US 20080169368A1

(19) United States

(54) METHOD, CONTROL DEVICE AND DRIVE (30) Foreign Application Priority Data
DEVICE FOR DETACHING A CHARGE
STUCK TO THE INNER WALL OF A Mar. 25, 2004 (DE) .................... .. 10 2004 015 057.5
GRINDING PIPE Publication Classi?cation
(51) Int. Cl.
(76) Inventors: Norbert Becker, Rottenbach (DE);
B02C 25/00 (2006.01)
Stefan Smits, Hemhofen (DE);
(52) us. c1. ........................................................ .. 241/30
Kurt Tischler, Erlangen (DE)
(57) ABSTRACT
Correspondence Address: In a method for detaching a charge (5) Which is stuck to the
BAKER BOTTS L.L.P. inner Wall of a grinding pipe (1), the grinding pipe (1) is
PATENT DEPARTMENT rotated in a targeted manner such that the charge (5) that is
98 SAN JACINTO BLVD., SUITE 1500 stuck is removed from the inner Wall of the grinding pipe (1)
AUSTIN, TX 78701-4039 as a result of multiple modi?cation of the rotational speed of
the grinding pipe (1) and, optionally, as a result of abrupt
(21) Appl. No.: 10/599,283 braking of the grinding pipe (1). Generally speaking, the
material-dependent maximum angle of rotation F of the
(22) PCT Filed: Mar. 8, 2005 grinding pipe is not exceeded in order to avoid the charge that
is stuck from falling in an uncontrolled manner. The invention
(86) PCT No.: PCT/EP2005/051029 supercedes labour-intensive and protracted methods for
detaching such charges (5) since the tasks can be carried out
§ 371 (0X1)’ by the same motor of the drive device (2) Which is used to
(2), (4) Date: Sep. 25, 2006 drive the grinding pipe (1) during the grinding process.
Patent Application Publication Jul. 17, 2008 Sheet 1 0f 2 US 2008/0169368 A1

FIG '1 3,
Patent Application Publication Jul. 17, 2008 Sheet 2 0f 2 US 2008/0169368 A1

PEG 4
US 2008/0169368 A1 Jul. 17, 2008

METHOD, CONTROL DEVICE AND DRIVE froZen charge is loosened and detached from the inner Wall of
DEVICE FOR DETACHING A CHARGE the grinding pipe Without causing damage to the tube mill.
STUCK TO THE INNER WALL OF A [0009] A maximum value of the angle of rotation smaller
GRINDING PIPE than 1800 is advantageously not exceeded. It is not possible
for the grinding pipe to perform a complete revolution.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED [0010] A maximum value of the angle of rotation smaller
APPLICATIONS than or equal to 900 is advantageously not exceeded. If the
[0001] This application is a US. national stage application value of the angle of rotation is not greater than 90°, falling of
of International Application No. PCT/EP2005/05l029 ?led the froZen charge is considerably less likely than in the case of
Mar. 8, 2005, Which designates the United States ofAmerica, larger values of the angle of rotation.
and claims priority to German application number DE 10 [0011] The maximum value of the angle of rotation is
2004 015 057.5 ?led Mar. 25, 2004, the contents of Which are advantageously dependent on the material nature of the fro
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Zen charge. The maximum value of the angle of rotation up to
Which falling of the froZen charge With great probability has
TECHNICAL FIELD no damaging effects on the tube mill or is even excluded often
lies appreciably beloW 90°. In some cases, the maximum
[0002] The invention relates to a method for detaching a value of the angle of rotation Will even have to be limited to
?rmly adhering charge from the inner Wall of a grinding pipe, relatively close to 0°. In order to make targeted detachment of
in particular a tube mill, a control device for the drive device the froZen charge possible on the one hand in as short a time
of a grinding pipe and also a drive device of a grinding pipe. as possible and on the other hand With the least possible risk,
the maximum value of the angle of rotation is determined as
BACKGROUND
a function of the material nature of the froZen charge.
[0003] Tube mills are used mainly for grinding materials [0012] The angle of rotation is advantageously set to oscil
such as ore. It is not unusual for the operation of a tube mill to late about at least one predetermined angle of rotation. The
be interrupted and the tube mill to be out of action for a angle of rotation is advantageously set to oscillate about a
relatively long period of time. This occurs for maintenance number of predetermined angles of rotation With the same
reasons, for example. During the standstill of the tube mill, sign one after another. The angle of rotation is advantageously
the material present in the grinding pipe of the tube mill can set to oscillate about a number of predetermined angles of
consolidate and adhere ?rmly to the inner Wall of the grinding rotation With different signs one after another.
pipe. Such ?rmly adhering, consolidated material stuck to the [0013] The reciprocating movement of the grinding pipe
inner Wall of the grinding pipe is referred to as froZen charge. according to the above embodiments of the invention causes
When the tube mill is brought back into operation after a the froZen charge to be detached relatively quickly from the
relatively long standstill, there is a risk that the froZen charge inner Wall of the grinding pipe, falling causing damage being
Will become detached from the grinding pipe at great height, avoided at the same time.
fall doWn and cause considerable damage to the tube mill [0014] The grinding pipe is advantageously braked
When it then strikes the grinding pipe. abruptly at least once at a predetermined angle of rotation.
[0004] Arrangements therefore exist Which detect the pres The sudden reduction in the speed of rotation of the grinding
ence of froZen charges and, When the presence of a froZen pipe causes strong detaching forces caused by inertia to act on
charge is detected, sWitch the tube mill off. Such an arrange the froZen charge. After the grinding pipe has been braked
ment is described in German laid-open print DE 35 28 409 once or a number of times, in particular during a doWnWardly
Al, for example. directed movement phase of the froZen charge brought about
[0005] If a froZen charge is detected and the tube mill is by the rotation of the grinding pipe, the froZen charge and/or
sWitched off, the froZen charge must then be removed, Which parts of the froZen charge Will be detached from the grinding
is laborious. This is done, for example, by softening, by Water pipe and ideally continue to move doWnWards by sliding.
being sprayed onto the froZen charge and/or using com [0015] The grinding pipe is advantageously braked
pressed-air hammers. Removal of a froZen charge requires an abruptly to a standstill. Sudden, discontinuous variation of
extremely great, for the most part manual, expenditure of the speed of the grinding pipe to Zero causes especially strong
Work and is very time-intensive. detaching forces caused by the inertia to act on the froZen
charge.
SUMMARY [0016] The same motor is advantageously used for detach
[0006] It is an object of the invention to make the removal of ing the froZen charge as for rotating the grinding pipe during
a froZen charge possible in a simple e?icient Way. grinding operation. By virtue of the fact that the same motor
[0007] According to an embodiment, the drive device of the is used for driving the grinding pipe both during grinding
grinding pipe is used for loosening and detaching the froZen operation and for detaching the froZen charge, involved reset
charge. By controlling or regulating the drive device of the ting and change-over operations are not necessary.
grinding pipe for targeted detachment of the froZen charge, [0017] The froZen charge is advantageously Wetted.
the grinding pipe is rotated in an angular range in Which Detaching the froZen charge is made easier by spraying With
falling material does not cause damage to the grinding pipe or Water, for example. The consistency and the adhesiveness of
other components of the tube mill. Time-consuming manual the froZen charge are in?uenced expediently by Wetting.
actions can thus be dispensed With in most cases. [0018] The control device according to the invention
[0008] Angle of rotation and speed of rotation of the grind advantageously has means for de?ning an operating cycle for
ing pipe are advantageously varied by the drive device. By the grinding pipe. In this Way, targeted detachment of the
targeted variation of the rotary movement, that is variation of froZen charge is essentially made possible largely automati
acceleration and direction of rotation of the grinding pipe, the cally and Without damage to the grinding pipe.
US 2008/0169368 A1 Jul. 17, 2008

[0019] The control device advantageously has a ?eld-ori about the axis of rotation 4 by means of the drive device 2. The
ented regulating arrangement. Control or regulation of the hatched region in the interior of the grinding pipe 1 represents
drive device for targeted detachment of the frozen charge is a frozen charge 5 schematically. The frozen charge 5 is
thus simpli?ed considerably. formed by material Which has consolidated, baked, frozen,
[0020] The drive device according to the invention advan adhered, compacted, pressed or sintered together practically
tageously has a motor Which drives the grinding pipe both to form a rigid body during a relatively long standstill of the
during grinding operation and for detaching the frozen tube mill. In FIG. 2, the center of gravity of the frozen charge
charge. The construction of the drive device and the tube mill 5 has been de?ected in relation to a starting position indicated
as a Whole thus becomes simpler, more robust, more compact by ¢O:0° by the angle of rotation q) to an angle of rotation
and more cost-effective. indicated by (1)1.
[0021] The motor of the drive device is advantageously [0031] FIG. 3 shoWs a frozen charge 5 of Which the center
coupled to a converter. The motor is advantageously a ring of gravity has been de?ected by the angle of rotation indicated
motor. The use of a gearless drive designed as a ring motor by (1)2. The direction of rotation illustrated in FIG. 3 is oppo
results in a more robust, loWer-maintenance tube mill and the site to the direction of rotation from FIG. 2.
system described for targeted detachment of the frozen [0032] De?ections in a positive angle of rotation range
charge being easy to implement. ¢O<¢<:l80° and de?ections in a negative angle of rotation
range —l80°<([)<([)0 are considered beloW. Accordingly, q), in
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 2 is a positive angle of rotation q), and (1)2 in FIG. 3 is a
[0022] Further details of the invention are described by Way
negative angle of rotation q).
of example beloW With reference to the draWings, in Which [0033] The control device 3 shoWn in FIG. 1 of the drive
device 2 of the tube mill is, as described in the introduction,
[0023] FIG. 1 shoWs the schematic construction of a tube
preferably designed in such a Way that frozen charges 5 are
mill, detected at such an early stage that their falling is avoided by
[0024] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 shoW a section through the grind stopping the tube mill. Frozen charges can also be discovered
ing pipe ofa tube mill, and visually, for example by an operator of the tube mill.
[0025] FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 shoW possible rotary movements of
[0034] If a frozen charge 5 is discovered, the frozen charge
the grinding pipe for targeted detachment of a frozen charge. 5 is detached according to the invention, before grinding
operation is restarted, by the drive device 2 of the grinding
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
pipe being controlled in such a Way that the frozen charge is
[0026] FIG. 1 shoWs the schematic construction of a tube detached in a targeted manner by varying the angle of rotation
mill as is used for grinding ores, for example. The tube mill q) and the speed of rotation of the grinding pipe 1. In this
has a grinding pipe 1 Which is coupled to a drive device 2. connection, the same motor is preferably used as also drives
Furthermore, a control device 3 Which provides control and the grinding pipe 1 during grinding operation.
regulating signals to the drive device 2 is provided. The con [0035] When the frozen charge is being detached, the con
trol device 3 can also receive and process signals, for example trol device 3 ensures that the value of the angle of rotation 4)
measurement signals, from the drive device 2 or other com does not exceed a given maximum value. This prevents the
ponents of the tube mill. The grinding pipe 1 is preferably of frozen charge 5 falling from too great a height and causing
drum-shaped design. The tube mill has bearing devices for the damage to the tube mill. The maximum value of the angle of
grinding pipe 1, Which are not illustrated in greater detail in rotation 4) lies in the range 0°< | (I) | < 1 80° and is advantageously
the draWing. determined as a function of the composition and the nature of
[0027] The drive device 2 of the tube mill has at least one the material of the frozen charge 5. The maximum value of the
motor, Which is designed as a ring motor, for example. The angle of rotation 4) can also be de?ned in the range
motor is coupled to a converter (not illustrated in greater 0°<|<|>|<90°.
detail). The embodiment of the motor as a ring motor makes [0036] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 shoW schematically the de?ection
gearless drive of the grinding pipe 1 and consequently par of the grinding pipe 1 by the angle of rotation q) for targeted
ticularly robust operation of the tube mill possible. detachment of a frozen charge plotted over time t. In order to
[0028] The drive device 2 is preferably designed as a ?eld detach the frozen charge 5 from the inner Wall of the grinding
oriented polyphase machine, a ?eld-oriented regulating pipe 1, the grinding pipe 1 is de?ected in a targeted manner
arrangement being provided in the control device 3. The from a starting position and then oscillates sinusoidally about
?eld-oriented regulating arrangement is designed as a ?ux the angles of rotation q), and (1)2. In the example shoWn, the
counter, for example. starting position is at ¢O:0° but can also be de?ned differ
[0029] The tube mill normally functions in grinding opera ently.
tion, that is the drive device 2 drives the grinding pipe in such [0037] In FIG. 5, a number of time periods T1 to T4 are
a Way that the material present in the grinding pipe 1 is indicated. In each of these time periods T 1 to T4, the grinding
comminuted by the movement of the grinding pipe 1. The pipe oscillates about a given angle of rotation q), or (1)2. Dif
material is loose during grinding operation and does not ferently from illustrated by Way of example in FIGS. 4 and 5,
adhere to the grinding pipe 1. If grinding operation is inter the amplitude of the oscillation of the angle of rotation 4) about
rupted for a relatively long time, the problem of the occur the angle of rotation q), or (1)2 can also vary or be varied. In this
rence of frozen charges can arise, as described in the intro connection, the amplitude can be variable Within the time
duction. periods T1 to T4 and/or in comparison of the time periods T1
[0030] FIG. 2 shoWs a section through the grinding pipe 1 to T4 With one another.
of a tube mill, the grinding pipe 1 being surrounded by a drive [0038] It is possible for the grinding pipe 1 to oscillate
device 2, here a schematically illustrated ring motor With a about one or more positive angles of rotation (1)1. It is also
bearing device. The grinding pipe 1 is mounted rotatably possible for the grinding pipe 1 to oscillate about one or more
US 2008/0169368 A1 Jul. 17, 2008

negative angles of rotation (1)2. The grinding pipe 1 can also be 2. The method according to claim 1, Wherein a maximum
set to oscillate about one or more positive and about one or value of the angle of rotation smaller than 180° is not
more negative angles of rotation q), and (1)2. exceeded.
[0039] The control device 3 shoWn in FIG. 1 for the drive 3. The method according to claim 1, Wherein that a maxi
device 2 preferably has means for de?ning an operating cycle mum value of the angle of rotation smaller than or equal to 90°
for the grinding pipe 1 in order to control or regulate the is not exceeded.
movement of the grinding pipe 1 as described above. 4. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the maximum
[0040] The detachment of the frozen charge 5 can be sup value of the angle of rotation is dependent on the material
ported by supplying Water. If the frozen charge 5 is Wetted, it nature of the frozen charge.
is detached more easily from the inner Wall of the grinding 5. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the angle of
rotation is set to oscillate about a number of predetermined
pipe 1.
angles of rotation With the same sign one after another.
[0041] FIG. 6 shoWs schematically hoW the grinding pipe 1
is ?rst set in motion and then braked abruptly from the move 6. The method according to claim 5, Wherein the angle of
rotation is set to oscillate about a number of predetermined
ment several times. As shoWn in the ?gure, the braking can
angles of rotation With different signs one after another.
take place in such a Way that the grinding pipe 1 comes to a
standstill for a limited time, or also in such a Way that it
7. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the grinding
abruptly sloWs doWn its speed of rotation considerably. A pipe is braked abruptly at least once at a predetermined angle
change in direction of rotation can also take place. During of rotation.
abrupt braking of the grinding pipe 1, the inertia of the frozen 8. The method according to claim 7, Wherein the grinding
pipe is braked abruptly to a standstill.
charge 5 has a detaching effect on it.
9. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the same
[0042] The basic idea of the invention can be summarized
essentially as folloWs: The invention relates to a method for
motor is used for detaching the frozen charge as for rotating
detaching a frozen charge 5 from the inner Wall of a grinding the grinding pipe during grinding operation.
10. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the frozen
pipe 1, the drive device 2 of the grinding pipe 1 being con
trolled by a control device 3 for targeted detachment of the charge is Wetted.
11. A control device for the drive device of a grinding pipe
frozen charge 5. In this connection, the grinding pipe 1 is
rotated in a targeted manner in such a Way that the frozen
comprising:
charge 5 is detached from the inner Wall of the grinding pipe a controller controlling the drive device of the grinding
1 by repeated variation of the speed of rotation of the grinding pipe for targeted detachment of a frozen charge, the
pipe 1 and if appropriate by abrupt braking of the grinding controller comprising:
means for varying an angle of rotation and speed of rotation
pipe 1. In this connection, an as a rule material-dependently
determined maximum angle of rotation q) of the grinding pipe of the grinding pipe, and
means for setting the angle of rotation to oscillate about at
1 is not exceeded, in order to avoid uncontrolled falling of the
frozen charge 5. The invention renders labor-intensive and least one predetermined angle of rotation.
time-consuming methods for detaching the frozen charge 5 12. The control device according to claim 11, comprising
unnecessary, as it can be detached by the same motor of the
means for de?ning an operating cycle for the grinding pipe.
drive device 2 as is also used during grinding operation for 13. The control device according to claim 11, comprising a
driving the grinding pipe 1. ?eld-oriented regulating arrangement.
[0043] The invention also relates to a drive device 2 for a
14. A drive device for a grinding pipe comprising a control
device as claimed in claim 11.
grinding pipe 1 and a control device 3 for such a drive device
2.
15. The drive device according to claim 14, comprising a
motor Which drives the grinding pipe both during grinding
What is claimed is: operation and for detaching the frozen charge.
1. A method for detaching a frozen charge from the inner 16. The drive device according to claim 15, Wherein the
Wall of a grinding pipe, comprising the steps of: motor is coupled to a converter.
controlling the drive device of the grinding pipe for tar 17. The drive device according to claim 14, Wherein the
geted detachment of the frozen charge, motor is a ring motor.
varying angle of rotation and speed of rotation of the grind 18. A tube mill comprising a grinding pipe a drive device
ing pipe by the drive device, and according to claim 14.
setting the angle of rotation to oscillate about at least one
predetermined angle of rotation. * * * * *