Device for Automatic Capturing and Removing Magnetic Material From a Flow of Material

Abstract

Device for automatic capturing and removing magnetic material from a flow of material, wherein the device includes a plurality of retractable magnet rod assemblies for capturing magnetic material in a flow of material passing the retractable magnet rod assemblies, where each retractable magnet rod assembly includes a magnet rod comprising at least two magnet segments encapsulated in a non-magnetic material.

Claims

1-9. (canceled)

10. A device (100) for automatic capturing and removing magnetic material from a flow of material, comprising a plurality of retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) for capturing magnetic material in a flow of material passing the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10), each retractable magnet rod assembly (10) including a magnet rod (11) comprising at least two magnet segments (11a) encapsulated in a non-magnetic material, wherein the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) are independently pivotable about a common pivoting axis structure (50), and the magnet rod (11) is arranged to an actuator mechanism (22) of a linear actuator assembly (20) retracting and extending the magnet rod (11) into and out from a housing (21) of the actuator assembly (20).

11. The device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the retractable magnet rod assembly (10) is pivotable about the common pivoting axis structure (50) between a vertical and horizontal position via a linear or rotating actuator (70).

12. The device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the linear actuator assembly (20) comprises at least one wiper (23) at one end the magnet rod (11) protruding from the housing (21) configured to remove magnetic material as the magnet rod (11) is retracted into the housing (21).

13. The device (100) according to claim 12, wherein the common pivoting axis structure (50) is hollow and provided with openings (51) configured for collecting removed magnetic material from the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10).

14. The device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the common pivoting axis structure (50) is hollow and provided with openings (51) configured for collecting removed magnetic material from the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10).

15. The device (100) according to claim 11, wherein the common pivoting axis structure (50) is hollow and provided with openings (51) configured for collecting removed magnetic material from the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10).

16. The device (100) according to claim 14, wherein the common pivoting axis structure (50) comprises a rotating screw arrangement or conveyor arrangement (52) configured for extracting removed material from the common pivoting axis structure (50).

17. The device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) are arranged to the common pivoting axis structure (50) via mounting brackets (60) configured to arrange the magnet rods (11) in a predetermined pattern for obtaining optimal placement of the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) for a defined magnetic density flux grid in cross-section of the device (100).

18. The device (100) according to claim 12, wherein the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) are arranged to the common pivoting axis structure (50) via mounting brackets (60) configured to arrange the magnet rods (11) in a predetermined pattern for obtaining optimal placement of the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) for a defined magnetic density flux grid in cross-section of the device (100).

19. The device (100) according to claim 14, wherein the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) are arranged to the common pivoting axis structure (50) via mounting brackets (60) configured to arrange the magnet rods (11) in a predetermined pattern for obtaining optimal placement of the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) for a defined magnetic density flux grid in cross-section of the device (100).

20. The device (100) according to claim 10, comprising at least two rows of retractable the magnet rod assemblies (10) for enabling continuous capturing of magnetic material, wherein the at least two rows of retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) are arranged displaced from each other in a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction in relation to one another and in relation to a flow direction of the material, thereby creating a cross web of magnetic field on both a horizontal section and a vertical section between retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) of the device (100).

21. The device (100) according to claim 12, comprising at least two rows of retractable the magnet rod assemblies (10) for enabling continuous capturing of magnetic material, wherein the at least two rows of retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) are arranged displaced from each other in a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction in relation to one another and in relation to a flow direction of the material, thereby creating a cross web of magnetic field on both a horizontal section and a vertical section between retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) of the device (100).

22. The device (100) according to claim 14, comprising at least two rows of retractable the magnet rod assemblies (10) for enabling continuous capturing of magnetic material, wherein the at least two rows of retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) are arranged displaced from each other in a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction in relation to one another and in relation to a flow direction of the material, thereby creating a cross web of magnetic field on both a horizontal section and a vertical section between retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) of the device (100).

23. The device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the magnet rod (11) of the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) is adjustable in a longitudinal direction to obtain full magnet rod (11) contact between the fluid and magnetic surface in full height of the cross-section at a structure (40) in which material is flowing at an installation site.

24. The device (100) according to claim 12, wherein the magnet rod (11) of the retractable magnet rod assemblies (10) is adjustable in a longitudinal direction to obtain full magnet rod (11) contact between the fluid and magnetic surface in full height of the cross-section at a structure (40) in which material is flowing at an installation site.

25. The device according to claim 10, wherein the magnet rods (11) include permanent magnets, controllable magnets or electromagnets.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The present invention will below be described in further detail with reference to the attached drawings, where:

[0064] FIG. 1 is a principle drawings of a retractable magnet rod assembly according to the disclosure,

[0065] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the retractable magnet rod assembly in FIG. 1,

[0066] FIG. 3 is a principle drawing of an installation frame assembly for a plurality of the retractable magnet assemblies in FIG. 1,

[0067] FIG. 4 is a principle drawing of a complete device according to the disclosure arranged to a structure wherein material flow,

[0068] FIGS. 5A-5C are principle drawings of magnet rods containing magnet segments, as well as showing magnetic field created thereby,

[0069] FIGS. 6A-6E are principle drawings of a cleaning cycle for a retractable magnet rod assembly as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 2 showing principle drawings of a retractable magnet rod assembly 10 for a device 100 according to the disclosure, where FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing further details. The retractable magnet rod assembly 10 comprises a magnet rod 11 according to the exemplary embodiment and includes at least two magnet segments 11a (shown in further details in FIGS. 5A and 5B) in the form of permanent magnets, enclosed in a non-magnetic sleeve or material, and where upper 12 and lower 13 ends thereof do not contain magnets. Even if permanent magnet rods 11 hereafter will be used as the example, this does not limit the scope of the invention as also other magnet segments or magnetic field generators can be used, such as controllable magnet rods or electromagnetic rods.

[0071] The retractable permanent magnet rod assembly 10 further comprises a linear actuator assembly 20 comprising a housing 21 having a first end and a second end. The linear actuator assembly 20 further comprises an actuator mechanism 22, such as a piston, lead screw or similar, arranged movable in longitudinal direction of the housing 21, which is arranged to the upper end of the magnet rod 11. The actuator mechanism 22 is adapted to move the magnetic rod 11 between an extended position wherein the magnet rod 11 is positioned outside the housing 21 and in contact with a marital flow and a retracted position wherein the magnet rod 11 is retracted into the housing 21.

[0072] The linear actuator assembly 20 thus works similar to a conventional linear actuator, wherein the movement of the magnet rod 11 from the retracted to the extended position being an extension stroke, and the movement of the magnet rod 11 from the extended to the retracted position being a retraction stroke. The extended position is herein a position where the section with magnets 11a of the magnet rod 11 is exposed to the material flow and the retracted position is a position where the magnet rod is retracted in the housing 21.

[0073] The housing 21 at the first end, i.e. where the magnet rod 11 protrudes from the housing 21, is provided with at least one metal wiper 23 of non-magnetic material, see FIG. 2, arranged to the housing 21 by means of a front piece 30.

[0074] The at least one metal wiper 23 of non-magnetic material has a central opening adapted to outer surface of the permanent magnet rods 11 to clean material thereof by movement of the magnet rod 11.

[0075] In this manner, magnetic material collected by the magnet rod 11 will be removed from the magnet rod 11 when the magnet rod 11 is retracted into the housing 21 of the linear actuator assembly 20.

[0076] According to a further embodiment, the retractable magnet rod assembly 10 is further provided with a retractable flow divider 14 extending in longitudinal direction of the retractable magnet rod assembly 10. The retractable flow divider 14 exhibits a longer length than the magnet rod 11 and is fixed to lower end of the magnet rod 11 by means of a mounting bracket 15 and slidingly arranged to housing 21 by means of a holder 16 arranged to the front piece 30. The retractable flow divider 14 is mainly U-shaped and arranged such that the opening thereof is facing along the flow of material, and in this way the flow divider 14 act as a protection for the magnet rod 11. The flow divider 14 is arranged at distance from the magnet rod 11. Due to the flow divider is fixed to lower end of the magnet rod 10 and slidingly arranged exterior of the housing 21, the flow divider 14 will slide along the exterior of the housing 21 when the magnet rod 10 is retracted into the housing 21.

[0077] Further, the flow divider 14 will result in turbulence behind them, seen in the material flow direction, which improves the effect of the magnet rods 11, resulting in higher efficiency and more captured unwanted metal material. The flow divider 14 will interrupt the laminate flow through the circular magnet grid by creating a vortex of flow near the magnets together with a sharp change of flow direction, using the pendulum gravity from this change of direction to throw heavier particles to the base of the magnetic field of each magnet rod 11. The flow divider 14 is accordingly arranged for decreasing speed of material flow through the device 100, and creating turbulence behind them, without significantly increasing pressure drop through the device 100.

[0078] Accordingly, the flow divider 14 also has an important function as flow breakers, which substantially increase the performance of the magnets.

[0079] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 which is a principle drawing of an installation frame assembly 30 for the retractable magnet rod assemblies 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The installation frame assembly 30 is formed by rectangular or quadratic installation frame 31 that is adapted for arrangement to a structure 40 (FIG. 4) in which material is flowing at an installation site. The installation frame assembly 30 further comprises a transversally extending pivoting axis arrangement 50 for the retractable magnet rod assemblies 10, arranged in the installation frame 31, enabling pivoting arrangement of the mentioned magnet rod assemblies 10 in the installation frame assembly 30. The transversally extending pivoting axis arrangement 50 is in the shown embodiment an elongated hollow structure that works both as a common pivoting axis for the magnet rod assemblies 10 and as a collector for removed material and transport path for collected magnetic material, as will be further described below.

[0080] The retractable magnet rod assemblies 10 are arranged pivotable about the mentioned common pivoting axis structure 50 by means of at least one mounting bracket 60 arranged at lower part of the housing 21 enabling pivoting movement of the retractable magnet rod assembly 10 about the transversal pivoting axis structure 50. In the shown embodiment, the retractable magnet rod assembly 10 is rotatably arranged to the pivoting axis structure structure 50 by means of a pair of mounting brackets 60, spaced apart, at lower part of the housing 21.

[0081] The at least one mounting bracket 60 is further adapted in shape and size to position the magnet rod 10 in a desired magnetic pattern, as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C.

[0082] The retractable magnet rod assemblies 10 are each arranged to a linear or rotating actuator 70 (electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.) enabling pivoting movement of the retractable magnet rod assemblies 10 about the common pivoting axis structure 50. In the shown embodiment, the actuator 70 is a linear actuator (pneumatic, hydraulic or electric) hinged arranged to the installation frame 31 at one end via a support structure 72 and hinged arranged to the mounting bracket 60 of the retractable magnet rod assembly 10 at the other end. By extension and retraction of the linear actuator 70, a pivoting movement of the retractable magnet rod assembly 10 about the support structure 50 is achieved. In this manner, each magnet rod assembly 10 is associated with an independent actuator 70 enabling independent pivoting movement of the magnet rod assemblies 10 about a common pivoting axis is achieved. In such an embodiment, a sliding bearing 61 is preferably arranged between the pivoting axis structure 50 and mounting bracket 60 to reduce the friction.

[0083] Accordingly, the actuator 70 is arranged to move the retractable magnet rod assembly 10 between a mainly vertical position to a mainly horizontal position.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment the retractable magnet rod assembly 10 is arranged to the pivoting axis structure 50 by means of a rotational interface achieved by a slewing ring with at least one slewing gear drive driven by a motor providing a rotational movement of the retractable magnet rod assembly 10 about the pivoting axis structure 50. Other suitable solutions will be within the knowledge of a skilled person.

[0085] The pivoting axis structure 50 is hollow and further at upper side provided with openings 51 distributed in longitudinal direction thereof and adapted for collecting collected magnetic material from the retractable magnet rod assemblies 10. In the shown embodiment the mentioned openings 51 is adapted the space between the pairs of mounting brackets 60.

[0086] The hollow pivoting axis structure 50 is further provided with a device 52 for extracting removed magnetic material away from the device 100 and to an outlet at one end of the pivoting axis structure 50, which in the shown embodiment is a pipe. The device 52 is a rotating screw arrangement or conveyor arrangement adapted for extracting removed magnetic material in the longitudinal direction of the common axis structure 50 to an at one end thereof and to aa common collector (not shown) for further processing. In the shown embodiment, the device 52 is formed by a rotating screw driven by a motor 53.

[0087] The installation frame assembly 30 can be arranged to the structure 40 by means of fixation means (not shown). An example of such a structure is shown in FIG. 4, where the structure 40 is formed by a flow channel 41 provided with longitudinally extending flanges 42, to which longitudinally extending flanges 42 the installation frame assembly 30 is attached by means of the fixation means, such as e.g. bolts or similar, for fixation of the installation frame assembly 30 to the structure 40.

[0088] In FIGS. 5A-5C there are shown five neighbouring magnet rod assemblies 10 arranged in two rows, wherein the retractable magnet rod assemblies 10 are spaced apart in transversal direction and longitudinal direction the flow direction in relation to the other retractable magnet rod assemblies 10. In this way, the mentioned retractable magnet rod assemblies 10 form a magnetic grid with an extension both in the horizontal and vertical plane. As can be seen from the magnetic field lines in the figures the retractable magnet rod assemblies 10 create magnetic fields therebetween.

[0089] The disclosed device 100 is easily scalable both vertically and transversally, which can be adapted and arranged in a material flow line where material flows where it is desired to remove unwanted magnetic metal material from the flow of material.

[0090] The device 100 provides a solution that is flexible in relation to the geometry of the installation area in both height and width.

[0091] By that the device 100 preferably includes at least two rows of retractable magnet rod assemblies 10, as seen in FIG. 4, where there are three magnet rod assemblies 10 in the first row and four retractable magnet rod assemblies 10 in the second row, is achieved a solution where the operation can be continued, i.e. the flow of material do not need to be stopped during cleaning/removing of magnetic material from the retractable magnet rod assemblies 10 as a retractable magnet rod assembly of the first row can be cleaned while the second row continues to capture unwanted magnetic metal material and vise versa.

[0092] It is further achieved a device 100 where the retractable magnet rod assemblies 10 can be independently cleaned in an automated manner, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6E, by pivoting the retractable magnet rod assemblies 10 about the common pivoting axis structures 50.

[0093] In FIG. 6A is shown a position where the retractable magnet rod 10 is in an extended position in the magnet flow capturing magnetic material. In FIG. 6B is shown a position where the retractable magnet rod assembly 10 is in a pivoted position for cleaning, i.e. pivoted to a position mainly in the horizontal plane above the common pivoting axis structure 50, and wherein the lower end of the housing 21 and the metal scraper 23 is positioned above the mentioned openings 51 in the pivoting axis structure 50. In the mentioned horizontal position, non-contaminated liquids will drain from the extracted magnet rods 11 before cleaning of the magnet rods 11 is performed.

[0094] In FIG. 6C is shown a position where the magnet rod 11 is retracted into the housing by the linear actuator 20, which retracting movement results in that the captured unwanted magnetic material is removed from the retractable magnet rod assembly 10 by the metal scraper 23 and falls into the pivoting axis structure 50 and wherein the device 52 for extraction can transport the collected material to the outlet for further handling.

[0095] In FIG. 6D is shown a position where the retractable magnet assembly 10 is pivoted to vertical position again and FIG. 6E shows a position where the magnet rod 11 is in extended position and positioned in the material flow for collecting material again.

[0096] The same procedure can then be repeated for another of the retractable magnet assemblies 10. If not critical more than one of the retractable magnet assemblies may perform the cleaning process at the same time.

[0097] Provided herein is a device 100 where no manual handling of the magnet rod assemblies 10 for cleaning is required satisfying the requirements of HES (Health, Environment and Safety).

[0098] The inventive embodiments are especially suitable for capturing and removing metal cuttings from an oil well drilling fluid stream onshore or offshore, magnetic metal material in a flow of raw material, process lines in food industry (animal, fish and human food) and also recovery or recycling plants, etc.

[0099] The disclosed embodiments are easy to install and can be retrofitted to existing launder/chute structures.

[0100] The disclosed embodiments are adaptive and scalable for various installations.

[0101] The outlet is arranged to or provided with a weight, enabling weighing and logging of removed material (waste).

[0102] The disclosed device is also provided with the self-adjusting cleaning cycle time based on weight of removed material. By a control unit provided with means and/or software for controlling the operation of each retractable magnet rod assembly 10, self-adjusting of cleaning cycle time based on weight of removed material is achieved.

[0103] The disclosed embodiments will have considerable shorter time for cleaning than comparable prior art solutions as there is no requirement for removing the magnet rod assemblies from the device for cleaning.

[0104] The device may further be provided with alarm features based on expected material weight. In this manner an operator can be alerted if the material weight is unexpected high, indicating failure of equipment.

[0105] The device is further adaptive to e.g. rig control system via communication means.

[0106] The device is further fully retractable from the flowline when not in use.