AU2021106567A4

AU2021106567A4 - A dust extraction device

Info

Publication number: AU2021106567A4
Application number: AU2021106567A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew Fanning
Original assignee: Fanca Technologies Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Fanca Technologies Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-08-23
Filing date: 2021-08-23
Publication date: 2021-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2029-08-23

Abstract

A dust extraction device for filtering air, the dust extraction device including one or more filter housing, each having at least one air filter, an inlet housing fluidly 5 connected to the filter housing, a fan assembly including a fan, a fan inlet and a fan outlet, the fan assembly fluidly connecting the filter housing to the fan outlet, one or more panel filters located between the one or more filter housing and the fan inlet. I I c0o C0N 00 00

Description

I I

c0o

C0N

00

A DUST EXTRACTION DEVICE

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a dust extraction device. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for a portable dust extraction device. Reference will be made in the specification to use of the invention for filtering air. This use is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Dust extraction systems are used to remove dust (including other airborne particulates) from an environment. Dust extraction is important as excess exposure to dust and particulates can cause illness and damage to lungs. Industrial premises such as factories that produce dust and airborne particulates typically have dedicated dust extraction systems. Dedicated dust extraction systems are generally large purpose built systems that extract dust and particulates from captured air and exhaust cleaned air. A problem with these dedicated systems is that that they are installed at a particular location. Another problem with these dedicated systems is that they are typically installed in multiple parts. Being in a fixed location, the extraction systems cannot adequately service other nearby locations should the industrial processes be relocated or new processes commenced. These fixed extraction systems are not transportable. The fixed extraction systems also require significant cost and time to install and decommission. There are a number of transportable systems. However, these are relatively small and do not typically have the same throughput as dedicated systems.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems with dust extraction systems and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the present invention broadly resides in a dust extraction device for filtering air, the dust extraction device including: one or more filter housing, each having at least one air filter; an inlet housing fluidly connected to the filter housing; a fan assembly including a fan, a fan inlet and a fan outlet, the fan assembly fluidly connecting the filter housing to the fan outlet; one or more panel filters located between the one or more filter housing and the fan inlet. Preferably the dust extraction device further includes a support frame. Preferably the support frame supports the filter housing. Preferably the support frame supports the inlet housing. Preferably the support frame supports the one or more panel filters. Preferably the support frame supports the fan assembly. Preferably the one or more panel filters are activated carbon panel filters. Preferably the one or more panel filters are a plurality of panel filters. Preferably each of the panel filters is located adjacent a corresponding filter housing. More preferably each of the panel filters is located above a corresponding filter housing. Preferably each of the panel filters is removably located above a corresponding filter housing. Preferably the inlet housing includes at least one inlet for introducing air. In one embodiment the inlet housing includes at least one baffle plate. Preferably the at least one baffle plate deflects the introduced air. Preferably the at least one baffle plate is tilted in a backwards direction relative to the direction of flow of the introduced air through the at least one inlet. Preferably the dust extraction device further includes at least one hopper. Preferably the at least one hopper is located beneath the filter housing. Preferably the at least one hopper is fluidly connected to the filter housing. More preferably the at least one hopper is fluidly connected to the inlet portion of each of the one or more filter housing. More preferably the at least one hopper is located beneath the filter housing. Preferably the at least one hopper collects dust that drops down from the filter housing. In one embodiment, the at least one hopper is two hoppers. Preferably the two hoppers are located adjacent each other. Preferably the dust extraction device has a plurality of filter housings located on a left side of the dust extraction device, and a plurality of filter housings located on a right side of the dust extraction device. Preferably a left one of the two hoppers collects dust from the plurality of filter housings located on the left side of the dust extraction device. Preferably a right one of the two hoppers collects dust from the plurality of filter housings located on the right side of the dust extraction device. In one embodiment, the at least one hopper is located beneath the inlet housing. Preferably the at least one hopper is fluidly connected to the inlet housing. Preferably the at least one hopper has a separator that inhibits flow of air between the inlet housing and the filter housing via the hopper. Preferably the dust extraction device further includes an inlet hopper. Preferably the inlet hopper is located under the inlet housing. More preferably the inlet hopper is part of the inlet housing. Preferably the dust extraction device further includes one or more conveyors. Preferably each conveyor is associated with a corresponding hopper. Preferably each conveyor is located below or within a corresponding hopper. Preferably the conveyor is fluidly connected to the corresponding hopper. Preferably each conveyor is adapted to convey dust collected by the corresponding hopper towards a discharge outlet. Preferably the discharge outlet discharges dust from the dust extraction device. Preferably each conveyor is an auger conveyor. Preferably each conveyor is hydraulically driven. Preferably a valve is located between the one or more conveyor and the discharge outlet. Preferably the valve inhibits air from being introduced into the dust extraction device via the discharge port. Preferably the valve is a rotary valve. Preferably each conveyor is connected to the same discharge outlet. Preferably the dust extraction device further includes an inlet conveyor. Preferably the inlet conveyor is located within the inlet hopper. In another embodiment, the inlet conveyor is located below the inlet hopper. Preferably the inlet conveyor is adapted to convey collected dust to a heavy dropout outlet. In one embodiment, the inlet conveyor is adapted to convey collected dust to the one or more conveyors or to the at least one hopper. Preferably the inlet conveyor is oriented transverse relative to the one or more conveyors. Preferably the fan is driven by a motor. Preferably the motor is an electric motor. Alternatively, the motor may be a hydraulic motor, variable speed diesel motor, internal combustion motor, or the like.

Preferably the fan produces a vacuum to move air through the dust extraction device. Preferably the fan is a centrifugal fan. Preferably the fan has a capacity of between 20m 3/s and 100m 3 /s. Preferably the fan has a capacity of between 60m 3 /s and 80m 3/s. More preferably the fan has a capacity of between 50m 3/s and 70m 3/s. Preferably each of the at least one air filter is a fibrous media filter. More preferably each of the at least one air filter is a pleated fibrous media filter. For example, each of the at least one air filter may be a pleated paper air filter. Preferably each of the at least one air filter is removable. In one embodiment, each of the at least one air filter is in a cassette format for easy removal and insertion into a corresponding filter housing. In one embodiment, each of the at least one air filter includes one or more rails or channels, each adapted to engage with a corresponding rail or channel in the filter housing. Preferably each of the one or more filter housing has a closable access such that a corresponding air filter can be replaced. Preferably the closable access is a door or hatch. Preferably each of the one or more filter housing has an outlet portion and an inlet portion. Preferably each of the one or more filter housing has an upper outlet portion and a lower inlet portion. Preferably each of the at least one air filter fluidly connects the inlet portion to the outlet portion. Preferably the one or more filter housing is a plurality of filter housings. Preferably the inlet portion of each of the one or more filter housing is fluidly connected to the inlet portion of an adjacent filter housing. Preferably each of the plurality of filter housings is modular, adapted to connect to an adjacent filter housing on a first side and a further adjacent filter housing on a second side. Preferably the first side is at substantially 90° to the second side. More preferably, each filter housing is further adapted to connect to another adjacent filter housing on a third side. Preferably the third side is at substantially 90° to the second side. Preferably the third side is opposed to the first side. In one embodiment, the plurality of filter housings is four filter housings. Preferably the four filter housings are arranged two filter housings long and two filter housings wide. In another embodiment, the plurality of filter housings is six filter housings. Preferably the six filter housings are arranged three filter housings long and two filter housings wide. In another embodiment, the plurality of filter housings is eight filter housings. Preferably the eight filter housings are arranged four filter housings long and two filter housings wide. In another embodiment, the plurality of filter housings is ten filter housings. Preferably the ten filter housings are arranged five filter housings long and two filter housings wide. In another embodiment, the plurality of filter housings is twelve filter housings. Preferably the twelve filter housings are arranged six filter housings long and two filter housings wide. In another embodiment, the plurality of filter housings is fourteen filter housings. Preferably the fourteen filter housings are arranged seven filter housings long and two filter housings wide. In another embodiment, the plurality of filter housings is sixteen filter housings. Preferably the sixteen filter housings are arranged eight filter housings long and two filter housings wide. Preferably the dust extraction device further includes an air compressor. Preferably the air compressor is located in an air compressor housing. Preferably the air compressor provides compressed air which is blown across the at least one air filter to displace dust that has been filtered from the air. Preferably the displaced dust drops down to a corresponding one of the at least one hopper. Preferably the compressed air is pulsed to displace dust from the at least one air filter. Preferably the fan inlet is located above the one or more filter housing. Preferably the fan inlet is located above the one or more panel filters. Preferably, the fan inlet fluidly connects one or more panel filters and/or the outlet portions of the one or more filter housing to the fan outlet. Preferably, the fan inlet increases in cross section towards the fan. Preferably in this manner, the increase in flow rate through the outlet portions from the inlet housing end of the one or more filter housing and/or the one or more panel filters to the fan end of the one or more filter housing and/or the one or more panel filters is accommodated by the fan inlet. Preferably the fan inlet has a substantially rectangular cross section. Preferably the fan inlet decreases air velocity variation for lower flow resistance between the outlet portions and the fan. Preferably the fan inlet increases stability of air flow from the outlet portions and/or the one or more panel filters into the fan. In one embodiment, the manifold portion is located adjacent two filter housings and/or panel filters. In another embodiment, the manifold portion is located adjacent four filter housings and/or panel filters. In a further embodiment, the manifold portion is located adjacent six filter housings and/or panel filters. In another embodiment, the manifold portion is located adjacent eight filter housings and/or panel filters.

Preferably the dust extraction device further includes one or more directional vanes. Preferably the one or more directional vanes are located in the fan inlet. Preferably the one or more directional vanes increases stability of air flow from the outlet portions and/or the one or more panel filters into the fan. Preferably the dust extraction device further includes a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump preferably provides hydraulic force to the hydraulic motor that drives the fan. The support frame preferably supports the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is preferably driven by a motor. The motor that drives the hydraulic pump is preferably a diesel motor. Preferably the dust extraction device further includes a computer processing unit (CPU). Preferably the CPU is located in a control housing. Preferably the CPU is adapted to control and monitor the dust extraction device. Preferably the CPU is adapted to control the fan. More preferably the CPU is adapted to control the motor that drives the fan. Preferably the CPU is adapted to control the conveyor. Preferably the CPU is adapted to control the valve. Preferably the CPU is adapted to control the air compressor. Preferably the CPU is adapted to monitor the fan. More preferably the CPU is adapted to monitor at least one sensor attached to the fan. Preferably the CPU is adapted to monitor an emission sensor. Preferably the emission sensor is located in the fan outlet. Preferably the emission sensor is a broken bag detector. Preferably the CPU is adapted to monitor the at least one air filter. Preferably the CPU is adapted to monitor airflow through the dust extraction device. Preferably the dust extraction device includes differential pressure sensors. Preferably the differential pressure sensors are located before and after the at least one air filter to indicate if the at least one air filter is blocked or if there are higher than normal dust readings. The CPU is preferably adapted to receive sensor readings from the differential pressure sensors. In one embodiment, the support frame has substantially the same base dimensions as a 40' intermodal container. Preferably, the support frame has substantially the same base dimensions as a 40' intermodal container. Preferably the support frame is adapted to be transported on 40' intermodal container bolsters. Preferably the support frame complies with ISO standard 668. Preferably the support frame complies with ISO standard 1496-1. In another embodiment, the support frame has substantially the same base dimensions as a 20' intermodal container.

Preferably the dust extraction device is a mobile dust extraction device. Preferably the dust extraction device is movable by truck or trailer in a similar manner as an intermodal container. In a further aspect the present invention broadly resides in a dust extraction device described above for filtering air, the dust extraction device including: a filter housing having at least one air filter; an inlet housing fluidly connected to the filter housing; a fan assembly including a fan, a fan inlet and a fan outlet, the fan assembly fluidly connecting the filter housing to the fan outlet; and one or more panel filters located between the one or more filter housing and the fan inlet, wherein in use, the fan moves air from the inlet housing through the filter housing, through the one or more panel filters, through the fan inlet and out through the fan outlet, and wherein the at least one air filter, and the one or more panel filters filter the air. Preferably the dust extraction device further includes a support frame. Preferably the support frame supports the filter housing. Preferably the support frame supports the inlet housing. Preferably the support frame supports the one or more panel filters. Preferably the support frame supports the fan assembly. Preferably the one or more panel filters are one or more carbon activated panel filters. In a further aspect the present invention broadly resides in a method of filtering air, including the steps of: positioning a dust extraction device in a desired location; introducing air into the dust extraction device; and moving the air through a filter housing having at least one air filter to filter the air; and moving the filtered air through one or more panel filters. Preferably the one or more panel filters are one or more carbon activated panel filters. Preferably the method further includes the step of diverting the introduced air using a baffle plate.

Preferably the step of moving the air through a filter housing having at least one air filter to filter the air includes using a fan to move the air. Preferably the fan is a centrifugal fan. In another aspect the present invention broadly resides in a dust extraction device for filtering air, the dust extraction device including: a plurality of filter housings, each having an inlet portion, an outlet portion and at least one air filter fluidly connecting the inlet portion to the outlet portion; an inlet housing fluidly connected to the inlet portions of the plurality of filter housings; a fan assembly including a centrifugal fan, a fan inlet and a fan outlet, the fan assembly fluidly connecting the outlet portions of the plurality of filter housings to the fan outlet. Preferably the dust extraction device further includes a support frame. Preferably the support frame supports the filter housing. Preferably the support frame supports the inlet housing. Preferably the support frame supports the one or more panel filters. Preferably the support frame supports the fan assembly. Preferably the dust extraction device includes one or more panel filters located between the one or more filter housing and the fan inlet. Preferably the fan inlet is located adjacent the one or more panel filters. More preferably the fan inlet is located above the one or more panel filters. Preferably the fan has a capacity of between 20m 3/s and 100m 3 /s. Preferably the fan has a capacity of between 60m 3 /s and 80m 3/s. More preferably the fan has a capacity of between 50m 3/s and 70m 3/s. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a dust extraction device for filtering air, the dust extraction device including: a plurality of filter housings, each having an inlet portion, an outlet portion and at least one air filter fluidly connecting the inlet portion to the outlet portion; an inlet housing fluidly connected to the inlet portions of the plurality of filter housings; a fan assembly including a fan, a fan inlet and a fan outlet, the fan inlet fluidly connected to the outlet portions of the plurality of filter housings; one or more panel filters located between the one or more filter housing and the fan inlet, wherein the fan inlet is located above the one or more panel filters.

Preferably the dust extraction device further includes a support frame. Preferably the support frame supports the filter housing. Preferably the support frame supports the inlet housing. Preferably the support frame supports the one or more panel filters. Preferably the support frame supports the fan assembly. Preferably the fan inlet increases in size towards the fan. The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is an isometric front view of a dust extraction device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an isometric rear view of the dust extraction device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a lower isometric view of the dust extraction device of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the dust extraction device of Figure 1; and Figure 5 is a bottom view of the dust extraction device of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to Figures 1 to 5 there is shown a dust extraction device 10. The dust extraction device 10 has an inlet housing 12, having an inlet 14. The inlet housing 12 is fluidly connected to a plurality of filter housings 18. Air filters (not shown) fluidly connect the inlet portions of the plurality of filter housings 18 to outlet portions of the plurality of filter housings 18. Activated carbon panel filters 22 are located above the plurality of filter housings 18. The activated carbon panel filters 22 are fluidly connected to a fan inlet 24 of a fan in the form of a centrifugal fan 26, which is fluidly connected to a fan outlet in the form of an exhaust 28. The fan inlet 24 increases in size towards the fan 26. The fan inlet 24 provides additional space for air to flow from the activated carbon panel filters 22 to the fan 26. As air flows through the activated carbon panel filters 22 towards the fan, the volume of air flowing through the fan inlet 24 increases. The fan inlet 24 accommodates this increase in airflow. Hoppers 30 are located beneath the plurality of filter housings 18. Conveyors in the form of auger conveyors 32 are located beneath each hopper 30. The auger conveyors 32 are connected to a discharge port 34 via a rotary valve 36. The inlet housing 12 includes a hopper portion 13 located towards the bottom of the inlet housing 12. A conveyor in the form of an auger conveyor 46 is located inside the hopper portion 13. the auger conveyor 46 conveys dust from the hopper portion 13 to an outlet 48 A motor in the form of an electric motor 38 drives the centrifugal fan 26. The dust extraction device 10 has an air compressor 40. The air compressor is fluidly connected to the plurality of filter housings 18 by a filter cleaning system 44. The filter cleaning system 44 is used to blow air across the air filters to dislodge dust from the air filters. The dislodged dust then falls down towards the hoppers 30. The dust extraction device 10 has a frame 42. The frame 42 supports the inlet housing 12, the filter housings 18, the centrifugal fan 26, the hoppers 30, the auger conveyors 32, the electrical motor 38 and the air compressor 40. The dust extraction device has a CPU in the form of a control unit 50. The control unit 50 controls the electric motor 38, which drives the centrifugal fan 26. The control unit controls the auger conveyors 32 and the rotary valves 36. The control unit monitors the centrifugal fan 26 using a sensor (not shown) to determine if the centrifugal fan 26 is rotating. The control unit monitors the air leaving the exhaust 28 using an emission sensor (not shown). The control unit monitors the air filters using sensors (not shown) which measures the amount of dust on the air filters. In use with reference to Figures 1-5, the centrifugal fan 26 is driven by the electrical motor 38 to move air to be filtered through the inlet 14, through the inlet housing 12, through the plurality of filter housings 18, through the air filters, through the activated carbon panel filters 22, through the fan inlet 24, through the centrifugal fan 26 and out through the exhaust 28. As the air moves through the inlet housing 12, heavier particles of dust that drop down are collected by the hopper portion 13, this dust is conveyed to the outlet 48 by auger conveyor 46. As the air moves through the air filters in the plurality of filter housings 18, the dust that is filtered by the air filters and drops down is collected by the hoppers 30. The dust collected by the hoppers 30 is funnelled down to the auger conveyors 32, which convey the dust to the discharge ports 34. The rotary valve 36 enables the dust to discharge from the discharge port 34 while inhibiting air from being sucked into the dust extraction device 10 via the discharge port 34. As dust collects on the air filters (not shown) in the plurality of filter housings 18, compressed air from the air compressor 40 is blown across the air filters by the filter cleaning system 44 to dislodge the dust that doesn't fall down by itself. The dislodged dust then falls down towards the hoppers 30. As the air moves through the activated carbon panel filters 22 the air flow increases in the fan inlet 24. The fan inlet 24 increases in size towards the fan 26 to accommodate the increase in airflow.

ADVANTAGES An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the dust extraction system includes that the dust extraction system can be easily transported and can be operational in a very short period of time. An advantage of a preferred embodiment of the dust extraction system of having one or more active carbon panel filters is that odour of the filtered air can be reduced. A further advantage of a preferred embodiment of the dust extraction system is that the fan inlet accommodates the increase in air flow rate through the one or more filter housing and/or the panel filters to the fan. Another advantage of a preferred embodiment of the dust extraction system is that the fan inlet accommodating an increase in air flow enables a larger number of filter housings and air filters to be utilized compared to a dust extraction system without a fan inlet that increases in size.

VARIATIONS It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A dust extraction device for filtering air, the dust extraction device including: one or more filter housing, each having at least one air filter; an inlet housing fluidly connected to the filter housing; a fan assembly including a fan, a fan inlet and a fan outlet, the fan assembly fluidly connecting the filter housing to the fan outlet; one or more panel filters located between the one or more filter housing and the fan inlet.

2. A dust extraction device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more panel filters are activated carbon panel filters.

3. A dust extraction device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further including two hoppers located beneath the one or more filter housing and fluidly connected to the one or more filter housing to collect dust which drops from the one or more filter housing, two conveyors, each conveyor associated with a corresponding hopper; and a discharge outlet, wherein each conveyor is adapted to convey dust collected by the corresponding hopper towards the discharge outlet.

4. A dust extraction device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fan inlet is located above the one or more panel filters, and wherein the fan inlet increases in size towards the fan.

5. A method of filtering air, including the steps of: positioning a dust extraction device in a desired location; introducing air into the dust extraction device; and moving the air through a filter housing having at least one air filter to filter the air; and moving the filtered air through one or more panel filters.

44 10 24 28 24

12

42 1/5

14 22

18

46 18 22 22 18 36 18 22

34 46 18 Figure 1

12 24

24 22

24 44

22

46

28 2/5

18 38 18 22 18 22

18 22 18

42

40 26

50 Figure 2

12 10 24 44

24

14 24 34

36

13 28

46 26 3/5

48

42 32

Figure 3 30

24 24 22 24 28 22 22 22 22 12

14 4/5

18 18 18 18 18 26 42 30

Figure 4

2021106567 23 Aug 2021

48 32 42 30 46 13 12 5/5

30 34 32 36

Figure 5