AU692958B2

AU692958B2 - Particulate material sizing apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU692958B2
Application number: AU40435/95A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kelvin Ernest Lange
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-12-14
Filing date: 1995-12-14
Publication date: 1998-06-18
Anticipated expiration: 2015-12-14
Also published as: AU4043595A

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT o o* o*o Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor(s): Address for service is: 0 0000 KELVIN ERNEST LANGE KELVIN ERNEST LANGE WRAY ASSOCIATES 239 Adelaide Terrace Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: 'PARTICULATE MATERIAL SIZING APPARATUS" Details of Associated Provisional Application No(s): PN0034 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for sizing particulate material such as grain and more particularly relates to a rotating cylindrical apparatus having a polygonal cross-section.

The use of screens for the separation of particles according to size is known in the art. Mechanically operated screens are often vibrated or caused to agitate to improve the quality of the separation. It is customary when using electro magnetic devices, for instance, for the screen itself to be vibrated whereas in mechanically operated screens the whole assembly may be vibrated.

One example of a mechanically operated screen separator would be a device which consists of a slowly rotating perforated cylinder with its axis at a slight angle to the horizontal. Such a device would have a tendency for blockage and would :suffer from a further disadvantage that only a small fraction of the screening area would be in use at any one time. These disadvantages would be accentuated by the circular cross section of apparatus of this type.

The present invention aims to overcome or at least partially alleviate the problems discussed above.

The present invention resides in a particulate material sizing apparatus e 0 comprising a substantially hollow body having a generally cylindrical configuration adapted for rotation about its longitudinal axis and having an entry and an exit, 20 the body further having a polygonal cross-section, a transfer means capable of transferring particulate material from the entry of the body to the exit of the body, and a sizing means positioned on the body and being capable of separating the particulate material at least on the basis of size.

The body may be of various configurations and may incorporate the sizing means as an integral part of the body. Alternatively, the sizing means may represent a separate component which is fitted to the body. In a preferred form, the body comprises a frame, the frame being adapted to receive a plurality of screens, the screens together defining the sizing means. Thus, when the apparatus is in -3operation, a feed stream of particulate material enters the apparatus at one end of the body and is acted on to separate out the different sized particles within the feed stream. Particles of a sufficiently small size pass through the screens and may be collected in a suitable receptacle. Particles not passing through the screens continue through the body and may be collected at the exit.

With particular reference to the body of the apparatus, a body of polygonal cross-section defines a number of planar surfaces. The planar surfaces are preferably defined by the screens referred to above and thus represent the sizing means. The number of planar surfaces and the angle at the intersection of the planar surfaces is largely dependent on the cross-sectional shape of the body.

For example, a preferred form of the body includes a hexagonal cross-section comprising six planar surfaces, the planar surfaces meeting at an angle of 600.

Alternatively, a body with a square shaped section would comprise four planar Ssurface with a meeting angle of 900 The transfer means may be any means that acts to transfer the particulate ee. material from the entry to the exit of the body whilst the apparatus is in operation.

In one preferred form, the transfer means comprises the tilting of the body of the apparatus at an angle to the horizontal. Thus, the feed stream will be caused to pass from the entry to the exit under the influence of gravity.

a. oJ Alternatively, the transfer means may comprise an auger means such as a plurality of guide members, the guide members being located at the internal periphery of the body and preferably being positioned in a spiral-like configuration to assist in the transfer of the particulate material along the length of the body.

The auger means may be of various configurations provided it causes the feed stream to travel from the entry to the exit of the body. When the auger means is in the form of guide members they are preferably formed as elongate fins which may be attached to the frame work of the body, so that during operation the rotation of the body causes the fins to transfer the feed stream across the sizing

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-4means and along the body. In this preferred form, the guide members may also perform a secondary role of supporting and strengthening the frame of the body.

In a further preferred form, the auger means is in the form of a continuous strip, the strip defining a spirally shaped path along the inner periphery of the body.

Alternatively, the auger means may be in the form of a series of separate members located at the inner periphery of the body.

The sizing means may be any means that acts to classify the particles in the feed stream on at least the basis of size. In one preferred form, the sizing means comprises a plurality of screen elements, the screen elements bearing perforations of a predetermined size the perforations dictating the nature of the separation. The screen elements are preferably woven and may be configured to be slidably attachable at the periphery of the body enabling them to be easily removed and replaced. Alternatively, the screen elements may be adapted to be clipped on to the body using suitable clipping members.

15 As previously indicated the body is adapted for rotation about its longitudinal axis.

Thus, the apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a rotating means. The rotating means may also be of various forms, provided that it is capable of rotating the body about its longitudinal axis. Preferably, the rotating o* means comprises a sprocket and chain assembly which may be fitted at one end S" 20 of the body and is preferably operatively connected to a suitable motor. Upon running of the motor the sprocket and chai., act to cause rotation of the body at a predetermined rate.

The invention will now be described in relation to two preferred embodiments, the description of which is not to limit the generality of the invention described above.

In the drawings:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a particle sizing apparatus in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention with the screens removed, thus revealing the interior of the apparatus; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 shown fully assembled; Figure 3 is a processing apparatus suitable for cleaning and sizing grain incorporating the particle sizing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a particle sizing apparatus in accordance 10 with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention with the screens removed, thus revealing the interior of the apparatus; 0% 0 Figure 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 4 shown fully assembled; and 0S' Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of Figure S 15 The particulate material sizing apparatus of the first embodiment depicted in figures 1-3 and generally indicated by the numeral 10, has a generally hexagonal cross section and comprises an axle 12 at its centre spanning the length of the :apparatus 10. The remainder of the apparatus 10 comprises a fraime, the frame comprising three sets of cross members 14 located at each end and towards the middle of the apparatus 10 and supported from and radiating out from the axle 12 to the periphery of the apparatus 10 and a series of six longitudinally orientated support members 22.

The apparatus 10 of the first embodiment has two halves 16, 18 which are separated by a centrally located band 20 which passes around the periphery of the apparatus 10. The longitudinally orientated support members 22 of each half I 16,18 support the auger mrneans in the form of a series of guide members 26 which span the lateral distance between the longitudinal support members 22 and are configured and positioned at a predetermined angle so that when in operation the guide members 26 act to transfer material from one end of the apparatus to the other in a way to produce a desirable separation of particles in the feed stream.

The longitudinal supports 22 are further adapted to slidably receive the sizing means in the form of screens 28. The hexagonally cross sectioned embodiment of the apparatus thus being able to receive a total of twelve screens, the screens 28 being of a predetermined configuration to facilitate the separation of particles of a predetermined size.

It is envisaged that the screens placed nearest the entry of the apparatus will comprise apertures having a particular size and that the screens placed nearest the exit of the apparatus will have apertures of a larger size than the first set of screens. Thus, a feed stream passing through the apparatus of the first embodiment can result in up to three classes of particulate material separated according to size. The first group being the smallest passing through the first screen, the second group passing through the second screen and the third group being collected at the exit of the apparatus.

20 In Figure 3 the particle sizing apparatus forms part of a larger piece of machinery.

Grain which has been harvested is placed into the piece of machinery and 9ooo cleaned and sized according to predetermined requirements.

The grain cleaning means comprises a hopper 30 and a blower (within hopper).

The blower produces an airflow that acts on grain placed into the hopper 30 to deliver a flow of air across the grain flow path as it falls under the influence of gravity, to convey relatively light weight material such as dust and straw sidewardly out of the grain flow path separating such material from the remainder of the grain. The remaining grain continues down the chute 31 and is directed into the entry of the particle sizing apparatus -7- The rotating means comprises a sprocket 32 fixed at the entry of the particle sizing apparatus. The sprocket 32 is connected to a belt 34 which loops around the sprocket 32 and a driving wheel 36 which in turn is operatively connected to a suitable engine. The engine acts on the drive belt 34 to result in rotation of the particle sizing apparatus at a predetermined rate.

Grain entering the particle sizing apparatus 10 is caused to flow from the entry to the exit of the particle sizing apparatus 10. Whilst travelling within the apparatus the grain passes over the screens, and grain of a sufficiently small size passes through the screen and is collected in a receptacle 38. Grain from the receptacle 38 then passes up delivery chute 40 and into a dumper (not shown) or some other suitable receptacle.

operation the feed stream of particulate material enters the body whilst the S"body is rotating. The angular nature of the planar surfaces together with the guide members 26 determine the conditions under which the feed stream passes along the apparatus and as such the nature of the contact between the sizing means and the particles in the feed stream. Thus, it will be appreciated that the "nature of the contact between the particles and the interior of the apparatus, namely the guide members and the planar surfaces dictates the specifics of the separation.

20 The apparatus depicted in Figures 4-6 and generally indicated by the numeral 110 represents a second embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 110 according to the second embodiment is of similar form to the first embodiment and also has a generally hexagonal cross section and includes an axle 112 at its centre and spanning it's length. The apparatus 110 also includes a frame including four sets of cross members 114 supported from and radiating out from the axle 112. The cross members are located at each end of the apparatus 110 and at two positions along the length of the apparatus 110. Each cross member 114 includes six struts 115 radiating out from the axle to the periphery of the apparatus 110.

The cross members 114 divide the apparatus into three portions 116, 117, 118.

Each portion 116, 117, 118 includes longitudinally oriented support members 122 to strengthen the apparatus 110. The longitudinal support members 122 also support the transfer means in the form of augers 126 arranged along the length of the apparatus 110.

The longitudinal support members 122 are also adapted to receive the screens 128. In this respect the supports 122 and the screens 128 are provided with compatible portions 136, 138 that allow for the screens 128 to be clipped to the apparatus 110. The clipping arrangement is preferably of the over centre type and allows for the screens 128 to be conveniently lifted on and off the apparatus 110 for cleaning and/or replacing.

The apparatus of the second embodiment operates in a similar manner to that of S• the first embodiment. It is envisaged that the screens placed nearest the exit of the apparatus will have apertures of a larger size than the screens nearest the entry. The apparatus 110 is adapted to receive eighteen screens 128. Thus, a feed stream passing through the apparatus of the second embodiment can result :in result in up to four classes of particulate material separated according to size.

It will be appreciated that any further modifications and adaptations apparent to one skilled in the art are to be encompassed within the scope of the present 20 invention. 20 invention.

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Claims

1. A particulate material sizing apparatus comprising a substantially hollow body having a generally cylindrical configuration adapted for rotation about its longitudinal axis and having an entry and an exit, the body further having a polygonal cross-section, a transfer means capable of transferring particulate material from the entry of the body to the exit of the body, and a sizing means positioned on the body and being capable of separating the particulate material at least on the basis of size.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the transfer means includes an auger means.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the auger means includes guide members in the form of elongate fins. 4*°o

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the auger means includes guide members in the form of strips. S 15 5. The apparatus of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the elongate fins or strips are arranged in a spiral-like fashion at the inner periphery of the body. e*S

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the elongate fins or strips are formed as continuous members. Soo° S

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the elongate fins or strips are formed as a series of separate members.

8. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the sizing means comprises at least one screen element.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the at least one screen element is adapted to be fitted on to the body. c -1 -r I The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the at least one screen element is adapted to be clipped on to the body.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the at least one screen element is adapted to be slidably fitted onto the body.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the at least one screen element is provided integrally with the body.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 12 including a plurality of screen elements.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the plurality of screen elements :o 10 includes at least two sets of screen elements, the sets of screen elements being adapted to separate out different sized particulate material. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the body has a hexagonal cross section.

16. A particulate material sizing apparatus comprising a substantially hollow body having a generally cylindrical configuration with a hexagonal cross section, transfer means in the form of an elongate fin defining a spirally shaped path at the inner periphery of the body, and a sizing means in the form of a plurality of screens affixed to the body by clipping members. 0...0 oo

17. A grain cleaning and sizing apparatus incorporating the apparatus of any one of the preceding claims.

18. An apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the figures. I ~U II

19. An apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to any one of claims 1-18. Dated this fouteenth day of December 1995. KELVIN ERNF I LANGE Applicant Wray Associates- Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for the Applicant *R *VC.. -12- ABSTRACT A particulate material sizing apparatus (110) comprising a substantially hollow body having a generally cylindrical configuration with a hexagonal cross section, a transfer means in the form of an elongate fin (126) defining a spirally shaped path at the inner periphery of the body, and a sizing means in the form of a plurality of screens (128) affixed to the body by clipping members (136,138). S a S