TR2021008174A2 - AIR POWDER CLASSIFICATION DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

This air dust classifier consists of two vertical cyclone (enclosure) bodies, hollow cylindrical and conical, two motors, dust outlet channels under the conical bodies, a suction pipe where the bodies are connected to each other, a conical feed hopper, a second cyclone to extract the powders with the help of a vacuum. It includes a vacuum suction device. In the upper part of the first cyclone, there are channels such as the inlet channel with the help of the feeding hopper of the powder material, and the air inlet channel for the dust to pass to the secondary cyclone and the dust output channel. The invention relates to a process and air classifier for coarse and fine separation of the material to be classified. The air classifiers known so far had significant shortcomings in terms of volume and efficiency. To avoid this, more efficient and high-volume sorting will be possible with the help of this invention, especially with the help of centrifuge in two motors and two cyclones (towers). The heterogeneous dust mixture is provided by an air passage through which the air stream flows vertically in the two cyclones, and a dust outlet at the bottoms, in order to thus divide it into two parts, heavier (coarse) and lighter (fine). This two-stage static air classifier has a supply duct above the first cyclone. The cyclones are conical in shape and the fine particles transferred to the first cyclone with the feeding channel pass to the second cyclone with the help of air suction and the side opening and pipe in the first cyclone. In the first stage, the coarse particles fall to the bottom of the first cyclone, while in the second stage, the fine particles from the first cyclone are transferred to the second cyclone by air suction, and in the third stage, while the nano-sized particles are absorbed, the remaining fine sizes fall to the bottom of the second cyclone. Here, two different dust sizes separated from the two cyclones can be determined by the speed of the motors in the cyclones and the control panel. That is, this air classifier can classify large quantities of powdered materials in two scales.

Description

DESCRIPTION AIR DUST CLASSIFICATION DEVICE Technical Field This invention relates to an air centrifugal dust separator for classifying a powdered or particulate material or raw material particles, powders or particles into coarse and fine powder in a homogeneous manner according to size by means of air or protective atmosphere with the aid of air flow comprising vacuum. The present invention relates to a powder classification procedure and device for separating two classes, coarse and fine, in certain size ranges using various parameters, which can be used at both industrial and academic levels and has a wide field of application. Background Art Materials in powder or particulate form are an important class in materials science and chemistry, and applications in various fields, including industry, agriculture, chemical industry, medical and medical treatment, and military applications, require the use of such powdered materials. In such materials, the thickness, size, and shape of the powders are important indicators for characterizing them. Powdered materials generally have a uniform distribution and vary in size. However, in some areas, specific particle size ranges are required for different applications depending on the intended use. Powders, such as metal powders used in additive manufacturing processes, often require classification, degassing, and/or heat treatment. Particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials, and chemistry, a very narrow particle size distribution is required to achieve specific product properties and enhance performance. For example, particles used in cold spraying must be classified within specific particle size ranges to ensure they are within acceptable tolerances. Traditionally, material separation methods such as sieve analysis, airflow classification, graded liquid flow, sedimentation sizing, and so on, have been used for classifying powders or particles. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and various factors such as the amount of powder used, the location of use, the degree of application, and cost are relevant. While sieve analysis is easy to use, has inexpensive equipment, and offers high classification efficiency, it is not suitable for ultrafine powder materials. When powders are smaller than 10 microns, sieve classification is extremely difficult. Airflow classification is highly efficient and can be operated continuously. However, its classification efficiency is low. In other words, powders can mix. Fine powders mix with coarse powders, and coarse powders mix with fine powders. Sedimentation sizing, on the other hand, requires simple and inexpensive equipment. However, its speed is slow, its efficiency is low, and ultrafine powder particles are difficult to settle. Traditionally, various powder classifiers have been used to mix or transport raw material powder with a specific particle size distribution and classify it into multiple types of powder based on its size and/or density. For example, there is a powder classifier that classifies raw material powder into fine and coarse powder at the micron level. The raw material powder is fed into the center section with a radial flow. The edges have a beveled surface. It is formed along the curved and inclined surface in order to spread the powder fed to the inner middle part by the air flow coming from below to the open end edges. In this way, the classification process is carried out using the open end edge of the curved surface as a classification position. Thus, there is no need to create a new flow path surrounded by opposing surfaces. In this way, the labor involved in adjusting the flow path can be reduced and high device precision can be achieved. Chinese patent No. CN2035084OOU relates to a multiple classification system of aluminum powder. This patent consists of a three-level (i.e., 3 cyclones) aluminum powder classification device. The dust inlet to the first level cyclone is connected with the dust outlet of an aluminum powder crushing/grinding device; The dust outlet of the first-level cyclone is connected to the dust inlet of the second-level cyclone; the dust outlet of the second-level cyclone is connected to the dust inlet of the third-level cyclone; the dust outlet of the last-level cyclone is connected to the air inlet of a cyclone dust removal machine. Aluminum powder classification devices have a structure consisting of a centrifugal classifier, a buffer tank used to collect the coarse dust separated from the device level, and a conveying material tank used to transport the coarse particles to the aluminum powder packaging unit. This patent solves the problem of classifying aluminum powder where the particle size distribution is in a wide range. Patent No. CN202270652U relates to a powder thickener for classifying powdered material, comprising a shell, a main shaft, a rotor, and a guide. A powder concentrator for classifying powdery material has a dispersion effect, high classification efficiency, and high classification accuracy, and can produce very fine powder with a narrow particle size range. This system assembly includes a gas source connected to a fluidized bed via a metered connection. The fluidized bed includes an outlet connected to the powder classifier via at least one valve. The powder classifier includes a catch vessel that functions to slow the gas flow. It is also useful for capturing particles entrained in the gas stream. Conveying in the fluidized bed is achieved by the flow of an inert gas through the bed. Chinese patent CN12049830 relates to a high-efficiency dust separation machine with high dust separation efficiency and lower energy consumption, primarily used for classifying powdered materials in the cement industry. This high-efficiency dust separation machine includes a rotor, two dust separation chambers, a material distribution disc, an air intake hood, an air intake pipe, and a fine dust airflow outlet. An upper air inlet, a lower air inlet, and a coarse dust outlet are integrated at the top of the machine body. Material is fed from top to bottom and discharged from the bottom. It is used for cement systems. The invention CN105344500A describes a continuous classification method for powdered materials with different particle sizes. Multiple centrifuges are connected in series as a set, from low to high rotation speed; powdered materials are fed with liquid into the drum of the first centrifuge. Coarse (heavy) particles are forced to the inner wall of the drum by centrifugal force; fine (light) particles, along with the liquid, form a liquid ring inside the drum; the above process continues in the next centrifuge with a higher rotation speed. In this way, separation of materials with different particle sizes can be achieved with several centrifuges, ranging from low to high rotation speeds. The continuous classification method for powdered materials with different particle sizes offers the advantages of high classification efficiency, good repeatability, ease of operation, and similar advantages. Purpose of the Invention The purpose of this invention is to provide apparatus and method for the efficient classification of fine and coarse particles by separating them from each other. Another purpose of this invention is to achieve dust classification performance of two specific sizes with gas flow under a protective gas atmosphere, if desired, by using a single vacuum device and two different flow rates. The purpose is to enable the classification of different sizes of dust using two different cyclones, that is, two different motors, in an air classifier system by using ambient air drawn from outside the classifier. Another purpose of the invention is to enable the classification of dust in two different ranges with the desired dust size ranges by varying the motor speeds via a control panel. An additional purpose of the invention is that the feeding can be done continuously and that large quantities can be collected industrially. Furthermore, the feeding speed can be adjusted to the desired rate and speed. Explanation of the Figures Figure 1 is a schematic view of the airborne dust classification device of the present invention. Figure 2 is a top view of the airborne dust classification system. Figure 3 is a side view of the airborne dust classification system. Detailed Description of the Invention Today, ceramic, metal, and similar powders used in any location or application are expected to have an average dust size within a certain range depending on their use. By maintaining these powders within this range, the properties of the materials to be produced are aimed to be at the highest level. To obtain high-value-added products such as high-quality magnets, batteries, and similar products, fine dusts that not only have extremely small average dust sizes but also have an extremely narrow particle size range—in other words, homogeneously fine powders are required. Such a fine dust can be achieved by classifying a material or dust using centrifugal or normal airflow separation. However, the classification process can be carried out under a protective atmosphere. Furthermore, the desired fine dust range can be determined by using and adjusting the speeds of two different motors located in two separate cyclones. This allows for homogeneous separation of the dust within the desired range. Furthermore, when classifying, it is possible to classify the dust efficiently without causing it to stick within the cyclones. This minimizes contamination. The air dust classification device which is the subject of this invention (Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3): - Cyclones that keep the dust together (1), (24), air inlet channel (2) required for the classification of dust with the help of air flow, coarse dust discharge cover (3) where coarse dust is collected and discharged, fine dust discharge cover (4) where fine and narrow particles are classified, body vibration buffer (5) to reduce the vibration of the system body during classification (operation), - High speed AC motors (6), (25) to ensure the classification from two cyclones, step motor (7) to ensure the feeding is smooth, suction channel (8) to ensure the classification in both cyclones, to prevent the vibration and shaking of the cyclones. Cyclone vibration buffer (9), - Control panel (10) for easy use of the system, motors, suction power and setting of parameters, start button (11) for starting the classification, finish button (12) for finishing the classification, emergency button (13) for automatic shut-down of the system in emergency situations, main switch (14) for opening and closing the electrical connection of the system, - Clamp (clip) for closing the top covers of the cyclones (15), motor holder (16) for keeping the motors stable, fans and rotors for dust extraction (17), balance bolts (18), adjustment nut (19), coarse dust accumulation apparatus for continuous accumulation of coarse dust (20), feeding hopper for facilitating the entry of dust (21), dosage to prevent dust accumulation The drum (22) contains a differential pressure channel (23). The air dust classification device, operated by the start button (11), begins the classification process with the introduction of dust. An unlimited dust flow is connected to the dust inlet, which is provided by the feeding hopper (21). The powder raw material thrown from the feeding hopper (21) is fed horizontally to the dosing drum (22) by means of a stepper motor (7). The stepper motor (7) adjusts the feed speed of the dust into the first cyclone (1), preventing agglomeration and ensuring the partial separation of agglomerated dust through vibration. As the dust enters the first cyclone (1), the classification process begins using the control panel (10) according to the preset motor (6) speeds and the vacuum speed connected to the suction channel (8). The external vacuum device, which provides air extraction and air flow and is connected to the suction channel (8), can be replaced with a device with the desired vacuum speed. The motor (6) draws the falling dust particles upwards, using the fan and rotor, through the opening in the air inlet channel (2) according to the set speed. The dust drawn upwards is then drawn into the dust drawn by the motor (6) through the suction channel (8) using the external vacuum device. The air inside the cyclone (1) is drawn in direct proportion to the motor (6) speeds. However, the dust size distribution is inversely proportional to the drawn air speed. The velocity of the air drawn into the first cyclone (1) creates a vortex air current, drawing the dust upwards towards the second cyclone (24). The heavy coarse dust is directed towards the coarse dust collection apparatus (20) and is removed via the coarse dust discharge hatch (3). The dust drawn upwards is further classified in the second cyclone (24) by a different-speed motor (25) and a secondary airflow. The particle size varies with the speed of the motor (25). Ultra-small nano-sized particles are expelled from the upper section of the motor (25) via the suction channel (8). The device includes a body vibration buffer (5) and a cyclone vibration buffer (9) to ensure precise classification and separation during operation and to prevent vibration. After the suction process is complete, the fine dust is discharged using the fine dust discharge cover (4). The system is shut down using the finish button (12). If desired, the device can be completely stopped using the emergency button. Industrial Application of the Invention: The inventors of the present invention have confirmed through experiments and measurements that the supply and feeding speed of powdered raw materials can be sufficiently high for industrial use. They also concluded that the homogeneous powder size input does not change with the feeding speed. Furthermore, the use of two motors to achieve the desired classification enables the classification of powder in two different size ranges. Classification accuracy was excellent for both coarse and fine dust. The desired size range can be achieved by varying the motor speed using the control panel. However, when the powder feed rate is increased to industrial scale (in the case of mass overfeeding), the classification accuracy remains unchanged, and the desired powder size ranges are achieved. The present invention, which separates various particles using a classifier, is considered important not only in the mining industry but also in many other applications in manufacturing industries such as metallurgy and cement, food and pharmaceutical industries such as powders, and chemical industries such as chemical powders. Furthermore, in industrial processes, separation of silica sand, etc., to a specific reference range is possible with an air classifier system. However, the invention has a broader range of applications, enabling particles such as grain, coal, and seeds to be homogeneously classified or separated according to desired sizes. Furthermore, the large amounts of dust and particles required for classification in various manufacturing and mining industries, the cement industry, the metallurgical and iron industries, the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, and similar industries, result in high plant and equipment costs. This economically efficient invention can be used to eliminate these costs. Furthermore, it does not require investment in large plant and equipment. Dust and particle separation and classification are essential components of many industrial processes mentioned above. Air classification is an effective method in many situations. By introducing a raw material powder into an air stream, flow velocity is used to separate particles of different sizes and shapes. The particles are exposed to the air stream for a distance inversely proportional to their falling speed. Particles with similar velocities, i.e., similar weights and masses, can be collected together by using partitions placed beneath the air stream.

Claims (1)

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