Title of Invention

A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY COLLECTING AND DISCHARGING SAMPLES FROM A FALLING STREAM OF MATERIAL

Abstract

A device for automatically collecting and discharging samples from a falling stream of materials like sinter, iron ore etc through a discharge samples from a falling stream of materials like sinter iron ore etc through a discharge chute of a conveyor, the said device comprising:- A drive unit consist of a chain driven (2) carriage assemble mounted on a carriage track (3); the drive unit is a dust proof one and operated by a three phase AC geared motor (5); the carriage assemble (3) consists of a fabricate steel carriage with replaceable drive plate and a plurality of pre-lubricated and sealed ball bearing wheels; a sample cutter (7) was transported by the said carriage assemble (3) through a rigid linkage (4) at a inform speed across a falling stream of mater and the said sample cutter provided with a bucket having a door mechanism at its bottom; the said sample cutter provided with a bucket having a door mechanism at its bottom for automatically discharging the collection sample at parking station (8) characterized in that the said device is capable to withstand the stress and stock loads of starting, stopping, entering and leaving the falling stream.

Full Text

The present invention relates to a device and method for automatically collecting and discharging samples from a falling stream of material, like sinter, iron ore, etc. through discharge chute of a conveyor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the existing system, sample from a stream can be collected manually. Sampling is based on the theory of probability. When the theory of probability is applied to continuous flowing streams the random withdrawal' is made by a sample cutter moving across the stream. The more frequently the sample is withdrawn from the stream the more accurate the final sample will be. However, in manual collection of samples variables in feed streams such as particle size segregation in belt loading and settling out of particles due to velocity change cannot be avoided. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The main object of the present invention therefore is to automatically collect the representative samples from the falling stream without manual intervention. Another object of the present invention is to collect the sample automatically from a falling stream within a short span of time. A further object of the invention is to ensure that the container for collecting the sample is not overfilled during sample collection. Yet another object of the invention is to automatically discharge the collected sample at the collection point. These and other objects of the invention can be achieved by automatically cutting and collecting samples from a falling stream by forward and reverse movement of the collecting container within a short period of time of say 10 to 12 seconds. The sample collected can be automatically discharged. The most satisfactory way to minimize variables in feed streams such as particle size segregation in belt loading, settling out of particles due to velocity change is to sample the material while it is in motion at a point of free - fall discharge making a cut at right angle to the stream. Since there may be segregation or changed composition within the stream, good practice demands a sample of the total stream. When a sample cutter continuously moves across a stream at a uniform speed the sample taken represents a small portion of the entire stream. If the cutter moves through the stream at regular intervals it produces increment samples that are considered representative of the stream at the time the sample was taken. Thus the present invention provides a device for automatically collecting and discharging samples from a falling stream of materials like sinter, iron ore, etc. through a discharge chute of a conveyor, said device comprising: a drive unit with a carriage assembly mounted on a carriage track; a sample cutter driven by said carriage assembly at a uniform speed across a falling stream of materials for automatically collecting samples at preset regular intervals; said sample cutter provided with a bucket having a door mechanism at its bottom for automatically discharging the collected sample at a parking station. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS The invention can now be described with the help of the non-limiting figures of the drawings, where Figure 1 shows the top (plan) view of the device. Figure 2 shows the front (elevation) sectional view of the device. Figure 3 shows the side sectional view of the device. Figure 4 shows the flow chart for the sampling process. Figure 5 shows in block diagram form the input / output sequence control of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The sampling device of the present invention comprises a drive unit and a sample collector unit. The dust proof drive unit consists of a chain driven carriage assembly mounted on a steel carriage track 3. The carriage assembly consists of a fabricated steel carriage with replaceable drive plate and four pre-lubricated and sealed ball bearing wheels. The carriage drives the sample cutter through a rigid linkage 4. The unit is driven by a three phase AC geared motor. The unit can be a SEW EURO DRIVE geared motor of 0.7 KW, with an output speed at 59 rpm and torque of 99 NM. The unit is designed and constructed to withstand the stresses and shock loads of starting, stopping, entering and leaving the falling stream. It is also provided with two proximity switches and limit switches 6 and the cabling connection to the terminal. The unit is covered by a fabricated cover which stops the dust from entering the drive unit. The sample collector unit is a completely automatic 'straight-line' sampler. It cuts the falling stream at right angle at a uniform speed. As mentioned it is driven by the drive unit through a rigid link 4. The sample cutter bucket 7 moves on the rail with a profile on its bottom side in the parking zone. The sample bucket has a door mechanism on its bottom. It is hinged and guided by roller travelling along the bottom of the rail. While moving along the track the sample bucket is guided by four wheels on the bottom side of rail. The bottom guide rollers are pressed against the bottom surface of rail during the movement of sample bucket. During its movement in collecting the sample the door of the sample cutter is kept closed by these rollers while moving along the track and collecting and bringing the sample to the parking position 8. At the parking position 8 they follow the profile cut in the rail. While following the profile the door opens and discharges the collected sample at the parking station. In order to stop the possibility of derailment four wheels have been provided in the inner side to guide the lateral movement of sample bucket. The sampling device of the present invention is designed to collect sample from the discharge chute of a conveyor carrying the material (sinter, iron ore, etc.) automatically. The operator's interface has a provision of two modes of operation, i.e. "Auto; and Manual'. For that a two position selector switch is provided at the main control desk at main control room. The two positions are 'Interlock' and 'Delock' respectively. The operator has to put the selector switch at 'Interlock' mode for the automatic operation of the sampler. It will take one sample immediately. Then after every fixed time period (settable in the programmable logic controller), it will go on taking sample without operator's intervention. In case of any unwanted situation and to carryout maintenance job the operator has the liberty of putting it into 'Delock' mode. In that case he has, to go near the machine to operate the sampler by pressing the push button switches provided at the local control post. The Input / Output - sequence control comprising examining by the programmable logic controller the healthiness of different field inputs associated with the system. They are as follows: - Electrical status - Emergency stop push button not pressed - Status of the selector switch at interlock mode - Running status of conveyor - Home (Parking) position limit switch is activated - Is the stipulated time elapsed since last cycle of sampling. If all the above conditions are healthy, It satisfies the logic and sequence to generate the output command for running the sampler In auto mode. The sampler completes one cycle operation of sampling, stops there at home (parking) position and waits there till the command for next cycle comes. It takes about 6 to 8 seconds to complete one cycle (to and fro motion) without changing the direction of rotation of the motor. In case of any abnormality the operator at the control room will get audible alarm with message text The Block diagramme for Input / output - sequence control is given in Figures 5 which also outlines the steps to be controlled by the PLC. The system cabling and accessories comprise connection to the power circuit through three core 4 sq. mm cable for motor power. Apart from that it also connected to the PLC through 1.5 sq. mm cable for different I/Os, namely 'emergency stop, start and stop push button, home position limit switch' etc. The selector switch at the main control desk is connected to the PLC through 1.5 sq. mm cable. All these accessories are the integrated parts of the Sampling unit. The flow diagram of the sampling process is shown in Figure 4 which provides the details of the operational logic of the system. Thus the device of the present invention automatically closes the bottom door of sample cutter while moving along the track and collecting and bringing the sample to parking position. The sample of sinter, iron ore and other materials are collected without manual intervention. The bottom door of the sample cutter is automatically opened in the parking position to allow the collected sample to be discharged. The device can be operated at preset times of say every three hours, which can be set by the operator. The sample collecting and discharging device of the present invention is operable automatically from a remote location. WE CLAIM 1. A device for automatically collecting and discharging samples from a falling stream of materials like sinter, iron ore etc through a discharge samples from a falling stream of materials like sinter iron ore etc through a discharge chute of a conveyor, the said device comprising :- - a drive unit consist of a chain driven (2) carriage assemble mounted on a carriage track (3); - the drive unit is a dust proof one and operated by a three phase AC geared motor (5) - the carriage assemble (3) consists of a fabricate steel carriage with replaceable drive plate and a plurality of pre -lubricated and sealed ball bearing wheels; - a sample cutter (7) was transported by the said carriage assemble (3) through a rigid linkage (4) at a inform speed across a falling stream of materials and - the said sample cutter provided with a bucket having a door mechanism at its bottom; - the said sample cutter provided with a bucket having a door mechanism at its bottom for automatically discharging the collection sample at parking station (8) characterized in that the said device is capable to withstand the stress and stock loads of starting, stopping, entering and leaving the falling stream. The method for automatically collecting and discharging samples form a foiling, stream of materials like sinter, iron ore etc through a discharge chute of a conveyor comprising :- the sample cutter (7) cuts the foiling steam at right angle at a uniform speed transported by the drive unit through a rigid link (4); the cutting materials are stored in a bucket disposed beneath the sample cutter; the bucket moves on the rail and during its movement in collecting the sample the door of the bucket is kept closed by a plurality of guide rollers while moving along the track and collecting and bringing the sample to the parking station (8) and at the parking station (8) the door of bucket opens and discharges the connected samples. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said door mechanism being adapted to open automatically when the sample cutter reaches the parking station for discharging the collected sample. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a programmable logic controller (PLC) is provided for controlling the movement of the sample cutter at a uniform speed. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein said PLC has provision for setting the time for automatic operation of the sample cutter at a present time of say once every three hours. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said device is operable automatically from a remote location. A device for automatically collecting and discharging samples from a felling stream of materials like sinter, iron ore, etc., through a discharge chute of a conveyor, said device, substantially as herein described and illustrated in the according drawings. The method for automatically collecting discharging samples from a falling stream of materials like sinter, iron ore etc, through discharge cute of a conveyor as substantially described and illustrated herein with reference to accompanying drawings. A device for automatically collecting and discharging samples from a falling stream of materials like sinter, iron ore etc through a discharge samples from a falling stream of materials like sinter iron ore etc through a discharge chute of a conveyor, the said device comprising:- A drive unit consist of a chain driven (2) carriage assemble mounted on a carriage track (3); the drive unit is a dust proof one and operated by a three phase AC geared motor (5); the carriage assemble (3) consists of a fabricate steel carriage with replaceable drive plate and a plurality of pre-lubricated and sealed ball bearing wheels; a sample cutter (7) was transported by the said carriage assemble (3) through a rigid linkage (4) at a inform speed across a falling stream of mater and the said sample cutter provided with a bucket having a door mechanism at its bottom; the said sample cutter provided with a bucket having a door mechanism at its bottom for automatically discharging the collection sample at parking station (8) characterized in that the said device is capable to withstand the stress and stock loads of starting, stopping, entering and leaving the falling stream.

Documents:

526-kol-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-claims.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-form 13.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-form 2.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-gpa.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

526-kol-2005-granted-specification.pdf