Patent Application
20110094395
The present invention relates to an improved method and attachment for dewatering logs.
Throughout the world every year millions of tons of lumber are harvested. Wood has many uses, such as for the construction industry, fuel, shredding for ground cover, etc. In many applications, it is desirable to have dry lumber. In order to achieve low levels of moisture, one needs to have a consistently good drying climate or use vast amounts of energy.
In the wood processing industry, in many important applications, dewatered logs are often preferable over moist wood. For example, for shredding or use as an energy source, dry logs are desirable over moist ones.
A fast, simple in construction and repeatable dewatering process and device would be considered an improvement in the art.
Accordingly, it would be considered an improvement in the art, to be able to remove the moisture from logs and other materials, as quickly, simply, cleanly and economically, as possible.
An improved method and attachment for dewatering logs and solving associated problems, would be considered an improvement in the art.
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Referring to
The press 20 may be chosen from any one of a belt press, a screw press, a plate press, a batch press, a filter press, a hydraulic press, or any compression device as known in the art. The press 20 is configured to release the moisture in a log during a compression cycle.
For example, the press 20 may comprise a plate press having a conveyor located within the press 20, to firstly convey the log therein, and to secondly, convey or vacate the compressed log out, after compression for further processing. The conveyor can be configured to allow the release of moisture from the log during compression. For example, in the case of a standard belt conveyor, the belt can be perforated to allow the moisture to drain through the conveyor belt. One or more of the plates used in a plate press can also be perforated, to allow the escape of moisture during compression.
As shown in
Initially, the ram 23 is maintained in an ‘at rest’ position at that side of the plate press 22 opposite to the apertures 24, for example, the top of the plate press 22.
In operation, the log is supplied to the interior chamber 25 of the plate press 22. During compression, the ram 23 is driven in a downwards direction, towards the apertures 24. As the log is compressed, moisture is forced from the log, in the form of wastewater. The expelled wastewater exits the plate press 20 through the apertures 24, where it is collected in a suitable drain 28.
It will be understood that the above description is a general introduction of the invention. It can be modified and adapted in various ways, to improve the expelling of wastewater during compression. The dewatered log has many beneficial uses, as detailed herein.
The system 5 itself or components thereof may be provided as part of a mobile dewatering unit or system provided as part of a vehicle, for example on the rear of a truck, or on a truck trailer. Once processed, further processing can be taken. For example, a dewatered log can be conveyed, with a conveyer 30, to a storage bin 32, truck container and the like and/or can be conveyed 34 or transported for further processing 36, such as shredding, use as fuel and the like.
Advantageously, a dewatered log has a substantially reduced weight and is thus more easily transportable.
In its simplest form, a press attachment 100 is disclosed. The attachment 100 can include: an upper attachment 102 including a press surface 104; a lower attachment 106 having a floor 108 and walls 110 defining a generally U-shaped structure 112 configured to receive a log 114 to be dewatered having predetermined dimensions 130; the upper attachment 102 has an non-actuated mode 116 such that the press surface 104 is spaced a predetermined distance 118 above the lower attachment 106 and an actuated mode 120 such that the press surface 104 is moved vertically downwardly toward the floor 108 and at least partially in the generally U-shaped structure 112, wherein the press surface 104 and the generally U-shaped structure 112 are configured to contact the log 114 at, at least four points or areas 122, 124, 126 and 128.
This structure provides an improved structure to dewatering logs. The attachment 100, is particularly adapted for being a modular attachment which can be retrofitted in a press, for example. Further, the attachment can be dimensioned to fit the logs to be processed.
In one arrangement, the lower 106 and the upper attachments are generally rectangular 132. This structure is generally at least as long as the log 114 to be dewatered. This structure accommodates various log lengths. Typically, the rectangular shape accommodates the lengths of the logs to be dewatered. Similarly, the U-shaped structure 112 is particularly configured to accommodate the diameter of the log 114.
In one embodiment, a piston or conveyor system is utilized to transport and align the log 114 into the generally U-shaped structure 112. This allows rapid and repeatable loading of logs in proper alignment with the lower attachment 106, as previously detailed.
In one embodiment, an inner portion 134 of the generally U-shaped structure 112 is saw-toothed in shape, as shown in
In one arrangement, the press surface 104 and a floor 108 of the generally U-shaped structure 112 are complementarily configured such that the press surface 104 is received at least partially in the generally U-shaped structure 112. This structure surrounds the log to be processed, for quick and reliable dewatering.
In one embodiment, in operation, the press surface 104 and the floor 108 provide a gradual application of pressure along a vertical axis, when in the actuated mode 120, to allow water to naturally and freely exit both ends of the log 114 along the natural pathways of the log 114. In more detail, in a preferred embodiment, the gradual application of pressure when in the actuated mode is applied for a predetermined time, sufficient to thoroughly dewater the log. As should be understood, the time can vary widely. For example, the time can be from about 15 to about 60 seconds, for thorough dewatering and providing a commercially viable assembly line like process.
In a preferred arrangement, as shown in
In one arrangement, the press surface 104 and the floor 108 provide a substantial pressure when in the actuated mode, which can vary widely. In one arrangement, it can range from about 500 psi to about 5000 psi.
In another arrangement, as shown in
In yet another embodiment, as shown in
In a preferred embodiment, the press surface 104 is dimensioned and arranged to fit between the walls 110 and in the generally U-shaped structure 112 when actuated, for simplified vertical movement and enhanced decrease of the volume where the log sits, for improved dewatering.
In
In more detail, and in one embodiment, the method can include: actuating a press causing the press surface to move downwardly along a vertical axis toward the floor and between the walls; decreasing a volume defined by the press surface and the generally U-shaped structure; and expelling water from the log due to the decreased volume. Advantageously, this provides a high volume log dewatering solution for many applications.
The method can include directing the expelled moisture to a catch for simplified drainage.
In one arrangement, before the loading step 210, a transporting step can be utilized to transport a log to a loading location via a piston or a conveyor belt. This can provide a quick and repeatable process.
Likewise, after the pressing steps 220 and 230, an unloading the pressed log and loading a new log is provided. This provides a good assembly line arrangement, for enhanced efficiency.
As should be understood by those skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.
