Patent Publication Number: US-2023148434-A1

Title: Pulp transportation system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Taiwanese Invention Patent Application No. 110141873, filed on Nov. 10, 2021. 
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to a transportation system, and more particularly to a pulp transportation system. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a conventional pulp tank structure  1  disclosed in Taiwanese Utility Model Patent No. M513896 includes an extraction unit  13 , a retrieving unit  14 , an injection unit  15 , and a pulp-supply tank  10  that is divided into a working area  11  and an overflow area  12 . The working area  11  contains a pulp. The overflow area  12  communicates with the working area  11  and is used for containing overflow of the pulp from the working area  11 . The extraction unit  13  is used for extracting the overflow of the pulp from the overflow area  12 . The retrieving unit  14  stores the overflow of the pulp from the extraction unit  13 , and the injection unit  15  transports the overflow of the pulp from the retrieving unit  14  back to the working area  11  so that the overflow of the pulp can be used in the subsequent productions. 
     However, in order to retrieve the overflow of the pulp, the pulp-supply tank  10  has to be divided into the working area  11  and the overflow area  12 . Consequently, the space in the pulp-supply tank  10  can not be fully utilized since part of the space can not serve as the working area  11 . In addition, it is necessary for the conventional pulp tank structure to include at least two pumping power sources to respectively serve as the extraction unit  13  and the injection unit  15  so that the pulp can be transported to and from the pulp-supply tank  10 , which increases the cost for transportation of the pulp in the conventional pulp tank structure. 
     SUMMARY 
     Therefore, an object of the disclosure is to provide a pulp transportation system that can alleviate at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art. 
     According to the disclosure, the pulp transportation system is adapted for transporting a pulp among a pulp-supply machine and a plurality of forming machines, and includes a pump unit, a first pipe unit, a second pipe unit and a valve unit. The pump unit is adapted for urging the pulp to flow. The first pipe unit is adapted for fluidly communicating with the forming machines, and includes a plurality of first pulp pipes and a plurality of second pulp pipes that are adapted for the pulp to flow therethrough. The first pulp pipes are respectively connected to the forming machines. The second pulp pipes are respectively connected to the forming machines. The second pipe unit is adapted for the pulp to flow therethrough and includes a first pipe, a second pipe, a third pipe and a fourth pipe. The first pipe is adapted for interconnecting a pulp-supply outlet of the pulp-supply machine and the pump unit. The second pipe fluidly communicates the pump unit with the first pulp pipes of the first pipe unit. The third pipe fluidly communicates the pump unit with the second pulp pipes of the first pipe unit. The fourth pipe is adapted for interconnecting a pulp-supply inlet of the pulp-supply machine and the third pipe. The valve unit is operable to control the flow of the pulp through each of the first pulp pipes of the first pipe unit, the flow of the pulp through each of the second pulp pipes of the first pipe unit, the flow of the pulp through the first pipe of the second pipe unit, the flow of the pulp through the second pipe of the second pipe unit, the flow of the pulp through the third pipe of the second pipe unit, and the flow of the pulp through the fourth pipe of the second pipe unit, such that the flow of the pulp is convertible between a pulp-supply state, in which the pulp flows out from the pulp supply machine into at least one of the forming machines, and a pulp-return state, in which the pulp flows out from at least one of the forming machines into the pulp supply machine. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a pulp transportation system that can alleviate at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art. 
     According to the disclosure, the pulp transportation system is adapted for transporting a pulp between a pulp-supply machine and at least one forming machine, and includes a pump unit, at least one first pipe unit, a second pipe unit and a valve unit. The pump unit is adapted for urging the pulp to flow. The at least one first pipe unit includes a first pulp pipe and a second pulp pipe. The first pulp pipe is connected to a forming inlet of the at least one forming machine. The second pulp pipe is connected to the first pulp pipe. The second pipe unit is adapted for the pulp to flow therethrough and includes a first pipe, a second pipe, a third pipe and a fourth pipe. The first pipe is adapted for interconnecting a pulp-supply outlet of the pulp-supply machine and the pump unit. The second pipe fluidly communicates the pump unit with the first pulp pipe of the at least one first pipe unit. The third pipe fluidly communicates the pump unit with the second pulp pipe of the at least one first pipe unit. The fourth pipe is adapted for interconnecting a pulp-supply inlet of the pulp-supply machine and the third pipe. The valve unit is operable to control the flow of the pulp through the first pulp pipe of the at least one first pipe unit, the flow of the pulp through the second pulp pipe of the at least one first pipe unit, the flow of the pulp through the first pipe of the second pipe unit, the flow of the pulp through the second pipe of the second pipe unit, the flow of the pulp through the third pipe of the second pipe unit, and the flow of the pulp through the fourth pipe of the second pipe unit, such that the flow of the pulp is convertible between a pulp-supply state, in which the pulp flows out from the pulp supply machine into the at least one forming machine, and a pulp-return state, in which the pulp flows out from the at least one forming machine into the pulp supply machine. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic view of a conventional pulp tank structure; 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a pulp transportation system according to the disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic view illustrating the flow of a pulp in the first embodiment in a pulp-supply state; 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic view illustrating the flow of a pulp in the first embodiment in a pulp-return state; 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic view illustrating the flow of a pulp in the first embodiment in a waste discharging state; 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic view illustrating the flow of a pulp in the first embodiment in a pulp-supply and pulp-return state; 
         FIG.  7    is another schematic view illustrating the flow of a pulp in the first embodiment in the waste discharging state; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic view of a second embodiment of the pulp transportation system according to the disclosure; and 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic view of a modification of the second embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before the disclosure is described in greater detail, it should be noted that where considered appropriate, reference numerals or terminal portions of reference numerals have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements, which may optionally have similar characteristics. 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , a first embodiment of a pulp transportation system according to the disclosure is adapted for transporting a pulp among a pulp-supply machine  2 , a plurality of forming machines  3  and a waste disposal machine  4 . The pulp-supply machine  2  is used for containing the pulp, and has a pulp-supply outlet  21  and a pulp-supply inlet  22 . Each of the forming machines  3  is used for the pulp forming process, and has a forming opening  31 . In this embodiment, the pulp is configured to be a pulp that will be molded into paper products (e.g., paper sheets, paper cups and paper plates) after the pulp forming process. 
     The pulp transportation system includes a pump unit  5 , a first pipe unit  6 , a second pipe unit  7  and a valve unit  8 . 
     The pump unit  5  is adapted for urging the pulp to flow, and includes a first pump  51 . The first pump  51  has a pump inlet  511  that is adapted for the pulp to enter the first pump  51 , and a pump outlet  512  that is adapted for the pulp to exit the first pump  51 . 
     In this embodiment, the first pump  51  is configured to be a pump that includes a motor converting the electrical energy into kinetic energy. 
     The first pipe unit  6  is adapted for fluidly communicating with the forming machines  3 , and includes a plurality of first pulp pipes  61  and a plurality of second pulp pipes  62  that are adapted for the pulp to flow therethrough. The first pulp pipes  61  are respectively connected to the forming openings  31  of the forming machines  3 . The second pulp pipes  62  are respectively connected to the forming machines  3 . Specifically, in the first embodiment, the second pulp pipes  62  are respectively connected to the first pulp pipes  61  so that the second pulp pipes  62  are respectively connected to the forming machines  3 . 
     The second pipe unit  7  is adapted for the pulp to flow therethrough, and includes a first pipe  71 , a second pipe  72 , a third pipe  73 , a fourth pipe  74  and a fifth pipe  75 . 
     The first pipe  71  is adapted for interconnecting the pulp-supply outlet  21  of the pulp-supply machine  2  and the pump inlet  511  of the first pump  51  of the pump unit  5  so that the pulp-supply machine  2  fluidly communicates with the first pump  51 . 
     The second pipe  72  interconnects the pump outlet  512  of the first pump  51  and the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6  and fluidly communicates the pump outlet  512  of the first pump  51  with the first pulp pipes  61 , so that the first pump  51  fluidly communicates with the forming machines  3 . 
     The third pipe  73  interconnects the first pipe  71  and the second pulp pipes  62  of the first pipe unit  6  so that the third pipe  73  fluidly communicates the pump unit  5  with the second pulp pipes  62  (i.e., the first pump  51  fluidly communicates with the forming machines  3  via the first pipe  71 , the third pipe  73 , the second pulp pipes  62  and the first pulp pipes  61 ). 
     The fourth pipe  74  is adapted for interconnecting the pulp-supply inlet  22  of the pulp-supply machine  2  and the third pipe  73 . Specifically, in the first embodiment, the fourth pipe  74  interconnects the second pipe  72  and the pulp-supply inlet  22  of the pulp-supply machine  2 , and fluidly communicates with the third pipe  73  via the second pipe  72 , the first pump  51  and the first pipe  71 . Because the fourth pipe  74  interconnects the second pipe  72  and the pulp-supply machine  2 , the pulp-supply machine  2  fluidly communicates with the first pump  51  via the fourth pipe  74  and the second pipe  72 . 
     The fifth pipe  75  interconnects the second pipe  72  and the waste disposal machine  4  so that the fifth pipe  75  fluidly communicates with the waste disposal machine  4  and the first pump  51  (i.e., the first pump  51  fluidly communicates with the waste disposal machine  4  via the second pipe  72  and the fifth pipe  75 ). The fifth pipe  75  is adapted for fluidly communicating the waste disposal machine  4  with the first pipe  71  and the third pipe  73 . Specifically, because the first pump  51  fluidly communicates with the first pipe  71 , the third pipe  73  and the second pipe  72 , and the fifth pipe  75  fluidly communicates with the waste disposal machine  4  and the first pump  51 , the fifth pipe  75  fluidly communicates the waste disposal machine  4  with the first pipe  71  and the third pipe  73 . 
     The valve unit  8  is operable to control the flow of the pulp through each of the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6 , the flow of the pulp through each of the second pulp pipes  62  of the first pipe unit  6 , the flow of the pulp through the first pipe  71  of the second pipe unit  7 , the flow of the pulp through the second pipe  72  of the second pipe unit  7 , the flow of the pulp through the third pipe  73  of the second pipe unit  7 , the flow of the pulp through the fourth pipe  74  of the second pipe unit  7 , and the flow of the pulp through the fifth pipe  75  of the second pipe unit  7 , such that the flow of the pulp is convertible among a pulp-supply state (see  FIG.  3   ), in which the pulp flows out from the pulp supply machine  2  into at least one of the forming machines  3 , a pulp-return state (see  FIG.  4   ), in which the pulp flows out from at least one of the forming machines  3  into the pulp supply machine  2 , a waste discharging state (see  FIGS.  5  and  7   ), in which the pulp flows out from at least one of the pulp-supply machine  2  and the forming machines  3  into the waste disposal machine  4 , and a pulp-supply and pulp-return state (see  FIG.  6   ). 
     The valve unit  8  includes a plurality of first valves, a plurality of second valves  82 , a plurality of third valves  83  and a control subunit  84 . 
     In the first embodiment, the valve unit  8  includes five first valves  811 ,  812 ,  813 ,  814 ,  815  each of which is operable to convert between an open state, in which the first valve  811 ,  812 ,  813 ,  814 ,  815  permits the flow of the pulp through a respective one of the first pipe  71 , the second pipe  72 , the third pipe  73 , the fourth pipe  74  and the fifth pipe  75  of the second pipe unit  7 , and a closed state, in which the first valve  811 ,  812 ,  813 ,  814 ,  815  prevents the flow of the pulp through the respective one of the first pipe  71 , the second pipe  72 , the third pipe  73 , the fourth pipe  74  and the fifth pipe  75 . Specifically, in the first embodiment, the first valves  811 ,  812 ,  813 ,  814 ,  815  are respectively disposed on the first pipe  71 , the second pipe  72 , the third pipe  73 , the fourth pipe  74  and the fifth pipe  75 . 
     Each of the second valves  82  is operable to convert between an open state, in which the second valve  82  permits the flow of the pulp through a respective one of the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6 , and a closed state, in which the second valve  82  prevents the flow of the pulp through the respective one of the first pulp pipes  61 . Specifically, in the first embodiment, the second valves  82  are respectively disposed on the first pulp pipes  61 . 
     Each of the third valves  83  is operable to convert between an open state, in which the third valve  83  permits the flow of the pulp through a respective one of the second pulp pipes  62  of the first pipe unit  6 , and a closed state, in which the third valve  83  prevents the flow of the pulp through the respective one of the second pulp pipes  62 . Specifically, in the first embodiment, the third valves  83  are respectively disposed on the second pulp pipes  62 . 
     The control subunit  84  is operable to control each of the first valves  811 ,  812 ,  813 ,  814 ,  815 , the second valves  82  and the third valves  83  to convert between the open state and the closed state. 
     In the first embodiment, the control subunit  84  is electrically coupled to the first valves  811 ,  812 ,  813 ,  814 ,  815 , the second valves  82  and the third valves  83  and actuates the first valves  811 ,  812 ,  813 ,  814 ,  815 , the second valves  82  and the third valves  83  electrically. 
     It is noted that, in certain embodiments, the first valves  811 ,  812 ,  813 ,  814 ,  815 , the second valves  82  and the third valves  83  may be actuated by, but not limited to, a pneumatic power system therein, or an external force. 
     Exemplarily, the first embodiment transports the pulp among the pulp-supply machine  2 , the waste disposal machine  4  and five forming machines  3  that are respectively named as the #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 forming machines for convenience of description, and includes five second valves  82  and five third valves  83 . It is noted that, the first embodiment may transport the pulp among N forming machines, and N is configured to be a positive integer. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3    again, in cooperation with Table 1 below, in which the valves that are in the open state are marked with a check, when the valve unit  8  is operated such that the flow of the pulp through the first pipe  71  and the second pipe  72  of the second pipe unit  7  is permitted (i.e., the first valves  811 ,  812  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the open state), that the flow of the pulp through the third pipe  73 , the fourth pipe  74  and the fifth pipe  75  of the second pipe unit  7  is prevented (i.e., the first valves  813 ,  814 ,  815  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the closed state), that the second valves  82  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the open state, and that the third valves  83  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the closed state, the flow of the pulp is in the pulp-supply state, in which the pulp flows out from the pulp supply machine  2 , sequentially through the first pipe  71 , the first pump  51  of the pump unit  5 , the second pipe  72  and the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6 , into the forming machines  3  to which the first pulp pipes  61  are respectively connected. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Pulp-supply state (First embodiment) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Valve open 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The first valve 811 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 812 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 813 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 814 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 815 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The second valve 82 on the 
                 #1 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 first pulp pipe 61 
                 #2 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The third valve 83 on the 
                 #1 
               
               
                   
                 second pulp pipe 62 
                 #2 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Referring to  FIG.  4    again, in cooperation with Table 2 below, in which the valves that are in the open state are marked with a check, when the valve unit  8  is operated such that the flow of the pulp through the second pipe  72 , the third pipe  73  and the fourth pipe  74  of the second pipe unit  7  is permitted (i.e., the first valves  812 ,  813 ,  814  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the open state), that the flow of the pulp through the first pipe  71  and the fifth pipe  75  of the second pipe unit  7  is prevented (i.e., the first valves  811 ,  815  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the closed state), that the second valves  82  of the valve unit  8  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the closed state, and that the third valves  83  of the valve unit  8  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the open state, the flow of the pulp is in the pulp-return state, in which the pulp flows out from the forming machines  3 , sequentially through parts of the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the forming machines  3  are respectively connected, the second pulp pipes  62  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the first pulp pipes  61  are respectively connected, the third pipe  73 , part of the first pipe  71 , the first pump  51  of the pump unit  5 , the second pipe  72  and the fourth pipe  74 , into the pulp supply machine  2 . When the flow of the pulp is kept in the pulp-return state, the pulp in the forming machines  3  will be removed from the forming machines  3 . Afterwards, the molds in the forming machines  3  can be replaced. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Pulp-return state (First embodiment) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Valve open 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The first valve 811 
                   
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 812 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 813 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 814 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 815 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The second valve 82 on the 
                 #1 
                   
               
               
                   
                 first pulp pipe 61 
                 #2 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
               
               
                   
                 The third valve 83 on the 
                 #1 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 second pulp pipe 62 
                 #2 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Referring to  FIG.  5    again, in cooperation with Table 3 below, in which the valves that are in the open state are marked with a check, when the valve unit  8  is operated such that the flow of the pulp through the first pipe  71 , the third pipe  73  and the fifth pipe  75  of the second pipe unit  7  is permitted (i.e., the first valves  811 ,  813 ,  815  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the open state), that the flow of the pulp through the second pipe  72  and the fourth pipe  74  of the second pipe unit  7  is prevented (i.e., the first valves  812 ,  814  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the closed state), that the second valves  82  of the valve unit  8  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the closed state, and that the third valves  83  of the valve unit  8  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the open state, the flow of the pulp is in the waste discharging state, in which the pulp flows out from the forming machines  3 , sequentially through parts of the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the forming machines  3  are respectively connected, the second pulp pipes  62  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the first pulp pipes  61  are respectively connected, the third pipe  73 , part of the first pipe  71 , the first pump  51  of the pump unit  5 , part of the second pipe  72  and the fifth pipe  75 , into the waste disposal machine  4 , and in which the pulp flows out from the pulp-supply machine  2 , sequentially through the first pipe  71 , the first pump  51 , part of the second pipe  72  and the fifth pipe  75 , into the waste disposal machine  4 . When the flow of the pulp is kept in the waste discharging state, the pulp in the forming machines  3  and in the pulp-supply machine  2  will be removed from the forming machines  3  and the pulp-supply machine  2 . Afterwards, the forming machines  3  and the pulp-supply machine  2  may be cleaned and filled with another batch of pulp. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Waste discharging state (First embodiment) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Valve open 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The first valve 811 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 812 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 813 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 814 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 815 
                 V 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The second valve 82 on the 
                 #1 
                   
               
               
                   
                 first pulp pipe 61 
                 #2 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
               
               
                   
                 The third valve 83 on the 
                 #1 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 second pulp pipe 62 
                 #2 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Referring to  FIG.  6    again, in cooperation with Table 4 below, in which the valves that are in the open state are marked with a check, when the valve unit  8  is operated such that the flow of the pulp through the first pipe  71 , the second pipe  72  and the third pipe  73  of the second pipe unit  7  is permitted (i.e., the first valves  811 ,  812 ,  813  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the open state), that the flow of the pulp through the fourth pipe  74  and the fifth pipe  75  of the second pipe unit  7  is prevented (i.e., the first valves  814 ,  815  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the closed state), that at least one of the second valves  82  of the valve unit  8  is in the open state while the other second valves  82  are in the closed state, and that at least one of the third valves  83  of the valve unit  8  connected to one of the forming machines  3  different from the forming machine(s)  3  to which the at least one of the second valves  82  is connected is in the open state while the other third valves  83  are in the closed state, the flow of the pulp is in the pulp-supply and pulp-return state, in which the pulp flows out from the pulp supply machine  2  and the forming machine(s)  3  to which the at least one of the third valves  83  is connected into the forming machine(s)  3  to which the at least one of the second valves  82  is connected. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the pulp flows out from the forming machines #4, #5, sequentially through parts of the first pulp pipes  61  that are respectively connected to the forming machines #4, #5, the second pulp pipes  62  that are respectively connected to the first pulp pipes  61  respectively connected to the forming machines #4, #5, the third pipe  73 , part of the first pipe  1 , the first pump  51 , the second pipe  72 , the first pulp pipes  61  that are respectively connected to the forming machines #1, #2, #3, into the forming machines #1, #2, #3, and flows out from the pulp-supply machine  2 , sequentially the first pipe  1 , the first pump  51 , the second pipe  72 , the first pulp pipes  61  that are respectively connected to the forming machines #1, #2, #3, into the forming machines #1, #2, #3. Therefore, the forming machines #1, #2, #3 can be used for the pulp forming process, while the pulp in the forming machines #4, #5 is removed from the forming machines #4, #5 so that the molds in the forming machines #4, #5 can be replaced. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 4 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Pulp-supply and pulp-return state (First embodiment) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Valve open 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The first valve 811 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 812 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 813 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 814 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 815 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The second valve 82 on the 
                 #1 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 first pulp pipe 61 
                 #2 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
               
               
                   
                 The third valve 83 on the 
                 #1 
               
               
                   
                 second pulp pipe 62 
                 #2 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     It is noted that, when the flow of the pulp is in the waste discharging state, the pulp may only flow out of one of the forming machines  3 . 
     Exemplarily, referring to  FIG.  7   , in cooperation with Table 5 below, in which the valves that are in the open state are marked with a check, when the valve unit  8  is operated such that the flow of the pulp through the third pipe  73  and the fifth pipe  75  of the second pipe unit  7  is permitted (i.e., the first valves  813 ,  815  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the open state), that the flow of the pulp through the first pipe  71 , the second pipe  72  and the fourth pipe  74  of the second pipe unit  7  is prevented (i.e., the first valves  811 ,  812 ,  814  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the closed state), that the second valves  82  of the valve unit  8  are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the closed state, that the third valves  83  of the valve unit  8  respectively connected to the forming machines #1, #2, #3 are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the closed state, and that the third valves  83  respectively connected to the forming machines #4, #5 are controlled by the control subunit  84  to be in the open state, the pulp flows out from the forming machines #4, #5, sequentially through parts of the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the forming machines #4, #5 are respectively connected, the second pulp pipes  62  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the first pulp pipes  61  are respectively connected, the third pipe  73 , part of the first pipe  71 , the first pump  51  of the pump unit  5 , part of the second pipe  72  and the fifth pipe  75 , into the waste disposal machine  4 . Therefore, after the flow of the pulp is converted from the pulp-supply state into the waste discharging state, the pulp in the forming machines #4, #5 can be removed from the forming machines  3  while the forming machines #1, #2, #3 are in the pulp forming process. That is to say, even when the pulp in one of the forming machines  3  has to be removed or replaced, the pulp forming process in the rest of the forming machines  3  will not be affected. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                 TABLE 5 
               
             
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Waste discharging state (First embodiment) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 Valve open 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The first valve 811 
                   
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 812 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 813 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 814 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 815 
                 V 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The second valve 82 on the 
                 #1 
                   
               
               
                   
                 first pulp pipe 61 
                 #2 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
               
               
                   
                 The third valve 83 on the 
                 #1 
               
               
                   
                 second pulp pipe 62 
                 #2 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Referring further to  FIG.  8   , a second embodiment of the pulp transportation system according to the disclosure is similar to the first embodiment. Differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment are that the pump unit  5  further includes a second pump  52 , that the second pipe unit  7  further includes a sixth pipe  76 , that the valve unit  8  further includes a first valve  816 , and that the first valves  811 ,  813  are omitted. 
     The second pump  52  has a pump inlet  521  that is connected to the third pipe  73  of the second pipe unit  7 , and a pump outlet  522  that is connected to the fourth pipe  74  of the second pipe unit  7 . 
     The fifth pipe  75  of the second pipe unit  7  interconnects the second pipe  72 , the fourth pipe  74  and the waste disposal machine  4 . Specifically, the sixth pipe  76  is connected between the fifth pipe  75  and the fourth pipe  74  so that the fifth pipe  75  interconnects the second pipe  72 , the fourth pipe  74  and the waste disposal machine  4 . 
     The first valve  816  is operable to convert between an open state, in which the first valve  816  permits the flow of the pulp through the sixth pipe  76 , and a closed state, in which the first valve  816  prevents the flow of the pulp through the sixth pipe  76 . 
     Referring further to Table 6 below, in which the valves that are in the open state in each of the states of the flow of the pulp are marked with a check, the second pump  52  of the pump unit  5  is adapted for urging the pulp to flow and increasing the pressure in the flow of the pulp, and the flow of the pulp in the second embodiment is convertible among the pulp-supply state, the pulp-return state, the waste discharging state, the pulp-supply and pulp-return state and a pulp-supply and waste discharging state. When the flow of the pulp is in the pulp-return state, the pulp flows out from the forming machines  3 , sequentially through parts of the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the forming machines  3  are respectively connected, the second pulp pipes  62  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the first pulp pipes  61  are respectively connected, the third pipe  73 , the second pump  52  and the fourth pipe  74 , into the pulp supply machine  2 . 
     When the flow of the pulp is in the waste discharging state, the pulp flows out from the forming machines  3 , sequentially through parts of the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the forming machines  3  are respectively connected, the second pulp pipes  62  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the first pulp pipes  61  are respectively connected, the third pipe  73 , the second pump  52 , part of the fourth pipe  74 , the sixth pipe  76 , part of the fifth pipe  75 , into the waste disposal machine  4 , and flows out from the pulp-supply machine  2 , sequentially through the first pipe  71 , the first pump  51 , part of the second pipe  72  and the fifth pipe  75 , into the waste disposal machine  4 . 
     When the flow of the pulp is in the pulp-supply and pulp-return state, the pulp flows out from the pulp supply machine  2 , sequentially through the first pipe  71 , the first pump  51 , the second pipe  72  and the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6 , into the forming machines #1, #2, #3, and the pulp flows out from the forming machines #4, sequentially through parts of the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the forming machines #4, #5 are respectively connected, the second pulp pipes  62  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the first pulp pipes  61  are respectively connected, the third pipe  73 , the second pump  52  and the fourth pipe  74 , into the pulp supply machine  2 . 
     When the flow of the pulp is in the pulp-supply and waste discharging state, the pulp flows out from the pulp supply machine  2 , sequentially through the first pipe  71 , the first pump  51 , the second pipe  72  and the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6 , into the forming machines #1, #2, #3, and the pulp flows out from the forming machines #4, #5, sequentially through parts of the first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the forming machines #4, #5 are respectively connected, the second pulp pipes  62  of the first pipe unit  6  to which the first pulp pipes  61  are respectively connected, the third pipe  73 , the second pump  52 , part of the fourth pipe  74 , the sixth pipe  76  and part of the fifth pipe  75 , into the waste disposal machine  4 . 
     Therefore, the second embodiment provides various states to the flow of the pulp. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 6 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Valve open 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Pulp-supply state (Second embodiment) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The first valve 812 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 814 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 815 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 816 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The second valve 82 on the 
                 #1 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 first pulp pipe 61 
                 #2 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The third valve 83 on the 
                 #1 
               
               
                   
                 second pulp pipe 62 
                 #2 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Pulp-return state (Second embodiment) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The first valve 812 
                   
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 814 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 815 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 816 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The second valve 82 on the 
                 #1 
                   
               
               
                   
                 first pulp pipe 61 
                 #2 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
               
               
                   
                 The third valve 83 on the 
                 #1 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 second pulp pipe 62 
                 #2 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
                 V 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Waste discharging state (Second embodiment) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The first valve 812 
                   
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 814 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 815 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 816 
                 V 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The second valve 82 on the 
                 #1 
                   
               
               
                   
                 first pulp pipe 61 
                 #2 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
               
               
                   
                 The third valve 83 on the 
                 #1 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 second pulp pipe 62 
                 #2 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
                 V 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Pulp-supply and pulp-return state (Second embodiment) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The first valve 812 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 814 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 815 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 816 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The second valve 82 on the 
                 #1 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 first pulp pipe 61 
                 #2 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
               
               
                   
                 The third valve 83 on the 
                 #1 
               
               
                   
                 second pulp pipe 62 
                 #2 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
                 V 
               
            
           
           
               
            
               
                 Pulp-supply and waste discharging state (Second embodiment) 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The first valve 812 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 814 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 815 
               
               
                   
                 The first valve 816 
                 V 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 The second valve 82 on the 
                 #1 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 first pulp pipe 61 
                 #2 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
               
               
                   
                 The third valve 83 on the 
                 #1 
               
               
                   
                 second pulp pipe 62 
                 #2 
               
               
                   
                 connected to the forming 
                 #3 
               
               
                   
                 machine 
                 #4 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
                 #5 
                 V 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Referring further to  FIG.  9   , it is noted that, in one embodiment, each of the forming machines  3  further has a forming outlet  32 . The first pulp pipes  61  of the first pipe unit  6  are respectively connected to the forming openings  31  of the forming machines  3 . The second pulp pipes  62  are respectively connected to the forming outlets  32  of the forming machines  3 . The flow of the pulp is convertible among the pulp-supply state, the pulp-return state, the pulp-supply and pulp-return state and the pulp-supply and waste discharging state. 
     According to the abovementioned description, benefits of the abovementioned embodiments can be analyzed and listed as below: 
     a) By virtue of the valve unit  8  controlling the flow of the pulp, the pulp flows through the first pipe unit  6  and the second pipe unit  7  in different directions among the pulp-supply machine  2 , the forming machines  3  and the waste disposal machine  4  when the flow of the pulp is converted among various states. In comparison with conventional pulp transportation systems (e.g., the conventional pulp tank structure  1  mentioned in the background) that permit the pulp to flow through pipes in only one direction, the structure of each of the embodiments is simplified and relatively space-saving, which may achieve cost reduction and increase productive efficiency. 
     b) Even when the second pump  52  of the pump unit  5  is omitted, the flow of the pulp is still convertible among different states by the first pump  51  of the pump unit  5 , which further reduces the cost for transportation of the pulp in each of the embodiments. 
     In the description above, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that one or more other embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. It should also be appreciated that reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” an embodiment with an indication of an ordinal number and so forth means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in the practice of the disclosure. It should be further appreciated that in the description, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of various inventive aspects, and that one or more features or specific details from one embodiment may be practiced together with one or more features or specific details from another embodiment, where appropriate, in the practice of the disclosure. 
     While the disclosure has been described in connection with what are considered the exemplary embodiments, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.