In-line mill assembly with spreader ring

Abstract

The system and method requiring a diverter plate for an in-line mill. The plate for use with the in-line mill includes an aperture for passage of particulate laden fluid therethrough and a plurality of tabs such that the fluid and the particulate entrained thereon is deflected at a variety of axial angles. The diverter plate thus provides a reliable method such that the milling process and component wear resistance is made more efficient thereby.

Claims

1. A method for increasing the variance of redirection in a particulate-laden pressured fluid stream comprising the steps of: a. Passing a portion of said pressurized fluid stream through an aperture centered upon a stationary, non-rotating plate; b. Redirecting a second portion of said pressurized fluid stream around a first tab of the stationary, non-rotating plate; c. Redirecting a third portion of said pressurized fluid stream around a second tab of the stationary, non-rotating plate, the first and second tabs being axially displaced from the aperture at a variety of angles so as to provide multiple angles of redirection for the portion of the particulate laden fluid stream redirected by the stationary, non-rotating plate.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first and second tabs are also defined along different radial angles from one another.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIGS. 1a and 1b show a perspective front and rear views of an in-line mill employing a diverter plate in accord with a first embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a diverter plate in accord with a first embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIGS. 3a and 3b show example rotor and stator components, respectively on an in-line mill in accord with an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 4 is an exposed side view of the in-line mill components including the plate operating in conjunction with the rotor and stator components of the system. This view shows an example of how the plate tabs project in varying axial angles relative to the aperture.

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention showing multiple plates mounted to the inlet door of the in-line mill.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(6) Set forth below is a description of what is currently believed to be the preferred embodiment or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to this preferred embodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure or in result are intended to be covered by the claims in this patent.

(7) FIGS. 1A and 1B shows a first preferred embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention. The in-line mill 10 includes a casing 12 including a mill body 13 and a door 14 which is connected to the mill body by hinges 16.

(8) Defined in door 14 is an inlet 18 which provides a means for introducing the particulate laden fluid stream for milling and subsequent passage through a discharge (not shown). Further mounted on the door 14 in this first preferred embodiment is a diverter plate 20, discussed in further detail below. The milling itself is provided by means of a circular rotor 30 surrounded by a concentric and closely operating stator 40, with both rotor 30 and stator 40 disposed within the mill body 13. One example of the components of such an in-line mill 10 is disclosed presently in the discussion of the applicant's VIPER Mill, as disclosed at www.unitedconveyor.com.

(9) As shown in FIG. 2, the diverter plate 20 of a first embodiment of the present is shown. The plate 20 in this embodiment comprises an aperture 22 and a series of tabs 24, with several of the tabs 24 including bolt holes 26 for mounting to the door 14. The aperture can be a variety of shapes. In this embodiment, aperture 22 is generally a circular profile, though those of skill in the art will appreciate that the aperture may have an X or cross shape, or a different saw toothed or other configuration. The aperture is placed in line with the inlet 18 such that at least a portion of the fluid flow from the inlet 18 may pass through the aperture unabated. The remainder of the fluid flow is diverted or deflected on one or more of the tabs 24. The tabs 24 are bent or arced so as to be axially displaced from the plane define by the aperture 22. Most preferably, each of the tabs 24 have different angles relative to their neighboring tabs 24 such that the fluid is more widely scattered as it is diverted.

(10) As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the rotor 30 and stator 40 elements to which the fluid is diverted by tabs 24 provide for the milling or grinding of particulate within the fluid stream. The rotor 30 comprises front plate 32, rear plate 34, rotor blades 36 and a rotor hub 38 which is used to connect the hub to a drive shaft assembly (not shown) for rotation. The stator 40 includes a front ring 42, back ring 44, couplers 46 and cutter blocks 48. The rotor 30 and stator 40 operate in close proximity to one another such that the close proximity of the rotating rotor blades 36 and the stationary cutter blocks operate to cut or grind particulate entrained in the fluid stream. The variable diversion of particulate from the plate 20 provides a greater dispersion along the axial dimension of the rotor blades 36 and cutter blocks 48, thus providing for more even wear, less localized buildup of particulate and, ultimately, a more efficient desulfurization treatment process.

(11) A side view of the mill 10 of this first embodiment of the present invention showing the through flow path of a particulate laden fluid stream is shown in FIG. 4. In this view, the pressurized fluid is shown being introduced to the mill 10 via the inlet 18. The first step in the fluid flow is contact with the plate 20. As is shown in this side view, the plate is coaxial with the rotor 30 and stator 40, and each of the tabs 24 have a slight curve or angle away from inlet 18. A portion of the fluid flow passes through the aperture 22, while the remainder is diverted by one or more of the tabs 24 such that the fluidand any particulate entrained in the fluidcomes into operative communication with the rotor blades 36 and cutting surface 48. This view and the view of FIG. 1B shows generally a shaft and bearing assembly 50 including a shaft 52 which is displaced through the rotor hub 38. This shaft and bearing assembly is mounted to the casing opposite the inlet and provides support for the rotor 30, with the shaft being rotated by a motor (not shown) or other appropriate drive assembly to facilitate the milling process.

(12) A variant or second preferred embodiment of the present invention using a different plate configuration is shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the mill 10 includes two plates 20 which are both mounted on the door and axially displaced from one another. In this variant, still greater variable diversion of the fluid and its particulate may be achieved. Those of skill will also understand that the teachings of the present invention may extend in this embodiment to plates 20 which do not individually have but a single tab 24 comprising a curved or angled projection, but collectively in this embodiment plates 20 provide multiple tabs 24 so as to achieve the variable diversion providing the superior performance sought by the present invention.

(13) The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claims that define the invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims. For instance, the specific plate geometries of the preferred embodiments of present invention is for illustrative purposes with reference to the example drawings only. Similarly, while the preferred embodiments of the present invention are focused upon milling pressurized, sorbent laden gas fluid streams, those of skill will understand the applicability of the present invention to other fluids and particulate which require the superior milling provided by the present invention. Likewise, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, additions, omissions, and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be covered by the following claims.