Apparatus for outputting a solid material, such as entrained in a fluid

Abstract

An apparatus for outputting a solid material entrained in a fluid, the apparatus comprising a receptacle for receiving the solid material, an input for the fluid, an output for solid material, an auger for transporting the solid material from the receptacle to the output, a motor for driving the auger, wherein the motor comprises one or more cylinders each comprising a piston, a second input connected to the input so as to feed part of the fluid to the cylinders, where a cross section of a piston is at least 700 mm.sup.2 or wherein a drive transforming the reciprocating movement of each piston, relative to the cylinder, to rotation of the auger around the first axis, is configured to rotate the auger at least 20 degrees when a cylinder completes a cycle.

Claims

1. An apparatus for outputting a solid material, the apparatus comprising: a receptacle for receiving the solid material, a first input for a fluid, an output for solid material, an auger for transporting the solid material from the receptacle to the output, a motor configured to drive the auger, wherein the motor comprises: one or more cylinders each comprising a piston, and a second input for the fluid and elements for feeding fluid from the second input to the cylinder(s), where a cross section of at least one of the piston(s) is at least 700 mm.sup.2.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a hose or tube connected at one end to the output and having a second end and being configured to receive the solid material output of the output.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an element for generating a flow of a second fluid in the tube/hose in a direction away from the output.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an outputting element connected to the hose/tube and receiving a flow of a third fluid, the outputting element comprising a Venturi element configured to create, by suction in the hose or tube, a second flow in the hose/tube in a direction away from the output.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second input is configured to intermittently feed the part of the fluid on opposite sides of each piston.

6. An apparatus for outputting a solid material, the apparatus comprising: a receptacle for receiving the solid material, an input for a fluid, an output for solid material, an auger for transporting the solid material from the receptacle to the output, the auger being configured to rotate around a first axis, a motor for driving the auger, wherein the motor comprises: one or more cylinders each comprising a piston configured to move within a pertaining cylinder in a cyclical, reciprocating movement, and a drive transforming the reciprocating movement of each piston, relative to the cylinder, into rotation of the auger around the first axis, wherein the drive is configured to rotate the auger at least 20 degrees when a cylinder completes a cycle.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a hose or tube connected at one end to the output and having a second end and being configured to receive the solid material output of the output.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an element for generating a flow of a second fluid in the tube/hose in a direction away from the output.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising an outputting element connected to the hose/tube and receiving a flow of a third fluid, the outputting element comprising a Venturi element configured to create, by suction in the hose or tube, a second flow in the hose/tube in a direction away from the output.

10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second input is configured to intermittently feed the part of the fluid on opposite sides of each piston.

11. A method of operating an apparatus comprising: providing an apparatus for outputting a solid material, the apparatus comprising: a receptacle for receiving the solid material, a first input for a fluid, an output for solid material, an auger for transporting the solid material from the receptacle to the output, a motor configured to drive the auger, wherein the motor comprises: one or more cylinders each comprising a piston, and a second input for a fluid and elements for feeding fluid from the second input to the cylinder(s), where a cross section of at least one of the piston(s) is at least 700 mm.sup.2, providing the solid material in the receptacle, feeding the fluid to the second input, driving the auger to transport the solid material from the receptacle to the output, outputting the solid material through the output, wherein the driving step comprises feeding part of the fluid to the second input so as to feed part of the fluid from the second input to the cylinders.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of transporting the solid material output of the output in a hose or tube connected at one end to the output and having a second end.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the driving step comprises intermittently feeding the part of the fluid on opposite sides of each piston.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of generating a flow of a second fluid in the tube/hose in a direction away from the output.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the driving step comprises intermittently feeding the part of the fluid on opposite sides of each piston.

16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising feeding a flow of a third fluid to a Venturi element connected to the hose/tube so as to generate a second flow in the hose/tube in a direction away from the output.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the driving step comprises intermittently feeding the part of the fluid on opposite sides of each piston.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein the driving step comprises intermittently feeding the part of the fluid on opposite sides of each piston.

19. A method of operating an apparatus comprising: providing an apparatus for outputting a solid material comprising: a receptacle for receiving the solid material, an input for a fluid, an output for solid material, an auger for transporting the solid material from the receptacle to the output, the auger being configured to rotate around a first axis, a motor for driving the auger, wherein the motor comprises: one or more cylinders each comprising a piston configured to move within the pertaining cylinder in a cyclical, reciprocating movement, and a drive transforming the reciprocating movement of each piston, relative to the cylinder, into rotation of the auger around the first axis, wherein the drive is configured to rotate the auger at least 20 degrees when a cylinder completes a cycle, providing the solid material in the receptacle, feeding the fluid to the second input, driving the auger to transport the solid material from the receptacle to the output, the driving step comprising rotating the auger around a first axis, outputting the solid material from the output, wherein the driving step comprises: feeding part of the fluid to the one or more cylinders to move each cylinder in a cyclical, reciprocating movement, transforming the reciprocating movement of each piston to rotation of the auger around the first axis, wherein, when a cylinder completes a cycle, the drive rotates the auger at least 20 degrees.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of transporting the solid material output of the output in a hose or tube connected at one end to the output and having a second end.

21. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step of generating a flow of a second fluid in the tube/hose in a direction away from the output.

22. The method according to claim 19, further comprising feeding a flow of a third fluid to a Venturi element connected to the hose/tube so as to generate a second flow in the hose/tube in a direction away from the output.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein the driving step comprises intermittently feeding the part of the fluid on opposite sides of each piston.

Description

(1) In the following, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawing, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates the operating principle of a preferred type of motor for driving an auger,

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates the drive portion of the motor of FIG. 1 from another angle,

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates the drive of FIG. 2 from another angle,

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates an apparatus comprising a receptacle, a drive and an auger driven by the drive, and

(6) FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate use of the apparatus of FIG. 4 for dry ice blasting.

(7) The preferred feeding system for a dry ice blasting machine has: 1) a pneumatic motor/cylinder drive unit converting a linear motion into a rotary motion 2) a hopper with 3 straight, approximately vertical sides 3) an auger connected to the drive 1) and feeding the dry ice out of the hopper 2) 4) a single or double/dual hose for transfer of solid material entrained in a fluid and the fluid

(8) Description of the Above Mentioned Units:

(9) 1) Pneumatic cylinder drive unit converting a linear motion into a rotary motion

(10) The system has the following main components:

(11) a) one or more pneumatic cylinders

(12) b) two or more drive pulleys with built-in one way clutches, one way bearings or similar

(13) c) two or more chains, timing belts, v-belts or similar with the ends attached to the cylinder(s).

(14) d) two or more idler pulleys with or without built-in bearings/bushings and naturally a design to suit the chosen chain, belt etc. c)

(15) e) one control system to direct the pneumatic cylinders

(16) In FIGS. 1-4 the System is Illustrated with:

(17) A motor 1 with two cylinders (1a) coupled together by aluminum, steel, plastic, composite bars with or without bushings or bearings inserted for guiding two guide rods (1f) parallel to the cylinders. Alternatively, a single cylinder with one or two pistons through rods or a single cylinder with a guide attached or similar. Guide rods may be desired in cases where the cylinder(s) do not offer sufficient guidance by themselves. Guide rod ends can be fixed in either end in base blocks (1e). A cross section of a circular piston is seen at C in FIG. 2.

(18) The base blocks can also be the base for the drive axle/shaft and the idler axle/shaft and for the cylinder piston rod ends directly or indirectly. The base blocks can be made of steel, aluminium or other metals, plastic materials or composite materials. The base blocks can be positioned between a set of pulleys drive axle respectively idler axle but other positions are also possible.

(19) The drive axle naturally rotates, whereas the idler axle need not be rotating.

(20) The idler axis can directly or indirectly, for instance through an insulating block, be attached to the hopper.

(21) The drive shaft is attached to the hopper with a bearing/bushing block which ensures a low friction rotation at very low temperatures down to 78 C. The bearing bushing block can be made of steel, stainless steel, plastic materials, composite materials, ceramics or similar.

(22) Two drive pulleys (1b) with two built-in one way clutches on the same axle. The one way clutches are mounted so they engage in the same rotary direction. They are supported by other bearings or bushings to relief the radial and axial loads. The resulting torque on the output shaft is determined from the total piston area, the pressure in the cylinders and the radial distance from the shaft center to where the chain engages the pulley.

(23) The pulleys can be made of steel, aluminium, other metals, plastic, composite materials or similar.

(24) The chains or similar (1c) which are attached to the cylinder on each side of an axis drawn between idler axle and drive shaft. The chains or similar are not required to be the same material or shape in the entire length. They can for instance be a chain, timing belt or v-belt for the part engaging in the drive pulley and a wire rope for the part running on the idler pulley.

(25) Two idler pulleys (1d) with or without built-in bearings or bushings. The pulleys can be made of steel, aluminium, other metals, plastic, composite materials or similar. They must naturally be designed according to the chain, timing belt, v-belt, wire they are in contact with.

(26) Working Principle and Advantages as Illustrated in FIGS. 1-5B:

(27) The pneumatic cylinders move by gas, compressed air or similar. Piston rod ends remain fixed to the frame. The fluid for moving the cylinders may first pass a filter and a pressure relief valve. A pneumatic circuit designed for activating the cylinders includes valves letting fluid in on one side of the piston and thereby moving the cylinder. Speed is adjusted by a flow control valve controlling the flow out of the opposite piston side. When the cylinder reaches the end position a mechanically operated sensor valve or a logic valve element reverses the flow so former outlet becomes inlet, and former inlet becomes outlet. As result the cylinder movement is also reversed.

(28) The chains/timing belts or similar (1c) attached to the pneumatic cylinders move together with the cylinders.

(29) The movement of the chains makes the pulleys rotate.

(30) Only pulling forces can be transferred via the chains.

(31) The chains are (as indicated with x in FIG. 1) attached to the cylinders on left and right, respectively, side relative to the pulley(s). This makes it possible to pull on the one and same side of the drive pulleys regardless of the moving direction of the pneumatic cylinders.

(32) Moving the pneumatic cylinders in one direction will engage only one one way clutch/one way bearing/pulley in the chosen direction.

(33) The other pulley will rotate freely because it is being pulled opposite to the engagement direction of the one-way clutch/one-way bearing built into it.

(34) Moving the pneumatic cylinders in the opposite direction will engage only the other one-way bearing/pulley in the same chosen direction. Now the first pulley will rotate freely.

(35) The hopper 10, see FIG. 4, is made with 3 straight and ideally vertical sides 102, 103, and 104 and the long side >150 mm.

(36) The sides preferably are strong or reinforced at least the edges so they do not give in to thermal contraction. Making the 2 opposing straight sides rectangular eases the attachment of the hopper to other body parts and the attachment of components to the hopper.

(37) The auger 12 is floating in/at the bottom of the hopper and in the outlet pipe 14 where it enters approximately one flight.

(38) The hopper 10 preferably is insulating or covered with insulating material like Rockwool, plastic foam, ceramic insulation, vacuum insulation or similar.

(39) The inclined side 101 preferably has an angle with horizontal of at least 25.

(40) The sides may be made of steel coated, galvanized, powder coated or stainless steel or other metals, plastic materials such as pvc, polyurethane, polyethylene or other or plywood, fiberboard or composite materials. The hopper can be designed of individual parts joined together by fasteners, welding, gluing, soldering or similar or it can be cast/molded in one piece.

(41) Similarly, the outlet pipe 14 for the dry ice can be made of the above mentioned materials and attached to the hopper 10 or the outlet can be cast/molded as an integral part of the hopper. Preferably it is also insulated if not made by an insulating material.

(42) Auger connected to the drive 1) and feeding the dry ice out of the hopper.

(43) The pulleys drive an axle/drive shaft with an auger attached.

(44) The axle can be made of steel, stainless steel, other metals, plastics, composite materials or ceramics.

(45) The attachment between the drive axle and the auger only prevents the two parts from rotating relative to each other. For instance by a half moon, square, hexagonal, key-way designed cross section capable of transferring the torque. The axial direction is not locked, so easy dismantling without tools of the auger is possible.

(46) The end of the hollow drive shaft is inserted into the auger end in order to minimize cold transfer to the bearings, but vice versa is also possible

(47) The auger is made with a uniform outer diameter and a conical internal diameter decreasing from opposite the outlet towards the outlet. The shaft is formed as the internal diameter until the internal diameter is continuous straight. The last part of the auger where the internal diameter is straight is left shaft-less. The auger can be with or without a shaft in full or in part.

(48) A shaft can be straight or conical, solid or hollow. It can be made of steel, coated or not coated, stainless steel, other metals, plastic materials, composite materials, ceramics. The flights are helical turning left or right and typical with a rectangular or trapezoidal cross section. The helical flights can be made of steel, coated or not coated, stainless steel, other metals, plastic materials, composite materials, ceramic. The entire auger made up of the shaft and the flights can be made of the same material but they can also be made of different materials for instance a steel shaft with plastic flights. Metal parts for augers can be cast or pressed.

(49) FIGS. 5A and 5B. From the outlet pipe 14 the entrained material is transferred to the nozzle 20 in a vacuum hose or tube 16 separated from the fluid hose 17 in a dual hose, FIG. 5A. Alternatively, the entrained material is transferred to the nozzle in a single hose 19, FIG. 5B. A pump 21 for delivering gas or fluid to the motor 1 and the nozzle 20 is seen at P. A first fluid inlet is seen at 18 and a second fluid inlet, for the motor, input is seen at 15.