 24, 1970 I 3,542,255

Sheet 2 of2 INVENTOR. hmvs oer/x41;

BY 71/ww7rw BULK MATERIAL FLOW REGULATING DEVICE SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates, in general, to the construction of flow control apparatus and, in particular, to a new and useful device for the free flowing delivery of bulk goods between compartments of distinct pressures.

In order to deliver bulk materials from a compartment of one pressure to one of a different, for example, a lower pressure, it is usually necessary to provide a lock chamber and to bring the pressure in the chamber space to the same level prevailing in the room of the bulk goods which is'to be poured out. This may be accomplished by appropriate pressure equalization openings that can be controllably opened and closed before the pouring of the bulk goods. In addition, a corresponding pressure equalization must be carried out before emptying the chamber into the room receiving the bulk goods which is under the second distinct pressure. In order to obtain this pressure equalization, it has been suggested that the intermediate chamber be connected by ducts with valves and controls which may be operated to close and open the ducts connected between each compartment and the intermediate chamber. However, this manner of equalization of pressure has a disadvantage in respect to the conveying of bulk goods because the air which flows during pressure equalization is often strongly charged with dust and quickly leads to the clogging or jamming of the closure elements or valves and their controls. To carry out a pressure balance, it has also been suggested to provide special valves in the lid, which permit the closing of the inlet openings of the chamber, and with separate controls so that they may independently operate. In addition, such devices include lid actuators to permit the closing of the pressure equalization openings in the lid. Again, such devices are stlsceptible to dustladden air even though to a lesser extent than the other construction. There is still the disadvantage that special control and actuating devices operating in a timed sequence must be provided for the valves and for the closure elements on the lids. In addition, there is a further disadvantage that at least the actuating device for the valves must be arranged in the area of the flow of the goods and, in certain cases, they make operation of the lid locks difficult.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided an intermediate chamber having closure elements which eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and permit a simplification of the operation of the lock of the chamber especially in regard to the control and the actuating mechanism for pressure equalization. The invention includes a chamber which is closed by a closure member or valve which includes an outer or surrounding major valve portion and a central suppressor or closure lid which may be manipulated independently for opening a portion of the passage opening in order to provide pressure equalization. The entire valve mechanism including the outer major valve portion and the central suppressor are mounted so that they are positively connected with a single power drive and the entire closing element is freely movable within the intermediate chamber. The construction includes a chamber which has an inlet adapted to be connected to the space containing the goods and an outlet adapted to be connected to the space for receiving the goods. A closure member located both at the inlet and at the outlet are interconnected by an operating mechanism which permits independent operative control of each. Each closure member also advantageously includes a valve lid having separate suppressor portion which, for example, is advantageously centrally located and which will be initially operated by the operation of the control mechanism to open before the remaining portion of the lid in order to provide a desired pressure equalization. This pressure equalization is accomplished first when the goods are received in the intermediate chamber and thereafter when the intermediate chamber is connected to the delivery passage for the goods to the receiving chamber.

LII

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved device for the free flowing delivery of bulk goods which advantageously includes an intermediate chamber which is adapted to be connected between two compartments of different pressure and which include closure elements which are moved positively and which include a suppressor lid portion which first provides an automatic equalization of the pressure between the receiving intermediate chamber and the delivery passage and between the receiving intermediate chamber and the discharge passage.

A further object of the invention is to provide a valve construction for the control of the delivery of bulk material from the compartment at one pressure to a compartment at a different pressure and which includes a supporting arm which is pivotally connected to an annular outer closure lid portion and separately pivotally connected to a central suppressor lid portion and which, when it is actuated, may be set to effect opening of the suppressor portion first in order to provide a pressure equalization and thereafter to open the complete lid to provide for a free flow of the material.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device for the control of flow of bulk material between two spaces or compartments of different pressure which is simple in design, rugged in construction and economical to manufacture.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims anneited to and forming a part of this specification. For a betterunderstanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section through a bulk material flow control device constructed in accordance with the invention, and;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device indicated in FIG. 1, and showing the drive mechanism therefor.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings, in particular, the invention embodied therein comprises a bulk material flow control device generally designated 1, which is adapted to be connected between two chambers or compartments of different pressure for the flow of the bulk material from the one compartment into the other through the device. The device 1 includes an infeed connection or flange 11 defining a flow passage 12, a chamber housing 14 defining an intermediate chamber 13 which has an outlet connection 15 which is connected to a flange or outlet connection 11'. The chamber housing 14 includes a lateral portion or pipe segment 16 which is flanged to permit connection to a conduit or to permit the mounting of a cover lid 18 as shown in the drawings. The cover lid 18 is secured in position by securing bolts or screws 17.

In accordance with the invention, in the area of the flow passage 12, there is arranged an interchangeable rigid ring or valve seat member 22 which is connected with the housing 14, such as by bolts and which carries a gasket ring 23. A pivot pin 3 is journaled in the side walls of the housing 14 and it carries a suppressor arm or support 31 which is rigidly connected therewith for rotation therewith. A supressor plate or pressure equalizin plate 35 is pivotally connected to the carrier arm 31 at a pivot pin 32 by means of a bracket 33. An ad-- justing screw 36 is threaded through the arm 31 and it may be engaged against the suppressor plate 35 for adjusting the closing position thereof.

At least one additional closing element arm or support arm 41 which is separated from the compressor arm 31 is freely rotatably supported on the pivot pin 3. The closing element arm 41 carries a closing element plate 45 which has a central opening 50 which is closed by suppressor plate 35. The plate 35 is supported on the arm 31 by means ofa bracket 43 which is pivoted on a pivot pin 42 carried by the arm 31. A gasket ring 51 is carried in the plate 45 and provides a seal between the plate 45 and the suppressor plate 35. The closing element arm 41 also carries two adjusting screws 46 and 46' which may be threaded into the arm 41 for the purpose of adjusting the closure position of the closing element 45.

The lateral segment portion 16 of the housing 14 is dimensioned to accommodate the closure lid 2 and its associated mechanism and also to permit passage of the interchanging of the rigid ring 22 which forms the valve seat. This is especially important when the materials being conveyed contain abrasive products which will cause a rapid wear of this ring 22.

The housing 14 is connected to an infeed flange 11' of a complementary device 1' which includes a housing portion 14' defining a chamber 13 ofsimilar configuration and having other parts similar to the parts described in respect to the upper portion of the device. In addition, the flow passage 12 defined in the portion 1' includes a comparable closure mechanism and operating linkages and these parts are designated similar to the part 1 but with an added prime after the numerical connotations.

By reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the pivot pin 3 is rigidly connected to an actuating lever 61 by means of a through pin 62. A comparable pivot pin 3' for the lower portion of the device 1' is rigidly connected to a lever arm 71 by a pin pin 62'. A fluid cylinder 80 is pivotally connected to the lever arm 71 through a pivot pin 85 and a bracket 84. A piston 81 is slidable in the cylinder and it carries a piston rod 82 which extends outwardly from the opposite end thereof and is pivotally connected to the lever arm 61 through a pin 83. The outer end of the arm 71 carries an extension or plug 75 which is connected to one end ofa coil spring 70 having an opposite end connected to an extension or lug 65 of the housing 11. The spring 70 applies a tension on the arm 71 to urge it in the direction of the arm 61.

Fluid pressure is supplied to respective sides of the cylinder 80 through connecting

conduits

101 and 102 which are connected at their outer ends to a reversing valve 105 which is operated by a solenoid control 106 which is coupled through a switch 107 and a power supply 108. Means for supplying fluid under pressure such as a pump 103 is connected to the reversing valve 105 for selectively directing the pressurized medium to whichever end of the cylinder 80 is to be pressurized to switch the position of the piston 81. An escape connection 104 leads away from the reversing valve 105.

The device is operated as follows:

As indicated in FIG. 2, the piston 81 is shown in a neutral position, but it does not correspond to any state of rest in respect to the operating cycle. In this position, the piston 81 momentarily holds both lids 2 and 2' in a closed position blocking the

passages

12 and 12. In the condition of the valve 105, indicated, pump 103 will supply a pressure through the duct 102 to cause the downward movement of the piston 81 to open the upper lid 2. This is caused by the rotation of the pivot 3 in a clockwise direction which initially causes the lifting of the suppressor plate 35 from the gasket ring 51. When this occurs, a pressure equalization between the chamber 13 and the infeed connection 11 occurs through equalization opening 50 in the closing element 45. After the pressure equalization takes place, the closing element 45 may move freely and it will be moved by further rotation of the pin 3 to completely open the passage 12. During the opening movement of the upper lid 2, the lower lid 2 is maintained in a closed position by the tension spring 70 acting of the lever 71. After the chamber 13 is filled with the bulk goods, the pressure medium fromthe pump 103 is directed out ofthe duct 102 and into the duct to cause the lever 61 to move the pivot 3 backwardly in a counterclockwise direction to close the lid 2. The suppressor plate 35 and the closure element 45 each move together toward the ring 22 until the closing element 45 rests tightly on the gasket ring 23. With a further admission of pressure medium, into the cylinder 80, it will be moved downwardly relatively to its piston 81 in an opposite direction after the closing element has come to rest against the ring 22 and the suppressor 35 moves onto the ring 51. The tension spring 70 becomes further tensioned by the further downwardly occurring motion causes pivot pin 3' to rotated clockwise and to move the suppressor plate 35 of the second lid 2' off the pressure equalization opening 50'. This establishes a connection from the infeed connection 11 to the chamber 13 in the housing 14', which is adapted to be connected to the receiving room of the distinct pressure. This establishes pressure equalization between the intermediate chamber 13 and the receiving room or compartment into which the material is to be directed. As soon as the pressure equalization has progressed sufficiently, the entire closure element 45 will be moved with the arm 41' away from the associated closure ring 22' under the influence of its own weight and the weight of the goods which are delivered from the chamber 13 and thus completely open the passage for the free flow of goods through the passage 12.

After the chamber 13 is completely emptied, the reversing valve 105 is brought from the downward position upwardly to the initial position. Under the influence of tension of the spring 70, the lower lever 71, together with the cylinder 80, is pulled upwardly. This is also aided by the inflow of pressure medium into the cylinder space on the side of the piston rod 82. At this time, the suppressor plate 35 will, together with the outer lid portion 45', move to the closing position engaged with the rigid ring 22.

During the final closing of the lower lid 2', which is guaranteed by the tension spring 70, acting on the lever 71, piston 81 is moved further down by means of a further admission of pressure medium into the cylinder through the lines 102. This thereby causes the opening of the upper lid 2 to repeat the cycle.

Because of the flexible arrangement of the suppressor plate 35, in respect to the closing element 45 on the respective support arms 31 and 41, these elements adjust themselves to the

gaskets

23 and 51. In order to avoid damaging of these

gaskets

23 and 51 by a too oblique position of the suppressor plate 35 or the closing element 45, adjustment screws 36 and 46 are provided. They permit the deviation of the suppressor 35 and the closing element 45 in respect to its mounting through the respective pivot pins 32 and 42 to their associated arms and insure that the

gaskets

23 and 51 will not be damaged.

A feature of the construction is that the

lateral passages

16 and 16 permit easy removal of all of the operating parts of the device including the valve plates 22 and the

gaskets

23 and 51. It is merely necessary to remove the bolts 17 holding the cover 18 in place to make such replacement. Suitable sealing gaskets may be interposed between the cover 18 and the flange of the later compartment 16.

An advantage of the use of the intermediate chamber with the locking valve mechanism resides in the fact that the operation is extremely simple and the parts are easily accessible for change or adjustment when necessary. In addition, no control elements or closing elements are arranged within the range of the dust-ladden air and the actuation of the lid elements always occurs in a controlled manner and is not subject to the uncontrolled influences of the various pressure conditions.

Iclaim:

1. A device for facilitating the flow particularly of bulk materials between two compartments or spaces of different pressure, comprising housing means defining an intermediate material chamber having an inlet adapted to be connected to the compartme t having the material to be transferred and a discharge at a different pressure than said inlet and adapted to be connected to the compartment to receive the material, first and second closure means associated with the respective inlet and discharge each first and second closure means including a valve seat, an outer closure element adapted to engage with said valve seat to form a seal therewith and having a pressure equalizing opening therein, a suppressor lid adapted to engage with said closure element to close said opening, and connecting means connected to said closure elementand said suppressor lid permitting said suppressor lid to move away from the opening in said closure element in the material flow direction and for thereafter permitting the moving said closure element away from said valve seat 2. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said connecting means includes a pivot, supporting arm means connected to said pivot for rotation therewith, and pivotal bracket means separately connected between said supporting arm means and said closure element and said suppressor lid respectively.

3. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said valve seat comprises an interchangeable rigid ring.

4. A device, according to claim 3, including sealing gasket means disposed between said valve seat and said closure element and between said closure element and said suppressor lid.

5. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said-housing means includes an infeed connection terminating in a flow passage having said valve seat, a chamber defined at the end of said flow passage and surrounding said first closure means, and an outlet portion connected to said chamber terminating in said discharge located opposite said flow passage and said inlet. v

6. A device,.according to claim 5, wherein said discharge has an opening corresponding to the opening of said inlet and a discharge valve seat bordering said opening.

7. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said housing means comprises a first housing portion including an inlet assage, an inlet opening having said valve seat and an intermediate chamber portion, .and a second housing portion including an inlet connected to said intermediate chamber portion and terminating in an opening constituting said discharge, said second closure means being located in the opening terminating in said discharge and said first closure means being in the opening at'the inner end ofsaid inlet portion.

8. A device, according to claim 1, wherein saidconnecting means includes a rotatable pivot pin member for each of said first and second closure means, a support arm for said closure element connected to said pivot pin member, a support arm for said suppressor lid "connected to said pivot pin and being rotatable therewith, and means connected between said pivot pin for said first closure means and said pivot pin for said second closure means for selectively rotating said pivot pins with the respective closure arms in predetermined rotatable sequence.

9. A device, according to claim 8, wherein said means connected between said pivot pins for said firstclosure means and said second closure means includes a fluid piston and cylinder combination, and means for selectively pressurizing said cylinder for selectively moving said piston for the purpose of selectively rotating the pivot pins for said first and second closure means.

10. A device, according to claim 9, including a lever arm connected to the pivot pins for each of said first and second closure means and connected also to said fluid piston and cylinder combination, and spring means biasing said lever arm of said second closure means in a closed position, said fluid piston and cylinder means being movable to shift said lever arms.

11. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said housing means comprises first and second housing elements arranged in vertically arranged abutting orientation, said drive means connected to said closure element and said suppressor lid comprising rotatable pin means for each of said first and second closure means and means disposed between said two housing positions connecting said pin means for selective rotation thereof.

12. A device, according to claim 11, including spring means biasing said second lever arm toward said fluid cylinder and toward said first lever arm.

13. A device, according to claim 11, wherein said piston in said cylinder is connected for actuation on each side by a fluid pressure medium. L

14. A device, according to claim 13, including means connected between said closure element and its supporting arms and said suppressor lid and its supporting arm permitting limited pivotal movement thereof in respect to the associated supporting arm.

15. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said first and second closure means each includes a rotatable pivot pin, a closure element supported are freely rotatable on said pin and connected to said closure element, a suppressor lid supporting arm affixed to said pin for rotation therewith and connected to said suppressor lid.

16. A device according to claim 1, including a ring gasket on said closure element engageable with said suppressor lid.

17. A device for facilitating the flow of bulk materials comprising a valve seat having an opening therein for the flow of materials the'rethrough, a rotatable pivot pin located on one side of said valve seat, a closure element supporting arm rotatable on said pivot pin, a closure element articulated to said closure element supporting arm and having a pressure equalizing opening therein, a closure lid supporting arm affixed to said pivot for rotation therewith, a closure lid carried on said closure lid supporting arm at a location to overlie and close the pressure opening of said closure element, and means for rotating said pin for shifting said closure element and said closure lid relative to said valve seat.

18. A device, according to claim 17, including means on said closure lid supporting arm adjustably engageable with said closure lid for adjusting the position thereof in respect to said arm.

19. A device, according to claim 17, including means on said closure element supporting arm engageable with said closure element for adjusting the position of said closure element in respect to said closure element supporting arm.

20. A device for facilitating the flow particularly of bulk materials between two compartments or spaces of different pressure, comprising housing means defining an intermediate material chamber having an inlet adapted to be connected to the compartment having the material to be transferred and a discharge adapted to be connected to the compartment to receive the material, first and second closure means associated with the respective inlet and discharge, each first and second closure means including a valve seat, an outer closure element adapted to engage with said valve seat to form a seal therewith and having a pressure equalizing opening therein, a suppressor lid adapted to engage with said closure element to close said opening, and drive means for separately moving said suppressor lid away from the opening in said closure element and for thereafter permitting the moving of said closure element away from said valve seat, said drive means including a rotatable pivot pin member for each of said first and second closure means, a support arm for said closure element connected to said pivot pin member, a support arm for said suppressor lid connected to said pivot pin and being rotatable therewith, first and second lever arms connected respectively to said pivot pins for each 'of said first and second closure means, spring means biasing said first and second lever arms into a closed position, said drive means further comprising a fluid cylinder, a piston slidable in said cylinder, said fluid cylinder being connected to said first lever am, said piston being connected to said second lever arm, said piston being movable relatively in said cylinder for shifting said first closure means independently of said second closure means and said second closure means independently of said first closure means.