Title of Invention

A DEVICE FOR FEEDING PULVERISED COAL TO A FURNACE

Abstract A device for feeding pulverised coal to a furnace, which comprises in combination a feed hopper (1), characterised in that the said feed hopper (1) incorporating a needle valve arrangement (3) and a depth gauge micrometer (8) , the feed hopper (1) being provided on the external periphery with a pneumatic vibrator (2); the said feed hopper (1) being also provided at the bottom end with a distribution chamber (6) having primary (4) and secondary (5) compressed air-lines, the said distribution chamber (6) being provided with means as herein described, for connecting to a furnace reactor (7).
Full Text This invention relates to a device for feeding pulverised coal to a furnace. This invention specifically relates to a system of feeding pulverised coal to a furnace, such as a drop tube furnace.
The present invention finds usage In studying chemical reactivity and combustion behaviour of various coals in an experimental furnace such as a drop tube furnace.
Experimental furnaces are generally used to simulate combustion and deposition conditions in pulverised fuel boilers. The essential characteristics of such reactors are heating rate, high temperature, dynamic particle phase and atmosphere simulating conditions. For example, the essential components of an experimental furnace such as a vertical drop tube furnace system include a fuel feeder, a reactor and equipment for sampling and analysis. The drop tube furnace is a valuable tool when attempting to simulate coal combustion on a small scale. In this furnace pulverised coal is carried down through a water cooled feeder into a heated ceramic tube containing pre-heated all After passing through the tube the particles are collected in a water cooled probe in different zones where the reactions are effectively quenched. The flow of these gases is kept sufficiently low to ensure that laminar flow conditions are met. Turbulent flow would cause the reduction of collection efficiency and the lowering of the sample integrity. The degree of decomposition experienced by the particles depends on conditions within the furnace. The residence time inside the furnace, oxygen content and the temperature can be altered as per the requirements.
Reference may be made to US Patent No: 5,997,234, wherein a silicon pellet feed system has
been described for use with a silicon melt furnace used to grow a silicon web. A reservoir for
containing feed particles is coupled to the upper end of a feed tube. The lower end of the feed
tube is positioned adjacent to a pair of rotatable drive rollers driven by a motor through a
coupling and a pair of gears. The rollers are mounted at an angle with respect to horizontal and
the outlet end of the roller feed path is located above a delivery tube leading to the silicon melt
furnace. The elements are surrounded by an enclosure having a
vacuum outlet for enabling the enclosure to be evacuated to a

working vacuum level and a gas inlet for enabling an inert gas to be back filled into the
enclosure. The feed rate is determined by the angle of the drive rollers, the speed of the
motor and the shape of the bottom end of the feed tube. The rollers are resilient to
provide enhanced surface friction for the particle flow and to prevent trapped feed
particles from jamming the motor. The said system is not suitable for the purposes of an
experimental furnace such as a vertical drop tube furnace system, which requires
feeding pulverised coal to the furnace.
Prior art search for a feeding system for feeding pulverised coal to a furnace was made
based on literature survey and patent databases, which did not yield any relevant
references.
Hence, there is a definite need to provide a feeding system for a furnace, specifically a
system of feeding pulverised coal to a furnace, such as a drop tube furnace.
The main object of the present invention is to provide a device for feeding pulverized
coal to a furnace, such as a drop tube furnace.
Another object of the present invention is to a provide a feeding system ensuring a
steady flow rate.
Yet another object of the present invention is to a provide a feeding system capable of
accurate feed consistently.
Still another object of the present invention is to a provide a feeding system which is
easy to operate and is maintenance free.
In the present invention there is provided a device for feeding pulverized coal to a
furnace, such as a drop tube furnace. The feeding system consists of a feed hopper, a
pneumatic vibrator positioned on the periphery of the feeder hopper, a needle valve
arrangement in the said feed hopper, a depth gauge micrometer, a distribution chamber
with primary and secondary airline at the bottom of the said feed hopper. Adjusting the
pressure of compressed air allows setting of the frequency of vibration of me pneumatic
vibrator. The needle valve arrangement in conjunction with the vibratory hopper
controls the feed rate. The rate of coal flow is measured by the depth gauge
micrometer. The distribution chamber with primary and secondary airline at the bottom
of the said feed hopper allows uniform mixing of air with coal before being charged into
the furnace reactor.
In the drawings accompanying this specification, the various components which in
combination constitute the device of the present invention are shown in figures 1 and 2.
Figure 1 depicts and describes an embodiment of the general arrangement of the
device of the present invention for feeding pulverized coal to a furnace, such as a drop
tube furnace. The various parts as shown in figure 1 are:
1 Feeder hopper.
2 Pneumatic vibrator positioned on the periphery of the feeder hopper.
3 Needle valve fitted in the feed hopper controls the feed rate.
4 Primary compressed air-line is provided in the distribution chamber at the bottom of
the said feed hopper.
5 Secondary compressed air-line is provided in the distribution chamber at the bottom
of the said feed hopper.
6 Distribution chamber with primary and secondary airline at the bottom of the said
feed hopper allows uniform mixing of air with coal before being charged into the
furnace reactor.
7 Furnace reactor.
8 Depth gauge micrometer measures the rate of flow of coal to the reactor.
Figure 2 of the drawings depicts and describes the needle valve arrangement. The various parts as shown in figure 2 are:
3.1 Needle valve.
3..2 Movable roller.
3.3 Needle.
3.4 Lock nut.
Accordingly the present invention provides a device for feeding pulverised coal to a furnace, which comprises in combination a feed hopper (1), characterised in that the said feed hopper (1) incorporating a needle valve arrangement (3) and a depth gauge micrometer (8) , the feed hopper (1) being provided on the external periphery with a pneumatic vibrator (2); the said feed hopper (1) being also provided at the bottom end with a distribution chamber (6) having primary (4) and secondary (5) compressed air-lines, the said distribution chamber (6) being provided with means as herein described, for connecting to a furnace reactor (7).
In an embodiment of the present invention the feeder hopper (1) is preferably made of non-reactive material, such as stainless steel.
In another embodiment of the present invention the needle valve arrangement (3) consists of means (3.1, 3.2 & 3.4) capable of controlling the feed rate through vertical movement of needle (3.3).
In yet another embodiment of the present invention the depth gauge micrometer (8) capable of measuring the feed rate is connected through the movable roller (3.2) to the needle valve arrangement (3).
. In still another embodiment of the present invention the pneumatic vibrator is provided with adjustable pressure of compressed air.

In still yet another embodiment of the present invention the distribution chamber (6)
connects the feed hopper bottom and furnace reactor (7).
In a further embodiment of the present invention the distribution chamber (6) is
connected to the feed hopper bottom and furnace reactor (7) by means such as flangejoint.
The novelty of the device of the present invention for feeding pulverized coal to a
furnace resides in providing a feeding system capable of enabling a controlled and
measured steady flow rate of pulverized coal to a furnace reactor.
The novelty has been achieved by the non-obvious inventive steps of providing in
combination a feed hopper incorporating a needle valve arrangement, a pneumatic
vibrator with adjustable pressure of compressed air, a depth gauge micrometer and a
distribution chamber having primary and secondary compressed air-lines, capable of
controlling and measuring a consistent feed rate of pulverized coal to a furnace reactor.
The device of the present invention for feeding pulverized coal to a furnace works as
follows:
Pulverised coal is stored in the feed hopper (1). Pulverised coal is pushed from hopper
to the distribution chamber (6) with the help of the pneumatic vibrator (2) and
compressed primary air (4). Primary air is around 15-30% of the total air. By changing
the frequency of vibration and by adjusting the position of needle valve (3) the coal flow
rate is adjusted. The frequency of vibration in the pneumatic vibrator (2) is set by
changing the pressure of compressed air. The rate of coal flow is measured by the
depth gauge micrometer (8). After hopper coal with primary air enters the distribution
chamber (6), the coal is mixed with secondary air uniformly. From the distribution
chamber (6) the pulverised coal and air mixture enters the reactor (7).
The following examples are given by way of illustration of the device of the present
invention for feeding pulverized coal to a furnace in actual practice and should not be
construed to limit the scope of the present invention.
Example-1
Pulverised coal was stored in the feed hopper of capacity 5 kg. Pulverised coal was
pushed from the hopper to the distribution chamber with the help of the pneumatic
vibrator. The pressure of air for pneumatic vibrator was 1.5 kg/cm2. Compressed
primary air rate was 60 liters per minute and pressure was 1.6 kg/cm2. The secondary
air rate was 130 liters per minute. From the distribution chamber the pulverised coal and
air mixture enterered the furnace reactor. The rate of coal flow as measured by the
depth gauge micrometer was 1.5 kg/hr.
Example-2
Pulverised coal was stored in the feed hopper of capacity 5 kg. Pulverised coal was
pushed from the hopper to the distribution chamber with the help of the pneumatic
vibrator. The pressure of air for pneumatic vibrator was 1.8 kg/cm2. Compressed
primary air rate was 65 liters per minute and pressure was 1.7 kg/cm2. The secondary
air rate was 140 liters per minute. From the distribution chamber the pulverised coal and
air mixture enterered the furnace reactor. The rate of coal flow as measured by the
depth gauge micrometer was 2.0 kg/hr.
Example-3
Pulverised coal was stored in the feed hopper of capacity 5 kg. Pulverised coal was
pushed from the hopper to the distribution chamber with the help of the pneumatic
vibrator. The pressure of air for pneumatic vibrator was 1.3 kg/cm2. Compressed
primary air rate was 50 liters per minute and pressure was 1.3 kg/cm2. The secondary
air rate was 123 liters per minute. From the distribution chamber the pulveri'seo coal and
air mixture enterered the furnace reactor. The rate of coal flow as measured by the
depth gauge micrometer was 1.2 kg/hr.
The main advantages of the device of the present invention for feeding pulverized coal
to a furnace are:
1. The feeding system provides consistent and accurate feed.
2. The feeding system is easy to operate.
3. The feeding system is easy to maintain.






We claim;
1. A device for feeding pulverised coal to a furnace, which comprises in combination a feed
hopper (1), characterised in that the said feed hopper (1) incorporating a needle valve
arrangement (3) and a depth gauge micrometer (8), the feed hopper (1) being provided on the
external periphery with a pneumatic vibrator (2); the said feed hopper (1) being also provided
at the bottom end with a distribution chamber (6) having primary (4) and secondary (5)
compressed air-lines, the said distribution chamber (6) being provided with means as herein
described, for connecting to a furnace reactor (7).
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feeder hopper (1) is preferably made of non-
reactive material, such as stainless steel.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1-2, wherein the needle valve arrangement (3) consists of
means (3.1, 3.2 & 3.4) for controlling the feed rate through vertical movement of needle (3.3).

4. A device as claimed in claim 1-3, wherein the depth gauge micrometer (8) for measuring the
feed rate is connected through the movable roller (3.2) to the needle valve arrangement (3).

5. A device as claimed in claim 1-4, wherein the pneumatic vibrator (2) is provided with
adjustable pressure of compressed air.
6. A device as claimed in claim 1-5, wherein the distribution chamber(6) is connected to the
feed hopper bottom and furnace reactor (7) .
7. A device as claimed in claim 1-6, wherein the distribution chamber (6) is connected to the
feed hopper bottom and furnace reactor (7) by means such as flange-joint.
8. A device for feeding pulverised coal to a furnace substantially as herein described with
reference to the examples and drawings accompanying to this specification.


Documents:

513-DEL-2003-Abstract-(28-08-2008).pdf

513-del-2003-abstract.pdf

513-DEL-2003-Claims-(17-11-2008).pdf

513-DEL-2003-Claims-(28-08-2008).pdf

513-del-2003-claims.pdf

513-DEL-2003-Correspondence-Others-(28-08-2008).pdf

513-del-2003-correspondence-others.pdf

513-del-2003-correspondence-po.pdf

513-DEL-2003-Description (Complete)-(17-11-2008).pdf

513-del-2003-description (complete)-28-08-2008.pdf

513-del-2003-description (complete).pdf

513-DEL-2003-Drawings-(17-11-2008).pdf

513-del-2003-drawings.pdf

513-DEL-2003-Form-1-(17-11-2008).pdf

513-DEL-2003-Form-1-(28-08-2008).pdf

513-del-2003-form-1.pdf

513-DEL-2003-Form-18-(28-08-2008).pdf

513-del-2003-form-18.pdf

513-DEL-2003-Form-2-(28-08-2008).pdf

513-del-2003-form-2.pdf


Patent Number 225534
Indian Patent Application Number 513/DEL/2003
PG Journal Number 13/2009
Publication Date 27-Mar-2009
Grant Date 18-Nov-2008
Date of Filing 28-Mar-2003
Name of Patentee COUNCIL OF SCIENTIFIC & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
Applicant Address RAFI MARG, NEW DELHI-110 001, INDIA.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 ASHIS MUKHERJEE CENTRAL FUEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P.O.F.R.I-828108, DHANBAD, JHARKHAND, INDIA.
2 SUBHASIS BISWAS CENTRAL FUEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P.O.F.R.I-828108, DHANBAD, JHARKHAND, INDIA.
3 MAINSH KUMAR CENTRAL FUEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P.O.F.R.I-828108, DHANBAD, JHARKHAND, INDIA.
4 SANTI GAPAL SAHU CENTRAL FUEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P.O.F.R.I-828108, DHANBAD, JHARKHAND, INDIA.
5 NANDITA CHOUDHURY CENTRAL FUEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P.O.F.R.I-828108, DHANBAD, JHARKHAND, INDIA.
6 ASHIM CHOUDHURY CENTRAL FUEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P.O.F.R.I-828108, DHANBAD, JHARKHAND, INDIA.
7 KALYAN SEN CENTRAL FUEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE, P.O.F.R.I-828108, DHANBAD, JHARKHAND, INDIA.
PCT International Classification Number F23K 3/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 NA