U.S. patent number 3,765,611 [Application Number 05/278,374] was granted by the patent office on 1973-10-16 for refining process.
This patent grant is currently assigned to The Bauer Bros. Co.. Invention is credited to Herman W. Steiniger.
United States Patent |
3,765,611 |
Steiniger |
October 16, 1973 |
REFINING PROCESS
Abstract
A process of refining pulp type materials utilizing a double
revolving disc refiner characterized by introducing said materials
into a double revolving disc refiner while maintaining the same
under sealed pressurized conditions and subjecting the materials
within said refiner to passage between opposed refining surfaces,
each of which rotates relative the other with a spacing
therebetween not less than about 0.04 inches and from about 0.04 to
0.10 inches, while subjecting said materials to elevated pressures
and correspondingly elevated temperatures, and, in movement between
said refining surfaces, inducing said materials to form into fiber
bundles and individual fibers in a manner to gently produce a
separation of the constitutent components of the materials and
issue the materials in a form wherein the fibers are relatively
long and relatively unscarred.
Inventors: |
Steiniger; Herman W.
(Springfield, OH) |
Assignee: |
The Bauer Bros. Co.
(Springfield, OH)
|
Family
ID: |
23064734 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/278,374 |
Filed: |
August 7, 1972 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
|
108882 |
Jan 22, 1971 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
241/18; 241/28;
241/23 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D21D
1/30 (20130101); B02C 7/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
D21D
1/00 (20060101); B02C 7/02 (20060101); B02C
7/00 (20060101); D21D 1/30 (20060101); B02c
007/06 () |
Field of
Search: |
;241/15,18,23,27,28 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Custer, Jr.; Granville Y.
Parent Case Text
REFERENCE APPLICATION
This application is a continuation of co-pending application Ser.
No. 108,882 filed Jan. 22, 1971 (now abandoned) and correspondingly
relates to a division of the invention set forth in applicant's
application for U.S. Letters Pat. Ser. No. 495,782 filed Oct. 14,
1965 (now abandoned) for PULP REFINING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS, the
latter having been previously co-pending with said application Ser.
No. 108,882.
Claims
Having thus described my invention, I claim:
1. A method of refining fibrous materials comprising the steps of
introducing the materials into a refiner casing while maintaining
the same in a sealed pressurized condition, within said casing
flowing said materials between a pair of relatively opposed
refining surfaces while maintaining a spacing between said refining
surfaces a distance not less than about 0.04 inches, inducing said
refining surfaces to rotate one relative to the other and to
operate on said material while maintaining thereon an elevated
pressure and correspondingly elevated temperature, and reducing
said materials between said opposed refining surfaces to fiber
bundles and to individual fibers, maintaining and extracting the
individual fiber content in a relatively unscarred and individually
relatively long and well formed condition, in which condition they
are issued from the sealed environment of said casing.
2. A method of refining fibrous materials according to claim 1
characterized by maintaining said refining surfaces with a spacing
therebetween from about 0.04 to 0.10 inches while particles of said
materials are induced to flow between said refining surfaces for
reduction thereof to fiber form.
3. A method of refining fibrous materials as set forth in claim 1
characterized by limiting the space between said refining surfaces
to a distance from approximately 0.04 to 0.08 inches during the
operation thereof on said materials in particle form to reduce the
same to their fiber content.
4. A method of refining fibrous materials as set forth in claim 1
characterized by maintaining on said materials during the passage
thereof between said refining surfaces a pressure not less than
about 100 p.s.i.g. and a correspondingly elevated temperature.
5. A method of refining fibrous materials as set forth in claim 1
characterized by subjecting said materials in particle form to a
temperature not lower than about 320.degree. F. during passage
thereof between said refining surfaces.
6. A method of refining fibrous materials as set forth in claim 1
characterized by introducing said materials in particle form and
maintaining a pressure on said particles in the range of 100 to 150
p.s.i.g. while passing the same between said refining surfaces and
during passage of the particles between said refining surfaces
maintaining said refining surfaces spaced apart a distance from
0.04 to 0.10 inches.
7. The method of refining fibrous materials according to claim 1
characterized by a further step of applying a conditioning medium
directly to said materials within the same pressurized environment
as that to which said materials are subjected in movement between
said refining surfaces.
8. The method of refining fibrous materials according to claim 7
characterized by applying said conditioning medium on said
materials in transit to said refining surfaces.
9. The method of refining fibrous materials according to claim 7
characterized by applying said conditioning medium to said
materials in transit to said refining casing and in a vessel in
open and direct communication with said refiner casing.
10. A method of refining fibrous materials, including the step of
providing a sealed environment therefor wherein means define a flow
path for said materials to move directly through said environment,
providing for certain material to enter said flow path under
conditions precluding communication of said environment with
ambient surroundings and to leave said flow path under like
conditions, within said environment passing said material in said
path between opposed refining surfaces, each of which is rotated,
one relative to the other, maintaining a relatively wide spacing
between said refining surfaces in the range of 0.04 to 0.10 inches
so that the flow of the fibrous material therebetween is relatively
free and rapid, in a single pass of said material between said
refining surfaces converting the same to a condition distinguished
by relatively long and relatively unscarred fiber elements, and
pressurizing said environment by admitting pressure fluid to said
path to provide that the fibrous material flows to and between said
surfaces in a pressurized condition and subjecting said materials
to a digesting action immediately prior to their passage between
said refining surfaces and in an environment wherein the conditions
are common to the environment within which said refining surfaces
operate.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to double disc refiners and more
particularly to improvements in refining processes utilizing such
structures to achieve a reduction of materials in a manner to
gently separate their basic constituent elements and provide the
same in an optimal form. The invention is particularly advantageous
in application to the reduction of fibrous materials to individual
fibers which are long and strong and will be so described, by way
of illustration.
The art of defibering pulp has demanded considerable attention.
Various means and methods have been directed to this area of
commerce with the ultimate objective of getting longer and stronger
fibers. The solutions to date have been compromises. Moreover, the
apparatus involved has been not only expensive but the methods of
its use have been less than desirable. The present invention is
believed to be a simple and effective solution to the problem
posed. It is distinguished by the use of a double disc refiner in
which relatively opposed discs relatively rotate and which discs
are so related as to operate with a particularly advantageous
spacing and under conditions of elevated pressure and temperature,
the combination of which produces the end results long desired in
the art.
A primary object of the invention is to provide improvements in
procedures for refining fibrous materials utilizing refiners having
opposed relatively rotating discs.
Another object of the invention is to provide a pressurized double
disc refining treatment for fibrous pulp in a manner to produce
improved individual fibers of optimal length and quality.
An additional object of the invention is to provide a process for
refining pulp materials in an environment and under conditions
where the individual fibers are separated gently and rapidly in a
manner to preclude abrasion and cutting and the resultant fibers
are long and of considerable strength.
A further object of the invention is to provide a process of
reducing fibrous material to individual fiber form possessing the
advantageous features and the inherent meritorious characteristics
herein described.
With the above in mind and other incidental objects in view as will
more fully appear in the following specification, the invention
intended to be protected consists of the process for refining pulp
as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, or the equivalents thereof.
Since the method of the invention can be best illustrated utilizing
the most advantageous type structure, in the drawings there is
represented the structure which provides an environment typical to
the invention process. While there are structural details,
obviously the particular structure to be employed is not limited as
long as it embodies the capacity of the structure illustrated.
Referring to the drawings,
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal section, partly
diagrammatic, of a pressurized double disc refiner in accordance
with the first illustrated form of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, at a reduced scale, showing an
alternate form of the invention;
FIG. 3 is a partly diagrammatic view of a pulping system utilizing
a refiner in accordance with the instant invention; and
FIG. 4 is the system of FIG. 3 viewed from a position at right
angles to that shown in FIG. 3.
Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference
throughout the several views.
The pulping system of the kind in which this invention may be
utilized may comprise a number of treatment or material handling
stations. These may include, as shown in FIG. 3, an open conveyor
feeder 10 advancing fibrous material, for example wood chips or
plant stock. In a raw, or partly treated condition the fibrous
material drops by gravity into a rotary valve unit 11 interposed
between the feeder and a digester 12. The valve device 11 may
assume a conventional form, as for example as shown in the patent
to Greaves et al., U.S. Pat. No. 2,816,693 dated Dec. 17, 1957. It
thus incorporates a rotary valve element providing peripheral
cavities conducting material through the valve device under
conditions precluding pressure fluid escape thereby. Such rotary
element is driven by a motor 13 operating through belt means
14.
The digester 12 is supplied with steam, as through a pipe 15, in a
manner to maintain the interior thereof under conditions of
relatively elevated temperature and pressure. Chemical liquors
similarly may be introduced into the digester to assist in the
cooking process wherein cohesive substances binding the fibers of
the wood chips or plant stock together are softened in a manner to
loosen the fibers for subsequent separation. In the illustrated
instance the fibrous material is advanced through the digester by
suitable feed means operating from a shaft 16 rotatably driven from
motor means 17. The steamed and chemical impregnated fibrous
material leaves the digester 12 by way of an outlet duct 18
discharging into a downspout 19, the latter connecting at its lower
end to the inlet chute 21 of a refiner case 22. The latter provides
an enclosure, as will be seen, for double revolving relatively
rotating discs comprising the principal operating elements of a
refiner 23.
The downspout 19 has a Y configuration with the lower end
connecting to chute 21 and one upper arm connecting to digester 12.
The other upper arm 19' aligns with chute 21 and may have installed
therein a feed screw 20, externally driven and helping to move
materials from digester 12 to inlet chute 21. Suitable cover means
closes the arm 19' and is constructed to permit passage of the feed
screw shaft therethrough.
Further comprised in such refiner are longitudinally spaced apart
motors 24 and 25 driving respective shafts 26 and 27 which extend
into the case 22, in a manner to be more specifically described,
and mount respective refining discs thereon. The fibrous material
passes through the refining station as represented by the refiner
23 and discharges therefrom through a duct 28 to another rotary
valve device 29. This device, operated by a motor 31 through a belt
drive 32, is in the illustrated instance like the valve device 11.
It accordingly also incorporates a rotary valve element providing
peripheral cavities conducting material through the valve device
under conditions precluding pressure fluid escape thereby. Beyond
valve device 29 the treated fibrous material is advanced through a
duct 33 to a subsequent treatment station, as for example a
cyclonic separator. The valve 29 may assume other forms suitable to
a controlled discharge of material and steam. For example a Z body
valve of Fisher Controls may be substituted for the one shown.
The valves 11 and 29 have the effect of segregating the digester 12
and the refiner 23 from the balance of the system. Accordingly,
pressure and temperature conditions established in the digester 12
pervade the segregated area in which the invention is practiced.
The case 22 is thus interiorly pressurized by steam from the
digester. Supplemental steam may if desired be supplied directly to
the case 22. The case 22 is sealed, as will hereinafter more
clearly appear, so that the work performed by the refining discs
within the case is in a pressurized environment.
Due to the size of the described equipment, and the use made of
gravity flow, the different described locations are at different
levels, as for example on different floors of the same building.
Thus the conveyor feeder 10 is mounted on an uppermost level or
floor 34, the digester 12 on a lower level 35 and the refiner 23 on
a lowermost floor 36. An intermediate level 37, supporting motor
means 17, rests on a support wall 38.
Referring now to FIG. 1, the shafts 26 and 27 of the refiner 23,
have what may be termed their inboard ends supported in respective
bearing assemblies 39 and 41. The shafts are in an aligned opposing
relation and their inner ends are disposed adjacent to one another
within the case 22. Secured to the inner end of the shaft 26 is a
refining disc 42. In an opposing spaced relation to the disc 42 is
a like disc 43 secured to the inner end of shaft 27. In an annular
area of each disc working face, near the periphery thereof, is a
circumferential series of working plates 44. In another and
inwardly spaced annular area of the disc 42 is a circumferential
series of feed openings 45. An adapter ring 46 is bolted to what
may be considered the rear face of the disc 42 and turns in a
bearing ring 47. Openings 48 in the adapter ring 46 are aligned
with openings 45 and communicate the latter with an inclined feed
passage 49 in the aforementioned chute 21. The passage 49
communicates with the previously described downspout 19 leading
from digester 12.
Accordingly, the digester treated fibrous material, along with
steam from the digester, is directed by passage 49 to the openings
45 in disc 42 and is directed thereby between the discs 42 and
43.
In the operation of the refiner, the discs revolve in respectively
opposite directions and the fibrous material leaving passages 45 is
constrained to move radially outward into the area between the
discs occupied by plates 44. In accordance with the invention, the
plates 44 on the respective discs may be opposite and spaced apart
as much as from 0.04 to 0.10 inches, depending on the particular
application, preferably between 0.04 and 0.08 for fibrous
materials, as here described. In application to waste paper
(asphalt dispersion), for example, the spacing may be as much as
0.10 inches. This degree of spacing is contrasted to the usual
plate separations of from 0.01 to 0.03 inches proposed per the
prior art in use of conventional disc refiners. With and due to the
spacing as provided by the invention, as the fibrous material is
constrained to move outward on and between opposed plates 44, the
plates produce a rapid rolling of fiber bundles and effect a gentle
separation of the fibers under the influence of centrifugal force.
With the significant spacing the flow of the fiber bundles is fast
and the separation into their individual components is just as
rapid. The result is enhanced by the fact the widely spaced discs
operate in a pressurized environment. An optimal environment will
be further described.
In any event, the resultant fibers in the example illustrated will
be much longer and stronger than would result in a conventional
disc refining operation on the same material.
As a result of the pressure and gravity influences in the refiner
23, the material which is peripherally discharged from between the
refiner plates moves to a lower part of the case 22 to an exit or
outlet opening 51, communicating through tubular adapter means 52
with the aforementioned valve 29. There are peripherally mounted
disc wipers 50 on the disc 43 which propel material issuing from
between the discs along the periphery thereof and toward the outlet
51.
Steam pressurization in the double disc mill as provided affords
substantial advantages in reference to power consumption and
production of the fibers of most desirable quality. The combination
of pressure and temperature produced in the refiner weakens the
bonding material in wood, for example, to the extent the fibers are
easier to separate under the influence of the mechanical action
exerted by the plates 44 on the refiner discs. The pressurization
in the improved refining process lends ability to the refiner to
operate with the opposing sets of plates 44 in an optimally spaced
relation. It is noted that the spacing of the plates permit the
fibers to be loosened rather than separated by abrasive and cutting
action. As will be further described in reference to an optimal
pulp refining process in accordance with the invention, the
discharge fibers are well formed, relatively unscarred and of good
length.
The case 22 of the invention is constructed to sustain selected
pressures and temperatures, as for example pressures on the order
of 100 lbs. to 150 lbs. per square inch and temperatures of as much
as 340.degree. F. It is, moreover, most simply constructed and
readily separable into component parts, facilitating the
replacement of worn plates 44.
In the refiner of the invention shown in FIG. 1 the case is
comprised essentially of two respectively integral parts 53 and 54
which originally, for manufacturing expediency, can be fabricated
of multiple elements. In such instance, however, the elements are
welded together to form an integrated unit so that the respective
parts will here be considered as though made out of a single piece
of material. Part 53 has the configuration of a flat planar disc
terminating at its periphery in a projected flange 55. In the
center of the part 53 is an opening 56 receiving the above
mentioned ring 47. Counterbores in the outer surface of the part 53
provide a seat for the discharge end of chute member 21 which may
be considered integrated with the part 53. The shaft 26 passes
through the chute 21 which is in a closely surrounding relation
thereto, and axially through opening 56 to the case interior as
before described. The chute 21 provides a recessed boss 57 in which
is packing means 58 positioning about shaft 26. Retained in place
by collar means 59 on the shaft 26, the packing means 58 inhibits a
loss of pressure from case 22 along the shaft.
The plate 53 is thus mounted on one side of the pair of rotating
discs 42 and 43. On the other side thereof, and in a surrounding
relation to the shaft 27, is the second part 54. This part is
generally dish shaped in configuration, comprising a plate portion
61 generally parallel to the plate 53 and a longitudinally
projected peripheral cup portion 62. The latter extends toward the
plate 53 and terminates in an upstanding flange 63 parallel to
flange 55. In an assembled or closed position of the parts 53 and
54 the flanges 55 and 63 contact one another and are releasably
secured together, as by bolts 64. Further, the projected periphery
of part 54 achieves a telescoping relation to the periphery of part
53, and, at the inner portion of the base of flange 55, confines a
sealing ring 65. An angular cut-out in the projected periphery of
portion 62, at the base of flange 63, defines a groove 66 receiving
the sealing ring 65. The arrangement, it will be understood, is one
whereby a simple mating of the flanges 55 and 63 and a drawing down
of the bolts 64 serves to compress the ring 65, effectively and
simply sealing the joint between the parts 53 and 54 against the
escape of pressure from the case interior by this route. The shaft
27 passes through a center opening in the part 54 where a
cylindrical sleeve 67 is installed. Sleeve 67 is attached to the
part 54 by bolts 68 and in conjunction with collar means 69 on the
shaft 27 confines packing means 71 sealing against an escape of
pressure from the interior of case 22 along such shaft.
The line of separation between the parts 53 and 54, as defined by
the point of mating contact between the flanges 55 and 63,
accordingly is in a vertical plane to one side of the pair of discs
42 and 43. The outlet 51 from the case 22 is, however, located in
the projected periphery 62 of part 54 and is approximately aligned
with the line of separation between the discs 42 and 43.
That end of the refiner most adjacent motor 25, bearing assembly 41
and shaft 27 may be termed the control end. It is from this end
that shaft 27 may be conventionally adjusted in a longitudinal
sense (by means not here shown) to vary the clearance between
opposing sets of plates 44. Similarly, it is to this end of the
refiner that dish shaped part 54 may be retracted from part 53 to
expose the discs 42 and 43 for access thereto. The part 54 normally
occupies what may be considered a closed position as illustrated.
To achieve an open position of the case, the bolts 64 alone or with
bolts 68 are withdrawn and the part 54 shifted rearwardly or in a
direction away from part 53. The means utilized for shifting may be
manual or otherwise and are not detailed since in and of themselves
they form no part of the present invention. Upon return of the part
54 to a closed position the bolts are reinstalled and tightened,
the sealing ring 65 is recompressed and the interior of case 22 is
again sealed off in this most simple manner.
Insert fittings 72 and 73 are installed in the part 54 for
inserting socket wrenches for the installation or removal of plate
bolt nuts.
The simplicity of the refiner structure is believed obvious.
An alternate form of the invention shown in FIG. 2 schematically
shows discs 74 and 75 corresponding to discs 42 and 43. Shafts 76
and 77 corresponding to shafts 26 and 27 mount the respective discs
74 and 75 within a case 78. Sealing assemblies 79 and 81 are
structurally like corresponding assemblies in the FIG. 1 embodiment
and similarly inhibit an escape of pressure fluid from within the
case 78 along the respective shafts.
The embodiment of FIG. 2, like the embodiment of FIG. 1, provides a
case of two part construction which is simply and effectively
sealed. In this instance, however, both parts 82 and 83 are
generally complementary and dish or cup shaped and have projected
peripheries of asymmetrical configuration. Thus, and referring to
part 82, the projected periphery 84 thereof has a progressively
changing slope between diametrically opposed positions in such
manner as to have a maximum projected length in one circumferential
area and to have a minimum length in a diametrically opposed
circumferential area. The part 83 is complementarily constructed
substantially like the part 82 and in the assembly of the case the
parts are rotatively positioned to lie in a complementary position
to one another. The joint or line of separation between the parts
accordingly is on the bias or diagonal, extending in inclined
fashion in intersecting relation to the plane of the line of
separation between discs 74 and 75. A projecting peripheral portion
85 of the part 83 accordingly is disposed in a diametrically
opposed relation to projecting peripheral portion 84 of part 82.
The opposed peripheral portions are formed with respective flanges
adapted to be drawn into an interfitting or abutting contact by
bolts 86. In the abutting, flanged end of peripheral portion 85 is
a groove 87 having an O-ring 88 installed therein. Under the
clamping pressure applied by tightening of bolts 86 the O-ring 88
is compressed and the joint or line of separation between the parts
74 and 75 of the case effectively is sealed. By loosening the bolts
86 the part 83 may be retracted relatively to the part 82 for
access to the discs 74 and 75, in the same manner that part 54 of
the FIG. 1 embodiment is retracted. In the instance of FIG. 2,
however, both inlet chute 89 and outlet duct 91 are installed in or
formed integrally with the part 82. Accordingly, retraction of the
part 83 involves no separation of the inlet and outlet fittings
which could create problems in recreating the sealed relation of
the parts.
The arrangement of the casing is one to place the long portion of
projected periphery 84 of part 82, containing outlet 91, in
underlying relation to the discs 74 and 75. Correspondingly,
therefore, the long portion of projected periphery 85 of part 83
overlies the discs and when withdrawn readily exposes the discs for
access to the plates carried thereby.
The foregoing describes, in preferred forms, system and apparatus
which may be used in the practice of the process of the invention,
particularizing the double disc refiner structure capable of being
simply and effectively installed to produce a pressurized refiner
unit which may function in a unique manner. Such a unit has been
tested and can be pressurized and effectively operate as described
with its refiner discs spaced a significant degree more than ever
before contemplated in similar type units. It is of course readily
obvious that the very simplicity of the refiner case structure and
its inherent advantages for effecting and maintaining a seal
enhances the advantages of the present invention.
The system in accordance with the invention such as here described
enables improved refining processes, particularly in reference to
the fibrous pulp-type materials. For example, in processing or
defiberizing fibrous pulp material, the invention contemplates a
spacing of the refiner plates from 0.04 to 0.08 inches, a pressure
in the refiner case, for example, of 100 to 150 p.s.i. and a
temperature condition in the range of 320.degree. to 340.degree.
Fahrenheit.
With the conditions as described, on introducing fibrous pulp
material to the case 22 and movement thereof to flow between the
refining discs, the spacing of the refiner plates thereon is such
that the pulp is rolled into fiber bundles, the rolling being rapid
and producing a gentle separation of the fibers under the influence
of centrifugal force created in the counter-rotation of the discs.
The separation is facilitated by the temperature and pressure
conditions which influence a rapid softening of the bonds between
the fibers. The flow through period is rapid. Accordingly, the
fibers have a short dwell period in the refiner. The fibers which
exit from between the peripheral portions of the opposed refining
plates are long and of considerable strength. With the enabling of
the wide spacing of the refiner plates one precludes abrasion and
cutting which destroys the potential quality of the fibers.
Thus, refining in the double disc refiner under the conditions here
specified produces generally improved and highly desirable
products. A side effect of this optimum processing of materials as
enabled in the pressurized double disc refiner is that the load on
the refiner discs during the refiner operation is minimal. The
power savings as a result of this condition are significant.
Further, in the particular environment of the invention as above
described, and in reference to wood or plant stock, there is shown
a preliminary softening of the cohesive substances which bind the
fibrous material content. This cooking or conditioning within the
pressurized environment preliminary to and in conjunction with the
double disc refining therein has proven to facilitate a reduction
of time and equipment neccessary to achieve a given fiber product.
As a matter of fact even with spacing of less than 0.04 inches
between the refiner plates, under conditions noted wherein the
environment of the digester and the disc refiner is an elevated
temperature up to 340.degree. F. and an elevated pressure,
correspondingly, up to 150 p.s.i.g., the result is long, strong
fibers of the nature not previously deemed possible. This has been
commercially proven. It is pointed out that as late as 1970 an
expert in pulping, such as W. J. Nolan, stated in the "Handbook of
Pulp and Paper Technology" that ideal mechanical subdivision of
wood to produce a comparatively undamaged cellulose fiber
containing 4 to 5 percent lignin "is obviously impossible." Yet
double revolving disc refining under pressurized conditions in
accordance with the present invention has in fact achieved what has
been deemed impossible. That the prior art has been obviously
incapable of this "impossible" result is self-evident from the
testimony of an expert.
From the above description it will be apparent there is thus
provided a process of the character described possessing the
particular features of advantage above enumerated and inherently
susceptible of modification within the framework of the invention
without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of
its advantages. Such modifications are deemed to be contemplated
within the scope of the present invention and the invention is
therefore claimed in any of its applications and modifications
within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *