WO2021099805A1

WO2021099805A1 - Material discharge apparatus and related methods

Info

Publication number: WO2021099805A1
Application number: PCT/GB2020/052977
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Bowles; Ian Williams; Ed Piepereit
Original assignee: Matcon Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-22
Filing date: 2020-11-20
Publication date: 2021-05-27
Also published as: GB201917056D0

Abstract

Apparatus for discharging flowable particulate material from a container, the apparatus comprising a valve, wherein the valve can be manually opened and closed when the valve is disposed within the discharge aperture of the container.

Description

MATERIAL DISCHARGE APPARATUS AND RELATED METHODS

The invention relates to material discharge apparatus for discharging flowable particulate material such as powder, pellets or the like and a method for discharging flowable material.

In the transport, storage and general handling of flowable material such as powder, particulate material, granules and the like, it is nowadays usual for such materials to be held in bins, containers, hoppers, silos, or intermediate bulk containers (I.B.C’s). Such containers have a filling inlet and a discharge outlet. The outlet is often of hopper configuration, and is usually obturated by a closure device which is substantially conical or frusto-conical, a so- called “cone valve”. The cone valve in the obturating position rests on the inner (in use) surface of the outlet hopper. At a discharge or transfer station, the closure device is raised into the hopper from the hopper outlet by suitable means, such as a bellows device marketed under the registered trade mark MATCON®, to open an annular discharge opening between the hopper outlet and the cone valve through which a desired amount of the flowable material can pass to other stations for use.

Butterfly valves are sometimes used as closure devices with IBCs to regulate the discharge of material. A butterfly valve is a valve that consists of a rotating circular plate or a pair of hinged circular plates that may be attached to a transverse spindle and mounted inside a pipe to regulate or prevent flow. The problem of using a standard butterfly valve is that the material in the IBC can have a tendency to segregate.

An object of the present invention is to provide material discharge apparatus comprising an improved valve to offer an improved performance of the valve at low cost.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided material discharge apparatus for discharging flowable particulate material from a container, the apparatus comprising a valve, wherein the valve can be manually opened and closed when the valve is disposed within the discharge aperture of the container.

Preferably, the valve is movable, in use, between raised and lowered positions to control the flow of material from the container. The apparatus of the present invention improves discharge capability when compared to conventional butterfly valves as it has the ability to handle more cohesive powders without the need for manual agitation/vibration of the container walls and also provides for reduced segregation of blended powders. The rotary movement of a butterfly disc scrapes at the bulk of powder and relies on the powder to collapse and flow unaided. With cohesive powder this tends not to happen. With the apparatus of the present invention the cone valve thrusts vertically upwards to generate separation and loosening of the bulk, so aiding collapse and flow.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a manually operable actuating device for moving the valve between raised and lowered positions. In one embodiment the actuating device may include a lever to move the valve between the raised and lowered positions. The provision of a lever allows for quick opening and closing of the valve, assisting in initiating the flow of material through the apparatus, allowing for the free flow of material through the apparatus and enabling speedy shut-off. It has been found that in use, a lever can allow the valve to be opened and closed in less than a second, which is faster when compared with other systems that do not comprise a lever to assist in moving the valve. The provision of a lever to assist in moving the valve also provides a simple, low cost apparatus.

It is preferred that the apparatus is configured such that the actuator can provide a full lift height of the valve.

Typically, the lever comprises a handle to assist the user in actuating the lever to control the movement of the valve. The handle may be removable.

Preferably, the apparatus further includes a body to enable the valve to be connected to a container. The body may be configured to provide a flow path for flow of material from the container. Preferably, the body comprises a cylindrical wall defining a bore of from approximately 200 to 500 mm, preferably around 250 mm in diameter, which bore provides the said flow path. Typically, the body may comprise a stainless steel material.

Preferably, the valve comprises a cone valve. Preferably, the cone valve has a diameter of from approximately 200 to 500 mm, preferably around 250 mm. Typically, the cone valve comprises a stainless steel material. It is preferred that the lever is attached to the material discharge apparatus via an attachment means. Preferably, the attachment means may comprise at least one pivot block. Preferably, the lever is pivotably mounted in the at least one pivot block. As an alternative, the attachment means may comprise two pivot blocks.

In one embodiment, the pivot block may be detachable from the apparatus. In another embodiment, the pivot block is integral to the apparatus. Preferably, the pivot block is integral to the body casting.

It is preferred that the apparatus is configured such that the position of the valve may be releasably locked at any point along its path of travel from open to closed. In one embodiment, the position of the valve may be locked by the provision of locking means for impeding movement of the lever. The locking means may comprise a slot and releasable locking pin, the arrangement being such that the pin is moved in the slot as a result of movement of the lever about its fulcrum. Preferably, the slot is provided in a part of the body and the slot pin is provided on the lever. It is further preferred that locking is achieved via a releasable frictional connection between the pin and the slot. Locking the lever in any position with respect to the apparatus will allow for flow of material through the apparatus and full flow of material is quickly and easily achieved. This is in contrast with conventional butterfly valves where it is necessary to achieve a certain angle to achieve full flow of material. Advantageously, the ability to lock the lever and thus the closure at any point along their paths of travel also allows for metered flow of material through the apparatus so that a precise quantity can be quickly and easily delivered.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a support arm for mounting the valve on the body and guiding its movement. It is further preferred that the support arm is provided within the material flow path defined by the body. Advantageously, a single support arm maximises the path for material flow.

Preferably, the cone valve is supported by means of a guide rod. The guide rod may comprise a rod mounted for sliding reciprocal motion within a channel of the support arm. Preferably, the guide rod passes through a guide bearing mounted in the channel of the support arm. The bearing may be provided with a scraper disposed to scrape against the surface of the guide rod as it moves within the bearing to prevent material entering the channel. It is preferred that the scraper is disposed at the upper, in use, end of the bearing, external to the uppermost extremity of the channel, and comprises a circumferential scraping ring that is in contact with the surface of the guide rod around its entire circumference. The bearing and scraper together provide the primary seal against ingress of material.

The cone valve may be female threaded to receive a male threaded part of the guide rod. Preferably, the guide rod includes a slot for engagement with the lever. Advantageously, this arrangement provides a lift thrust and also pulls the cone valve positively to its closed position. In one embodiment, a bearing wheel may be mounted in the slot. Advantageously, the provision of a bearing wheel in the slot may ease the engagement between the lever and the guide rod during lifting.

Preferably, the lever body passes through the pivot block clevis, sealed off by sealing discs to prevent contaminant ingress/egress. The sealing discs may comprise a plastics material.

In one embodiment, the apparatus may be provided with a seal device to provide sealing between the cone valve and its support arm, to prevent ingress of material. The seal may be provided between a threaded spigot of the cone valve and a turret of the support arm, to provide additional sealing between the material and guide mechanism.

Preferably, a separate loose flange is provided with suitable bolts to secure the cone valve assembly to a container flange, such as an IBC outlet flange.

Typically, seal rings are provided at the top and / or the bottom of the body. Typically, a seal ring is provided at the bottom of the body to seal between the loose flange and the body. Typically, a seal ring is provided at the top of the body, wherein the seal ring comprises an extended seal profile, and wherein the seal ring seals between the body and the IBC outlet, as well as between the cone valve and the body. Preferably, the seal rings comprise an elastomeric material.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a material discharge apparatus as defined above, and a container for particulate material. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for discharging flowable material from a particulate material container, comprising the use of apparatus as defined above.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manually opening and closing a valve of a particulate material container, comprising the use of apparatus as defined above.

The invention will be further described by way of example and with reference to the following figures, in which:

Figures la to lc are perspective views of apparatus according to an embodiment of invention, wherein the valve is in the closed configuration;

Figure 2a is a side perspective view of apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in the open configuration;

Figure 2b is a side sectional view of apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in the open configuration;

Figure 2c is a side perspective view of apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in the open configuration;

Figure 3 a is a side sectional view along line A- A in Figure 6a, wherein the valve is in the closed configuration;

Figure 3b is a side view of apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in the closed configuration;

Figure 4 is a sectional view along line B-B in Figure 3b;

Figure 5 is a side view of apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in the closed configuration; Figure 6a is a top plan view of apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6b is a plan view of part of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of material discharge apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in the closed configuration;

Figure 8 is a sectional perspective view of material discharge apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the valve is in the open configuration;

Figure 9 is a sectional perspective view of part of material discharge apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a sectional view of part of material discharge apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 11a to llg show a further embodiment of apparatus according to the invention that uses an alternative pivot arrangement.

Referring to the Figures, Figure 7 shows apparatus in accordance with the invention in use with a known particulate material container 30 for discharge of flowable paticulate material. The container 30 as illustrated is often referred to as an IBC.

Referring now to Figures la to lc, there is illustrated material discharge apparatus 1 for discharging flowable particulate material from a container 30, the apparatus comprising a valve 2, wherein the valve can be manually opened and closed when the valve is disposed within the discharge aperture of the container. Valve 2 is movable between raised and lowered positions to control the flow of material through the apparatus 1 from the container.

The valve 2 is moved by means of actuating device 3 (Figure 2b), which has a manually movable part for moving the valve between raised and lowered positions. As illustrated, the movable part of the actuating device comprises a lever 6 in the form of a metal rod including a handle 5 that protrudes outwardly from the apparatus. In this embodiment the handle is removably connected to a lever head 6a (Figure 2b), however the handle and head could be provided as a single piece. Lever head 6a includes a distal tip 7. The lever allows an operator to manually open and close the valve and its length enables safe operation away from direct contact with the apparatus, as well as providing a mechanical advantage which assists in moving the valve against the weight of the contents of the container. As will be appreciated, the direct connection between the lever and the valve provides for quick and positive opening and closing of the valve. It has been found that the lever 6 allows the valve 2 to be opened in less than a second, which is faster when compared with other systems that do not comprise a lever to open the valve. The provision of a lever to assist in opening the valve also provides a simple, low cost apparatus. As will be appreciated, the apparatus of the invention removes the need for provision of a dedicated discharge station at the point of material handling.

Figures la to lc show the valve in a closed position and Figures 2a to 2c show the valve in an open position.

The apparatus 1 includes cylindrical body 10, which in this embodiment has a bore of around 250 mm diameter and comprises a stainless steel material. The bore provides a flow path for material from the container. With reference to Figure 2a, an integrally formed single support arm 4 is provided within the bore for mounting the valve 2. Advantageously, having only a single arm maximises the path for material flow from the container.

As shown in Figure 2b, the apparatus 1 includes a cone valve 2, wherein the cone valve has a diameter of around 250 mm and comprises a stainless steel material. Underneath the cone of the cone valve is a female threaded spigot 200 adapted to receive a male threaded end 120 of a guide rod 12. The guide rod 12 mounts the cone valve and is the means of operative connection between the cone valve and the actuator 3.

Referring in particular to the sectional view of Figure 3, it can be seen that the guide rod 12 is mounted in a channel 12a formed in an upstanding end turret 8 of support arm 4. The support arm is configured relative to the body such that the turret is disposed centrally within the bore. Within the channel 12a the rod 12 is seated in a mating guide bearing 12c within which it is reciprocably slidable (Figures 3a and lib). Guide bearing 12c can be made from any suitable bearing material as is known in the art and has at its upper extremity, a scraper 12d. The scraper 12d comprises an inwardly directed circumferential scraping ridge 12e, and corresponding circumferential groove 12f there below (Figure 3a and Figure lib). This bearing and scraper arrangement provides the primary seal mechanism against ingress of material into the mechanism.

A flexible gaiter 38 as shown, for example, in Figure 10 is provided between the cone valve threaded spigot 200 and support arm turret 8 to provide additional sealing against unwanted ingress of material.

With reference to Figure 2a and Figure 4, the lever 6 is attached to the body 10 via an attachment means 16, which in this illustration comprises a pivot block 16a. In this embodiment the pivot block includes a double sided/ended pivot axle 32. Lever head 6a is secured in pivot block 16a via axle 32 and bearing 16c (Figure 4), about which it can pivot. With reference to Figure 2a, it can be seen that the lever head 6a passes through the pivot block clevis 17, sealed off by plastic sealing discs to prevent contaminant ingress/egress, entering into the interior of support arm 8 through an aperture in the wall of cylindrical body 10. In the alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 11a to llg, the attachment means comprises a pivot block including a single sided pivot axle 32a. The exploded view shown in Figure llg illustrates how the parts are assembled.

The pivot block 16a may be detachable from the apparatus or integral to the apparatus. Preferably, the pivot block is integral to the body casting.

Referring now to Figure 2b, distal tip 7 of the lever 6 engages in a machined slot 18 in the guide rod 12. Advantageously, this arrangement provides a lift thrust and also pulls the cone valve 2 positively to its closed position. There may be included a bearing wheel 40 (Figure 3a and Figure lib) mounted in the slot in the guide rod to ease the engagement between the lever and the guide rod during lifting. The bearing wheel 40 is also shown, for example, in Figure 9.

As shown, for example, in Figure lb, a curved slot locking mechanism 20 allows the cone valve 2 to be secured in the fully open, fully closed, or any position in between. The lever 6 includes pin 60 which may move along the slot to a position wherein it may be locked in place by a locking handle 22. Figure 6b shows a detailed view of the locking handle 22 which is secured within the curved slot provided in the pivot block. The lever 6 may be locked in position with respect to the apparatus, to assist in control of the flow of material through the apparatus. Advantageously, locking the lever in any position with respect to the apparatus will allow for flow of material through the apparatus.

A separate loose flange 24 is provided with suitable bolts 26 to secure the apparatus 1 to an IBC outlet flange (Figure 3 a).

Seal rings are provided at the top and / or the bottom of the body. Typically, a seal ring 36 is provided at the bottom of the body to seal between the loose flange and the body. Typically, a seal ring 34 is provided at the top of the body, wherein the seal ring comprises an extended seal profile, and wherein the seal ring seals between the body and the IBC outlet, as well as between the cone valve and the body. The seal rings may comprise an elastomeric material.

With reference to Figures 7 and 8, there is provided a material discharge apparatus 30 comprising a valve 2 movable between raised and lowered positions to control flow of material.

With reference to the figures, there is provided a method for discharging flowable material from material discharge apparatus, comprising the use of apparatus as defined above.

With reference to the figures, there is provided a method of manually opening and closing a valve when the valve is used with a material container, comprising the use of apparatus as defined above.

In use, the valve 2 can be manually opened and closed when the apparatus 1 is used with a material container 30. The valve is movable between raised and lowered positions to control the flow of material through the apparatus. The valve comprises an actuating device having a movable part for moving the valve between raised and lowered positions; wherein the movable part of the actuating device comprises a lever 6 to assist in moving the valve between the raised and lowered positions. Advantageously, the provision of a valve comprising a lever which assists in movement of the valve between the raised and lowered positions allows for quick opening of the valve, assisting in the flow of material through the apparatus, allowing for the free flow of powder through the apparatus. Advantageously, the lever allows the valve to be opened in less than a second, which is faster when compared with other systems that do not comprise a lever to assist in opening the valve. The provision of a lever to assist in opening the valve also provides a simple, low cost apparatus. Advantageously, the valve allows the opening to achieve a full lift height. Typically, the provision of a lever avoids the need for a discharge station.

Claims

1. Apparatus for discharging flowable particulate material from a container, the apparatus comprising a valve, wherein the valve can be manually opened and closed when the valve is disposed within the discharge aperture of the container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the valve is movable between raised and lowered positions to control the flow of material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve comprises an actuating device having a movable part for moving the valve between raised and lowered positions.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the movable part of the actuating device comprises a lever to assist in moving the valve between the raised and lowered positions.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the lever may be locked in position with respect to the apparatus, to assist in control of the flow of material through the apparatus.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising an integral single support arm for mounting the valve.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a cylindrical body.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a cone valve.

9. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve is female threaded to receive a male threaded guide rod for the control of the opening and / or closing of the valve.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the guide rod passes through a mating guide bearing in a suitable bearing material, in turn mounted in the turret of the or each support arm.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 10, further comprising a flexible gaiter provided between a valve threaded spigot and support arm turret to provide additional sealing between the powder and guide mechanism.

12. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lever is attached to the material discharge apparatus via an attachment means.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the attachment means comprises at least one pivot block.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the lever body is mounted in the at least one pivot block.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein the attachment means comprises two pivot blocks.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the at least one pivot block is be detachable from the apparatus.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the at least one pivot block is integral to the apparatus.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one pivot block is integral to the body casting.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 18, wherein the tip of the lever engages in a machined slot in the guide rod.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the tip of the lever engages with a bearing wheel when in the slot of the guide rod.

21. Apparatus according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the lever body passes through the pivot block clevis and a seal is provided to prevent contaminant ingress/egress.

22. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a curved slot locking mechanism allows cone valve to be secured in fully open, fully closed, or any position in between.

23. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a separate loose flange is provided with suitable bolts to secure the valve assembly to an IBC outlet flange.

24. Apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 23, wherein, seal rings are provided at the top and / or the bottom of the body.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the seal rings comprise an elastomeric material.

26. A material discharge apparatus comprising a body and a valve movable between raised and lowered positions to control flow of material; an actuating device having a movable part for moving the valve between raised and lowered positions; wherein the movable part of the actuating device comprises a lever to assist in moving the valve between the raised and lowered positions.

27. A method for discharging flowable material from material discharge apparatus, comprising the use of apparatus as defined above.

28. A method of manually opening and closing a valve when the valve is used with a material container, comprising the use of apparatus as defined above.