WO2018213870A1

WO2018213870A1 - Flow diversion apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: WO2018213870A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Colin Benjamin; Troy Anthony MILES
Original assignee: Narbel Pty Ltd; Gulf Conveyor Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-22
Filing date: 2018-05-14
Publication date: 2018-11-29

Abstract

A flow diversion apparatus and method comprising a flow deflector (15) for intercepting a flow (13), such as a flow of bulk granular solids. The flow deflector (15) presents a curved deflector surface (17) having a centre of curvature (19). The flow deflector (15) is mounted for selective angular movement to rotate the curved deflector surface (17) about the centre of curvature (19). With this arrangement, the point at which the deflector surface (17) intercepts a flow (13) can be selectively varied by angular movement of the flow deflector (15) without varying the angle at which the deflector surface (17) intercepts the flow. With rotational movement, the curved deflector surface (17) can assume different orientations, and the intercepted flow (13) can be directed in different directions according to the orientation of the flow deflector (15).

Description

Flow diversion apparatus and method

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] This invention relates to diversion of a flow.

[0002] The invention is particularly concerned with diversion of a materials flow and is particularly applicable to diversion of a bulk materials flow. Accordingly, it will be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that application and may be used in other applications requiring diversion of a flow, whether that be a flow of liquid, slurry, bulk solids or otherwise.

[0003] BACKGROUND ART

[0004] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0005] There may be a need to selectively deflect a flow of bulk materials in a controlled way in different directions; for example, in a first direction or a second direction, or proportionally in the two directions. The flow of material may, for example, comprise bulk materials discharging from a conveyor into transfer chute or other materials handling apparatus, or bulk material discharging as a flow from one vessel to another. Accordingly, the following discussion in relation to background art is provided in the context of bulk materials flow. However, the invention may have application in various other fields where there is a need to impart a directional change to a flow of bulk materials, particularly bulk granular solids comprising granular material of varying size distributions.

[0006] In the materials handling industry, there may be a need to feed bulk material, such as crushed ore, coal or rock, in a controlled way from one location to another, such as for example from a conveyor belt into a transfer chute or other materials handling apparatus such as a hopper, bin or crusher. Further, there may be a need to selectively deflect the flow of bulk materials in different directions; for example, in a first direction or a second direction, or proportionally in the two directions. [0007] It is known to control the direction of flow of bulk materials using flow diversion apparatus in the form of a splitter point which is operable to direct the flow in a selected direction. Further, it is also know to use flow diversion apparatus in the form of a gated system operable to direct the flow in a selected direction.

[0008] These known flow diversion apparatus have not proved to be altogether satisfactory. They may introduce a requirement to space system components (e.g. the conveyer belt and the transfer chute) at the installation site more than otherwise required to accommodate the flow diversion apparatus. Further, known flow diversion apparatus do not necessarily provide good flow control and therefore may not always be reliable. In a case where the bulk materials flow features a significant spread of material sizes, known flow diversion apparatus tend to create a bias loading, with larger sized material preferentially going in one direction and smaller sized material going in another direction. This can, for instance, present a problem where the flow of material is intended to be split to feed two secondary crushers. Still further, known flow diversion apparatus generally have high maintenance requirements.

[0009] It is against this background, and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[001 0] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a flow diversion apparatus comprising a flow deflector for intercepting a flow, the flow deflector presenting a curved deflector surface having a centre of curvature, the flow deflector being selectively movable to effect rotational movement of the curved deflector surface about the centre of curvature.

[001 1 ] With this arrangement, the point at which the deflector surface intercepts a flow can be selectively varied by movement of the flow deflector without varying the angle at which the deflector surface intercepts the flow.

[001 2] With rotational movement, the curved deflector surface can assume different orientations, and the intercepted flow can be directed in different directions according to the orientation of the flow deflector. [001 3] The flow diversion apparatus may further comprise a support on which the flow deflector is mounted, the flow deflector being selectively movable with respect to the support.

[0014] The movement of the flow deflector may comprise angular movement. The angular movement of the flow deflector may correspond to rotational movement of the curved deflector surface about the centre of curvature.

[001 5] In one arrangement, the flow deflector may be slidably mounted on the support for movement along an arcuate path providing the angular movement. In another arrangement, the flow deflector may be rotatably mounted on the support.

[001 6] The flow diversion apparatus may further comprise actuation means for actuating the flow deflector to cause angular movement of the flow deflector with respect to the support. The actuation means may take any appropriate form; for example, a hydraulic drive system having a power cylinder mechanism, or a mechanical drive system having a screw drive mechanism.

[001 7] The deflector surface may be lined for wear protection; for example, by way of a ceramic lining.

[001 8] The angles at which the deflector surface intercepts the flow are preferably selected to achieve flow across the deflector surface as a sliding flow with little or no impact on the deflector surface.

[001 9] The angles of intercept may vary according to the type of material(s) comprising the flow. By way of example, the flow may comprise fine materials, lumpy ore, or a mixture thereof, each of which may require different angles of intercept. Further, the angles of intercept may vary within a flow, owing to lateral spreading of materials within the flow.

[0020] The deflector surface may be designed according to the characteristics of material(s) comprising the intended flow to be diverted. By way of example, the deflector surface may be designed such that the angles of intercept are no more than20 degrees for materials that are about 6mm or less in particle size, and no more than 15 degrees for larger particles. [0021 ] Typically, the angles of intercept are applied to the top of the flow down to the point on the deflector surface at the centre of mass of the flow is intercepted.

[0022] The angles at which the material is intercepted on the deflector surface are considered important in order to preserve proper flow control.

[0023] As such, 20 degrees may be considered to likely be the maximum angle of intercept at the centre of mass flow for material comprising 6mm or less in particle size and 15 degrees for larger particles. Angles above the centre of mass flow will be significantly less, owing to the curvature of the reflector surface. By using these angles as guiding design principles, the flow from the deflector surface can be controlled with minimal flow spread and minimal aeration of the flow mass that could lead to dust or aberrant flow.

[0024] By intercepting the material flow at the angles specified above, the flow across the deflector surface is a sliding flow with little or no impact on the surface of the deflector. Such flow is desirable for such hard wearing surfaces such as ceramics, and by using ceramics the maintenance life of the deflector can be optimised as very few granular materials are harder than ceramics. Using low angles of intercept is conducive to a long service life for the flow diversion assembly.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a flow diversion apparatus comprising a flow deflector for intercepting a flow, the flow deflector being mounted on a support, the flow deflector presenting a curved deflector surface having a centre of curvature, and the flow deflector being mounted on the support for selective angular movement to rotate the curved deflector surface about the centre of curvature.

[0026] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a materials handling system comprising a delivery system for delivering a flow to a receiving system, and a flow diversion apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the invention for intercepting the flow from the delivery system and directing it the receiving system.

[0027] The receiving system may comprise at least two zones, wherein the flow deflector is selectively movable to deliver the flow to one or another of said at least two zones or proportionally into said at least two zones. By virtue of the controlled flow obtained, a correlation can be made to assess the volumes of flow material being delivered to one or another of said at least two zones according to the degree of rotational movement of the deflector surface. In particular, an assessment can be made with each degree of movement of the flow deflector. The assessment may be made by an operator, or the assessment process may be automated.

[0028] The delivery system may take any appropriate form, although it preferably comprises a conveyor such as a belt conveyor.

[0029] The receiving system may take any appropriate form; for example, a twin bin. Other forms of receiving system are also contemplated, including for example a bifurcated transfer, a hopper, or other vessel for receiving flow directed from the flow diversion apparatus.

[0030] The flow diversion apparatus may be disposed with respect to the receiving system such that material from the intercepted flow can discharge generally vertically from the flow deflector into the receiving system, the flow deflector being angularly movable for selectively discharging the intercepted flow in a general direction angularly offset from vertical.

[0031 ] The flow deflector may be angularly movable for discharging the intercepted flow angularly offset from vertical, selectively to either one of the two opposed sides of vertical. By way of example only, the deflector may be selectively positioned at a first orientation operable to discharge the intercepted flow generally vertically, or at a second orientation angularly to one side of vertical, or at a third orientation angularly to the opposed side of vertical.

[0032] The feature whereby the flow deflector is selectively operable to direct the intercepted flow in at least two different directions is advantageous as enables material to be directed into different zones of the receiving system. Where, for instance, the receiving system comprises a twin bin having two bin sections (zones), the flow deflector may be positions to deflect material into either one of the two bin sections according the orientation at which it is set.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of controlling a flow, the method comprising use of a flow diversion apparatus according to the first or second aspect of the invention.

[0034] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling a flow, the method comprising directing the flow onto a curved deflector surface having a centre of curvature and selectively pivoting the curved deflector surface about the centre of curvature to change the direction of flow of material discharging from the deflector surface.

[0035] The method may further comprise selectively pivoting the curved deflector surface to deliver the flow to one or another of at least two zones or proportionally into said at least two zones.

[0036] The method may further comprise assessing the volumes of flow material being delivered to one or another of said at least two zones according to the degree of rotational movement of the deflector surface.

[0037] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of controlling a flow of material, the method comprising intercepting the flow with a curved deflector surface having a centre of curvature, and selectively pivoting the curved deflector surface about the centre of curvature to change the direction of flow of material discharging from the deflector surface, wherein the deflector surface is positioned relative to the flow to cause the intercepted flow to move across the deflector surface as a sliding flow.

[0038] The deflector surface may be so configured and disposed that angles of intercept at which the flow is intercepted are no more than 20 degrees, wherein the angles of intercept are applied to the flow at the point on the deflector surface at which the centre of mass of the flow is intercepted. For certain materials, the deflector surface may be so configured and disposed that angles of intercept at which the flow is intercepted are no more than 15 degrees.

[0039] The flow may comprise a flow of bulk material; for example, bulk granular solids. The bulk material may comprise granular material of varying size. This applies to all aspects of the invention referred to above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic front perspective view of a first embodiment of flow diversion apparatus according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic rear perspective view of the flow diversion apparatus as shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the flow diversion apparatus, in which a flow deflector forming part of the apparatus is shown at a first orientation;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, with the exception that the flow deflector is shown at a second orientation;

Figure 5 is a also view similar to Figure 3, with the exception that the flow deflector is shown at a third orientation;

Figure 6 is a schematic view of the front of the flow diversion apparatus;

Figure 7 is a schematic view of the rear of the flow diversion apparatus;

Figure 8 is a schematic side view of a materials handling system featuring a flow diversion apparatus according to the first embodiment, with the flow deflector being in a first orientation;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8, with the exception that the flow deflector is shown in a second orientation;

Figure 10 is also a view similar to Figure 8, with the exception that the flow deflector is shown in a third orientation;

Figure 1 1 is a schematic view of a flow of bulk granular solids being deflected by the flow deflector when in the first orientation as depicted in Figure 8;

Figure 12 is a schematic view of a flow of bulk granular solids being deflected by the flow deflector when in the second orientation as depicted in Figure 9;

Figure 13 is a schematic view of a flow of bulk granular solids being deflected by the flow deflector when in the third orientation shown in Figure 10; Figure 14 is a schematic view depicting an incoming flow of bulk granular solids impinging upon the flow deflector;

Figure 15 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of flow diversion apparatus according to the invention, with a flow of bulk granular solids being deflected by the flow deflector when in a first orientation;

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 15, but with a flow of bulk granular solids being deflected by the flow deflector when in a second orientation; and

Figure 17 is also a view similar to Figure 15, but with a flow of bulk granular solids being deflected by the flow deflector when in a third orientation.

[0041 ] The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

[0042] The figures depict several embodiments of the invention. Each embodiment illustrates a certain configuration; however, it is to be appreciated that the invention can take the form of many configurations, as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, whilst still embodying the present invention. These configurations are to be considered within the scope of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

[0043] Referring to Figures 1 to 14, there is shown a materials handling system 10 for bulk material in the form of bulk granular solids, such as for example crushed ore, coal or rock.

[0044] The materials handling system 10 comprises a flow diversion apparatus 1 1 operable to intercept a flow 13 of bulk material and re-direct the flow in a controlled manner, as will be explained in more detail later.

[0045] The flow diversion apparatus 1 1 includes a flow deflector 15 comprising a curved deflector surface 17 which is disposed to intercept the incoming flow (depicted as flow portion 13a) and deflect the intercepted flow downwardly to slide across the curved face of the deflector surface 17 (as flow portion 13b) and then discharge from the bottom 17a of the curved deflector surface 17 (as deflected flow portion 13c). [0046] The curved deflector surface 17 has a centre of curvature which is depicted by a point identified by reference numeral 19, as shown schematically in Figures 3 to 5 and 1 1 to 14.

[0047] In this first embodiment, the flow deflector 15 comprises a rotatable deflector body 20 configured to have an open front 21 , a rear wall 22 in opposed relation to the open front 21 , and two side walls 23. The rear wall 22 terminates at bottom edge 22a. A cavity 24 is defined within the confines of the body 20 between the rear wall 22 and two side walls 23. The deflector surface 17 is provided on an internal face of the rear wall 22, confronting the open front 21 .

[0048] The deflector surface 17 may be lined for wear protection. The lining may, for example comprise a ceramic lining.

[0049] . The flow deflector 15 is mounted on a support 25 for selective angular (rotational) movement about the centre of curvature 19. The curved deflector surface 17 rotates about the centre of curvature 19 upon angular (rotational) movement of the flow deflector 15. With angular (rotational) movement, the flow deflector 15 can assume different orientations, and the intercepted flow 13 can be directed in different directions according to the orientation of the flow deflector.

[0050] In the arrangement shown, the support 25 is configured as a support structure 27 which includes a support body 29 slidingly supporting the deflector body 20. More particularly, the deflector body 20 has a curved track 31 having a curved profile corresponding the required angular (rotational) movement of the flow deflector 15. The support body 29 is fixed, and the curved track 31 is slidingly received in and suspended from the support body 29, whereby orientation of the flow deflector 15 can be varied by movement of the track 31 with respect to the support body 29. The curved track 31 comprises two track rails 32 mounted exteriorly on the rear wall 22 of the deflector body 20.

[0051 ] Other arrangements for angularly (rotationally) mounting the flow deflector 15 are contemplated. By way of example, the flow deflector 15 may be supported on an arm structure which is rotatable about a pivot aligned with the centre of curvature of the reflector surface, as will be described later in relation to a second embodiment.

[0052] The flow diversion apparatus 1 1 further comprises actuation means (not shown) for actuating the flow deflector 15 to cause angular (rotational) movement with respect to the support 25, and thereby vary the orientation of the flow deflector 15. The actuation means may, for example, be operably connected between the deflector body 20 and the support body 29. The actuation means may take any appropriate form; for example, a hydraulic drive system having a power cylinder mechanism as an actuator, or a mechanical drive system having a screw-drive mechanism as an actuator.

[0053] The flow diversion apparatus 1 1 further comprises an access system 35 mounted on the support 25. The access system 35 is provided to facilitate servicing and maintenance of the flow diversion apparatus 1 1 . In the arrangement shown, the access system 35 includes walkway 37 and guardrail 39.

[0054] In this embodiment, the flow diversion apparatus 1 1 is positioned between a delivery system 41 and a receiving system 43, both of which constitute part of the materials handling system 10. The flow diversion apparatus 1 1 can be accommodated within the materials handling system 10 between delivery system 41 and the receiving system 43 in a space-efficient manner, thereby providing a relatively compact arrangement within the materials handling system 10.

[0055] In the arrangement shown, the delivery system 41 comprises a conveyor having a conveyor belt (not shown) passing around head roller 45. Further, the receiving system 43 comprises a twin bin 50 of known kind. The twin bin 50 comprises a main bin section 51 and a trim bin section 52, as shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10 (which constitute separate zones within the receiving system 41 ). The flow diversion apparatus 1 1 is selectively operable to intercept the flow 1 3 of bulk material and direct the flow in a controlled manner into trim bin section 52, as shown in Figure 9. Further, the flow diversion apparatus 1 1 is selectively operable to intercept the flow 13 of bulk material and direct the flow in a controlled manner into main bin section 51 , as shown in Figure 10. Still further, the flow diversion apparatus 1 1 is selectively operable to intercept the flow 13 of bulk material and direct the flow in a controlled manner proportionally into the main bin section 51 and the trim bin section 52, as shown in Figure 8.

[0056] In operation, the flow diversion apparatus 1 1 controls the flow 13 of bulk material discharging from the conveyor, with the curved deflector surface 17 intercepting the flow and directing it downwardly along the deflector surface to discharge in a diverted flow direction. More particularly, the intercepted flow 13 slides down the curved face of the deflector surface 17 (as flow portion 13b) and flows from that face (as flow portion 13c). The flow 13 from the deflector surface 17 (i.e. flow portion 13c) is controlled with minimal flow spread and minimal aeration of the flow mass that could lead to dust or aberrant flow. This is best seen in Figures 1 1 , 12 and 1 3 which illustrate a flow 1 3 of bulk granular solids being deflected by the flow deflector 1 5 when in the first, second and third orientations as depicted in Figures 8, 9 and 10 respectively.

[0057] The angles at which the deflector surface 17 intercepts the flow 13 may vary according to the type of material(s) comprising the flow. By way of example, the flow may comprise fine materials, lumpy ore, or a mixture thereof. Further, the angles of intercept may vary within a flow owing to laterally spreading of materials within the flow. These are parameters which would typically be taken into account in the design, construction and implementation of the flow diversion apparatus 1 1 , as well in the design, construction and implementation of the materials handling system 10 generally.

[0058] In practice, the deflector surface 17 is preferably designed according to the characteristics of material(s) comprising the intended flow to be diverted. The curved profile of the deflector surface 17 may be modelled according to the desired angles of intercept of the incoming flow portion 13a. Typically, the deflector surface 17 is designed such that the angles of intercept on the deflector surface are assessed from the top of the incoming flow portion 13a to below the point on the deflector surface 17 at which the centre of mass of the flow is intercepted. This is depicted schematically in Figure 14 in which the incoming flow portion 13a from the conveyer is further identified by reference numeral 60, with line 60a representing the top of the incoming flow 60, line 60b representing the bottom of the flow 60, and hatched line 60c representing the centre of mass of the incoming flow 60. Further, reference character A identifies the angle at which the centre of mass 60c impinges upon the deflector surface 17, and reference character B identifies the angle at which the top 60a of the flow impinges upon the deflector surface 17.

[0059] The angles at which a flow 13 of bulk material is intercepted on the deflector surface 17 are considered important in order to preserve proper flow control. The angles are selected to establish flow across the face of the deflector surface 17 after interception as a sliding flow with little or no impact on the deflector surface.

[0060] In the design process, attention is paid the angles of intercept on the deflector surface 17 from the top 60a of the flow 60 to below the centre of mass 60c of the flow. It may not be necessary to have regard to the angle of intercept of the bottom 60b of the flow 60, as material in the bottom section is subsumed by the material above it upon the flow impacting upon the deflector surface 17.

[0061 ] By way of example, the deflector surface 17 may be designed such that the angles of intercept A at the centre of mass are 20 degrees or less for materials that are 6mm or less in particle size, and 15 degrees or less for larger particles.

[0062] As stated above, the angles at which a flow 13 of bulk material is intercepted on the deflector surface 17 are considered important in order to preserve proper flow control. As such, an angle of about 20 degrees is considered likely to be the maximum angle of intercept at the centre of mass flow for material comprising 6mm or less in particle size and about 15 degrees for larger particles. Angles above the centre of mass flow will be significantly less, owing to the curvature of the the deflector surface 17. By using these angles as guiding design principles, the flow from the deflector surface 17 is controlled with minimal flow spread and minimal aeration of the flow mass that could lead to dust or aberrant flow.

[0063] By intercepting the material flow at the angles specified above, the flow across (down) the curved face of the deflector surface 17 (being flow portion 13b) is a sliding flow with little or no impact on the surface of the flow deflector. Such flow is considered ideal for such hard wearing surfaces such as ceramics, and by using ceramics the maintenance life of the deflector can be maximized as very few granular materials are harder than ceramics. Using low angles of intercept is conducive to a long service life for the flow diversion assembly.

[0064] With angular movement, the flow deflector 15 can assume different orientations, and the flow 13 of bulk material can be intercepted and directed in different directions according to the orientation of the deflector, as described above. This can be seen in Figures 8 to 10 and 1 1 to 13, where the incepted flow 13 is shown being deflected as flow portion 13c in different directions. In the arrangement shown in Figures 9 and 12, the flow deflector 15 is operable to intercept the flow 13 of bulk material and direct flow portion 1 3c in a controlled manner into trim bin section 52. The directed flow (i.e. flow portion 1 3c) has a trajectory about 10 degrees offset from vertical. In the arrangement shown in Figure 10 and 1 3, the flow deflector 15 is operable to intercept the flow 13 of bulk material and direct flow portion 13c in a controlled manner into main bin section 51 . The directed flow (i.e. flow portion 13c) has a trajectory about 10 degrees offset from vertical but on the opposed side to that shown in Figures 9 and 12. In the arrangement shown in Figures 8 and 1 1 , the flow deflector 1 5 is operable to intercept the flow 1 3 of bulk material and direct flow portion 1 3c in a controlled manner proportionally into main bin section 51 and trim bin section 52. The directed flow (i.e. flow portion 13c) has a trajectory which is substantially vertical in the arrangement illustrated.

[0065] It is notable that the angles of intercept (for example angles A and B in Figure 14) do not vary with rotational movement of the flow deflector 1 5. The angles of intercept remain constant because the deflector surface 1 7 is curved and rotation to effect angular movement of the flow deflector 15 is about the centre of curvature 19 of the deflector surface 1 7.

[0066] Assuming that the arrangement depicted in in Figures 8 and 1 1 (in which the deflected flow portion 13c is in direction which is vertical) represents a neutral position, the flow deflector 15 is pivoted in one direction from the neutral position to assume the orientation shown in 9 and 12, and in the other direction from the neutral position to assume the orientation shown in Figure 1 0 and 1 3.

[0067] In this embodiment, the range of rotational movement is approximately up to about 20 degree from the neutral positon in each direction. Other ranges of rotational movement are, of course, possible. In many respects, the range of rotational movement is limited in one direction by the extent to which the rotational movement can occur without moving the deflector surface 17 into a position in which the incoming flow overshoots the deflector surface 17.

[0068] It is notable from Figures 1 1 , 12 and 1 3 that the deflected flow is controlled in the sense that there is very limited laterally spreading of materials within the deflected flow portion 1 3c discharging from the flow deflector 1 5. This is advantageous, as it allows a correlation to be made to assess the volumes of flow material being delivered to, for example, the respective bin sections 51 , 52, according to the degree of rotational movement of the flow deflector 15. In particular, such an assessment can be made with each degree of movement of the flow deflector 15. The assessment may be made by an operator, or the assessment process may be automated.

[0069] Referring now to Figures 1 5 to 17, there is shown a second embodiment of a flow diversion apparatus 1 1 operable to intercept a flow 1 3 of bulk material and re-direct the flow in a controlled manner. The second embodiment is similar in many respects to the first embodiment and corresponding reference numerals are therefore used to identify similar parts. In this second embodiment, the flow deflector 1 5 is supported on an arm structure 71 which is rotatable about a pivot 73 aligned with the centre of curvature 19 of the reflector surface 17. The pivot 73 may be mounted in position in any appropriate way; for example, on a rigid support frame (not shown). The flow diversion apparatus 1 1 further comprises actuation means (not shown) operable to cause rotational movement of the flow deflector 15 about the centre of curvature 19, and thereby vary the orientation of the flow deflector 15. The rotational movement is by way of rotation of the arm structure 71 about the pivot 73. The actuation means may, for example, operate between the arm structure 71 and a rigid support frame (not shown) on which the pivot 73 is mounted. The actuation means may take any appropriate form; for example, a hydraulic drive system having a power cylinder mechanism, or a mechanical drive system having a screw-drive mechanism.

[0070] In this second embodiment, the flow deflector 15 operable to intercept a flow 13 of bulk material and re-direct the flow in a controlled manner, with the intercepted flow being directed in different directions according to the orientation of the flow deflector 15, examples of which are shown in can be seen in Figures 15 to 17

[0071 ] The foregoing disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use the particular embodiments described, rather than to limit the true, intended, and fair scope and spirit of the invention. The foregoing description is neither intended to be exhaustive, nor to be limited to the precise forms disclosed.

[0072] Further, it should be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, the invention should be understood to include all such modifications within its scope.

[0073] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing a particular example embodiment only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0074] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0075] The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. [0076] Reference to any positional descriptions, such as "top", "bottom" and "side", are to be taken in context of the embodiment described and illustrated, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.

[0077] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner," "outer," "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the apparatus in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

[0078] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiment

[0079] .When an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "engaged to", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0080] Additionally, where the terms "system", "device", and "apparatus" are used in the context of the invention, they are to be understood as including reference to any group of functionally related or interacting, interrelated, interdependent or associated components or elements that may be located in proximity to, separate from, integrated with, or discrete from, each other. [0081 ] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. A flow diversion apparatus comprising a flow deflector for intercepting a flow, the flow deflector presenting a curved deflector surface having a centre of curvature, the flow deflector being selectively movable to effect rotational movement of the curved deflector surface about the centre of curvature.

2. The flow diversion apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a support on which the flow deflector is mounted, the flow deflector being selectively movable with respect to the support.

3. The flow diversion apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising actuation means for actuating the flow deflector to cause rotational movement of the flow deflector with respect to the support.

4. The flow diversion apparatus according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the deflector surface is so configured and disposed that angles of intercept at which the flow is intercepted are no more than 20 degrees, wherein the angles of intercept are applied to the flow at the centre of mass of the flow is intercepted.

5. The flow diversion apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the deflector surface is so configured and disposed that angles of intercept at which the flow is intercepted are no more than 1 5 degrees.

6. A materials handling system comprising a delivery system for delivering a flow to a receiving system, and a flow diversion apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims for intercepting the flow from the delivery system and directing it the receiving system.

7. The materials handling system according to claim 6 wherein the receiving system comprises at least two zones and wherein the flow deflector is selectively movable to deliver the flow to one or another of the at least two zones or proportionally into the at least two zones.

8. A method of controlling a flow, the method comprising use of a flow diversion apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. A method of controlling a flow of material, the method comprising directing the flow onto a curved deflector surface having a centre of curvature and selectively pivoting the curved deflector surface about the centre of curvature to change the direction of flow of material discharging from the deflector surface.

10. The method according to claim 9 further comprising selectively pivoting the curved deflector surface to deliver the flow to one or another of at least two zones or proportionally into said at least two zones.

1 1 . The method according to claim 10 further comprise assessing the volumes of flow material being delivered to one or another of said at least two zones according to the degree of rotational movement of the deflector surface.

12. A method of controlling a flow of material, the method comprising intercepting the flow with a curved deflector surface having a centre of curvature, and selectively pivoting the curved deflector surface about the centre of curvature to change the direction of flow of material discharging from the deflector surface, wherein the deflector surface is positioned relative to the flow to cause the intercepted flow to move across the deflector surface as a sliding flow.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the deflector surface is so configured and disposed that angles of intercept at which the flow is intercepted are no more than 20 degrees, wherein the angles of intercept are applied to the flow down to the point on the deflector surface at which the centre of mass of the flow is intercepted.

14. The method according to claim 1 3 wherein the deflector surface is so configured and disposed that angles of intercept at which the flow is intercepted are no more than 15 degrees.