WO2014017923A2 - Improvements to hoggers for processing soft materials - Google Patents

Improvements to hoggers for processing soft materials Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014017923A2
WO2014017923A2 PCT/NZ2013/000118 NZ2013000118W WO2014017923A2 WO 2014017923 A2 WO2014017923 A2 WO 2014017923A2 NZ 2013000118 W NZ2013000118 W NZ 2013000118W WO 2014017923 A2 WO2014017923 A2 WO 2014017923A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
drum
reducing apparatus
rotating
biasing means
rotating reducing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2013/000118
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2014017923A3 (en
Inventor
Rodney Warwick Sharp
Original Assignee
Progressive Ip Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Progressive Ip Limited filed Critical Progressive Ip Limited
Publication of WO2014017923A2 publication Critical patent/WO2014017923A2/en
Publication of WO2014017923A3 publication Critical patent/WO2014017923A3/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
    • B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
    • B02C17/00—Disintegrating by tumbling mills, i.e. mills having a container charged with the material to be disintegrated with or without special disintegrating members such as pebbles or balls
    • B02C17/007—Disintegrating by tumbling mills, i.e. mills having a container charged with the material to be disintegrated with or without special disintegrating members such as pebbles or balls specially adapted for disintegrating refuse
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
    • B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
    • B02C17/00—Disintegrating by tumbling mills, i.e. mills having a container charged with the material to be disintegrated with or without special disintegrating members such as pebbles or balls
    • B02C17/002—Disintegrating by tumbling mills, i.e. mills having a container charged with the material to be disintegrated with or without special disintegrating members such as pebbles or balls with rotary cutting or beating elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
    • B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
    • B02C17/00—Disintegrating by tumbling mills, i.e. mills having a container charged with the material to be disintegrated with or without special disintegrating members such as pebbles or balls
    • B02C17/02—Disintegrating by tumbling mills, i.e. mills having a container charged with the material to be disintegrated with or without special disintegrating members such as pebbles or balls with perforated container

Definitions

  • the present invention is directed towards improvements hogging apparatus.
  • This is typically apparatus for reducing the size of waste wood and timber material for use as a combustible fuel source.
  • hoggers include breaking down and chipping rocks, demolition materials, recycled roading, tyres, green plant matter, waste and other materials.
  • the present invention considers apparatus commonly referred to as wood hoggers, or reducers. Typically these comprise apparatus for reducing or comminuting wooden material into smaller sized pieces. Typically the raw feed material is waste pieces of logs, timber, or other wood based material which can then be converted into a combustible fuel source suitable for use in boilers, and the like, and which is commonly known as hog fuel. In practice, however, operators have been used to reduce a variety of different types of materials.
  • hoggers While originally designed for woody plant material, hoggers have also been used to process a variety of other materials, and appear to be advancing into a role as a recycling machine.
  • the type of materials being reduced depends very much on hogger design, though known uses include the reduction of: demolition timber, demolition masonry, mild steel scrap (thin sections), soft metal scrap, recycled cans, recycled glass, recycled plastic, soft rocks, occasionally hard rocks, recycled roading and asphalt, old tyres, green garden waste, etc.
  • a majority of these materials would be fatal to the operation of a number of known hogger and reducer designs and thus potentially useful and valuable recycling apparatus is often precluded from widespread use in these additional roles.
  • a particular example is solid waste typically used for landfill. Comminution of the waste ca significantly increase compaction rates, which has a number of advantages. However, any comminution process needs to be economical in relation to alternatives such as incineration, or land-fill dumping.
  • rotating reducing apparatus comprising:
  • a rotating reducing means within and proximate the lower end of the drum, said reducing means bearing a plurality of features which interact and reduce the size of raw material with which it comes into contact; there being included at least one flexible biasing means, anchored at one end to a point which does rotate with the drum,
  • the arrangement being further characterised in that at least a portion of the drum exhibits a plurality of apertures acting as screening apertures to allow processed material of sufficiently reduced size to pass therethrough.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which there are a plurality of sheath portions distributed along the flexible biasing means.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which a sheath portion comprise one or more elements which substantially form either a circle or ellipse, and/or part thereof, when viewed from the end.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which a sheath portion comprises an annular element or assembly fastened to the flexible biasing means
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means comprises a chain.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the links in the chain weight between 15 - 125kg (inclusive) each.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the chain is an anchor chain.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means comprises a cable.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means is coated with a tough resilient material.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the tough resilient material is a plastics material.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which there is at least one weight attached to the flexible biasing means.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which a said weight weighs within the inclusive range of 50kg to 450kg.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means comprises a chain.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which a said weight is substantially spherical or substantially cylindrical.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which a said weight is connect to the flexible biasing means by a pivotable connection.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, wherein, at rest, the flexible biasing means lies substantially on the floor of inclined barrel.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which flexible biasing means is anchored to a point external to the barrel, and in the vicinity of the lowest point of the barrel's opening at its upper end distal to the reducing means.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means when fully extended will not reach the reducing means.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means slides or travels across the inside of the barrel as it rotates.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which rotation of the drum may be stopped while processing of raw material proceeds.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the reducing means is substantially a disc in shape.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the rotational axis of the disc is angled, when the apparatus is viewed in top plan, at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the drum.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the angle of the disc's rotational axis relative to the drum's longitudinal axis, when viewed in plan, is within the inclusive range of 5°-75°.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the angle of the disc's rotational axis relative to the drum's longitudinal axis, when viewed in plan, is within the inclusive range of 25°-45°.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the rotational axis of the disc is angled, when the apparatus is viewed from the front, at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the drum.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the angle of the disc's rotational axis relative to the drum's longitudinal axis, when viewed from the front, is within the inclusive range of 5°-75°.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the angle of the disc's rotational axis relative to the drum's longitudinal axis, when viewed from the front, is within the inclusive range of 25°-45°.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the angle of the disc's rotational axis relative to the drum's longitudinal axis, when viewed from the front, is downward from the longitudinal axis when travelling from the end of the drum where Jhe disc is located and towards the alternate feed end of the drum.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the disc rotates in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the drum.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which, when viewed from an end of the drum, the disc is offset with respect to, the longitudinal axis of the drum.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which, when viewed from the end of the drum, the disc is offset to the left or right with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drum.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the features on the reducing assembly for reducing the raw material are teeth.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the teeth are replaceable.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the drum is substantially cylindrical
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the drum is of substantially constant diameter along its length.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the screening apertures are present over substantially the entire outer surface of the drum, at least between the reducing means and the feed end of the drum.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the screening apertures are provided by replaceable screen sections attached to a framework of the drum.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which differently sized screening apertures are provided on the drum.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which there is external wiping or brushing means for assisting the clearing and unblocking of foreign material from the screening apertures.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which there is also provided at least one motive means for rotating the drum and reducing means.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the motive means is a hydraulic motor.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the pump for the hydraulic motor is powered by a combustion engine.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the motive means is a hydraulic motor.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the exhaust from the combustion engine is vented into the interior of the drum to heat, and partially dry, introduced raw material.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the exhaust is introduced by a pipe with venting apertures therein, which extends along at least part of the length of the drum.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which a significant proportion of exhaust is vented into the drum near the feed end thereof.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which there is an associated feed mechanism for delivering raw material into the drum.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the feed mechanism is a conveyer arrangement.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, which includes clearing means for transporting screened material away from the apparatus.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the clearing means comprises conveying means able to deliver transported material into a hopper, trailer, or storage area.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, which includes both conveying feed means for introducing raw material into the drum, and clearing means; the conveying feed means positioned to be substantially over lower clearing means.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, in which the raw material is solid waste.
  • rotating reducing apparatus substantially as described above, which is mounted on to a trailer or vehicle.
  • hogger apparatus in the description, to convey the general idea of the present invention, and in this regard a preferred embodiment of hogger apparatus will be given.
  • hogger apparatus it may be used in trammels, kilns, and various rotating drum devices.
  • it can be used to provide increased agitation for screening or mixing, as well as potentially helping break up raw material.
  • Hogger apparatus typically comprises a drum.
  • This drum is preferably substantially cylindrical or barrel-like in appearance and allows a quantity of raw unprocessed material to be held at any given time.
  • the preferred shape of the drum is cylindrical with substantially constant diameter along its length. However this does not preclude other designs, providing that the drum is generally cylindrical or barrel like in overall appearance, and can perform the desired operations of the present invention.
  • the shape of the drum should be such as to allow introduced raw material to be fed towards reducing means which is responsible for breaking down the raw material into smaller sized pieces.
  • the drum is generally inclined with respect to the horizontal such that the longitudinal axis of the drum is typically inclined at an angle within the inclusive range 5°- 5° (of the horizontal), and more preferably within the inclusive range of 15°-30°.
  • the direction of inclination is such that a first end of the drum, which is typically open and represents a means for raw material to be fed into the drum, is at the upper end, while the reducing means (which is positioned at or near the other end of the drum), is at the lower end.
  • the drum rotates about its longitudinal axis, this inclination is effective for gradually progressing raw material from the feed end towards the reducing means.
  • the drum typically also has a plurality of apertures about its body which act as a screening apertures to allow sufficiently small materials to pass therethrough.
  • the size of these apertures may be substantially constant, though they may also very in size according to various distribution patterns about the apparatus. For instance, the size of the apertures may reduce as one progresses towards the feed end, allowing for smaller reduced material which may be thrown further up the apparatus to be removed from within the drum as soon as possible.
  • the size, variations, and distribution patterns of the screening apertures will to a large effect be dependent on user choice, and influence the average sized material which will be removed from the system.
  • the apertures may be present on attachable screen sections, which are attached to a framework for the drum. This not only facilitates manufacturing and construction, but removable screen sections allow their removal for shipping, maintenance, and substitution with sections having different aperture sizes or distributions.
  • the drum is preferably driven to be able to rotate, though the invention does include lesser preferred options where there is no rotation. It is envisaged that these embodiments are likely to rely more on agitation means to shift raw material within the inclined drum.
  • a preferable alternative is for embodiments having rotatable drums to provide the option of stopping the drum during processing.
  • a further option is to allow reverse rotation of the drum. While the reducing means may take a number of different forms (including rotating drums), the preferred arrangement is a rotating disc.
  • this has a plurality of teeth or projections on its exposed front face though will typically also comprise teeth or other projections about its circumferential edge, and possibly also behind. Accordingly, a majority of the processing of raw material will be performed preferentially by the front face, though the circumferential edge will also perform significant processing on some of the raw material.
  • the rotation of reducing means taking the form of a disc may vary according to user choice. There may be some advantage in directing the rotational direction opposite to that of the drum (in rotatable embodiments) so as more forcefully interact with raw material being rotated and driven towards it. Additionally it can be more likely to throw material back up the drum where it may be more effectively screened by apertures not obscured by a build up of raw unprocessed material. Larger material will also be represented to the rotating disc in a different orientation, which may improve processing efficiency.
  • the disc is also angled in a number of ways.
  • the disc may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drum.
  • the difference in the rotational axis of the disc to the longitudinal axis of the drum is within the inclusive range of 5° through 75°. More preferably, in preferred embodiments, this difference is within the inclusive range of 25° through 45°.
  • the disc may also be inclined in other directions as well. For instance if one viewed the hogger apparatus from the front, such that we are viewing the side of the drum rather than an end thereof, the disc may also be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the drum. The difference between the rotational axis and longitudinal axis may again be within the inclusive range of 5° through 75° inclusive, though more preferably within the smaller inclusive range of 25° through 45°. Ideally, when viewed from the front, an inclined disc will be such that its lower most edge is closer to the open feed end of the drum than will be its topmost edge. These modifications are considered to improve the efficiency of the apparatus, though need not be employed in every embodiment.
  • agitating means which increases the agitation of bulk material in the vicinity of the screen.
  • this may be achieved by including a rotating element which basically creates turbulence so that material in the vicinity of the screen may be tumbled, re-orientated, and presented to the screening apertures in different orientations.
  • This agitation may also allow sufficiently reduced material, able to pass through the screening apertures, to be presented to the screening apertures in the instance they might otherwise have been blocked from contact with same by material that was too large in size. Accordingly, it is considered that introducing agitating means can improve the efficiency of the screening process, which in turn affects the efficiency of the overall process.
  • Agitating means may be introduced in a number of ways.
  • a simple method is to provide a shaft with a helical screw or blade passing about its outer face. Rotating this screwed shaft can effectively introduce some turbulence. Ideally the direction of rotation is such that the screw will be attempting to drive material back up the drum and away from the reducing means. This further prolongs the period during which the material is able to be exposed to a screening process before being reintroduced to the reducing means.
  • Other designs may also be adopted for agitating means. Different shaft designs bearing blades, paddles and other mechanical equipment may also be considered. However the main object of the agitation means remains the same, to improve the efficiency of the screening process ideally by introducing turbulence and agitation in the vicinity of the screening apertures.
  • More than one agitation means may be provided in the apparatus though it is considered that economy and efficiency favours the use of one suitably positioned agitation means, ideally positioned so as to interact with a significant proportion of the material which is settling within the drum.
  • a simple modification has been proposed for some embodiments which will improve the separation and removal of such material from the bulk raw material. It is proposed that the drum is divided into sections. The manner of forming a boundary between the sections can be the presence of an inwardly directed flange extending from the inner face of the drum.
  • This flange may be removable.
  • the height of this flange may be relatively shallow as one does not wish to form a total dam to the progress of raw material. Accordingly the height of the flange may only comprise 5-10% of the diameter of the drum though this may very according to the type of material typically being processed. It is envisaged in preferred embodiments that this barrier will typically be of 25-250 mm in height, and typically in the range 40-100 mm.
  • This sectioning into what will be conveniently described as a first initial cleaning section, and a subsequent processing section, can be further improved if agitation • apparatus is introduced into the cleaning section.
  • the agitation apparatus in the cleaning section may be more vigorous in nature and serve to knock and wipe small and foreign material such as dirt, small stones, and clay etc which may be attached to bulk raw material being fed into the apparatus.
  • the inward flange will act as a barrier to prevent this removed small material from travelling into the second section while the larger bulk material will have no real difficulty in progressing through the apparatus.
  • the majority of foreign material will then be able to exit via apertures provided in the cleaning section. These apertures may be of a smaller size than in the subsequent processing section, so as to only allow this typically smaller foreign material to pass through and to be suitably removed after exit from the apparatus.
  • this material may be wet and sticky, and may clog screening apertures associated with the cleaning section, wiping or brush like means may be provided to help clear these first section apertures. Typically this may be provided on the outside of the apparatus for convenience, and to avoid damage thereto by the bulk material.
  • the apparatus will require motive means to drive rotation of the reducing means and the drum.
  • motive means Various types of motive means, and more than one motive means, may be employed.
  • a combustion engine typically a diesel engine
  • This may directly drive the apparatus through suitable transmission means, or drive a hydraulic pump which powers motors driving components of the apparatus such as the disc and drum etc.
  • Such combustion engines have an exhaust which comprises a significant amount of heat. By suitable venting of these exhaust gases to within the interior of the drum, the bulk material can be heated. In the situation where the raw material is damp or wet, this can provide a useful drying effect which in turn increases the true calorific output of the resulting fuel, and hence its value to the operator.
  • Exhaust gases may be introduced in a number of ways. Perhaps the simplest way which is proposed by the inventor is to introduce a shaft from along at least part of the length of the drum and which has a number of apertures therein which allow the venting of exhaust gases inside the drum.
  • the size and position of the exhaust gases may be varied to either give a substantially even output of exhaust gases along its route, or to concentrate the release of exhaust gases where they are able to do the most good. This may be where the greatest concentration or bulk of processed materials lies (i.e. in the vicinity of reducing means).
  • enhanced drying in this section may improve subsequent processing as well as improving the removal of wet dirt, clay, and similar types of foreign material.
  • the apparatus may also include feed means to feed raw material within the drum.
  • feed means to feed raw material within the drum.
  • a dual conveyor system is incorporate which allows delivery of bulk material into the apparatus, as well as removal of comminuted material.
  • Various arrangements may be considered, and may also be catered for by an independent existing conveying system.
  • the apparatus may be constructed to sit on the ground or, as in one embodiment to be described later, mounted on a trailer so that a mobile unit is obtained.
  • hogger designs e.g. WO/2005/092509
  • these types of materials would temp to clump and sometimes bind material together so that the material (to be comminuted) was presented to the reducing means or grinder as a ball or clump. This reduced the efficiency of the comminution process, as well as placing a relatively heavy load on the rotating disc for grinding - efficiency and motor loading is improved when there is a constant feed of material rather than wads of raw material being presented.
  • a flexible biasing means can better break up raw material within the drum (particular problematic material such as mentioned above) and help prevent clumps from forming by breaking them up as they potentially form. It can also assist mixing of drier material with problematic material, again assisting in the prevention of clump formation in the first instance. The action can also help clear the screening apertures in a more dynamic fashion than a static scraper and seems to be more effective in this regard for problematic materials.
  • the flexible biasing means can also replace the agitating means described earlier. In terms of maintenance, this represents a significant improvement and thus not only are potential efficiency gains achievable, but also improved maintenance schedules. Also, the flexible biasing means tends also to perform some initial breaking down/breaking up of material prior to it being presented to the grinder, which again results in improved efficiency and potentially less load on the grinder/comminution means. Essentially, one or flexible biasing means may be used to improve the operation of a hogger such as described above. These may take a number of forms, though currently preferred embodiments comprise either heavy chain or cable, though other alternatives may be considered, including cables, wire ropes, connected flexible devices, and including any type or series chain (such as track, drag, pintle etc.). A chain may be of one or more sizes, and need not be a uniform size along its length.
  • the flexible biasing means is relatively heavy, as it will tend to be pushed up the sides of the rotating barrel by raw materials present.
  • One of the primary purposes of the biasing means is to help push or bias the raw material back down, and towards the reducing means.
  • the ideal weight of the biasing means will depend on the nature of the material being processed, and thus it may be removably anchored to as to allow replacement with biasing means of different weights.
  • the use of a weight, positioned either at the free end, or along the length of, the biasing means can also be used to adjust weight. These weights may be removable or replaceable. They may also be fixedly connected, pivotably connected, free to rotate, and/or friction braked.
  • sheathing portions are present along the length of the flexible biasing means. These tend to be rounded on the outside, often representing circular or elliptical annular elements or assemblies positioned about the flexible biasing means. While they may take various shapes and designs, the rounded outer circumference tends to let them help the biasing means partially roll within the confines of the drum, which can result in less energy being used (as they get pushed up the side of the drum as it rotates and slide about).
  • sheathing portions may find other uses. For instance, they help protect the flexible biasing means - particularly chains, should hard foreign materials get wedged in or between the links - and potentially the rest of the equipment. Further, the sheathing portions add more weight and can act as mini-breakers for comminuting material. The irregular surface of distributed sheaths along the length of the flexible biasing means also can help further break up raw material as it circulates and travels down the drum - further improving efficiency.
  • the sheathing portions may also be of metal, and act as weights - potentially eliminating the need for an end weight. They can be fixed to the flexible biasing means in many ways - removable or more permanently - by welding, pins, or various mechanical connections.
  • the biasing means will be anchored near the open upper end of the barrel (and could be fastened at both ends), and typically to an external point which does not rotate with the barrel. Ideally this is positioned towards the bottom of the opening, though may be positioned at a point partway up the sides. These positions are envisaged to work best, though other positions may be considered. It is envisaged that advantage may be obtained if material entering the barrel is required to travel over/against/under the biasing means as it enters the barrel.
  • a wire or cable may be used to attached the flexible biasing means to a suitable anchor point, or it may be attached directly.
  • the biasing means may be fixed at either end, depending on a suitable anchor point being available at both ends.
  • the weight of the biasing means will cause it to slide across the bottom of the barrel, though it may be drawn partly up the sides in the direction of rotation - particularly at the free end.
  • the biasing means will be pushed up further, the distance largely dependent on the mass and density of the raw waste material.
  • the free end of the biasing means will be typically pushed higher than the anchored end, so that it is envisaged that the biasing means will approximate a curve in configuration.
  • the weight of the biasing means, pushing against the raw material along this curve will bias the raw material towards the reducing means. The result is that lighter materials will be pushed towards the reducing means rather than merely floating above denser materials.
  • biasing means will also induce some additional turbulence and agitation in the mixture.
  • the apertures present in the links of a chain may also catch parts of material, which may then protrude from the links to help further agitate raw material, before being snapped off and broken into smaller pieces (which is also beneficial).
  • Figure 1 is a front cut-away perspective view of the drum portion of a preferred embodiment of hogger apparatus according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a front full view of a variation of the embodiment of figure 4 when mounted on a trailer, with some portions cut-away for clarity;
  • Figure 3 is a top plan cut-away view of the drum portion of the embodiment of figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a perspective cut-away view showing detail near the lower end of the drum portion of the embodiment of figure 1;
  • Figure 5 is a front view of the full embodiment of figure 2 in an unfolded orientation
  • Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the inside of a barrel showing the presence of flexible biasing means.
  • hogger apparatus such is best illustrated in figure 1.
  • the hogger apparatus comprises a drum, (40) which comprises a structural metal frame overlaid with a metal grate panels (41).
  • the grate (41) is not shown in all of the figures.
  • the grate is typically of a steel though other suitable materials can be substituted.
  • the panels may be removable for repair and access to internal components of the apparatus.
  • FIG 2 illustrates hogger apparatus (generally indicated by section 42) as part of mobile apparatus including feed and removal means (to be discussed more fully later).
  • the inclination of the drum (40), from the horizontal is shown.
  • bulk material is fed from the right hand side into the apparatus.
  • a rotating disc assembly (45) Positioned at the lower end of the drum, and on the inside, is a rotating disc assembly (45) with a plurality of teeth (46) about its periphery. These may be fixed and/or swinging teeth (as known in the industry)
  • the disc (45) is inclined in a number of manners. Referring to figure 3, which is a top plan view of the apparatus, the angling (nominally around 30°) of the disc with respect to the horizontal axis of the drum (40) is clearly visible.
  • Mounting means (48) for holding the disc (45), and also transmitting drive from pulley (49) is also visible in figure 3.
  • the disc (45) is also angled downwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drum (40). This angling corresponds to the deviation of the longitudinal axis of the drum (40) from the nominal horizontal (i.e. the ground), i.e. an angle of around 10°.
  • the interior of the drum (40) is divided into two sections by the inwardly directed flange (50). This extends by a height of approximately 50 mm inwardly of the inner surface of the drum. This section divides the drum into an initial cleaning section (55) and main processing section (56).
  • the inwardly directed flange (50) acts as a barrier to prevent the majority of this material from entering into the subsequent processing section (56). The majority of this material will fall through the screen (57) associated with the cleaning section (55).
  • agitating means in the form of shaft (60b) is provided in the cleaning section (55) to further agitate material.
  • a plurality of wiping blocks (62) with flexible blades and/or brushes which wipe clean the apertures of screening grates (57).
  • the agitating means (60b) is also part of an agitating means (60a) which extends through the processing section (56). While separate agitating means could be used, it has been found that it is simpler in design and efficiency to use a common shaft with helical screw blades thereabout. It can be clearly seen in figure 1 that the rotation orientation of the helical blades differs for the two sections.
  • This motion tends to continually represent reduced material to fresh screening apertures to ensure that it has every possibility of escaping through the screen/grate if it is of sufficiently reduced size. This also reduces the possibility of large oversized material from continuously blocking the screen and thus preventing removal of the reduced size pieces. Additionally also, this tumbling motion within the apparatus continually re-orientates the various pieces of material. This can improve the screening process, as well as continually re-presenting the material to the rotating disc (45) at different orientations, which may improve overall efficiency.
  • the agitating means (60a) Further enhancing this tumbling process, and the screening process, is the presence of the agitating means (60a).
  • the agitation thereby induced at the bottom portion of the rotating drum (40) can further increase the efficiency of screening. Accordingly, a number of different motions are being performed on the various material within the drum, and which are largely absent in the prior art which typically suffers from screening problems. It should also be associated that the degree of agitation and tumbling provided can be performed at a relatively slow speed, thereby minimising screen and component wear, but with good screening efficiency.
  • a manifold (70) is provided to direct exhaust from the combustion engine (driving a hydraulic pump) to a pipe (71) which then distributes exhaust gases along the length of the drum (40). In this example heat is radiated along the length of the pipe. In this example also, the majority of exhaust gases are vented into the cleaning section (55).
  • a dual conveyor system which comprises an upper conveyor system (81) which feeds bulk material into the drum (40). Collecting screened material from underneath the apparatus is a secondary conveyor system (82) which feeds a loading conveyor (83) which can deliver screened material into a suitable hopper (85).
  • the secondary conveying system (82) extends under substantially the entire length of the drum (40). It can also be seen that the loading conveyor system (83) pivots into position from its normal folded position (figure 2) to an extended position.
  • the entire apparatus may be mounted on suitable trailer (88) which enables it to be moved from site to site. It is also envisaged that fixed, stationary embodiments may also be provided according to the present invention.
  • raw material is loaded onto other conveyor (81). Typically this may be by excavator bucket, or front end loader bucket, or by grapple. This largely depends on the nature of the material being loaded. It is also possible that a conveyor system which leads onto feed conveyor (81) might be used in some embodiments.
  • the conveyor (82) removes reduced material from underneath the drum, it feeds it to further optional conveying means (83) which is able to load the material onto the back of a truck or hopper (85).
  • Figure 6 illustrates a flexible biasing means (160) comprising a heavy duty chain (161) lying substantially flat within the barrel.
  • a flexible biasing means comprising a heavy duty chain (161) lying substantially flat within the barrel.
  • the chain (161) starts to travel up the side of the barrel (40) until it slides back.
  • the presence of raw material will tend to push the chain (161) further up the side, until it slides back or tumbles over the raw material.
  • the free end will tend to travel up further when material is present, the resulting curve biasing raw material towards the biasing means.
  • FIGs 7-10 illustrate a section of a flexible biasing means comprising a chain (200) surrounded by disc-like elements (201) representing sheathing portions.
  • Each sheathing element (201) has a central cross-shaped aperture which accommodates the links (202, 203) of the chain (200). These elements (201) may be pinned or spot welded (etc.) to the links (202, 203).
  • the central aperture may be slightly oversized to allow the elements (201) to be easily slid over the links of the chain, and allow for flexibility in the chain (200) to be retained (though at a reduced level, depending on the dimensions of the components).
  • Figures 11-14 illustrate another embodiment in which the sheath element (301) about the chain (300) is more annular to accommodate alternating links (302, 303) within. This, in some embodiments, may be held in place longitudinally (with respect to the length of the biasing means( by pins or welding spots on the links (302, 303) to allow the sheathing portions to rotate and more readily move within the drum's interior.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to reducing apparatus for comminuting waste material, and comprises a rotating drum with outer screening apertures for allowing comminuted material to pass through, and which houses a reducing means which may comprise a rotating disc with teeth. To address problems inherent with certain types of waste, and particularly green waste, fibrous waste, and typical domestic waste, there is included a flexible biasing means for assisting in clearing screening apertures, breaking clumps of materials as they form and assisting in preventing their formation, to assist in a more even flow of raw material being presented to the reducing means. Preferred flexible biasing means include sheath portions distributed along their length.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS TO HOGGERS FOR PROCESSING SOFT MATERIALS
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention is directed towards improvements hogging apparatus. This is typically apparatus for reducing the size of waste wood and timber material for use as a combustible fuel source. However additional uses found for hoggers include breaking down and chipping rocks, demolition materials, recycled roading, tyres, green plant matter, waste and other materials.
BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION
The present invention considers apparatus commonly referred to as wood hoggers, or reducers. Typically these comprise apparatus for reducing or comminuting wooden material into smaller sized pieces. Typically the raw feed material is waste pieces of logs, timber, or other wood based material which can then be converted into a combustible fuel source suitable for use in boilers, and the like, and which is commonly known as hog fuel. In practice, however, operators have been used to reduce a variety of different types of materials.
While originally designed for woody plant material, hoggers have also been used to process a variety of other materials, and appear to be advancing into a role as a recycling machine. The type of materials being reduced depends very much on hogger design, though known uses include the reduction of: demolition timber, demolition masonry, mild steel scrap (thin sections), soft metal scrap, recycled cans, recycled glass, recycled plastic, soft rocks, occasionally hard rocks, recycled roading and asphalt, old tyres, green garden waste, etc. As can be appreciated from the above description, a majority of these materials would be fatal to the operation of a number of known hogger and reducer designs and thus potentially useful and valuable recycling apparatus is often precluded from widespread use in these additional roles.
An emerging role is for the comminuting general solid waste, such as municipal (and industrial) trash and rubbish. This type of material can be extremely varied in nature, and may be made up of a significant amount light materials such as paper, disposable diapers, and plastics etc. At the other end may be dense items such as glass, metal, and anything else likely to be discarded. This varied type of material represents a significant problem for hoggers, as light materials can tend to float on top of denser materials in an agitated mix. The result is that only dense materials are comminuted by any comminution means, while lighter materials may at best only be inefficiently comminuted - more likely to bounce off the teeth or walls of any comminution means.
The applicant has designed an inclined barrel hogger, the subject of patent specification WO2005 092509 which is suitable for comminuting a range of materials. However, efficiency can still be affected by certain materials, such as lighter and medium density materials, or mixtures of components of varying densities. As efficiency is an important consideration in determining whether the use of this type of apparatus is economical, efficiency is an important consideration in the design and use of the apparatus.
A particular example is solid waste typically used for landfill. Comminution of the waste ca significantly increase compaction rates, which has a number of advantages. However, any comminution process needs to be economical in relation to alternatives such as incineration, or land-fill dumping.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to improved hogging apparatus, which lend itself to the processing of a wide range of materials, including waste.
At the very least it is an object of the present invention to provide the public with a useful choice. Aspects of the present invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the ensuing description.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus comprising:
- a drum inclined to the horizontal, being substantially open at the upper end to allow the feed of raw material therein, and
including a rotating reducing means within and proximate the lower end of the drum, said reducing means bearing a plurality of features which interact and reduce the size of raw material with which it comes into contact; there being included at least one flexible biasing means, anchored at one end to a point which does rotate with the drum,
the arrangement being further characterised in that at least a portion of the drum exhibits a plurality of apertures acting as screening apertures to allow processed material of sufficiently reduced size to pass therethrough.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there are a plurality of sheath portions distributed along the flexible biasing means.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a sheath portion comprise one or more elements which substantially form either a circle or ellipse, and/or part thereof, when viewed from the end.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a sheath portion comprises an annular element or assembly fastened to the flexible biasing means
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means comprises a chain.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the links in the chain weight between 15 - 125kg (inclusive) each.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the chain is an anchor chain.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means comprises a cable. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means is coated with a tough resilient material.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the tough resilient material is a plastics material.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there is at least one weight attached to the flexible biasing means. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said weight weighs within the inclusive range of 50kg to 450kg.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means comprises a chain.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said weight is substantially spherical or substantially cylindrical.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a said weight is connect to the flexible biasing means by a pivotable connection.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, wherein, at rest, the flexible biasing means lies substantially on the floor of inclined barrel. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which flexible biasing means is anchored to a point external to the barrel, and in the vicinity of the lowest point of the barrel's opening at its upper end distal to the reducing means. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means when fully extended will not reach the reducing means.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the flexible biasing means slides or travels across the inside of the barrel as it rotates.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which rotation of the drum may be stopped while processing of raw material proceeds. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the reducing means is substantially a disc in shape.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the rotational axis of the disc is angled, when the apparatus is viewed in top plan, at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the drum.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the angle of the disc's rotational axis relative to the drum's longitudinal axis, when viewed in plan, is within the inclusive range of 5°-75°.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the angle of the disc's rotational axis relative to the drum's longitudinal axis, when viewed in plan, is within the inclusive range of 25°-45°. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the rotational axis of the disc is angled, when the apparatus is viewed from the front, at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the drum. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the angle of the disc's rotational axis relative to the drum's longitudinal axis, when viewed from the front, is within the inclusive range of 5°-75°. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the angle of the disc's rotational axis relative to the drum's longitudinal axis, when viewed from the front, is within the inclusive range of 25°-45°.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the angle of the disc's rotational axis relative to the drum's longitudinal axis, when viewed from the front, is downward from the longitudinal axis when travelling from the end of the drum where Jhe disc is located and towards the alternate feed end of the drum.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the disc rotates in a direction opposite the direction of rotation of the drum.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which, when viewed from an end of the drum, the disc is offset with respect to, the longitudinal axis of the drum. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which, when viewed from the end of the drum, the disc is offset to the left or right with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drum.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the features on the reducing assembly for reducing the raw material are teeth.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the teeth are replaceable. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the drum is substantially cylindrical
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the drum is of substantially constant diameter along its length.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the screening apertures are present over substantially the entire outer surface of the drum, at least between the reducing means and the feed end of the drum.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the screening apertures are provided by replaceable screen sections attached to a framework of the drum.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which differently sized screening apertures are provided on the drum.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there is external wiping or brushing means for assisting the clearing and unblocking of foreign material from the screening apertures.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there is also provided at least one motive means for rotating the drum and reducing means.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the motive means is a hydraulic motor. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the pump for the hydraulic motor is powered by a combustion engine.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the motive means is a hydraulic motor.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the exhaust from the combustion engine is vented into the interior of the drum to heat, and partially dry, introduced raw material.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the exhaust is introduced by a pipe with venting apertures therein, which extends along at least part of the length of the drum. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which a significant proportion of exhaust is vented into the drum near the feed end thereof.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which there is an associated feed mechanism for delivering raw material into the drum.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the feed mechanism is a conveyer arrangement.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, which includes clearing means for transporting screened material away from the apparatus.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the clearing means comprises conveying means able to deliver transported material into a hopper, trailer, or storage area.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, which includes both conveying feed means for introducing raw material into the drum, and clearing means; the conveying feed means positioned to be substantially over lower clearing means.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, in which the raw material is solid waste.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described above, which is mounted on to a trailer or vehicle.
It is envisaged that the present invention may be used on a variety of different types of reducing apparatus, or apparatus associated therewith. For simplicity of description we shall refer to hogger apparatus in the description, to convey the general idea of the present invention, and in this regard a preferred embodiment of hogger apparatus will be given. However it should be appreciated that the principles may be applied to other types of apparatus. For instance, it may be used in trammels, kilns, and various rotating drum devices. Here it can be used to provide increased agitation for screening or mixing, as well as potentially helping break up raw material.
Hogger apparatus according to the present invention typically comprises a drum. This drum is preferably substantially cylindrical or barrel-like in appearance and allows a quantity of raw unprocessed material to be held at any given time. The preferred shape of the drum is cylindrical with substantially constant diameter along its length. However this does not preclude other designs, providing that the drum is generally cylindrical or barrel like in overall appearance, and can perform the desired operations of the present invention.
The shape of the drum should be such as to allow introduced raw material to be fed towards reducing means which is responsible for breaking down the raw material into smaller sized pieces. To achieve this the drum is generally inclined with respect to the horizontal such that the longitudinal axis of the drum is typically inclined at an angle within the inclusive range 5°- 5° (of the horizontal), and more preferably within the inclusive range of 15°-30°. The direction of inclination is such that a first end of the drum, which is typically open and represents a means for raw material to be fed into the drum, is at the upper end, while the reducing means (which is positioned at or near the other end of the drum), is at the lower end. As in most embodiments the drum rotates about its longitudinal axis, this inclination is effective for gradually progressing raw material from the feed end towards the reducing means.
It will also be seen later that not all material will be sufficiently reduced in size when it first makes contact with reducing means. Accordingly some of this material will be thrown at least partially back up the drum, where the drum's inclination will result in it being gradually re-fed to the reducing means.
The drum typically also has a plurality of apertures about its body which act as a screening apertures to allow sufficiently small materials to pass therethrough. The size of these apertures may be substantially constant, though they may also very in size according to various distribution patterns about the apparatus. For instance, the size of the apertures may reduce as one progresses towards the feed end, allowing for smaller reduced material which may be thrown further up the apparatus to be removed from within the drum as soon as possible. The size, variations, and distribution patterns of the screening apertures will to a large effect be dependent on user choice, and influence the average sized material which will be removed from the system.
The apertures may be present on attachable screen sections, which are attached to a framework for the drum. This not only facilitates manufacturing and construction, but removable screen sections allow their removal for shipping, maintenance, and substitution with sections having different aperture sizes or distributions. The drum is preferably driven to be able to rotate, though the invention does include lesser preferred options where there is no rotation. It is envisaged that these embodiments are likely to rely more on agitation means to shift raw material within the inclined drum. A preferable alternative is for embodiments having rotatable drums to provide the option of stopping the drum during processing. A further option is to allow reverse rotation of the drum. While the reducing means may take a number of different forms (including rotating drums), the preferred arrangement is a rotating disc. Ideally this has a plurality of teeth or projections on its exposed front face though will typically also comprise teeth or other projections about its circumferential edge, and possibly also behind. Accordingly, a majority of the processing of raw material will be performed preferentially by the front face, though the circumferential edge will also perform significant processing on some of the raw material.
The rotation of reducing means taking the form of a disc may vary according to user choice. There may be some advantage in directing the rotational direction opposite to that of the drum (in rotatable embodiments) so as more forcefully interact with raw material being rotated and driven towards it. Additionally it can be more likely to throw material back up the drum where it may be more effectively screened by apertures not obscured by a build up of raw unprocessed material. Larger material will also be represented to the rotating disc in a different orientation, which may improve processing efficiency.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention the disc is also angled in a number of ways. When the apparatus is viewed from above, the disc may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drum. In a preferred embodiment the difference in the rotational axis of the disc to the longitudinal axis of the drum is within the inclusive range of 5° through 75°. More preferably, in preferred embodiments, this difference is within the inclusive range of 25° through 45°.
The disc may also be inclined in other directions as well. For instance if one viewed the hogger apparatus from the front, such that we are viewing the side of the drum rather than an end thereof, the disc may also be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the drum. The difference between the rotational axis and longitudinal axis may again be within the inclusive range of 5° through 75° inclusive, though more preferably within the smaller inclusive range of 25° through 45°. Ideally, when viewed from the front, an inclined disc will be such that its lower most edge is closer to the open feed end of the drum than will be its topmost edge. These modifications are considered to improve the efficiency of the apparatus, though need not be employed in every embodiment. It was considered that a major problem relating to the wear and efficiency in some of the prior art designed resulted from the rotating disc or reducing means being totally and continually covered with bulk material to be processed. This constant contact, which included contact with both unprocessed material, and material yet waiting to be screened, substantially reduced efficiency and imposed quite high requirements on the amount of power required to drive the disc or drum. By appropriately angling and positioning the disc it is envisaged that only a portion of the disc will be presented in any one time (unless drum is overloaded) with raw material waiting to be processed, then at least a portion of partially processed material will be flung further back up the drum where it has the opportunity to be screened before being reintroduced to the rotating disc.
As wear can still be high, particularly when processing raw materials which are predominantly other than wood, the use of a disc having replaceable teeth may be advantageous.
Other improvements have been proposed to hogger apparatus according to the present invention. For instance, it has been considered to include agitating means which increases the agitation of bulk material in the vicinity of the screen. Typically this may be achieved by including a rotating element which basically creates turbulence so that material in the vicinity of the screen may be tumbled, re-orientated, and presented to the screening apertures in different orientations. This agitation may also allow sufficiently reduced material, able to pass through the screening apertures, to be presented to the screening apertures in the instance they might otherwise have been blocked from contact with same by material that was too large in size. Accordingly, it is considered that introducing agitating means can improve the efficiency of the screening process, which in turn affects the efficiency of the overall process. Agitating means may be introduced in a number of ways. A simple method is to provide a shaft with a helical screw or blade passing about its outer face. Rotating this screwed shaft can effectively introduce some turbulence. Ideally the direction of rotation is such that the screw will be attempting to drive material back up the drum and away from the reducing means. This further prolongs the period during which the material is able to be exposed to a screening process before being reintroduced to the reducing means. Other designs may also be adopted for agitating means. Different shaft designs bearing blades, paddles and other mechanical equipment may also be considered. However the main object of the agitation means remains the same, to improve the efficiency of the screening process ideally by introducing turbulence and agitation in the vicinity of the screening apertures.
More than one agitation means may be provided in the apparatus though it is considered that economy and efficiency favours the use of one suitably positioned agitation means, ideally positioned so as to interact with a significant proportion of the material which is settling within the drum. A further problem affecting hogging apparatus, particularly during the processing of forestry material, is the presence of foreign material. Not only does steel and rocks pose a problem, but also non-combustible material such as dirt, clay, small stones etc. A simple modification has been proposed for some embodiments which will improve the separation and removal of such material from the bulk raw material. It is proposed that the drum is divided into sections. The manner of forming a boundary between the sections can be the presence of an inwardly directed flange extending from the inner face of the drum. This flange may be removable. The height of this flange may be relatively shallow as one does not wish to form a total dam to the progress of raw material. Accordingly the height of the flange may only comprise 5-10% of the diameter of the drum though this may very according to the type of material typically being processed. It is envisaged in preferred embodiments that this barrier will typically be of 25-250 mm in height, and typically in the range 40-100 mm.
This sectioning into what will be conveniently described as a first initial cleaning section, and a subsequent processing section, can be further improved if agitation • apparatus is introduced into the cleaning section. The agitation apparatus in the cleaning section may be more vigorous in nature and serve to knock and wipe small and foreign material such as dirt, small stones, and clay etc which may be attached to bulk raw material being fed into the apparatus. It is also envisaged that the inward flange will act as a barrier to prevent this removed small material from travelling into the second section while the larger bulk material will have no real difficulty in progressing through the apparatus. The majority of foreign material will then be able to exit via apertures provided in the cleaning section. These apertures may be of a smaller size than in the subsequent processing section, so as to only allow this typically smaller foreign material to pass through and to be suitably removed after exit from the apparatus.
As some of this material may be wet and sticky, and may clog screening apertures associated with the cleaning section, wiping or brush like means may be provided to help clear these first section apertures. Typically this may be provided on the outside of the apparatus for convenience, and to avoid damage thereto by the bulk material.
Typically the apparatus will require motive means to drive rotation of the reducing means and the drum. Various types of motive means, and more than one motive means, may be employed. However it is envisaged that in most cases a combustion engine, typically a diesel engine, will be relied upon to drive the apparatus This may directly drive the apparatus through suitable transmission means, or drive a hydraulic pump which powers motors driving components of the apparatus such as the disc and drum etc. When such combustion engines are used, an additional advantage may be realised. Such combustion engines have an exhaust which comprises a significant amount of heat. By suitable venting of these exhaust gases to within the interior of the drum, the bulk material can be heated. In the situation where the raw material is damp or wet, this can provide a useful drying effect which in turn increases the true calorific output of the resulting fuel, and hence its value to the operator.
Exhaust gases may be introduced in a number of ways. Perhaps the simplest way which is proposed by the inventor is to introduce a shaft from along at least part of the length of the drum and which has a number of apertures therein which allow the venting of exhaust gases inside the drum. The size and position of the exhaust gases may be varied to either give a substantially even output of exhaust gases along its route, or to concentrate the release of exhaust gases where they are able to do the most good. This may be where the greatest concentration or bulk of processed materials lies (i.e. in the vicinity of reducing means). However, in embodiments where there is a cleaning section, enhanced drying in this section may improve subsequent processing as well as improving the removal of wet dirt, clay, and similar types of foreign material.
The apparatus may also include feed means to feed raw material within the drum. In a preferred embodiment a dual conveyor system is incorporate which allows delivery of bulk material into the apparatus, as well as removal of comminuted material. Various arrangements may be considered, and may also be catered for by an independent existing conveying system.
The apparatus may be constructed to sit on the ground or, as in one embodiment to be described later, mounted on a trailer so that a mobile unit is obtained. In the applicants earlier hogger designs (e.g. WO/2005/092509) it was found that the presence of certain types of materials - especially damp and fibrous materials, with green waste and domestic refuse being notable examples - impeded the efficiency of the reducing process. In particular, these types of materials would temp to clump and sometimes bind material together so that the material (to be comminuted) was presented to the reducing means or grinder as a ball or clump. This reduced the efficiency of the comminution process, as well as placing a relatively heavy load on the rotating disc for grinding - efficiency and motor loading is improved when there is a constant feed of material rather than wads of raw material being presented.
Additionally, certain types of material (especially damp and fibrous) can clog the screening apertures, again reducing efficiency.
Trials by the applicant indicated that rather than a static scraper, a flexible element with a relatively random motion snaking about within the drum could provide a number of potentially realisable advantages.
Trials have indicated that a flexible biasing means, as herein described, can better break up raw material within the drum (particular problematic material such as mentioned above) and help prevent clumps from forming by breaking them up as they potentially form. It can also assist mixing of drier material with problematic material, again assisting in the prevention of clump formation in the first instance. The action can also help clear the screening apertures in a more dynamic fashion than a static scraper and seems to be more effective in this regard for problematic materials.
Surprisingly, for some types of materials, a 15% or greater efficiency was achievable in terms of product for energy consumed. It also allowed fibrous, green and typical domestic waste/refuse to be processed where it was only marginally possibly in some earlier designs. Another offshoot of significance, is that the comminuted material seems to be more consistent in size and nature due to the presence of a flexible biasing means, which is desirable in terms of a product.
The flexible biasing means can also replace the agitating means described earlier. In terms of maintenance, this represents a significant improvement and thus not only are potential efficiency gains achievable, but also improved maintenance schedules. Also, the flexible biasing means tends also to perform some initial breaking down/breaking up of material prior to it being presented to the grinder, which again results in improved efficiency and potentially less load on the grinder/comminution means. Essentially, one or flexible biasing means may be used to improve the operation of a hogger such as described above. These may take a number of forms, though currently preferred embodiments comprise either heavy chain or cable, though other alternatives may be considered, including cables, wire ropes, connected flexible devices, and including any type or series chain (such as track, drag, pintle etc.). A chain may be of one or more sizes, and need not be a uniform size along its length.
It is important that the flexible biasing means is relatively heavy, as it will tend to be pushed up the sides of the rotating barrel by raw materials present. One of the primary purposes of the biasing means is to help push or bias the raw material back down, and towards the reducing means. The ideal weight of the biasing means will depend on the nature of the material being processed, and thus it may be removably anchored to as to allow replacement with biasing means of different weights. The use of a weight, positioned either at the free end, or along the length of, the biasing means can also be used to adjust weight. These weights may be removable or replaceable. They may also be fixedly connected, pivotably connected, free to rotate, and/or friction braked. In currently preferred embodiments, sheathing portions are present along the length of the flexible biasing means. These tend to be rounded on the outside, often representing circular or elliptical annular elements or assemblies positioned about the flexible biasing means. While they may take various shapes and designs, the rounded outer circumference tends to let them help the biasing means partially roll within the confines of the drum, which can result in less energy being used (as they get pushed up the side of the drum as it rotates and slide about).
However the sheathing portions may find other uses. For instance, they help protect the flexible biasing means - particularly chains, should hard foreign materials get wedged in or between the links - and potentially the rest of the equipment. Further, the sheathing portions add more weight and can act as mini-breakers for comminuting material. The irregular surface of distributed sheaths along the length of the flexible biasing means also can help further break up raw material as it circulates and travels down the drum - further improving efficiency. The sheathing portions may also be of metal, and act as weights - potentially eliminating the need for an end weight. They can be fixed to the flexible biasing means in many ways - removable or more permanently - by welding, pins, or various mechanical connections.
In practice the biasing means will be anchored near the open upper end of the barrel (and could be fastened at both ends), and typically to an external point which does not rotate with the barrel. Ideally this is positioned towards the bottom of the opening, though may be positioned at a point partway up the sides. These positions are envisaged to work best, though other positions may be considered. It is envisaged that advantage may be obtained if material entering the barrel is required to travel over/against/under the biasing means as it enters the barrel.
A wire or cable may be used to attached the flexible biasing means to a suitable anchor point, or it may be attached directly.
It is possible that the biasing means may be fixed at either end, depending on a suitable anchor point being available at both ends. In an empty barrel which is rotating, the weight of the biasing means will cause it to slide across the bottom of the barrel, though it may be drawn partly up the sides in the direction of rotation - particularly at the free end. When waste material is present, the biasing means will be pushed up further, the distance largely dependent on the mass and density of the raw waste material. The free end of the biasing means will be typically pushed higher than the anchored end, so that it is envisaged that the biasing means will approximate a curve in configuration. The weight of the biasing means, pushing against the raw material along this curve, will bias the raw material towards the reducing means. The result is that lighter materials will be pushed towards the reducing means rather than merely floating above denser materials.
Additionally, it is anticipated that the biasing means will also induce some additional turbulence and agitation in the mixture. The apertures present in the links of a chain may also catch parts of material, which may then protrude from the links to help further agitate raw material, before being snapped off and broken into smaller pieces (which is also beneficial).
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Different aspects of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front cut-away perspective view of the drum portion of a preferred embodiment of hogger apparatus according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a front full view of a variation of the embodiment of figure 4 when mounted on a trailer, with some portions cut-away for clarity;
Figure 3 is a top plan cut-away view of the drum portion of the embodiment of figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective cut-away view showing detail near the lower end of the drum portion of the embodiment of figure 1;
Figure 5 is a front view of the full embodiment of figure 2 in an unfolded orientation, and Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the inside of a barrel showing the presence of flexible biasing means.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to the drawings and by way of example only there is provided hogger apparatus such is best illustrated in figure 1. The hogger apparatus comprises a drum, (40) which comprises a structural metal frame overlaid with a metal grate panels (41). For simplicity of viewing, the grate (41) is not shown in all of the figures. The grate is typically of a steel though other suitable materials can be substituted. The panels may be removable for repair and access to internal components of the apparatus. Figure 2 illustrates hogger apparatus (generally indicated by section 42) as part of mobile apparatus including feed and removal means (to be discussed more fully later). In figure 2 the inclination of the drum (40), from the horizontal, is shown. In this figure bulk material is fed from the right hand side into the apparatus.
Positioned at the lower end of the drum, and on the inside, is a rotating disc assembly (45) with a plurality of teeth (46) about its periphery. These may be fixed and/or swinging teeth (as known in the industry) The disc (45) is inclined in a number of manners. Referring to figure 3, which is a top plan view of the apparatus, the angling (nominally around 30°) of the disc with respect to the horizontal axis of the drum (40) is clearly visible. Mounting means (48) for holding the disc (45), and also transmitting drive from pulley (49) is also visible in figure 3. In figure 2 it can also be seen that the disc (45) is also angled downwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the drum (40). This angling corresponds to the deviation of the longitudinal axis of the drum (40) from the nominal horizontal (i.e. the ground), i.e. an angle of around 10°.
The interior of the drum (40) is divided into two sections by the inwardly directed flange (50). This extends by a height of approximately 50 mm inwardly of the inner surface of the drum. This section divides the drum into an initial cleaning section (55) and main processing section (56).
In practice, new unprocessed material as it enters the drum (40), will have a significant amount of dirt and foreign material shaken from it as it falls into the drum. The inwardly directed flange (50) acts as a barrier to prevent the majority of this material from entering into the subsequent processing section (56). The majority of this material will fall through the screen (57) associated with the cleaning section (55).
To further improve the efficiency of foreign material removal, agitating means in the form of shaft (60b) is provided in the cleaning section (55) to further agitate material. Positioned about the periphery of the drum are a plurality of wiping blocks (62) with flexible blades and/or brushes which wipe clean the apertures of screening grates (57).
The agitating means (60b) is also part of an agitating means (60a) which extends through the processing section (56). While separate agitating means could be used, it has been found that it is simpler in design and efficiency to use a common shaft with helical screw blades thereabout. It can be clearly seen in figure 1 that the rotation orientation of the helical blades differs for the two sections.
In practice bulk material which finds its way into the processing section (56) will ultimately come into contact with the rotating disc (45). At this time reduction or comminution of at least part of the bulk material will occur. Typically also, the rotation of the disc will attempt to fling the processed material upwards and further up the drum towards the opening. This has a tendency to present the flung material against relatively clear sections of grate before it tumbles towards the bottom of the drum. This material, as it finds its way back down to the bottom end of the drum will, due to the rotational axis of the drum, typically follow a shark toothed or saw-tooth type pattern of movement if its path is traced from a view point at the front of the apparatus (e.g. figure 2). This motion tends to continually represent reduced material to fresh screening apertures to ensure that it has every possibility of escaping through the screen/grate if it is of sufficiently reduced size. This also reduces the possibility of large oversized material from continuously blocking the screen and thus preventing removal of the reduced size pieces. Additionally also, this tumbling motion within the apparatus continually re-orientates the various pieces of material. This can improve the screening process, as well as continually re-presenting the material to the rotating disc (45) at different orientations, which may improve overall efficiency.
Further enhancing this tumbling process, and the screening process, is the presence of the agitating means (60a). The agitation thereby induced at the bottom portion of the rotating drum (40) can further increase the efficiency of screening. Accordingly, a number of different motions are being performed on the various material within the drum, and which are largely absent in the prior art which typically suffers from screening problems. It should also be associated that the degree of agitation and tumbling provided can be performed at a relatively slow speed, thereby minimising screen and component wear, but with good screening efficiency.
It has previously been mentioned in general section that a further advantage may be provided by also providing heating means. Here a manifold (70) is provided to direct exhaust from the combustion engine (driving a hydraulic pump) to a pipe (71) which then distributes exhaust gases along the length of the drum (40). In this example heat is radiated along the length of the pipe. In this example also, the majority of exhaust gases are vented into the cleaning section (55).
To assist loading and unloading of material into the apparatus, a dual conveyor system, generally indicated by arrow (80), has been proposed. This comprises an upper conveyor system (81) which feeds bulk material into the drum (40). Collecting screened material from underneath the apparatus is a secondary conveyor system (82) which feeds a loading conveyor (83) which can deliver screened material into a suitable hopper (85). The secondary conveying system (82) extends under substantially the entire length of the drum (40). It can also be seen that the loading conveyor system (83) pivots into position from its normal folded position (figure 2) to an extended position.
The entire apparatus may be mounted on suitable trailer (88) which enables it to be moved from site to site. It is also envisaged that fixed, stationary embodiments may also be provided according to the present invention.
In practice raw material is loaded onto other conveyor (81). Typically this may be by excavator bucket, or front end loader bucket, or by grapple. This largely depends on the nature of the material being loaded. It is also possible that a conveyor system which leads onto feed conveyor (81) might be used in some embodiments.
Bulk material is then fed into the clockwise rotating drum (40) (when looking down the drum towards the disk) where it progresses through the cleaning section (55) and to processing section (56). As it encounters the rotating disc - typically from the left when looking down the drum towards the disc which is rotating anti-clockwise - it encounters the teeth and part of the material will be flung to the right and against the screen of the drum. Suitably reduced material may fall free at this stage or during further tumbling action due to the drum and counter-clockwise rotating agitating means, which also acts to force product further up the drum towards the feed end..
As material of suitably reduced size is produced and screened from the drum, it finds its way onto a lower conveyor (82). It is possible that additional screens and guides may be used to guide the material exiting from the screens of at least the processing section to fall onto lower conveyor system (82). Additionally, shielding associated with the cleaning section (55) may be provided to prevent foreign matter and material from falling onto the lower conveyor (82). Such additional external screens and guides may in fact divert removed material in the cleaning section to either side of the conveyor.
As the conveyor (82) removes reduced material from underneath the drum, it feeds it to further optional conveying means (83) which is able to load the material onto the back of a truck or hopper (85).
Figure 6 illustrates a flexible biasing means (160) comprising a heavy duty chain (161) lying substantially flat within the barrel. As the barrel rotates the chain (161) starts to travel up the side of the barrel (40) until it slides back. The presence of raw material will tend to push the chain (161) further up the side, until it slides back or tumbles over the raw material. The free end will tend to travel up further when material is present, the resulting curve biasing raw material towards the biasing means.
Figures 7-10 illustrate a section of a flexible biasing means comprising a chain (200) surrounded by disc-like elements (201) representing sheathing portions. Each sheathing element (201) has a central cross-shaped aperture which accommodates the links (202, 203) of the chain (200). These elements (201) may be pinned or spot welded (etc.) to the links (202, 203). The central aperture may be slightly oversized to allow the elements (201) to be easily slid over the links of the chain, and allow for flexibility in the chain (200) to be retained (though at a reduced level, depending on the dimensions of the components). Figures 11-14 illustrate another embodiment in which the sheath element (301) about the chain (300) is more annular to accommodate alternating links (302, 303) within. This, in some embodiments, may be held in place longitudinally (with respect to the length of the biasing means( by pins or welding spots on the links (302, 303) to allow the sheathing portions to rotate and more readily move within the drum's interior.
Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as described herein.
It should also be understood that the term "comprise" where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, 'comprise' does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes the possibility of other components and items being added to the list.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE:
1. Rotating reducing apparatus comprising:
a drum inclined to the horizontal, being substantially open at the upper end to allow the feed of raw material therein, and
including a rotating reducing means within and proximate the lower end of the drum, said reducing means bearing a plurality of features which interact and reduce the size of raw material with which it comes into contact;
there being included at least one flexible biasing means, anchored at one end to a point which does not rotate with the drum,
the arrangement being further characterised in that at least a portion of the drum exhibits a plurality of apertures acting as screening apertures to allow processed material of sufficiently reduced size to pass therethrough.
2. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which there are a plurality of sheath portions distributed along the flexible biasing means.
3. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which a sheath portion comprise one or more elements which substantially form either a circle or ellipse, and/or part thereof, when viewed from the end.
4. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 in which a sheath portion comprises an annular element or assembly fastened to the flexible biasing means.
5. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the flexible biasing means comprises a chain.
6. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in claim 5 when dependent upon any one of claims 2 through 4 in which a a plurality of links in the chain have one or more associated sheath portions.
7. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the links in the chain weight between 15 - 125kg (inclusive) each.
8. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 4 in which the flexible biasing means comprises a cable.
9. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the flexible biasing means is coated with a tough resilient material.
10. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the tough resilient material is a plastics material.
11. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which there is at least one weight attached to the flexible biasing means.
12. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in claim 11 in which a said weight is connected to the flexible biasing means by a pivotable connection.
13. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which flexible biasing means is anchored to a point external to the drum, and in the vicinity of the lowest point of the drum's opening at its upper end distal to the reducing means.
14. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the flexible biasing means slides or rolls across the inside of the drum as it rotates.
15. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the reducing means is substantially a disc in shape.
16. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in claim 15 in which the rotational axis of the disc is angled, when the apparatus is viewed in top plan, at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the drum.
17. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the drum is substantially cylindrical and of substantially constant diameter along its length.
18. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the screening apertures are present over substantially the entire outer circumference of the drum at least in the region along the length of the drum in which the flexible biasing means is present..
19. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which there is also provided at least one motive means for rotating the drum and reducing means. ^
20. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which there is an associated feed mechanism for delivering raw material into the drum.
21. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes clearing means for transporting screened material away from the apparatus.
23. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is mounted on to a trailer or vehicle.
24. Rotating reducing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 through 6 in which a sheath portion is removably attached to the flexible biasing means.
25. Rotating reducing apparatus, substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.
PCT/NZ2013/000118 2012-07-25 2013-07-08 Improvements to hoggers for processing soft materials WO2014017923A2 (en)

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NZ601458 2012-07-25

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104089845A (en) * 2014-07-16 2014-10-08 拜城县众泰煤焦化有限公司 Caking index tester and application method thereof
CN113522729A (en) * 2021-06-02 2021-10-22 安徽师范大学 Processing apparatus of moisture worm flour

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US4690187A (en) * 1984-12-05 1987-09-01 Weyerhaeuser Company Method and apparatus for flail debarking
US5875979A (en) * 1997-07-30 1999-03-02 Walters; Drake R. Green waste processor
US20080099592A1 (en) * 2004-03-29 2008-05-01 Rodney Warwick Sharp Wood Hogging Apparatus
US20120097294A1 (en) * 2005-04-13 2012-04-26 Jensen Robert D Debarking Chain with Passing Links

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US3930799A (en) * 1972-10-05 1976-01-06 Eweson Eric W Apparatus for making organic fertilizer
US4690187A (en) * 1984-12-05 1987-09-01 Weyerhaeuser Company Method and apparatus for flail debarking
US5875979A (en) * 1997-07-30 1999-03-02 Walters; Drake R. Green waste processor
US20080099592A1 (en) * 2004-03-29 2008-05-01 Rodney Warwick Sharp Wood Hogging Apparatus
US20120097294A1 (en) * 2005-04-13 2012-04-26 Jensen Robert D Debarking Chain with Passing Links

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104089845A (en) * 2014-07-16 2014-10-08 拜城县众泰煤焦化有限公司 Caking index tester and application method thereof
CN113522729A (en) * 2021-06-02 2021-10-22 安徽师范大学 Processing apparatus of moisture worm flour

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