Patent Application
20250018429
The present invention is directed to a static classifier for a grinding mill system or an in-stream classification system without the mill, the static classifier being configured for separating ground or pulverized particles of different sizes and having multiple flow restrictor means for adjusting the flow velocity and direction of particles entrained in a gas therethrough to maintain a steep particle separation.
Grinding mills are used to crush and pulverize solid materials such as minerals, limestone, gypsum that is used in the production of stucco, phosphate rock, salt, biomass, coke, and coal into small particles. Impact hammer mill and ball race mills are typical grinding mills that can be used to crush, pulverize, dry and flash calcining certain kind of solid materials such as gypsum all in one step. Ground particles of various sizes are discharged from the grinding mills into a downstream classifier. One prior art classifier is known as a “whizzer separator” as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,108,609. Another classifier is a turbine classifier. One of the prior art classifiers may be employed for the classification of the fine particles.
The efficiency of a classifier depends upon the air flow through the classifier and the type of material being classified. Prior art static classifiers are limited to a specific air flow and velocity of the air based upon the physical structure of the classifier. Thus, different classifiers are typically used for classifying different materials and a single classifier cannot be employed for classifying a wide range of different materials, for example natural gypsum and synthetic gypsum (FGD). To produce the same amount of stucco for wall board production, calcining FGD requires much more airflow than calcining natural gypsum due to higher moisture level in the feed. Over the last 10 years, the gypsum source has been changing greatly due to coal fired power plant being shut down in western countries. At the same time, in the developing countries, the coal fired power plants are still being built and more FGD feed will be available in the future. Therefore, an ideal new calcining system needs to be able to handle wide variation of feed type and airflow rate.
Thus, there is a need for an improved classifier that addresses the foregoing problems.
There is disclosed herein, a static classifier that includes a vessel that has an inlet and an outlet and has a vessel interior area. The static classifier includes a classifier chamber that is positioned in the vessel interior area. The classifier chamber has a plurality of openings extending through a side wall of the classifier chamber and into a classifier interior area of the classifier chamber. The plurality of openings are each configured for passing particles entrained in a gas from the vessel interior area into the classifier interior area. The static classifier includes one or more flow restrictors arranged with the classifier chamber. The one flow restrictor is configured to establish a flow velocity of the particles entrained in the gas, through the static classifier. Each of the plurality of openings has an axial extent. The classifier chamber includes a classifier outlet connected to an outlet duct. The flow restrictor includes a sleeve moveably positioned in the outlet duct and a distal end of the sleeve extends into the classifier interior area and partially eclipses the axial extent.
In certain embodiments, the static classifier includes an actuator system that is in communication with the sleeve. The actuator system is configured to axially position the sleeve relative to the plurality of openings.
In certain embodiments, the actuator system is mounted to an outer portion of the outlet duct and a portion of the actuator system extends through a slot in the outlet duct and is secured to the sleeve.
In certain embodiments, the static classifier includes a first seal that has a portion thereof radially positioned between the sleeve and the outlet duct and axially located below the slot and a second seal that has a portion thereof radially positioned between the sleeve and the outlet duct and axially located above the slot.
In certain embodiments, the actuator system is a rack and pinion device.
In certain embodiments, the actuator system includes a first actuator positioned on a first side of the duct and a second actuator positioned on a second side of the duct. The first actuator and the second actuator are synchronously coupled to axially move the sleeve.
In certain embodiments, the first actuator is a first screw jack and the second actuator is a second screw jack. The synchronously coupling system includes: (i) a driver gear box coupled to the first screw jack via a first linkage; (ii) a driven gear box coupled to the second screw jack via a second linkage; and (iii) a third linkage coupling the driver gear box to the driven gear box.
In certain embodiments, the first actuator is a first linear actuator and the second actuator is a second linear actuator. The first linear actuator and the second linear actuator are synchronously coupled via an electronic system.
In certain embodiments, a second flow restrictor the static classifier includes a vane pivotally arranged to the side wall of the classifier chamber proximate each of the plurality of openings.
In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has an axial extent and a circumferential extent and the vane has an axial length about equal to the axial extent. The vane has a circumferential arc-length that is about equal to the circumferential extent.
In certain embodiments, there is vane-actuator system in communication with the vanes.
In certain embodiments, the classifier chamber has a top-plate secured thereto. Each of the vanes is pivotally mounted on a shaft which extends through the top-plate. The vane-actuator system includes a linkage system connected to each of the shafts and a vane actuator connected to the linkage system. The vane actuator is configured to synchronously pivot the vanes relative to the side wall of the classifier chamber.
In certain embodiments, the vane actuator includes a lever for manual operation or a motor for electric powered operation of the vane actuator.
There is disclosed herein a static classifier that includes a vessel that has an inlet and an outlet and has a vessel interior area. The static classifier includes a classifier chamber positioned in the vessel interior area. The classifier chamber has a plurality of openings that extend through a side wall of the classifier chamber and into a classifier interior area of the classifier chamber. The plurality of openings are configured for passing particles entrained in a gas from the vessel interior area into the classifier interior area. The static classifier includes a first flow restrictor and a second flow restrictor each which are arranged with the classifier chamber. The first flow restrictor and the second flow restrictor each are configured to establish a flow velocity and direction of the particles entrained in the gas, through the static classifier. The first flow restrictor includes one or more vanes that are pivotally arranged to the side wall of the classifier chamber, proximate each of the plurality of openings. The second flow restrictor includes one or more covers each of which are removably secured over one or more of the plurality of openings.
In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has an axial extent and a circumferential extent. A respective one of the covers extends across the circumferential extent and partially across the axial extent of one or more of the plurality of openings.
In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has an axial extent and a circumferential extent. Each of the vanes has an axial length that is about equal to the axial extent and has a circumferential arc-length that is about equal to the circumferential extent.
In certain embodiments, the static classifier includes a vane-actuator system that is in communication with the vanes.
In certain embodiments, the classifier chamber has a top-plate secured thereto. Each of the vanes is pivotally mounted on a shaft which extends through the top-plate. The vane-actuator system includes a linkage system that is connected to each of the shafts. A vane actuator is connected to the linkage system. The vane actuator is configured to synchronously pivot the vanes relative to the side wall of the classifier chamber.
In certain embodiments, the vane actuator includes a lever for manual operation or a motor for electric powered operation of the vane actuator.
In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has an axial extent. The classifier chamber includes a classifier outlet that is connected to an outlet duct. The static classifier further includes a third flow restrictor that is configured as a sleeve that is moveably positioned in the outlet duct and a distal end of the sleeve extends into the classifier interior area and partially eclipses the axial extent.
In certain embodiments, an actuator system is in communication with the sleeve. The actuator system is configured to axially position the sleeve relative to the plurality of openings.
In certain embodiments, the actuator system is mounted to an outer portion of the outlet duct and a portion (e.g., an arm) of the actuator system extends through a slot in the outlet duct and is secured to the sleeve.
In certain embodiments, a first seal has a portion thereof radially positioned between the sleeve and the outlet duct and is axially located below the slot and a second seal has a portion thereof radially positioned between the sleeve and the outlet duct and is axially located above the slot.
In certain embodiments, the actuator system is a rack and pinion device.
In certain embodiments, the actuator system includes a first actuator positioned on a first side of the duct and a second actuator positioned on a second side of the duct. The first actuator and the second actuator are synchronously coupled to axially move the sleeve.
In certain embodiments, the first actuator is a first screw jack and the second actuator is a second screw jack. The synchronously coupling system includes: (i) a driver gear box that is coupled to the first screw jack via a first linkage; (ii) a driven gear box coupled to the second screw jack via a second linkage; and (iii) a third linkage coupling the driver gear box to the driven gear box.
In certain embodiments, the first actuator includes a first linear actuator and the second actuator includes a second linear actuator. The first linear actuator and the second linear actuator are synchronously coupled via an electronic system.
There is disclosed herein a static classifier including a vessel having an inlet and an outlet and having a vessel interior area. A classifier chamber is positioned in the vessel interior area. The classifier chamber has a plurality of openings extending through a side wall of the classifier chamber and into a classifier interior area of the classifier chamber. The plurality of openings are configured for passing particles entrained in a gas from the vessel interior area into the classifier interior area. At least one flow restrictor is arranged with the classifier chamber. The at least one flow restrictor is configured to establish a flow velocity and direction of the particles entrained in the gas, inside the static classifier.
In certain embodiments, the at least one flow restrictor includes a cover removably secured over a respective one of the plurality of openings. In some embodiments, each of the plurality openings has a cover secured thereover.
In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has an axial extent and a circumferential extent and each of the at least one covers extends across the circumferential extent and partially across the axial extent.
In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has an axial extent and the classifier chamber includes a classifier outlet connected to an outlet duct. The at least one flow restrictor comprises a sleeve moveably positioned in the outlet duct and a distal end of the sleeve extends into the classifier interior area and partially eclipses the axial extent.
In certain embodiments, a single actuator system is in communication with the sleeve, and the actuator system is configured to axially position the sleeve relative to the plurality of openings. In certain embodiments, two or more actuator systems (e.g., four actuators) are in communication with the sleeve, and the actuator systems are configured to axially position the sleeve relative to the plurality of openings.
In certain embodiments, the actuator system is mounted to an outer portion of the outlet duct and a portion of the actuator system extends through a slot in the outlet duct and is secured to the sleeve.
In certain embodiments, the static classifier includes a first seal having a portion thereof radially positioned between the sleeve and the outlet duct and axially located below the slot, and a second seal having a portion thereof radially positioned between the sleeve and the outlet duct and axially located above the slot.
In certain embodiments, the actuator system includes a single rack and pinion device. In certain embodiments, the actuator system includes two or more rack and pinion devices.
In certain embodiments, the actuator system includes a first actuator positioned on a first side of the duct and a second actuator positioned on a second side of the duct. The first actuator and the second actuator are synchronously coupled to axially move the sleeve.
In certain embodiments, the first actuator includes a first screw jack and the second actuator includes a second screw jack. The synchronously coupling includes: (i) a driver gear box coupled to the first screw jack via a first linkage; (ii) a driven gear box coupled to the second screw jack via a second linkage; and (iii) a third linkage coupling the driver gear box to the driven gear box.
In certain embodiments, the first actuator includes a first linear actuator and the second actuator comprises a second linear actuator. The first linear actuator and the second linear actuator are synchronously coupled and the synchronously coupling is electronic.
In certain embodiments, the at least one flow restrictor comprises a vane pivotally arranged to the side wall of the classifier chamber proximate each of the plurality of openings.
In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has an axial extent and a circumferential extent and wherein the vane has an axial length about equal to the axial extent and a circumferential arc-length about equal to the circumferential extent.
In certain embodiments, the static classifier includes a vane-actuator system in communication with the vanes.
In certain embodiments, the classifier chamber has a top-plate secured thereto, each of the vanes being pivotally mounted on a shaft which extends through the top-plate. The vane-actuator system includes a linkage system connected to each of the shafts and a vane actuator connected to the linkage system. The vane actuator is configured to synchronously pivot the vanes relative to the side wall of the classifier chamber.
In certain embodiments, the vane actuator includes a motor.
In certain embodiments, the sleeve has an outside diameter and an outer edge of the vanes defines a reference circle (R) which has a reference diameter when the vanes extended to a maximum radially inward position. The outside diameter is less than the reference diameter so that the distal end of the sleeve is spaced apart from the vanes when the sleeve extends into the classifier interior area and partially eclipses the axial extent.
In certain embodiments, the sleeve has an outside diameter and an outer edge of the vanes define a reference circle which has a reference diameter when the vanes extend to a maximum radially inward position. The outside diameter is less than the reference diameter so that the distal end of the sleeve is spaced apart from the vanes when the sleeve extends into the classifier interior area and partially eclipses the axial extent.
In certain embodiments, three flow restrictors are employed including the covers, the sleeve, and the vanes.
In certain embodiments, only two flow restrictors are employed, namely, the sleeve and the vanes.
In certain embodiments, only two flow restrictors are employed, namely, the covers and the vanes.
There is disclosed herein a static classifier that includes a vessel that has an inlet, a vessel outlet and a vessel interior area. The vessel has a top-plate positioned on the vessel outlet and has a classifier outlet formed in the top-plate. An outlet duct is positioned on the classifier outlet and at least an outer-duct portion of the outlet duct extends outwardly from the top-plate. The outer-duct portion includes a lower outer-duct portion, an upper outer-duct portion and a removable outer-duct portion positioned between and removably connected to the lower outer-duct portion and the upper outer-duct portion. The lower outer-duct portion has a first axial length and the removable outer-duct portion has a second axial length. A classifier chamber is positioned in the vessel interior area and has a plurality of openings extending through a side wall of the classifier chamber and into a classifier interior area of the classifier chamber. The plurality of openings is configured for passing particles entrained in a gas from the vessel interior area into the classifier interior area. The static classifier includes one or more flow restrictors arranged with the classifier chamber. The flow restrictor is configured to establish a flow velocity and direction of the particles entrained in the gas, through the static classifier. The flow restrictor is a sleeve that has an upper sleeve end, a lower sleeve end and a third axial length that extends between the upper sleeve end and the lower sleeve end. The upper sleeve end is removably secured and in fixed relation to (i.e., fixed in position, not moveable and not repositionable when the static classifier is assembled and during operation of the static classifier) between the lower outer-duct portion and the removable outer-duct portion. Each of the plurality of openings has an axial extent that extends between an upper edge of the opening and a lower edge of the opening. The lower edge of the axial extent is located at a fourth axial length measured downward from the top plate. The lower sleeve end extends downwardly over at least a portion of the axial extent.
In some embodiments, the third axial length is a maximum third axial length such that the lower sleeve end extends downwardly over the axial extent and the lower edge of the opening.
In some embodiments, the second axial length is greater than the maximum third axial length, such that second axial length provides an axial clearance for removal of the sleeve between the lower outer-duct portion and the upper outer-duct portion, when the removable outer-duct portion is removed.
In some embodiments, the maximum third axial length is greater than or equal to the sum of the first axial length and the fourth axial length.
In some embodiments, the second axial length is greater than or equal to the sum of the first axial length and the fourth axial length.
In some embodiments, the third axial length is of a magnitude of one of: (a) a first magnitude or a second magnitude that is greater that the first magnitude; (b) equal to the sum of the first axial length and one half of the fourth axial length; and (c) greater than the first axial length and up to and including the sum of the first axial length and the fourth axial length.
In some embodiments, the sleeve has an outside sleeve diameter and the lower outer-duct portion has an inside duct diameter that is greater than the outside sleeve diameter such that there is a radial gap between an outer sleeve surface of the sleeve and an inner duct surface of the lower outer-duct portion, to accommodate removal of the sleeve from the lower outer-duct portion.
In some embodiments, there are one or more first grips secured to a radially outer surface of the removable outer-duct portion to facilitate removal of the removable outer-duct portion.
In some embodiments, there is one or more receptacles (e.g., a threaded hole) formed in the flange of the sleeve for receiving a second grip to facilitate removal of the sleeve.
In some embodiments, the first axial length is greater than a height of a structure (e.g., portions of a vane actuator assembly excluding the vane actuator) mounted on and extending axially upward from the top plate, to accommodate removal of the sleeve from the lower outer-duct portion.
There is further disclosed herein a method for selectively modifying performance of a static classifier. The method includes providing the static classifier that includes a vessel that has an inlet, a vessel outlet and a vessel interior area. The vessel has a top-plate positioned on the vessel outlet and has a classifier outlet formed in the top-plate. An outlet duct is positioned on the classifier outlet and at least an outer-duct portion of the outlet duct extends outwardly from the top-plate. The outer-duct portion includes a lower outer-duct portion, an upper outer-duct portion and a removable outer-duct portion positioned between and removably connected to the lower outer-duct portion and the upper outer-duct portion. The lower outer-duct portion has a first axial length and the removable outer-duct portion has a second axial length. A classifier chamber is positioned in the vessel interior area and has a plurality of openings extending through a side wall of the classifier chamber and into a classifier interior area of the classifier chamber. The plurality of openings is configured for passing particles entrained in a gas from the vessel interior area into the classifier interior area. The static classifier has a flow restrictor arranged with the classifier chamber. The flow restrictor is configured to establish a flow velocity of the particles entrained in the gas, through the static classifier. The flow restrictor is a sleeve that has an upper sleeve end, a lower sleeve end and a third axial length that extends between the upper sleeve end and the lower sleeve end. The upper sleeve end is removably secured (i.e., fixed in position, not moveable and not repositionable when the static classifier is assembled during operation of the static classifier) between the lower outer-duct portion and the removable outer-duct portion. Each of the plurality of openings has an axial extent that extends between an upper edge of the opening and a lower edge of the opening. The lower edge of the axial extent is located at a fourth axial length measured downward from the top plate. The lower sleeve end extends downwardly over at least a portion of the axial extent. The sleeve has the third axial length that is one of a first magnitude or a second magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude. The method includes removing the removable outer-duct portion thereby creating a space between the lower outer-duct portion and the upper outer-duct portion. The sleeve is raised vertically out of the lower outer-duct portion and into the space. The sleeve is moved horizontally out of the space. The method includes selecting a replacement version of the sleeve, which has the third axial length being another of the first magnitude or the second magnitude. The replacement version of the sleeve is moved horizontally into the space. The replacement version of the sleeve is lowered vertically downward into the lower outer-duct portion. The method includes replacing the removable outer-duct portion into position between the upper outer-duct portion and the lower outer-duct portion.
In some embodiments, a second flow restrictor that is a vane is pivotally arranged to and located radially inward of the side wall of the classifier chamber proximate each of the plurality of openings. The vane is positioned radially outward of and axially aligned with a portion of the sleeve that partially eclipses the axial extent, and is located between the sleeve and the side wall.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has a circumferential extent and the vane has an axial length equal to the axial extent and a circumferential arc-length equal to the circumferential extent.
In some embodiments, a vane-actuator system is in communication with the vanes.
In some embodiments, each of the vanes are pivotally mounted on a shaft which extends through the top-plate. The vane-actuator system includes a linkage system connected to each of the shafts and a vane actuator are connected to the linkage system. The vane actuator is configured to synchronously pivot the vanes relative to the side wall of the classifier chamber.
In some embodiments, the vane actuator includes a lever for manual operation or a motor for electric powered operation of the vanes.
In some embodiments, a second flow restrictor includes one or more covers that are each removably secured over a respective one of the plurality of openings. The covers are located in the vessel interior area.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has a circumferential extent and a respective one of the covers extends across the circumferential extent and partially across the axial extent of a respective one of the plurality of openings.
In some embodiments, a third flow restrictor is provided in addition to the vanes and the third flow restrictors are one or more covers removably secured over a respective one of the plurality of openings. The covers are located in the vessel interior area. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of openings has a circumferential extent and a respective one of the covers extends across the circumferential extent and partially across the axial extent of a respective one of the plurality of openings.
There is further disclosed herein static classifier that includes a vessel that has an inlet and a vessel outlet and that has a vessel interior area. The vessel has a top-plate that is positioned on the vessel outlet and has a classifier outlet is formed in the top-plate. An outlet duct is positioned on the classifier outlet and at least an outer-duct portion of the outlet duct extends outwardly from the top-plate. The outer-duct portion includes a lower outer-duct portion, an upper outer-duct portion, and a removable outer-duct portion positioned between and removably connected to the lower outer-duct portion and the upper outer-duct portion. The lower outer-duct portion has a first axial length and the removable outer-duct portion has a second axial length. A classifier chamber is positioned in the vessel interior area. The classifier chamber has a plurality of openings that extend through a side wall of the classifier chamber and into a classifier interior area of the classifier chamber. The plurality of openings are configured for passing particles entrained in a gas from the vessel interior area into the classifier interior area. Each of the plurality of openings has an axial extent that extends between an upper edge of the opening and a lower edge of the opening. The lower edge of the axial extent is located at a fourth axial length measured downward from the top plate. The static separator includes a flow restrictor kit that includes: (a) a first sleeve that has a first upper sleeve end, a first lower sleeve end and a first sleeve third axial length that extends between the first upper sleeve end and the first lower sleeve end; and (b) a second sleeve that has a second upper sleeve end, a second lower sleeve end and a second sleeve third axial length that extends between the second upper sleeve end and the second lower sleeve end. The second sleeve third axial length is greater than the first sleeve third axial length. The first sleeve and the second sleeve are individually changeably (e.g., interchangeably, selectively changeably or configurable) positionable in the classifier chamber. Thus, the first sleeve and the second sleeve have different third axial lengths that depend on the type of material processed through the static classifier and the application (e.g., gypsum calcining and gypsum impurity removal) and the extent to which the openings need to be covered.
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The static classifier 100 includes a classifier chamber 40 (e.g., an outlet sleeve) positioned in the vessel interior area 10V inside the upper drum 10D. The classifier chamber 40 has a plurality of openings 42 (e.g., windows) that extend through a side wall 44 of the classifier chamber 40 and into a classifier interior area 40D of the classifier chamber 40. The plurality of openings 42 are configured for passing particles entrained in a gas from the vessel interior area 10V into the classifier interior area 40D.
The static classifier 100 includes one or more flow restrictors arranged with the classifier chamber 40, as described further herein. Each of the flow restrictors are configured to establish a flow velocity and or direction of the particles entrained in the gas through the static classifier 100. The number and type of flow restrictors used depends upon the required particle size and the system air flow.
The static classifier 100 of the present invention has utility in being able to separate large particles from the small ones. The flow restrictors help optimize the classification efficiency and maintain the efficiency when system flow rate changes significantly due to process requirements change.
The upper drum 10D of the classifier chamber 40 has a top-plate 40P secured thereto. The classifier chamber 40 has a classifier outlet 46 formed in the top-plate 40P. The classifier outlet 46 is connected to an outlet duct 20 (e.g., an uptake duct) through which fine classified particles entrained in the gas flow and discharged therefrom via a duct outlet 22.
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In some embodiments, the seal 80 is eliminated and replaced with the seal 90 and flanges 20F1, 20F2 shown in
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The static classifier 100 has utility in pulverizer mill system 1000, as shown in
In some embodiments, the static classifier 100 includes three types of the flow restrictors including the covers 50, the moveable sleeve 30 and the adjustable vanes 70.
In some embodiments, the static classifier 100 includes only two types of the flow restrictors namely, the sleeve 30 and the adjustable vanes 70.
In some embodiments, the static classifier 100 includes only two types of the flow restrictors namely, the covers 50 and the adjustable vanes 70.
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A classifier chamber 40 is positioned in the vessel interior area 10V. The classifier chamber 40 has a plurality of openings 42 that extend through a side wall of the classifier chamber 40 and into a classifier interior area 40D of the classifier chamber 40. The plurality of openings 42 are configured to pass particles entrained in a gas from the vessel interior area 10V into the classifier interior area 40D.
One or more flow restrictors are arranged with the classifier chamber 40. The flow restrictor is configured to establish a flow velocity of the particles entrained in the gas, through the static classifier 100′. In the embodiment shown in
Referring to
Each of the plurality of openings 42 has an axial extent 42A that extends between an upper edge 42U of the respective opening 42 and a lower edge 42L of the respective opening 42 by an axial length which defines the axial extent 42A. The lower edge 42L of the axial extent is located at a fourth axial length H4 measured downward from a bottom portion of the top plate 40P.
The lower sleeve end 130E extends downwardly over at least a portion of the axial extent of each of the openings 42. For example, in some embodiments, the third axial length H3 is a maximum third axial length H3max such that the lower sleeve end 130Emax (shown in dashed lines in
In some embodiments, the maximum third axial length H3max is greater than or equal to the sum of the first axial length H1 and the fourth axial length H4. In some embodiments, the second axial length H2 is greater than or equal to the sum of the first axial length H1 and the fourth axial length H4. In some embodiments, the lower sleeve end 130E extends 2 inches below the upper edge 42U of the respective opening 42. In some embodiments, the lower sleeve end 130E extends up to or below the lower edge 42L of the respective opening 42.
The static classifier 100′ is configured to be easily modified when offline to selectively change out the sleeve 130 with those of different third axial lengths H3 to accommodate the classification of different types of material, such as gypsum calcining and gypsum impurity removal. For example, for the gypsum calcining process, the required separation cut size is relatively fine, e.g., 30 microns. However, for the gypsum impurity removal application, the cut size required is much coarser, e.g., 150 microns. The sleeve length requirements are quite different for those two different applications. For example, finer cut sizes utilize longer sleeve lengths than coarser cut sizes which utilize relatively shorter sleeve lengths. For example, the third axial length H3 of the sleeve can be selected from any of the following: (a) the third axial length H3 being greater than the first axial length H1; (b) the third axial length H3 being about equal to the sum of the first axial length H1 and one half of the fourth axial length H4; (c) the third axial length H3 being about equal to a magnitude greater than the first axial length H1 and up to and including the sum of the first axial length H1 and the fourth axial length H4; (d) a first magnitude; and (c) a second magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude.
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There is disclosed herein a method for selectively modifying performance of the static classifier 100′. The method includes providing the static classifier 100′ that has the third axial length (H3) being selected from any one of the following magnitudes: (a) the third axial length H3 being greater than the first axial length (H1); (b) the third axial length H3 being about equal to the sum of the first axial length (H1) and one half of the fourth axial length (H4); (c) the third axial length H3 being about equal to a magnitude greater than the first axial length H1 and up to and including the sum of the first axial length H1 and the fourth axial length H4; (d) a first magnitude; and (c) a second magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude. The method includes removing the removable outer-duct portion 20M thereby creating a space between the lower outer-duct portion 20L and the upper outer-duct portion 20U. The method also includes raising the sleeve 130 vertically out of the lower outer-duct portion 20L and into the space and moving the sleeve 130 horizontally out of the space. The third axial length (H3) of the A replacement version of the sleeve 130 is determined by selecting one of the following magnitudes: (a) the third axial length H3 being greater than the first axial length H1; (b) the third axial length H3 being about equal to the sum of the first axial length H1 and one half of the fourth axial length H4; (c) the third axial length H3 being about equal to a magnitude between the first axial length H1 and the fourth axial length H4; (d) a first magnitude; and (c) a second magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude. The method further includes moving the replacement version of the sleeve 130 horizontally into the space; lowering the replacement version of the sleeve 130 vertically downward into the lower outer-duct portion 20L; and replacing the removable outer-duct portion 20M into position between the lower outer-duct portion 20L and the upper outer-duct portion 20U.
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In some embodiments, the static classifier 100′ includes the changeable sleeve 130, one or more of the vanes 70 and one or more of the covers 50, as described herein.
There is disclosed herein a flow restrictor kit configured for individual changeable (e.g., selectively changeable, interchangeable, or configurable) installation and removal of the sleeve 130 in the classifier chamber 40 of the static classifier 100′. The flow restrictor kit includes (a) a first sleeve that has a first upper sleeve end 130T, a first lower sleeve end 130E and a first sleeve third axial length H3 extending between the first upper sleeve end 130T and the first lower sleeve end 130E; and (b) a second sleeve that has a second upper sleeve end 130T, a second lower sleeve end 130E and a second sleeve third axial length H3 extending between the second upper sleeve end 130T and the second lower sleeve end 130E, the second sleeve third axial length being greater than the first sleeve third axial length H3. The first sleeve and the second sleeve are individually (i.e., one sleeve at a time) changeably (e.g., selectively changeable, interchangeable, or configurable) positioned in the classifier chamber 40 with flanges 130F thereof mounted between the lower outer-duct portion 20L and the removable outer-duct portion 20M.
While the static classifier 100′ is shown and described as having the sleeves 130 that can have various third axial lengths H3 depending the material and application to selectively cover portions of the opening 42, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other configurations can also be employed, including but not limited to using a sleeve of a standard axial length and selectively adjusting the axial position of the sleeve by securing an upper flange of the sleeve between a modified removable outer-duct portion (e.g., similar to the outer-duct portion 20M) that is made up of two spool pieces (e.g., upper spool piece and a lower spool piece) of predetermined lengths to position the modified sleeve in the classifier chamber 40 to cover a predetermined portion of the openings 42. For example, use of a lower spool piece with a relatively short axial length which positions the sleeve over a larger portion of the openings 42 than the use of a lower spool piece with a relatively long axial length, which positions the sleeve over a lesser portion of the openings 42.
The following clauses that are listed as items represent embodiments of the present invention.
Item 1. A static classifier (100) comprising: a vessel (10) having an inlet (10A) and an outlet (10B) and having a vessel interior area (10V); a classifier chamber (40) positioned in the vessel interior area (10V), the classifier chamber (40) having a plurality of openings (42) extending through a side wall (44) of the classifier chamber (40) and into a classifier interior area (40D) of the classifier chamber (40), the plurality of openings (42) being configured for passing particles entrained in a gas from the vessel interior area (10V) into the classifier interior area (40D); and at least one flow restrictor arranged with the classifier chamber (40); wherein the at least one flow restrictor is configured to establish a flow velocity of the particles entrained in the gas, through the static classifier (100).
Item 2. The static classifier (100) of item 1, wherein the at least one flow restrictor comprises at least one cover (50) removably secured over at least one of the plurality of openings (42).
Item 3. The static classifier (100) of item 2, wherein each of the plurality of openings (42) has an axial extent (42A) and a circumferential extent (42C) and wherein a respective one of the at least one covers (50) extends across the circumferential extent (42C) and partially across the axial extent (42A) of a respective one of the plurality of openings (42).
Item 4. The static classifier (100) of item 1, wherein each of the plurality of openings (42) has an axial extent (42A) and wherein the classifier chamber (40) comprises a classifier outlet (46) connected to an outlet duct (20); and wherein the at least one flow restrictor comprises a sleeve (30) moveably positioned in the outlet duct (20) and a distal end (30A) of the sleeve (30) extending into the classifier interior area (40D) and partially eclipses the axial extent (42A).
Item 5. The static classifier (100) of claim 4, further comprising an actuator system (60) in communication with the sleeve (30), wherein the actuator system (60) is configured to axially position the sleeve (30) relative to the plurality of openings (42).
Item 6. The static classifier (100) of item 5, wherein the actuator system (60) is mounted to an outer portion of the outlet duct (20) and a portion of the actuator system (60) extends through a slot (20X) in the outlet duct (20) and is secured to the sleeve (30).
Item 7. The static classifier (100) of claim 6, further comprising a first seal (80) having a portion thereof radially positioned between the sleeve (30) and the outlet duct (20) and axially located below the slot (20X) and a second seal (90) having a portion thereof radially positioned between the sleeve (30) and the outlet duct (20) and axially located above the slot (20X).
Item 8. The static classifier (100) of item 5, wherein the actuator system (60) comprises a rack and pinion device (60R).
Item 9. The static classifier (100) of item 5, wherein the actuator system (60) comprises a first actuator (60A) positioned on a first side (20A) of the duct (20) and a second actuator (60B) positioned on a second side (20B) of the duct (20), wherein the first actuator (60A) and the second actuator (60B) are synchronously coupled to axially move the sleeve (30).
Item 10. The static classifier (100) of item 9, wherein the first actuator (60A) comprises a first screw jack and the second actuator (60B) comprises a second screw jack and wherein the synchronously coupling comprises: (i) a driver gear box (66A) coupled to the first screw jack (60AJ) via a first linkage (68A); (ii) a driven gear box (66A) coupled to the second screw jack (60BJ) via a second linkage (68A); and (iii) a third linkage (68C) coupling the driver gear box (66A) to the driven gear box (66B).
Item 11. The static classifier (100) of item 5, wherein the first actuator (60A) comprises a first linear actuator (60AL) and the second actuator (60B) comprises a second linear actuator (60BL) and wherein first linear actuator (60AL) and the second linear actuator (60BL) are synchronously coupled and wherein the synchronously coupling is electronic.
Item 12. The static classifier (100) of item 1, wherein the at least one flow restrictor comprises a vane (70) pivotally arranged to the side wall (44) of the classifier chamber (40) proximate each of the plurality of openings (42).
Item 13. The static classifier (100) of item 12, wherein each of the plurality of openings (42) has an axial extent (42A) and a circumferential extent (42C) and wherein the vane (70) has an axial length (70L) about equal to the axial extent (42A) and a circumferential arc-length (70C) about equal to the circumferential extent (42C).
Item 14. The static classifier (100) of item 12, further comprising vane-actuator system (70V) in communication with the vanes (70).
Item 15. The static classifier (100) of item 14, wherein the classifier chamber (40) has a top-plate (40P) secured thereto, each of the vanes (70) being pivotally mounted on a shaft (77) which extends through the top-plate (40P), the vane-actuator system (70V) comprises connector plate 74 connected to each of the shafts (77) and a vane actuator (72) connected to the connector plate 72, the vane actuator (72) being configured to synchronously pivot the vanes (70) relative to the side wall (44) of the classifier chamber (40).
Item 16. The static classifier (100) of item 15, wherein the vane actuator (72) comprises a lever for manual operation or a motor for electric powered operation of the vane actuator.
Item 17. A static classifier (100) of item, comprising: (a) at least one cover (50) of item 2 and optionally item 3 removably secured over at least one of the plurality of openings (42); (b) a sleeve (30) of item 4 and optionally any of items 5-11 and wherein each of the plurality of openings (42) has an axial extent (42A) and wherein the classifier chamber (40) comprises a classifier outlet (46) connected to an outlet duct (20); and the sleeve (30) is moveably positioned in the outlet duct (20) and a distal end (30A) of the sleeve (30) extends into the classifier interior area (40D) and partially eclipses the axial extent (42A); and (c) a vane (70) of item 12 and optionally any of items 13-16 pivotally arranged to the side wall (44) of the classifier chamber (40) proximate each of the plurality of openings (42).
Item 18. The static classifier (100) of item 17, wherein the sleeve (30) has an outside diameter (30D) and an outer edge (70G) of the vanes (70) define a reference circle (R) which has a reference diameter (RD) when the vanes (70) extended to a maximum radially inward position and the outside diameter (30D) is less than the reference diameter, so that the distal end (30A) of the sleeve (30) is spaced apart from the vanes (70), when the sleeve (30) extends into the classifier interior area (40D) and partially eclipses the axial extent (42A).
Item 19. A static classifier (100) of item 1, comprising: (a) a sleeve (30) of item 4 and optionally any of items 5-11 and wherein each of the plurality of openings (42) has an axial extent (42A) and wherein the classifier chamber (40) comprises a classifier outlet (46) connected to an outlet duct (20); and the sleeve (30) is moveably positioned in the outlet duct (20) and a distal end (30A) of the sleeve (30) extends into the classifier interior area (40D) and partially eclipses the axial extent (42A); and (b) a vane (70) of item 12 and optionally any of items 13-16 pivotally arranged to the side wall (44) of the classifier chamber (40) proximate each of the plurality of openings (42).
Item 20. The static classifier (100) of item 19, wherein the sleeve (30) has an outside diameter (30D) and an outer edge (70G) of the vanes (70) define a reference circle (R) which has a reference diameter (RD) when the vanes (70) extended to a maximum radially inward position and the outside diameter (30D) is less than the reference diameter, so that the distal end (30A) of the sleeve (30) is spaced apart from the vanes (70), when the sleeve (30) extends into the classifier interior area (40D) and partially eclipses the axial extent (42A).
Item 21. A static classifier (100) of item 1, comprising: (a) at least one cover (50) of item 2 and optionally item 3 removably secured over at least one of the plurality of openings (42); and (b) a vane (70) of item 12 and optionally any of items 13-16 pivotally arranged to the side wall (44) of the classifier chamber (40) proximate each of the plurality of openings (42).
Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
This application is a Continuation in Part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/120,094 entitled “Adjustable Static Classifier”, filed Mar. 10, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18120094 | Mar 2023 | US |
| Child | 18811891 | US |
