WO2017162541A1

WO2017162541A1 - Kinematic separator with adjustable amplitude for industrial waste

Info

Publication number: WO2017162541A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/056449
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hermannus Johannes Maria Legtenberg
Original assignee: Legtenberg Development B.V.
Priority date: 2016-03-21
Filing date: 2017-03-17
Publication date: 2017-09-28
Also published as: NL1041772B1

Abstract

The Kinematic separator is a ballistic separator for separating industrial waste in two or three different fractions. This separator has a kinematic mechanism, containing swing tables (2) and swing rods (4) that can simply be adjusted in process or before the separation process to optimize the table's relative and absolute movements, which means the size and direction of the amplitudes of the swing tables (2), A sharper angle (18) between swing tables (2) and swing rods (4) creates more vertical amplitude and acceleration of the material, which results in more aggressive sorting. A lower angle (18) between swing tables (2) and swing rods (4) creates more in line/horizontal amplitude and acceleration of the material, which results in higher capacity and throughput. Adjusting the angle (18) of the adjustment frame (5) and speed of the drive motor (8) adds additional possibilities to optimize the required separation levels and capacity.

Description

KINEMATIC SEPARATOR WITH ADJUSTABLE AMPLITUDE FOR INDUSTRIAL WASTE

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a ballistic waste separator with a kinematic mechanism according to the preamble of claim 1.

PRIOR ART

It is previously known in the art to employ so-called ballistic separators to divide up the material mix into two or more fractions depending upon the properties and/or size of the various components with fixed amplitudes of rotational movement, created by eccentric or crankshaft drive mechanisms below a shaking table.

The principle of ballistic separators is that the material mixture, which is to be separated, is released down onto a sloped shaking table. The shaking table with a number of screen elements is then caused to execute rotational movements of the screen elements with an amplitude and at a speed which result in hard matter bouncing on the shaker table and being discharged at the lower end, while soft and flexible material which does not bounce against the shaking table migrates upwards and is discharged from its upper end. It is also possible to separate additional fractions by providing the shaker table with a large number of apertures through which fragments of small size are allowed to fall . By providing apertures of different dimensions, where the smallest dimension is at the inlet, a separation of the fraction which falls out through the apertures may also be achieved. According to EP 0 870 550, EP 1 832 352; US005611435 and SE402409, ballistic separators provide technically different solutions for the eccentric mechanism, which results in a rotational movement of the material . These eccentric mechanisms have fixed eccentric amplitudes and cannot be adjusted. Only motor speed, inclining angle of the shaker table, and in some cases the size of the apertures can be varied. Therefore, for a wide range of waste materials, only suboptimal separation efficiencies and separation capacities can be achieved.

DE 20 2014 005 409 Ul discloses a floor consisting of two vibrating tables having a plurality of screen elements. The screen elements are arranged alternately next to each other. The bottom is arranged within a frame, wherein the screen elements are arranged on eccentric tubes, extending transversely with respect to the transport direction. These eccentric tubes are attached to the frame by means of an inner shaft as well as eccentric plates on the face and bearings, being arranged between the eccentric tubes and the eccentric plates.

WO 02/094445 Al shows several vibrating tables, each having a plurality of screen elements. The screen elements are arranged alternately next to each other. The design allows the screen elements to vibrate in a horizontal direction and in a direction independent therefrom. For this purpose, a plurality of drive devices are provided, containing a cam mechanism. These drive devices move a carrier beam, being connected to the screen elements. The setting angle of the screen elements can be changed by means of adjustable supports. FR 2 640 165 Al teaches the construction of a single vibrating table. The mode of operation provides for the use of a combination of vibration and compressed air to move the material. For this purpose, a blower is provided by means of which an air stream can be produced through the porous coating of the single vibrating table.

GB 1912 20406 A showing a frame suspendedly attached to a fixed frame by means of a hanger loop. Several vibration tables are arranged one behind another in the form of a staircase. There is a gap between each proximate vibrating table, through which a fraction of the material can fall from an upper level into a lower level. Round and therefore fast parts of the material skip these gaps, while angular and therefore slow parts of the material pass through the gaps between the vibration tables. At the end, the round and fast material parts enter a first chute, while the angular and slow material parts enter a second chute. All vibration tables are fixedly connected to the frame, wherein this frame is shaken by a connecting rod, being connected to a cam disk of a drive motor.

US 5,427,253 A discloses a single vibrating table, connected to a drive motor by means of a crank. The table is built on stilts in the form of pivot links connected to a lower frame. The lower frame can be inclined with respect to the ground due to a one-sided support.

US 2005/035035 Al shows a food sorter for seeds having an endless belt conveyor. The endless belt conveyor is mounted on a frame which in turn is placed on transverse beams . Said transverse beams are suspended either by means of ropes on a fixed support frame or supported by spring elements on a substructure. A drive is arranged below the endless belt conveyor, by means of which the transverse carriers - and thus the frame together with the endless belt conveyor - can be brought into orbital movement .

US 4,317,714 A shows a device for separating a material mixture into at least two fractions. For this purpose, a plurality of vibrating tables are provided, each of which has only a single screen element and which are alternately arranged next to one another. The screen element is arranged on two mutually spaced-apart shafts, which - like a camshaft of an internal combustion engine - have offset sections with respect to their axis of rotation. By the connection of the screen elements with these sections, a rotation of the shafts causes the screen elements' corresponding vibrating movement.

THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is, therefore, to obviate the problem inherent of the eccentric mechanisms.

The object is achieved by a ballistic separator according to claim 1 and a process or method for separating a material mixture according to claim 13.

One of the characterizing features of the present invention is that the two swing tables have swing movements with higher acceleration forces on the material, and that the amplitudes of these swing tables can be adjusted (even in process) to obtain the optimal separation level at an optimal capacity. Further favorable embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the respective dependent claims.

Preferably, the separator includes two adjustable inclining swing tables (2) with both at least two screen elements (3) . The material mix (9) which is to be separated is released onto the screen elements (3) . These execute a swinging movement, with an amplitude, angle and at a speed which result in hard material bouncing on the elements (3) and being discharged at the lower end (10) while soft and flexible material which does not bounce against the screen elements (3) migrate upward and is discharged at the upper end (12) . The swing tables are connected with kinematic drive rods (6) via eccentric plates (7) to the drive motor (8) in anti-phase. The swing tables are hinged via kinematic swing rods (4) to an adjustable frame (5) in the form of a parallelogram, creating a parallel movement of the swing tables (2) to the adjustable frame (5) . The adjustable frame (5) has up to 3 directions of adjusting, vertical, horizontal and angled, and is connected to the separator housing (1) . By adjusting this frame (5) , the relative and abeolute amplitudes of and between the two swing tables (2) can be adjusted. This adjusting can be done in process, to determine the optimal setting for the specific material mix and required output, or before starting the separation process. A more aggressive movement, created by more vertical amplitude (15) and acceleration, results in a higher separation level of the material; a more horizontal movement results in a higher capacity and throughput. Adjusting the angle of the swing tables and speed of the drive motor adds additional possibilities to optimize the required separation levels and capacity. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described in greater detail herein below with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: is an aerial view of the separator according to the present invention, is a side view of a capacity improving setting with more relative horizontal amplitude between the swing tables, is a side view of a more aggressive setting with more relative vertical amplitude between the swing tables, is a side view of the separator illustrating the setting adjustment, is a side view of a detail of the separator to illustrating the setting adjustment more in detail, is a side view of another embodiment of the invention, showing a first setting, is the side view of figure 6, showing a second setting,

Fig. 8 is the side view of figure 6, showing a third setting, Fig. 9 is the side view of figure 6, showing a forth setting,

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment out of the figures 6 to 9,

Fig. 11 is another perspective view of the embodiment out of the figures 6 to 10 in a different angle,

Fig. 12 is a side view of a detail of the embodiment out of the figures 6 to 11, and

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the detail out of figure 12.

BEST WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In one embodiment shown in the figures l to 3, the apparatus has a plurality, preferably six, parallel screen elements (3) which together form two swing tables (2), cf. figure 1. The screen elements (3) are fixed together to form one swing table (2) . The two swing tables (2) are parallel with the direction of flow of the soft material, and are hinged via swing rods (4) ; four swing rods (4) for each swing table (2) . The swing rods (4) are hinged to an adjustment frame (5) , which is connected to the separator housing (1) via adjustment mechanisms (21, 22) . The adjustment frame (5) can be secured to the separator housing (1) to prevent unnecessary shaking of the adjustment frame (5) during processing waste material. Each swing table (2) is driven by a drive rod (6) , which are in somewhat longitudinal direction of the swing tables (2) at either the rear (13) or front (14) of the separator housing (1) . The drive rods (6) are connected via motor eccentric plates (7) to a drive motor (8) in anti-phase, for maximizing the relative amplitudes between the screen elements (3) and to balance the two moving subassemblies, consisting of motor eccentric plates (7) , drive rods (6) , swing tables (2) including screen elements (3} and swing rods (4) .

The swing tables (2) have three different outlets for different material fractions. An outlet at the upper end or front side (12) , an outlet at the lower end or rear side (10) and an outlet (11) disposed beneath the swing tables (2) . The screen elements (3) display a large number of apertures between the cleats (19) in order to allow the passage of material of relatively small size to the outlet (11) , disposed beneath the swing tables (2) . In certain embodiments, the apertures are smaller at the inlet, in which event this fraction is divided up further. Such relatively small-sized material may, in industrial and residual waste, consist of various pollutants such as crushed material, fine paper, broken glass, small organic material etc.

Due to the anti-phase operation of the two swing tables (2) , the material on the swing table (2) will also have movement impulses which are transverse in relation to the normal direction of movement. This assists in agitating the material and reducing the risk that the material "floats above" other material. For example, there is a risk that hard material lands on and remains lying above, for example, a corrugated fiber board panel. The mutual movement between adjacent screen elements (3) provides for the major agitation movements. Preferably, side skirts (20) on the side of each swing table (2) prevent the material from bouncing or sliding sideways off the screen elements (3), and also prevent the material from to getting stuck around the swing rods (4) and its bearings .

During or before processing any material, the separator can be adjusted to have the optimal output and capacity. This could mean adjusting the kinematic mechanism to raise the separation efficiency and/or sorting capacity for a specific material mixture. The swing tables (2} must have an inclined slope which can be set by the adjustment (21) , preferably in combination with the other adjustments.

When shortening the horizontal distance (17), the swing rods (4) will receive a more horizontal setting and the angle (18) will become smaller, see figure 3. This results in a more vertical amplitude (15) of the screen elements (3) and also a larger vertical relative and or absolute amplitude (15) between the swing tables (2) ; this leads to a more aggressively throwing the material in upward direction. This results in a higher separation level and efficiency. Hard material rather bounces on the screen elements (3), and fines can find a free path between the larger material parts to reach the apertures to fall into the fines output collector (11) . During this adjustment, the height adjustment (21, 22) should prefereably be set in such a manner, that all the moving elements can make their movement without running into physical limitations, and that the optimum angles and amplitudes are achieved.

When enlarging the horizontal distance (17) , the swing rods (4) will receive a more vertical setting [or more precisly: more rectangular to the screen elements (3)] and the angle (18) will become larger, see figure 2. This results in a more horizontal/in line amplitude (15) of the screen elements (3) and also a larger horizontal/in line relative and absolute amplitude (15) between the swing tables (2) , thus throwing the material more in forward direcion. This results in a higher transport speed, thus in a higher capacity. During this adjustment, the height adjustment (21, 22) should preferably be set in such a manner, that all the moving elements can make their movement without running into physical limitations, and that the optimum angles and amplitudes are achieved.

By changing the motor speed, material accelerations can be varied, thus changing the kinetic energy of the materials, in order to further optimize the separation output and capacities. Additional, the length of the motor eccentric plates (7) can also be changed, to change the maximum amplitudes for, e. g., processing other types of material .

After achieving the optimum processing conditions, the setting can be frozen or fixed by securing fixtures between adjustment frame (5) and housing (1) .

To extend the use of this separator, the swing tables (2) may be designed with different numbers of swing elements (3) , with two inclined slopes instead of one [resulting in swing tables (2) with an angle in longitudinal direction] , different sizes of apertures and special wear protection features at the impact zone where the input material falls onto the swing tables (2) . Even the antiphase position of the motor eccentric plates (7) can be changed, if required for less aggressive relative movement between the screen elements (3) .

Hard material, such as plastic bottles, brick, wood, metal, etc. included in the waste will bounce on the inclined swing tables (2) . As a result of the movement of the swing tables (2) , the hard material will bounce in a direction towards the lower end (10) . By adjusting the inclination and setting (21, 22) of the adjustment frame (5) , the direction of bounce can be adjusted as required. The hard material will, in average, after each bounce move backward to the lower end (10) , and will after bouncing back fall over the edge of the swing tables (2) to be discharged out of the separator back opening (10) . Soft and flexible material such as paper, cardboard, plastic film etc. which fall down onto the screen elements (3) of the swing tables (2) will, in principle, not bounce, when the screen element (3) on which the soft material rests, swings backward, these swing elements (3) move underneath the soft material, so that the material is displaced into a more relative forward position on the screen elements (3) . This will be repeated until the soft and flexible material falls over the front side of the screen elements (3) into the separator front opening (12) .

The third fraction, which consists of crushed material like glass fractions, small paper, organic matter, etc. and which is of such size that it falls through the apertures between the cleats (19) provided in each respective screen element (3) , is discharged via the outlet (11) , disposed beneath the swing tables (2) . As a result of the swinging movement of the screen elements (3) , this fraction will be displaced until it falls down through an aperture.

The size of the apertures can be changed, preferably between 50 and 300 mm, but could also be made larger. The size of the apertures is selected depending on the type of material which is to be screened off via the outlet (11) . As was mentioned above, the apertures are of different sizes at different parts of the screen elements (3) in a number of embodiments, a further screening taking place based on aperture size.

While six screen elements (3) are shown on the drawings, a person skilled in the art will readily perceive that other embodiments may be made of more or less screen elements (3) .

The waste separator has principally been designed to be employed as a plastic bottle and paper separator, but it is self-evident that it may be employed for many different material separation operations. For example for cardboard, demolition material, industrial waste, organic waste and commercial waste.

Figures 4 and 5 show the foregoing described apparatus in figures 1 to 3 again, simply to describe the possible settings of the kinematic mechanism relating to the separation efficiency. For sake of clarity, most reference signs have been omitted. By setting the adjustment frame 5 in a backward direction d closer to the rear 13 of the housing 1 (as shown in figure 4), the angle 18 becomes sharper. As a result, vertical amplitude 15 raises and the sorting becomes more aggressive. Figure 5 illustrates the reason for this effect in more detail. In the depicted situation, both ewing tables 2 are parallel far away from each other. Changing the angle 18 between the swing rods 4 and the tables 2 (due to the described movement of the adjustment frame 5 closer to the rear 13 of the housing 1) also results in a change of the direction of the amplitude 15 of the screen elements 3. Evidently at the same time this change affects the components of the amplitude 15, namely a horizontal component h and a vertical component v (relating to the direction of the swing tables 2) . Changing the position of the frame 5 in backward direction d closer to the rear 13 of the housing 1 entails raising the length of the vertical component v (and vice versa) . At the same time the vertical component v becomes shorter, the vertical component being responsible for the sorting capacity.

Referring to figures 6 to 13 another embodiment of the invention is shown. The main difference as compared to the embodiment above relates to the design of the adjustment mechanisms 21, 22 and the design of the eccentric drive mechanism. The adjustment mechanisms 21, 22 now preferably include vertically arranged plates, each having a slot hole to provide adjustable support in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the adjustable frame 5 includes lateral mountings reaching into the slot holes, such that the whole frame 5 can be displaced in the horizontal direction. In addition, the adjustment mechanism 22 enables displacement of the plate in vertical direction, such that the frame 5 can be more or less inclined due to adjusting the plate vertically. For this purpose, the plate may be arranged between lateral rails, permitting the vertical adjustment of the plate relative to the housing 1. In figure 6 the frame 5 is aligned in the maximum possible position toward the rear 13 of housing 1, wherein the plate of the adjustment mechanisms 22 is aligned in the maximum possible elevation position.

5

In figure 7 the frame 5 is still aligned in the maximum possible position toward the rear 13 of housing 1, wherein the plate of the adjustment mechanism 22 now is aligned in the minimal possible lower position.

In figure 8 the plate of the adjustment mechanism 22 is still aligned in the minimal possible lower position, wherein the frame 5 is now displaced into the maximum possible position toward the front 14 of housing 1.

In figure 9 the frame 5 is still aligned in the maximum possible position toward the front 14 of housing 1, wherein the plate of the adjustment mechanism 22 is now aligned in the maximum possible elevation position.

The foregoing described settings of the adjustable frame 5 changes the amplitude 15 of the screen elements 3 as well as the inclination of the tables 2. Each of the described adjustments can be done in process, to determine the optimum setting for the specific material mix and required output, or before starting the separation process.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the embodiment, shown in figures 6 to 9 each by means of a perspective view.

Referring now to figures 12 and 13, a part of the kinematic mechanism within the range of the drive motor Θ is depicted. Figure 12 showing a side view of eccentric plate 7 and the drive rods 6.

Figure 12 shows a side view of eccentric plate 7 and the 5 drive rods 6. Preferably, a T-shaped link 23 is arranged between the eccentric plate 7 and the drive rods 6. The link 23 is pivotably supported. The drive rods 6 are hinged to the ends of the cross piece of the T-shaped link 23, wherein the stem of the link 23 is connected to0 the eccentric plate 7 by means of a coupling rod 24. The stem of the T-shaped link 23 includes a slot hole, so the distance between the pivotal point of the link 23 and the pivoting connection between the link 23 and the coupling rod 24 is modifiable. As a result, so the deflection of the T-shaped link 23 is adjustable.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the detail in figure 12. Preferably, this kinematic mechanism includes two T-shaped links 23, being connected by means of a shaft 25. Hence, both links 23 are jointed in a torsion resistant manner, so only one of the links 23 would require a T-shape to be connected with the drive motor 8 (by means of the shaft 25} . Generally - referring to all embodiments shown herein - the adjustable frame 5 is hanging-mounted to the housing 1, wherein the swing tables 2 are hanging-mounted to the frame 5 by means of the swing rods 4. Hence, the swing tables 2 are located beneath the adjustable frame 5, and these parts altogether form a free hanging arrangement inside the housing 1. REFERENCE SIGNS

1 - separator housing

2 - swing table

3 - screen element

4 - swing rod

5 - adjustment frame

6 - drive rod

7 - eccentric plate

8 - drive motor

9 - material mix

10 - lower end or rear side

11 - outlet

12 - upper end or front side

13 - rear of 1

14 - front of 1

15 - amplitude

16 - vertical distance

17 - horizontal distance

18 - angle

19 - cleat

20 - side skirt

21 - adjustment mechanism

22 - adjustment mechanism

23 - link

24 - coupling rod

25 - shaft

d - direction

h - horizontal component

V - vertical component

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Ballistic separator, containing a frame (5) and a kinematic mechanism having at least two swing tables (2) with each at least two screen elements (3) ,

characterised in,

that each swing table (2) is moveable connected to the frame (5) by means of at least two swing rods (4) .

2. Ballistic separator according to one of the preceding claims,

characterised in,

that an angle (18) between each swing table (2) and the swing rods (4) connected therewith is adjustable.

3. Ballistic separator according to claim 1,

characterised in,

that each swing table (2) is connected by means of the swing rods (4) to a part of the frame (5) , which is adjustable in a horizontal and/or vertical direction.

4. Ballistic separator according to one of the preceding claims,

characterised in,

that the swing tables (2) are suspended by means of the swing rods (4) to a higher located part of the frame (5) .

5. Ballistic separator according to one of the preceding claims,

characterised in. that the swing tables (2) and the swing rods (4) are placed inside an at least partially closed housing (1) .

6. Ballistic separator according to one of the preceding claims,

characterised in,

that each swing table (2) is connected to an eccentric mechanism (7) of a drive motor (8) by means of at least one drive rod (6) .

7. Ballistic separator according to claim 6,

characterised in,

that the drive rods (6) of different swing tables (2) are connected to the eccentric mechanism (7) at opposite positions.

8. Ballistic separator according to claim 6 or 7,

characterised in,

that the drive motor (8) is arranged in the extension of the swing tables (2) .

9. Ballistic separator according to claim 6 to 8,

characterised in,

that the eccentric mechanism (7) and the drive rods (6) are adjustable, pivotable or interchangeable.

10. Ballistic separator according to claim 6 to 9,

characterised in,

that the drive motor {8) has an alterable speed.

11. Ballistic separator according to one of the preceding claims,

characterised in, that the screen elements (3) are provided with a number of cleats (19) for entraining material.

12. Ballistic separator according to claim 11,

characterised in,

that the space between the cleats (19) on the screen elements (3) are adjustable in size.

13. A process for separating a material mixture (9) with the aid of a ballistic separator as claimed in claim 1, comprising the following steps:

a. releasing a material mixture (9) to be separated onto the screen elements (3) of the swing tables (2) ;

b. swinging the swing tables (2), through which the material mixture (9) moves in the longitudinal direction of the swing tables (2) ; c. collecting separated first and second material fractions on a front side (12) respectively a rear side (10) of the swing tables (2) , related in move direction of the material mixture (9) .

14. The process for separating a material mixture (9) according to claim 13,

characterised in

collecting a third material fraction beneath the swing tables (2) , dropping through the screen elements (3) .

15. The process for separating a material mixture (9) according to claim 13 or 14 with the aid of a ballistic separator as claimed in claim 2,

characterised in. that for separating the material mixture (9) the angle (18) between each swing table (2) and the swing rods (4) connected therewith is adjusted such, that the capacity and the separation efficiency is adjusted according to each specific material mixture.

16. The process for separating a material mixture (9) according to claim 13 to 15 with the aid of a ballistic separator as claimed in claim 2,

characterised in,

that during separating the material mixture (9) the angle (18) between each swing table (2) and the swing rods (4) connected therewith is adjusted such, that the capacity and the separation efficiency is adjusted according to each specific material mixture.

17. The process for separating a material mixture (9) according to claim 15 or 16 with the aid of a ballistic separator as claimed in claim 3,

characterised in,

that the angle (18) between each swing table (2) and the swing rods (4) connected therewith is adjusted by the part of the frame (5) adjustable in a horizontal and/or vertical direction.