US3709443A

US3709443A - Refiner installation

Info

Publication number: US3709443A
Application number: US00113504A
Authority: US
Inventors: D Michel; H Steinige; F Landis; L Skeen
Original assignee: Bauer Brothers Co
Current assignee: Sprout Bauer Inc; Bauer Brothers Co
Priority date: 1966-09-16
Filing date: 1971-02-08
Publication date: 1973-01-09
Anticipated expiration: 1990-01-09
Also published as: DE1607452A1

Abstract

A simplified refiner base characterized by side walls formed by generally flat plates the upper and lower edges of which are bent inwardly to form upper and lower supports and the end walls of which include means for controlled air flow to and from said base.

Description

United States Patent 1 Michel et al.

[54] REFINER INSTALLATION [75] Inventors: Donald P. Michel, Lake Oswego, Oreg.; Herman Steinige, Springfield, Ohio; Franklin F. Landis, Springfield, Ohio; Lawrence Skeen, Springfield, Ohio [73] Assignee: The Bauer Bros. Co., Springfield,

Ohio

[22] Filed: Feb. 8, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 113,504

Related US. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 580,114, Se t. 16, 1966, Pat.

No.3,589,629. n

[52] [1.8. CI. ..241/285 R [51] Int. Cl ..B02c 7/11 [58] Field of Search..24l/285 R, 286, 290, 244, 250, 241/251, 255, 256

[4 1 Jan. 9, 1973 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,166,260 1/1965 Steiniger et al ..241/285 2,068,071 1/1937 Quehl ..24l/256 X 2,568,783 9/1951 Woodruff... ..24l/285 3,434,670 3/]969 May ..24l/256 X Primary Examiner-Granville Y. Custer, Jr. Attorney-Jerome P. Bloom [57] ABSTRACT A simplified refiner base characterized by side walls formed by generally flat plates the upper and lower edges of which are bent inwardly to form upper and lower supports and the end walls of which include means for controlled air flow to and from said base.

10 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTED JAN 9 I975 sum 1 BF 5 2 NA INVENTORS H RM INIGER LAWR KEEN in BY FRAN ums you PZM' ATTORNEY PATENIEI] JAN 9 I973 SHEET 2 [IF 5 A TTORNEY PATENTEUJAN 9 I975 SHEET 3 OF 5 a0 FIG-6 A TTOR/VEY PATENTEDJAI 9 I975 SHEET Q (If 5 FIG-8 Y %2m fzsmw ATTORNEY Pmmwm 9 m SHEET 5 UF 5 FIG-IO oil 0 44 8 o o o o FIG-l2 FIG l "uhl l m ATTORNEY REFINER INSTALLATION This is a division of copending application Ser. No. 580,114, filed Sept. 16, 1966, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,5 89,629 issued June 29, 1971.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a new and improved refiner installation having particular though not limited application to the refining of fibrous pulp. It features a siml plified base advantageously usable with a double disc refiner, enabling the contained refiner elements to function per se in a more efficient and satisfactory manner. The invention base is particularly advantageous for use in a pressurized double disc refiner installation which is novel in form and readily convertible to an unpressurized operation.

It is exceedingly important that double or other disc refiners are so securely balanced as to operate in a relatively vibration-free condition. If this objective can be obtained it insures better end products, less wear of refiner components and the attendant drive structure, and a minimal requirement for maintenance of parts.

Efforts to achieve this objective have met with continuing problems. Most bases contrived in the prior art have been relatively complex and formed of heavy plate materials and are therefore costly to fabricate and install. By contrast the present invention provides for a base the structure of which is less bulky and the design of which enables that it may be formed in a more efficient manner and of less material than previously contemplated as necessary. Nevertheless the resulting base unit affords an improved and more secure mount not only of the refiner elements per se but also their drive motors.

The sum and substance of the invention structure provides a more economical refiner installation and one which facilitates a more uniform dissipation of stresses and strains which are normally incident to the operation of a disc refiner, particularly in a pressurized condition.

It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide improvements in disc refiner installations rendering such installations more economical to fabricate, more efficient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a greater variety of applications and less likely to malfunction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a refiner installation featuring a uniquely designed base which is quite economical to fabricate.

Another object of the invention is to provide for a double disc refiner installation featuring a base affording the refiner elements an ability to operate in a balanced condition and to function in an equally efficient manner whether pressurized or unpressurized.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a refiner base possessing the advantageous structural features and components, the inherent meritorious characteristics and the means and mode of use herein described.

With the above and other incidental objects in view as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as hereinafter described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the accompanying drawing wherein is shown one but obviously not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 1 shows alongitudinal section of a disc refiner installation;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the refiner base in accordance with the present invention, shown partly in section;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the refiner base of FIG. 2, shown partly in section;

FIG. 4 is a view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view taken on line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view, in longitudinal section, illustrating pertinent details of the refiner components embodied in the refiner installation of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the refiner case;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the waist section of the refiner case;

FIG. 10 shows a further side elevation of the refiner case;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a novel case wiper which is incorporated in the illustrated refiner structure of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a further case wiper shown in FIG. 7.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings the novel base 10 of the improved refiner installation there illustrated has a rectangular form. The base 10 comprises a pair of Iongitudinally extended, transversely spaced, coextensive side plates 11. The latter are distinguished by a uniformly flat configuration save for their upper and lower edges. Each edge has an integrally formed right angled flange the upper flange being defined by the numeral 13 and the lower by 14. The respective upper and lower flanges are disposed in a transversely spaced co-planar relation. Each side plate is elevated by a series of identically oriented longitudinally spaced pads 15, fixed in underlying relation to its lower flange 14.

At either end the upper portions of the plates 11 are bridged by an internally reinforced box-like panel structure 16. Extending from immediately below the respective end panels to their bottoms, the plates 11 have short co-planar gussets 17 which mount a transversely disposed screen 18. At its upper edge, each panel 16 has a central arcuately depressed surface portion 19 located intermediate fixed bearing pads 20. The latter project upwardly to define, at their support surfaces, a plane which is slightly above and parallel to the top of the related end panel.

Intermediately of and equidistantly spaced from the respective end panels 16 the side plates 11 are further bridged by a pair of plate partitions 21. The partitions 21 are longitudinally spaced to define therebetween a refiner well 22. Each partition 21 includes a plate having at one face thereof an integrally connected truncated A frame 23 (FIGS. 1 and 5). The frame 23 includes relatively inclined side plates 24, the base edges of which respectively seat at the junctions of the respective sideplates 11 with their lower flanges 14. Intermediate their respective vertical extremities the plates 24 are bridged by vertically spaced, horizontally disposed,

cross plates

25 and 26. A short plate 27 is fixed perpendicular to the upper plate 26, adjacent and spaced from each of its respective ends. Each plate 27 forms with the upper most portion of the adjacent side plate 24 a truncated right triangle, the upper edges of which amount a bearing pad 28. Each partition 21 is completed by top plate portions 29 which extend between and connect with the respective flanges 13 and the most adjacent bearing pad 28.

Thus, the base structure includes inboard pedestals which are provided by the partitions 21. Such pedestals mount bearing pads 28 to either side of a rectangular depression the side walls of which are defined by the plates 27. It further includes outboard pedestals which are open to their bottoms by way of screen elements for free air flow and mount the outboard bearing pads to their tops. All pads are arranged in a relatively longitudinally aligned relation and have their upper surfaces in a generally common plane.

It is to be noted that the upper flanges 13 on the side plates 11 are relatively thicker than the lower flanges 14. This lends a particular support strength to the side plates in the areas where it is needed most. Further, in the area of the refiner well 22 the flanges 13 have a lesser projection and mount thereon, coextensively therewith, case support pads 30. The upper surfaces of the pads 30 are also in the plane common to the upper surfaces of the

pads

20 and 28.

Centered intermediately of each partition 21 and the most adjacent end panel 16, the side plates 11 are bridged by a pair of longitudinally spaced plates 31 the upper edges of which have deep arcuate central depressions 32. The depth of the plates 31 corresponds generally to the depth of the panel 16. Their lowermost edges are bridged by a bottom panel 33 to form thereby a motor well 34. The flanges 13 to either side of each motor well 34 fixedly mount motor support pads 36. The well structure defines a nest for containing the lower half of the stator and the housing of a motor, as will be further described. Again, pads 36 have their upper surfaces in the plane common to the previously mentioned

pad elements

20, 28 and 30.

Additional details of the refiner base may be observed in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawings. Each side plate 11 has an opening 37 in communication with each motor well 34. It also includes, on the same level, a longitudinally extended aperture 38 which opens to the refiner well 22. Further, intermediate the inboard and outboard pedestals to either end of the base, strips 39 are fixed coextensively with the undersurface of the lower flange elements of the plates 11. These strips serve as air seals to insure the aforementioned controlled circulation of air about the motors. Note also from the drawings that while the outboard bearing pads 20 are coextensive in depth with the panels 16, the inboard bearing pads 28 relatively project to overlie the respective ends of the refiner well 22.

The invention thus provides a most simply and economically effected base structure which is elevated by the support pads 15. The pads 15 are shown in the areas of the inboard and the outboard pedestals and to have plate portions which project outwardly of the base. Through the medium of the latter, the base may be securely fastened to an underlying floor structure in a highly stable and balanced condition. The significance of this composition and mount of the base will be further described.

The pads 30 serve to balance on the base 10 a uniquely designed refiner case 40. The case 40 is formed in four segments, a top 41, a bottom 42 and a waist section 43, the latter consisting of two

parts

44 and 45. In their assembled relation the

parts

44 and 45 define a tubular structure the interior surface of which is arcuately formed in its cross-sectional configuration. Such surface includes oppositely disposed portions 46 which are relatively elongated and have a flatly arcuate contour. The extremities of portions 46' are bridged by two additional oppositely disposed portions 47. The latter are shorter and formed on a much smaller radius.

The waist section 43 is split on a vertical plane adjacent one surface 46. Thus, the one part 44 is generally U-shaped and, in cross section, includes the opposite surface portions 47 which connect to and merge with the respective ends of the other flatly arcu ate surface portion 46. The other part 45 has a platelike form and its inner face forms the said one flatly arcuate surface portion 46.

At their mating edges the

parts

44 and 45 are formed to have a male-female fit. They include external flanges which are fixed in a relative sealing abutment by bolt elements 48, pressure seals being disposed between the facing flanges.

The waist portion 45 has at its respective upper and lower edges a flange 49 and a flange 50. Bolted to these flanges are respectively abutting flanges of the domeshaped cap-

like case segments

41 and 42. Remote surface portions of waist portion 44 and the

segments

41 and 42 are similarly formed with relatively abutting flanges which are interconnected by bolts.

Waist portion 45 has a central opening defining an inlet aperture. The inner peripheral edge of this aperture is stepped to form a shoulder 51 (FIG. 7) facing inwardly of the case 40. Fixed to the case 40 through the medium of the part 45 is a vertically inclined feed spout 52 defining a feed passage 53. The lower end of the spout 52 is welded in abutment to the exterior surface of the plate 45 so as to generally surround its central aperture. However, the lowermost edge of the opening from the feed spout is slightly elevated as referenced to the lower edge of the central aperture.

In the example illustrated, a pair of mating relatively opposed refiner disc assemblies are disposed interiorly of the case 40. The one assembly 54 mounts to the innermost end of a drive shaft 55. In immediately surrounding relation to the drive shaft 55 the disc portion of the assembly is formed with a series of divergent flow passages 56. The entrance ends to the passages 56 are rimmed by a cylindrically formed, axially projected ring 57. The ring 57 is part of the disc assembly and provides, at its projected extremity, an outwardly divergent exterior surface which rotates within and is immediately confined by a complementarily formed ring element 58 which seats to the outer peripheral portion of the shoulder 51 in the plate 45. The flow passages 56 are placed in direct communication with the lower end of the feed passage 53 in the spout 52 by means of the passage defined by the ring 57 and the central aperture in the plate 45.

The shaft 55 projects coaxial with the case 40 to extend longitudinally of and coextensively with the underlying portion of the base 10, its central axis lying in a plane generally parallel to and slightly above that of the

support pads

20, 28, 30 and 36.

The portion of the shaft 55 which overlies the adjacent inboard partition 21 passes through a bearing confined in a one piece bearing housing 35. The circular periphery of the housing 35 has outwardly projected horizontal flanges which seat on, and are bolted to the bearing support pads 28. The lower portion of the bearing housing nests in the rectangular depression defined between the plates 27 of the A frame.

At its projected extremity the shaft 55 is confined for rotation within a bearing in a housing 35'. The latter is similar to the bearing housing 35 but diametrically split in a horizontal plane. In this instance the lower half of the housing 35' is accommodated in the upper surface of the underlying end panel 16 by its arcuately recessed surface portion 19. The horizontal oppositely projected flanges on the mating ends of the bearing housing respectively seat on and are bolted to the support pads 20. A plate 59 is bolted across the outermost end face of the bearing housing 35 to confine and create a limiting bearing abutment for the shaft 55.

Between the partition 21 and end panel 16, the shaft 55 fixedly mounts the rotor 60 of a motor 61 the lower half of which depends in the intermediate well section 34. The well structure nests the motor housing including the stator 62 in a surrounding relation to the rotor 60. The peripheral limits of the latter are rimmed by the contour of the well side plates 31.

In the projection of the shaft 55outwardly from the case 40 it extends through a passage formed in the outermost wall portion of the chute 52 and in so doing passes through a lower portion of the feed passage 53 (See FIG. 7). The shaft passage provided in the feed spout is of a diameter uniformly larger than that of the shaft except at its end adjacent the inner surface of the feed passage which includes an internal flange 63. The flange 63 serves as an abutment for one end of a tubular packing gland 64, confined thereto by a tubular follower 65 engaged to the spout in the outermost end of the shaft passage. The gland 64 provides a seal and serves both as a bearing and a lubricating medium for the shaft 55.

Schematically illustrated at the entrance to the spout 52 is a rotary inlet valve 99 of a conventional type which maintains a pressure seal while delivering to the spout successive charges of the material to be processed between the refiner discs.

Referring again to the case 40 the portion of the waist segment 44 remote from the segment 45 also has a central aperture. The waist segment 44 is dished inwardly about this central aperture to form a recessed shoulder 69 at its outer face. Fixed in abutment with the shoulder 69 is an external flange on the lip of a cup shaped member 70 which nests interiorly of the segment 44, appropriate seals being provided therebetween. The base of the member 70 positions interiorly of the case 40 and has a central aperture defined by a ring-like extension 71. Fixed in abutment with the extension 71 is a bearing ring 66 which together therewith forms a bearing and a seal about the cylindrically formed reduced end of a tubular cartridge 72.

The cartridge 72 provides a through passage for a drive shaft 73 the inner end of which fixedly mounts the second disc assembly 74. The shaft 73 projects oppositely from and coaxially with the drive shaft 55 to extend through but in a concentric spaced relation to the inner wall of the cartridge at its reduced end. The innermost end of the cartridge has: an internal flange 75 serving as an abutment for one end of a tubular packing gland 76 providing a bearing and a seal about the shaft 73 adjacent the disc assembly 74. The inner wall of the cartridge provides an expanded chamber formed immediately outward of the gland 76 to accommodate a follower 77 engaged thereto in a manner to load the gland 76 about the drive shaft.

As the shaft 73 projects outwardly of the case 40, beyond the cartridge 72 it extends through and bears in a bearing supported over the adjacent inboard partition 21. This bearing is contained in a housing 35 such as previously described in reference to the shaft 55. How ever, while in this instance the bearing is non-rotatably contained, it is nevertheless axially adjustable within its housing.

In this instance also the flanges of the housing 35 seat on and are bolted to the pads 28 on the underlying partition 21.

Beyond the inboard partition the shaft 73 fixedly mounts the rotor 78 of a second drive motor for powering the disc assembly 74. The rotor 78 is located over a refiner well 34 which in this instance nests, as previously described, the lower half of a motor stator 79 and its housing. Beyond the well 34 the shaft 73 terminates in a bearing unit 80 slidably but non-rotatively contained in a bearing housing 81. The latter seats over the end panel 16 in a manner as previously described with reference to the bearing housing 35 supported by its diametrically projected flanges which seat on and are bolted to pads 20 on either side. In this instance, however the housing 81 is elongated to project beyond and outwardly of the end panel 16. The housing 81 is capped at its projected extremity by a plate 82. The shaft 73 has related thereto an adjusting unit 83 which is bolted to the outer surface of the plate 82. The assembly providing the unit 83 will be described only to the extent necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure since the details thereof form no particular part of the present invention. It does however provide a shaft 84 which projects inwardly of the housing 81 through an aperture in the plate 82 where it is suitably fixed to the outermost end of the bearing unit 80. The latter is fixed against axial movement in respect to the contained end of the drive shaft 73.

As will be obvious from FIG. 1 of the drawings, on rotation of suitable mechanism provided in the assembly 83 through the medium of a control wheel one may axially shift the shaft 84 and thereby move the drive shaft 73 in a sense axially of the base 10. It is by this means that one may easily adjust the position of the disc assembly 74 in reference to the relatively opposed disc assembly 54.

It is noted that the cartridge 72 has a relatively fixed relation to the shaft 73. It therefore moves therewith and in the course of its axial adjustment it maintains a proper seal of the case 40.

Referring again to FIG. 1 of the drawings, it will be noted that the top of the base 10 to either end of the refiner well 22 is capped by a shell-like cover 86, the side walls of which seat to flanges 13 and the end walls of which seat respectively on the tops of an end panel 16 and the adjacent partition 21. One thereby achieves an enclosure of the respective motors which power the

drive shafts

55 and 73.

The remote ends walls and tops of the caps 86 are louvered respectively at 87 and 89 to provide for a free circulation of air which in the main passes about and through the upper portions of the motors. Suitable duct work provides a well defined air channel 88 about the upper periphery of the contained motor in each instance while a channel 88' is defined about the lower portion of the motor in each refiner well 34. Note FIG. 1 in this respect.

Thus, the refiner base provides for a relatively free movement of cool air both through the medium of and by way of the perforations in panels 18 and the louvers 87 to move to, through and about the motor components to finally exit through the louvers 89 in the tops of the caps 86. This free but controlled flow of air, as thus provided enables a thorough and completely satisfactory air cooling of a contained motor, simple but most effective, and obviates need for water cooling.

Other important features of the invention are evidenced in connection with the refiner disc assemblies. Note that a flat plate 90 (FIGS. 1 and 7) is fixed on each of diametrically opposite portions of the rearmost face of the disc assembly 54. The latter, as has been previously observed, provides for inflow of the materials to be worked between the discs. The plates 90 serve in this case as case wipers. Additionally, however, in the rotation and drive of the disc assembly 54, the plates 90, though flat, actually function to produce a fan-like action, creating a turbulence adjacent the surface 46 on the waist portion 45. This increases the pressure in the case 40 adjacent the intake side of the disc assembly 54 to the extent it prevents flow thereto and build up thereon of the materials delivered to and worked between the disc assemblies.

A different type of wiper 91 is on the back of the disc assembly 74, also at diametrically spaced locations. The wiper 91 includes a pair of transversely spaced, edge mounted flat plates 92 which project from and in a sense perpendicular to the back of the refiner disc, at its outer periphery. In the rotation of the discs, the plates 92 move within the

cap portions

41 and 42. Their bases are interconnected by a flat plate 93. The latter conforms to the disc contour and is secured thereto by bolt elements 94. The plate 93 is so oriented to cause the plates 92 to project in a sense radially outward of the disc assembly.

It has been found, in the operation of a disc refiner as described, particularly in a pressurized operation thereof, that the pair of plates 92 may be quite thin and very light in weight. Nevertheless, they do function more effectively than previous case wipers to the end of preventing undue build up of materials in the case and a premature deterioration of the attaching bolts due to erosion. The attaching bolts 94 are nested in a protected relation between the relatively projected wiper plates 92. For this reason the case wipers remain securely attached to the disc assembly, even throughout prolonged periods of use. This last is an important contribution to the art.

The wiper plates 92 function optimally in the position shown in FIG. 7, or in adjacent the vertical center of the case 40. It has been found they are most efficient in that they also keep stock in suspension while maintaining its orbital path prior to discharge.

Referring once more to the case 40, noting FIG. 10 of the drawings, it will be seen that outlet apertures 95 are defined in the respectively opposite surfaces 47 of the waist section 44, in their upper halves. They may be selectively employed as discharge openings or capped, depending on the application. Immediately below each aperture 95 and centered between its vertical extremities the waist section 44 has an integrally formed outwardly projected flange 96. To either side thereof, waist section 45 has an additional flange section 97 in the same plane as the adjacent flange 96. The

flanges

96 and 97 rest on the pads 30 to either side of the refiner well and are bolted thereto. They thereby support the case 40 in an elevated relation to the bottom of the side plates 11. Note further in FIG. 7 that the cap 41 of the case 40 also has a discharge aperture 98 which may be selectively sealed by a plate 100. In the example shown the aperture in bottom cap 42 provides a drain.

The availability of a plurality of selectively employed

discharge apertures

95 and 98, as illustrated, enables that the invention case unit may be readily adapted to serve the required needs of any installation and in a particularly advantageous fashion where the disc assemblies are required to function in a pressurized atmosphere. In any case if the operation is to be unpressurized, one need only remove the bottom 42 in an obvious manner to provide for a gravity discharge. Thus, the case 40 is so fabricated to make it extremely versatile in application, enabling thereby a significant economy in its use. Of course, if the refiner installation is to be employed in a pressurized form, a rotary outlet valve similar to the inlet valve 99 previously described will be connected to the refiner case at the selected discharge outlet. In this way one may maintain a seal of the refiner case at all times.

In summary, the above described structure produces a refiner installation having many unique features which in their composite relation produce distinct advantages in the art. Considering the case 40, one of the primary advantages of its segmented form as here described is that it provides an ability to change plates on disc assemblies or to service such plates with the utmost simplicity and without disturbing stuffing boxes or inlet and outlet connections. To service a unit one need only remove the top cap 41. This is simply achieved by removal of its attaching bolts, a procedure requiring a minimum of effort and time. The lower cap 42 is of similar form and therefore interchangeable with the upper cap and can be similarly removed to facilitate use of the refiner for a free discharge operation. Thus, as described, the refiner unit may therefore serve dually for both pressurized and conventional operations.

It is of particular significance that the interior surface of the case 40 approaches a spherical contour. This is of extreme advantage for pressurized operating conditions. This form and contour of the interior surface enables it to withstand operating pressures more uniformly and without imbalance. Moreover, the contour provides the case unit with such a strength it may be fabricated with a thin wall.

Further, the case segments are connected so simply and there is a rigidity in their connection and their design such that stresses and strains are more uniformly dissipated thereby. This minimizes wear factors both on the case and the contained operating components. It enables, for example that bearing and shaft alignments are more readily maintained, as a result of which the eventual product which the refiner discharges is of a more uniformly controlled nature.

In considering the disc assemblies and the relation of their drive shafts to the case 40, it should be noted that the simplicity of the cartridge seal 72 which moves with the shaft 73 in the adjustment of the disc assembly 74 provides a most simple structure whereby a seal of the case is insured at all times. Even during adjustment of the relative spacing of the disc assemblies during their operation there is no loss of pressure.

lnteriorly of the case 40 we find the discs mounting unique case wipers which by their form and construction may be very light in weight. They therefore pose little threat to a balanced operation of the disc assemblies. Moreover they function in a highly effective manner.

Not the least of the installation is the improved base construction which provides a balanced support of the unique refiner case and the related operating components. The construction of the base is such to enable an effective and continuous cooling of the motor drive units by the free circulation of the available air. This obviates the need for water cooling and the attendant structural materials usually necessary to this end.

The base structure has in fact a design of extreme simplicity. The form of the side plates, though basic, provides adequate strength for a full and balanced support of the refining unit. The thickened flanges at the upper edges of the plates are in the plane of greatest stress and therefore have optimal strength characteristics.

The fact that the flatside plates are elevated by the foot pads below their lower flanges necessitates that the foot pads need be bolted to a floor foundation only in the areas of the inboard and outboard bearing units, that is in the area of the end panels 16 and partitions 21. This last is important. In the operation of the refiner system the disc refiner will be at a considerably elevated temperature. This will apply resultant stresses in the base which are simply dissipated through the coextensive flanges and the flat plate-like forms constituting the side plates 11. The form of the plates is such that the stress and strength patterns set up in the operation of a refiner system are relatively easily accommodated through the balanced pads which are located at the significant load stations. This is all achieved without the need for extensive and heavy base elements. The fact that by the present base construction there is an elimination of a need for any added cooling fluid in the base taken together with the simplicity and basic plate-like structure of the base enables a ready and more uniform distribution of the heat transmitted from the mounted generating elements. The composite result of the enumerated factors is the provision of a simpler and more economical base structure, one which is unlikely to have produced therein a significant imbalance due to differentials of temperature and pressure in its various parts.

It is to be noted that there is together with the simplicity of the base construction the provision of a uniform plane for the superposed support pads. One achieves thereby ,an insurance that both a static and dynamic balance of the supported structure will occur. In this context, making the top rails of the base continuous members as defined by the upper flanges 13, enables them to adequately resist the refining pressure exerted by the shafts against the support pedestals. Since the support plane is the same throughout, there is a simple stress path. The weight reactions of the rotating shaft assemblies and the motors are resultingly carried directly to the mounting feet by the four cross members welded to the base. The base mounting feet provide clearance to allow the side members to elongate therebetween, to compensate in instance of thermal expansion. The base is nevertheless securely held to its foundation to keep the bearing housings in a straight line.

The discs in the case 40 have a rigid mount to the side rails. Thermal expansion sidewise and vertically is so controlled by the base formation as to hold stuffing box housings on the shaft axis.

The expressed and other advantages of the inventive features should be obvious from the preceding. It should be kept in mind that only so much of the installation has been detailed as appears necessary for an understanding of the essential features of the invention. Several elements have been schematically illustrated for this reason also.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. For use in a refiner installation, a refiner base, said base having a rectangular form and including a pair of longitudinally extended transversely spaced side walls consisting of generally uniformly flat plates the upper and lower extremities of which are bent inwardly to form integral upper and lower supports, said plates, through the medium of their upper bent portions, providing means to support thereon a refiner housing and transversely aligned means for supporting thereon a motor housing to either end of said refiner housing, further support means disposed transverse to said side plates to provide at the upper edge thereof supports for drive shafts of motors to either end of the refiner housing and means defining end panels forming interconnecting end walls for said side walls, said end panels providing thereon means for further bearing support of the motor shafts.

2. A refiner base as in claim 1 characterized by said end walls having a vertical depth less than said side walls.

3. A refiner base as in claim 2 characterized by means below said end panels providing for air to pass freely to and from the lower portions of said base interior, in a sense longitudinally of said base.

4. A refiner base as set forth in claim 1 characterized by said upper bent support portions of said side plates being relatively thicker than the lower bent portions.

5. A refiner base as in claim 1 wherein said lower bent supports on said side plates have in underlying relation thereto longitudinally spaced pad elements for elevating said base from an underlying support structure, said pad elements being in underlying relation to means providing for support of the drive shafts of said motors.

6. A refiner base as in claim 1 characterized by said end panels being imperforate and there being screen means mounted therebelow through which an air flow may pass inwardly of the ends of said base structure.

7. A refiner base as in claim 1 characterized by said upper bent portions of said side plates providing supports generally coextensive with said side plates and being reinforced in the plane of greatest stress.

8. A refiner base as set forth in claim 1 characterized by apertured cap means mounting over respective end portions of said base and providing localized openings affording means defining a controlled path for circulation of air over equipment mounted in and to said base.

9. A refiner base as in claim 1 characterized by said further support means having formed therebetween a refiner well and including a truncated A frame at the top of which are bearing pads, through the medium of which said drive shafts may be supported.

10. A refiner base according to claim 1 wherein said end panels are structured to provide for air to pass freely to and from the lower portions of the base interior, in a sense longitudinally of the base, characterized by apertured cap means mounting over respective end portions of said base and providing localized openings affording means in cooperation with said end panels to define a controlled path for circulation of air over equipment mounted in and to said base.