DE20005076U1 - Plant for the selective separation of a mixture mass flow - Google Patents

Description

Dipl.-Chem. EL FRITZ 00/03

Dr. Dipl.-Phys. R. BASFELD March 16, 2000/EF/Ni

Dipl.-Phys. E. HARAZIM Patent Attorneys M. HOFFMANN Attorney Mühlenberg 74 59759 Arnsberg

Mister

Dipl.-Chem. Carl-Stefan Thöne

Daimlerstrasse

46395 Bocholt

"System for the selective separation of a mixture mass flow"

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The present invention relates to a plant for the selective separation of a mixture mass flow from bodies of different densities and optionally different dimensions.
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Sorting processes and sorting systems of the type mentioned above are well known. They are used wherever a mixture of different materials is to be sorted into the desired classes, for example metallic and non-metallic materials.

Particularly in the area of waste recycling, large quantities of recyclable materials have to be separated from one another. In this context, recyclable materials are all materials that can be used for other purposes in an economically viable manner. In the known sorting processes and devices, the different properties of the materials, such as density, dimensions, magnetic properties, melting point, boiling point, viscosity, etc., are exploited in order to separate a mass flow of recyclable materials into the desired recyclable material classes using appropriate filters, usually in several stages.

The primary goal of optimizing any sorting process is its economic efficiency, which is ensured by continuous and trouble-free operation of the system used. The media to be sorted include industrial waste, for example, which forms an extremely inhomogeneous mixture of recyclable materials. In addition to solid components, the recyclable materials also contain operating materials such as oils, fats, chips, etc., which can cause considerable problems with smooth operation if they are separated mechanically alone. The sorting system must be shut down for maintenance work and is therefore not productive during this period.

The object of the present invention is to provide a plant for the selective separation of a mixture mass flow from

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To provide bodies of different densities and, where appropriate, different dimensions, in particular bodies made of relatively high-quality materials that make recycling worthwhile, which operate comparatively maintenance-free.

The solution to this problem is provided by an inventive system for the selective separation of a mixture mass flow of the type mentioned at the outset with the characterizing features of claim 1. The inventive solution is based on the idea that bodies of different densities can be separated by applying compressed air transversely to the conveying direction in that they are moved by the compressed air to different distances from their starting point, so that the separated bodies can then be collected separately according to density classes in a suitable manner with the aid of suitable separating elements.

If the bodies in the mixture mass flow not only originally have different densities but also different dimensions, it is advisable to first pre-sort them according to dimension classes, so that bodies with relatively similar dimensions are then present in a mixture mass flow, which then only differ in density. A pre-sorting device with at least one sieve is preferably used for this pre-sorting.

Preferably, the mixture mass flow is transported on a conveyor belt, the conveying speed of which is adjustable. Compressed air is applied via a nozzle with preferably adjustable pressure and adjustable flow speed transverse to the conveying direction or at least essentially transverse to the conveying direction. As a result, the bodies are transported different distances on the conveyor belt 5 and when they then move further in the conveying direction, they are separated by the appropriately arranged separating elements and can then be collected in different collecting containers, with preferably one collecting container

is arranged approximately laterally opposite the nozzle, which then receives the bodies with the lowest density, since these are transported by the compressed air furthest across the conveying direction. The bodies remaining on the conveyor belt can be further separated by appropriately arranged separating plates, wherein the separating plates are preferably at least partially aligned essentially in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, so that they separate bodies of the mixture mass flow based on how far they have moved away from their original distance from the nozzle after being subjected to compressed air.

Those bodies which have the lowest specific weight and are moved by the compressed air so far that they leave the conveyor belt in the transverse direction are preferably braked there by a baffle plate which is arranged opposite the nozzle and where they bounce off and can then be collected in a collecting container located underneath.

When using the aforementioned separating plates to further separate the bodies remaining on the conveyor belt, it is particularly important that the end on the upstream side of the separating plate is at such a distance from the nozzle in the transverse direction that the desired group of separated bodies is completely captured there when the conveyor belt is in operation. According to this principle, several separating plates can be arranged at different distances in the transverse direction to the long side of the conveyor belt.

If pre-sorting is carried out, for example using a sieve, to first separate bodies of different dimensions, then a dosing device arranged between the pre-sorting device and the actual sorting device for separating bodies of different densities is advantageous in order to act as a buffer or to separate the bodies in advance, which simplifies the subsequent separation. Likewise, the resulting

Pre-alignment of the bodies of the mixture mass flow may be advantageous for the subsequent application of compressed air.

According to a preferred development of the invention, a single-layer supply of the bodies of the mixture mass flow to the sorting device can be achieved via scrapers, which can be part of the metering device, which also facilitates the subsequent separation.

According to a preferred development of the invention, the metering device has at least one guide plate combination arranged downstream of a scraper, preferably with one or more guide plates which are aligned at an angle to the conveying direction of the mixture mass flow.

This also makes it possible to slow down the movement, i.e. to puff, as well as to separate and feed the bodies in a targeted manner. For example, such a guide plate combination can be used to feed the bodies to a closure mechanism, which is preferably located in the area of the downstream end of the metering device. When this closure mechanism is in the closed position, the mixture mass flow is prevented from escaping from the metering device.

This allows the bodies to be separated to be fed to the sorting device in batches from the dosing device, for example if you want to avoid overloading the sorting device or if you want to change the sorting criteria, e.g. by changing the pressure and flow rate of the compressed air and/or changing the position of the separating elements of the sorting device. Another important variable for controlling the separation process is the feed speed of the conveyor belt. For a given feed speed of the conveyor belt, the speed of movement of the bodies through the dosing device can be reduced using the guide plate combination. By using a guide plate preferably in the access area of the

The conical, funnel-shaped sheet metal combination present on the closure mechanism can be used to feed the bodies at the end of the dosing device towards the closure mechanism and also to collect a number of the bodies there.

The pre-sorting mentioned above can be carried out particularly easily and effectively by sieving. For recyclable materials that are not free-flowing, it is advisable to stimulate the sieving by vibration.

A further advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention is the separation of the pre-sorted mixture mass flow. Separation means that the bodies of the mixture mass flow are fed to the gas mass flow as sequentially as possible. In this way, superposition or flow turbulence between the bodies of the mixture mass flow is avoided.

Compressed air is a good choice as a gas mass flow because it is inexpensive and available in any quantity. However, for special applications, other technical gases or liquids such as water are also conceivable.

Using the method according to the invention, indexable inserts made of different materials, in particular those based on hard metal or cermet/ceramic, can be sorted particularly effectively. However, this application is only an example in this context and is only intended to illustrate the method of operation.

It has proven particularly advantageous to connect individual functional units 5 upstream of the sorting device. By using a pre-sorting device, a mass flow that is inhomogeneous in terms of dimensions can initially be separated into at least two dimension classes. This has proven to be the case with the

The subsequent sorting process according to the invention is very advantageous with regard to perfect selective separation.

It is also extremely advantageous to interpose a dosing device, as this allows the bodies to be buffered and separated. In this way, bodies from the mixture mass flow are fed sequentially to the sorting device, which can be flown onto separately and thus deflected differently. By feeding them individually, deflection effects that arise from mutual influences on the bodies when flowing onto them can be avoided.

Using a sieve for pre-sorting is a simple and cost-effective way to pre-sort by size. The sieved components are first collected in a collecting container.

If the mixture mass flow is to be separated into more than two dimension classes, it is advisable to install several sieves one below the other, staggered according to the dimension classes. To avoid blockages and to use the entire sieve surface, it is advantageous to transport the sieved components of a sieve stage through a chute to the side of the sieve opposite the extraction point. This makes better use of the entire sieve surface and largely eliminates unintentional discharge at the extraction point.

The screening process is stimulated by a vibrating mechanism which causes the screen(s) to vibrate accordingly, so that vibration transport of the mixture mass flow over the screen surface is ensured.

As a last step below the sieve(s), at least one collecting container is provided, which collects the smallest components

of the mixture mass flow and can act as a buffer storage. In addition, impurities in the mixture mass flow such as metal chips or other fine-grained components can be collected here. 5

The transport of the pre-sorted components from the sieves via the removal points to the dosing device(s) is advantageously ensured by chutes or conveyor belts. A special arrangement and design of the chutes or conveyor belts means that several dosing devices and thus several sorting devices can be served simultaneously. However, intermediate storage and staggered sorting of the components pre-sorted according to dimensions is also conceivable.

Several designs are conceivable for the dosing device. A cost-effective solution is the use of an elevated chute on which at least one scraper, at least one guide plate and a vibrator are provided.

The scraper ensures that the feed is as single-layered as possible. The guide plate or the guide plate combination ensures that the components are separated and buffered accordingly. Buffering proves to be particularly advantageous when a mixture mass flow is fed discontinuously.

In addition, a dosing device comprising at least one conveyor belt, at least one scraper and at least one guide plate is also conceivable. By combining several conveyor belts with different conveying speeds, an even more effective separation can be achieved.

Another advantageous way to control the material flow is to install a locking mechanism. The feed to the subsequent sorting device(s) can be controlled by appropriate timing.

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The use of an end aligner, which is arranged above the conveyor belt, has proven to be particularly advantageous. This means that the bodies that reach the conveyor belt are again lined up on the conveyor belt so that they can be optimally flown onto by the nozzle.

Because the sorting device comprises a baffle plate which is arranged substantially opposite the nozzle, the components of the mixture mass flow deflected by the gas mass flow across the width of the conveyor belt can be collected and fall into a suitable collecting container.

Those bodies that were less deflected by the gas mass flow due to their greater mass and static friction remain on the conveyor belt and can fall into the designated collecting container at the end.

In this context, it has proven particularly advantageous to install separating plates that are essentially aligned parallel to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. By arranging the plates and spacing them accordingly, further selection of the bodies remaining on the conveyor belt can take place. 25

Since there are several devices connected in series, the throughput of which may differ from one another, it is highly advisable to provide appropriate buffer storage in order to compensate for any fluctuations in throughput during continuous operation.

In addition to the pressure parameters of the nozzle (cross section, pressure, gas used), the angle of flow in relation to the conveying direction has a significant influence on the efficiency of the separation. By using a nozzle in which the flow direction can be varied, this angle can be optimally

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and can be easily and continuously adapted to the respective requirements.

In addition, it is possible to sort the mixture mass flow, for example by color, while maintaining otherwise identical properties, for example by means of sensors and a controlled pulse operation of the nozzle.

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In the following, the present invention is described in more detail using an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 sorting system;

Fig. 2 Device for pre-sorting in side view;

Fig. 3 Device for pre-sorting in plan view; 10

Fig. 4 Dosing device with chute in side view;

Fig. 5 Dosing device with conveyor belt in plan view;

Fig. 6 Section VI-VI of a dosing system with conveyor belt;

Fig. 7 Locking mechanism in top view; 20

Fig. 8 Sorting device in plan view;

Fig. 9 Section IX-IX of a sorting device.

First, reference is made to Fig. 1. A sorting system according to the invention is essentially made up of three functional units. These are a pre-sorting device 1, a dosing device and a sorting device 28.

The above-mentioned devices perform various tasks within the sorting system. The sorting process and the technical structure of the functional units are exemplified using an inhomogeneous mixture of indexable inserts as a recyclable material, whereby the indexable inserts are to be sorted according to dimensions and material.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, the pre-sorting device essentially consists of a frame 3 in which two sieves 4, 6 are arranged one above the other. The hole size, as well as the gradation thereof, can be designed as desired based on the dimensions of the recyclable materials to be sorted. However, it makes sense for the hole size of the sieves 4, 6 to decrease along the direction of gravity.

The top screen 4 is loaded with a mixture of indexable inserts of different materials and dimensions, such as ceramic or hard metal based, through a chute 2. For better distribution of the indexable insert mixture over the screen surface, a chute 2 with a variable scraper or a conveyor belt can be provided. Since the recyclable material mixture of indexable inserts is not a free-flowing material, the entire frame 3 must be set in vibration with a vibrator 8. This vibration results in undirected vibration transport with horizontally arranged screens 4, 6 and directed vibration transport with slightly inclined screens 4, 6. As the indexable inserts are transported over the screens 4, 6, they fall to the next lower screen level according to their size or remain on the corresponding level because they are too large for the holes in the screen. Directed vibration transport is also possible with horizontal screens. The only prerequisite for this is the use of a directed vibration or shaking.

In principle, any number of sieves of decreasing hole size arranged one above the other is conceivable. The number and gradation must be adapted to the composition of the mixture of recyclable materials to be sieved.

The indexable inserts do not fall directly onto the next 5 screen, but are guided via chutes 5, 7 to the end of the screens 4, 6 facing the chute. This measure prevents indexable inserts from reaching the removal side without appropriate screening, as this way they

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have to travel the entire way across the respective sieve. The smallest indexable inserts are accordingly collected in a collecting container 29. Due to the arrangement of a pre-sorting device 1 described above, the indexable inserts can already be fed in different size classes to the next functional unit, the dosing device 11, which can ensure a much more effective sorting process.

The transport to the dosing device 11 can be carried out either via chutes 9, 10 or via conveyor belts. The shape of the chutes is not fixed. The chutes shown in Fig. 3 essentially have the shape of two combined triangles, with a long side edge pointing along the sieve and a tip pointing in the direction of the dosing device.

In the exemplary embodiment presented here, two screens 4, 6 and two slides 9, 10 are provided. Due to the design and positioning of the slides 9, 10, two dosing devices 11 and then two sorting devices 28 can be operated in parallel in a continuous operation. However, a type of buffer storage between the functional units would also be conceivable, thus allowing staggered dosing and sorting of indexable inserts that have already been pre-sorted according to dimensions.

The dosing device 11 is used essentially for buffering as well as separating and pre-aligning the already pre-sorted indexable inserts. Several designs are conceivable for this functional unit. Fig. 4 shows a dosing device 11 comprising a buffer container 15, a chute 12, a rigid stripper 14, a fabric stripper 16, a combination of guide plates 17 and a vibrating device 13.

The pre-sorted indexable inserts fall from the buffer container 15 onto the inclined chute 12 and are

by the vibration of the vibrating mechanism 13 to the lower end of the chute 12. In doing so, they pass through a stripper combination consisting of a rigid stripper 14 and a fabric stripper 16. The subsequent guide plate combination 17 of variable size, shape and number of plates with different angles of attack allows the indexable inserts to be separated due to the different running speeds of the indexable inserts on the respective plates 17. At the same time, the plates 17 provide a buffer, which is desired, for example, when the material is fed discontinuously. Due to the combination of the mechanisms and the chute itself, indexable inserts are provided which are separated and pre-aligned at the end and can be separated into metallic and ceramic indexable inserts in the next functional unit, the sorting device 28.

As an alternative to the design described above, the use of a conveyor belt 18 is conceivable, above whose running surface comparable separation devices 14, 16, 17 are mounted. The pre-sorted indexable inserts either come directly from one of the chutes 9, 10 or from a buffer container onto the conveyor belt 18. The variable stripper combination, consisting of a rigid stripper 14 and a fabric stripper 16, ensures that the indexable inserts are fed to the subsequent guide plate combination 17 in as single a layer as possible. The subsequent guide plate combination 17 of variable size, shape and number of plates also allows the indexable inserts to be separated and buffered at the same time, for example in the case of discontinuous feeding, by means of different angles of attack and a resulting different running speed of the indexable inserts on the respective plates 17. The separation on the plates 17 can be achieved if required by combining several conveyor belts with different running speeds or by

The use of an additionally timed closure mechanism according to Fig. 7 can further increase this. The closure mechanism essentially consists of a funnel-shaped sheet metal combination 19 and a hydraulic closure mechanism 20. A hydraulic control is not absolutely necessary; a magnet-spring combination or a pneumatic control with the compressed air available for the sorting nozzles, for example, is also feasible.
The separated indexable inserts are finally transported to the sorting device 28. The sorting device 28 essentially consists of a conveyor belt 21, a funnel-shaped end aligner 23, a nozzle 22, a baffle plate 25, separating plates 24 and collecting containers 26 and 27. The conveyor belts 18 (dosing) and 21 (sorting) do not necessarily have to be two conveyor belts. If, for example, different running speeds of the belts can be dispensed with because the separation by the guide plate combination 17 is sufficient for the given material, it is recommended to use only one 0 conveyor belt of the appropriate length.

The indexable inserts, which are fed individually from the metering device 11 onto the conveyor belt 21, are brought into the desired position on the conveyor belt 21 by the final aligner 23. The actual sorting process is carried out by the action of compressed air. A nozzle 22, which is installed after the final aligner 23 and transverse to the conveying direction, blows compressed air at an adjustable pressure and flow rate onto the indexable inserts lying on the conveyor belt 210. The main operating pressure is 3 to 4 bar and a nozzle diameter of 0.8 to 1 mm. The pressure and diameter only apply to the prototype currently in use. It can vary in other systems depending on the conveyor belt surface and 5 section size, for example. By setting these parameters accordingly, the indexable inserts can be flowed onto transversely to the conveying direction in such a way that the lightweight ceramic-based indexable inserts are pushed against the impact plate 24.

and are collected in the collecting container 26. The predominantly heavier hard metal-based indexable inserts are deflected less by the air flow, so that they are conveyed further on the conveyor belt 21 and are collected at the end in the collecting container 27.

In addition, the separating plates 24 offer the possibility of

To sort carbide indexable inserts according to further weight classes.
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Claims (12)

1. System for the selective separation of a mixture mass flow from bodies of different densities and possibly different dimensions, characterized in that it comprises a sorting device ( 28 ) with at least one conveyor belt ( 21 ) on which the mixture mass flow to be selected is conveyed at an optionally adjustable conveying speed, with at least one nozzle ( 22 ) by means of which compressed air with an optionally adjustable pressure and adjustable flow speed can be blown transversely to the conveying direction onto the mixture mass flow resting on the conveyor belt ( 21 ), with at least one separating element ( 24 , 25 ) and at least two collecting containers ( 26 , 27 ), one of which is arranged laterally approximately opposite the nozzle ( 22 ) and the other of which is arranged in the end region of the conveyor belt ( 21 ). 2. Plant according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the separating elements is a baffle plate ( 25 ) which is arranged opposite the nozzle ( 22 ) in such a way that a separated part of the mixture mass flow impacts against the baffle plate ( 25 ) and is collected in the collecting container ( 27 ). 3. Installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the separating elements is a separating plate ( 24 ) which is at least partially aligned substantially in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt ( 21 ) and whose end on the upstream side is at a greater distance from the nozzle-side longitudinal side than the nozzle ( 22 ) itself. 4. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that several separating plates ( 24 ) are provided with different distances in the transverse direction to the longitudinal side of the conveyor belt ( 21 ). 5. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an end straightener ( 23 ) is arranged upstream of the nozzle ( 22 ), which narrows the mixture mass flow. 6. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sorting device ( 28 ) is preceded by at least one pre-sorting device ( 1 ) with at least one sieve ( 4 , 6 ) for separating bodies with different dimensions from the mixture mass flow. 7. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the flow path between a pre-sorting device ( 1 ) according to size classes with at least one sieve ( 4 , 6 ) and the sorting device ( 28 ) at least one metering device ( 11 ) is arranged for buffering and/or singling and/or pre-aligning the bodies of the mixture mass flow. 8. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the metering device ( 11 ) comprises one or more scrapers ( 14 , 16 ) to achieve a single-layer supply of the bodies of the mixture mass flow. 9. Plant according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the metering device ( 11 ) has at least one guide plate combination ( 17 ) arranged downstream of a scraper ( 14 , 16 ) with one or more guide plates which are aligned at an angle to the conveying direction of the mixture mass flow. 10. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the metering device ( 11 ) has a closure mechanism ( 20 ) at its downstream end which, in the closure position, prevents the mixture mass flow from escaping from the metering device ( 11 ). 11. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in the access area to the locking mechanism ( 20 ) an approximately funnel-shaped sheet metal combination ( 19 ) tapering conically with respect to the latter is arranged. 12. Plant for the selective separation of a mixture mass flow according to one of the preceding claims, comprising separation elements ( 24 , 25 ) for the selective separation of bodies of different densities, comprising a pre-sorting device ( 1 ) for separating bodies of different dimensions and comprising a metering device ( 11 ) which is arranged in the flow path between the pre-sorting device ( 1 ) and the sorting device ( 28 ) and has at least one closure mechanism ( 20 ) which, in the closure position, prevents the mixture mass flow from escaping from the metering device ( 11 ).