Thin support structure for rotary regenerative heat exchangers

Abstract

A support structure for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger is disclosed, comprising an upper section, a lower section, and a plurality of support members. The upper section includes an upper ring having a first outer surface, an upper hub, and at least three upper spokes, each extending between the upper ring and the upper hub and secured to the upper ring and the upper hub at a respective end. Each of the plurality of support members is directly or indirectly and securely fixed to the upper ring and the lower section. An annular space is located between the upper and lower rings, and the annular space is configured as a compartment for receiving a rotor assembly. The upper hub, the upper spokes, and the support members cooperate to provide stiffness to the support structure by cooperating to support the weight of the upper spokes, the upper ring, and the upper hub and to transfer that weight to the lower section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thin support structure for a rotary regeneration heat exchanger suitable for carbon capture applications when its rotor is loaded with a structured adsorbent configured to adsorb carbon dioxide from warm air or flue gas and produce purified CO2 and water vapor. Background Technology

[0002] Rotary regenerative heat exchangers (typically combustion air preheaters) are commonly used to transfer heat from an exhaust gas stream exiting a vessel (e.g., a furnace or chemical reactor) to an inlet air stream to improve the efficiency of processes occurring within the vessel. Conventional preheaters include a heat transfer sheet assembly comprising multiple heat transfer sheets stacked on top of each other in a basket. The heat transfer sheets absorb heat from the exhaust gas stream and transfer this heat to the inlet air stream. The preheater also includes a rotor having radial baffles or diaphragms defining compartments that house the basket. The rotor is rotatably mounted to a support structure via suitable bearings. The preheater includes sector plates extending across the top and bottom of the preheater to divide it into one or more sectors. The exhaust gas stream and the inlet air stream are simultaneously directed through the respective sectors. The rotor rotates the exhaust gas sector and the inlet air sector in and out of the exhaust gas stream and the inlet air stream to heat and then cool the heat transfer sheets, thereby heating the inlet air stream and cooling the exhaust gas stream.

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, conventional preheaters are typically designated by the number 100. Preheater 100 includes a rotor assembly 112 rotatably mounted on a rotor column 116. The rotor assembly 112 is positioned within and rotates relative to a fixed housing 114. For example, the rotor assembly 112 can rotate together with the rotor column 116 about a central axis A of the rotor column 116 in a direction indicated by arrow R. The rotor assembly 112 includes partitions 118 (e.g., diaphragms) extending radially from the rotor column 116 to the outer periphery of the rotor assembly 112. Adjacent pairs of partitions 118 define respective compartments 200 for receiving heat transfer assemblies 1000.

[0004] like Figure 1As shown, housing 114 includes an exhaust gas inlet duct 122 and an exhaust gas outlet duct 124 for allowing heated gas to flow through preheater 100. Housing 114 also includes an inlet air inlet duct 126 and an inlet air outlet duct 128 for allowing inlet air to flow through preheater 100. Preheater 100 includes an upper sector plate 130A that extends across housing 114 adjacent to the upper surface of rotor assembly 112. Preheater 100 includes a lower sector plate 130B that extends across housing 114 adjacent to the lower surface of rotor assembly 112. Upper sector plate 130A extends between and engages with exhaust gas inlet duct 122 and inlet air outlet duct 128. Lower sector plate 130B extends between and engages with exhaust gas outlet duct 124 and inlet air inlet duct 126. Upper sector plate 130A and lower sector plate 130B are combined with circumferential plate 130C, respectively. Upper sector plate 130A and lower sector plate 130B divide the preheater 100 into an inlet gas sector 134 and an exhaust air sector 132. Seals of a known type are provided and attached to the corresponding partitions 118. The seals rub or rotate near or adjacent to the positioned sector plates 130A and 130B to provide a seal between the inlet air flow 132 and the exhaust gas flow 134.

[0005] like Figure 1 As shown, the arrow marked 'A' indicates the direction of the hot exhaust gas flow 136 through the exhaust gas sector 134 of the rotor assembly 112. The arrow marked 'B' indicates the direction of the inlet air flow 138 through the inlet air sector 132 of the rotor assembly 112. The exhaust gas flow 136 enters through the exhaust gas inlet pipe 122 and transfers heat to the heat transfer assembly 1000 installed in the compartment 200. The heated heat transfer assembly 1000 rotates into the inlet air sector 132 of the preheater 100. The heat stored in the heat transfer assembly 1000 is then transferred to the inlet air flow 138 entering through the inlet air inlet pipe 126. Thus, the heat absorbed from the hot exhaust gas flow 136 entering the preheater 100 is used to heat the heat transfer assembly 1000, which in turn heats the inlet air flow 138 entering the preheater 100.

[0006] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the rotor assembly 112 and housing 114 are quite large and employ a large existing technology support structure 150. For example... Figure 3As shown, the shaft or rotor column 116 includes a flange 116F mounted to the lower end of the shaft 116 and a short insert 116E extending from the upper end of the shaft 116. The shaft 116 is axially supported by a base 152 fixed to a truss 154 or directly axially supported to a base. The base 152 has a thrust bearing 155 for rotatably supporting the shaft 116. The thrust bearing 155 includes an inner ring 155A, with an outer ring 155B extending circumferentially around the inner ring. A plurality of rolling elements 155R are rollwise positioned between the inner ring 155A and the outer ring 155B. The flange 116F engages the inner ring 155A, which rotates with the shaft 116, and is fixed to the inner ring. The outer ring 155B is fixed to a plate 156 fixed to the truss 154 via a suitable fastening system. The short insert 116E of the shaft is guided by a radial bearing 157 and radially held within the radial bearing. The radial bearing 157 includes an inner ring 157A, with an outer ring 157B extending circumferentially around the inner ring. A plurality of rolling elements 157R are rollably positioned between the inner ring 157A and the outer ring 157B. A short insert 116E is fixed to the inner ring 157A and rotates with it. The outer ring 157B is fixed in a housing 158, which is fixed to a support structure 150, as described herein.

[0007] like Figure 3As shown, the prior art support structure 150 includes an upper ring 160U and a lower ring 160L, each circumferentially surrounding the rotor 112. The upper ring 160U and the lower ring 160L are axially spaced apart from each other and are fixed to each other in an axial relationship by a first pair of vertical support columns 162A and a second pair of vertical support columns 162B. A first main vertical support assembly 163A and a second main vertical support assembly 163B are positioned opposite each other on the radially outer sides of the upper ring 160U and the lower ring 160L. The bottom end of each of the first main vertical support assembly 163A and the second main vertical support assembly 163B is fixed to a base. A central horizontal support assembly 164U spans the upper ring 160U and extends radially over the top of the upper ring, and a central horizontal support assembly 164L spans the lower ring 160L and extends radially below the lower ring. The opposite end of the central horizontal support assembly 164U is fixed to and mounted on the upper ends of the corresponding first main vertical support assemblies 163A and second main vertical support assemblies 163B, which bear the weight of the central horizontal support assembly 164U and radially hold the assembly. A plurality of tube supports 165A extend between the column 162A and the central horizontal support assembly 164U, and between the column 162B and the central horizontal support assembly 164U, and radially hold the central horizontal support assembly 164U. A plurality of tube supports 165B extend between the column 162A and the base 152, and between the column 162B and the base 152, and radially hold the central horizontal support assembly 164L. The housing 158 of the radial bearing 157 is rigidly fixed to the central portion of the central horizontal support assembly 164U via a bearing pad 164V and suitable fasteners.

[0008] The central horizontal support assemblies 164U and 164L are formed by large steel channels with multiple transverse struts in the middle. The central horizontal support assemblies 164U and 164L have a width covering a considerable portion of the rotor 112. The central horizontal support assemblies 164U and 164L obstruct gas flow through the rotor 112, thereby reducing the preheater's effectiveness. Furthermore, the central horizontal support assembly 164 is so wide that it hinders the ability to install the heat transfer assembly 1000 in the compartment 200, thus complicating assembly. In addition, the first pair of vertical support columns 162A, the second pair of vertical support columns 162B, the first main vertical support assembly 163A, and the second main vertical support assembly 163B (collectively referred to as the prior art external support structure) are positioned radially outside the circumferential boundary 100P of the conventional preheater 100, such as... Figure 3 As indicated by the middle arrow R200, this creates an excessive spatial envelope problem when installing a conventional preheater 100 in a facility such as a power plant.

[0009] Rotary regenerative heat exchangers can also be used in CO2 capture systems, such as temperature swing adsorption (TSA) systems used in fossil fuel power plant systems. The rotary regenerative heat exchanger in a TSA system is based on... Figures 1 to 3 The conventional preheater 100 shown follows the general mechanical principle, but with a different piping arrangement and uses a rotor with an adsorbent medium instead of the heat transfer assembly 1000 used in the conventional preheater 100. The TSA system includes an adsorption step in which flue gas is fed as a feed stream into an adsorption bed located in the rotor of a rotary regenerating heat exchanger. After the adsorption bed is occupied by CO2, the bed rotates to the regeneration zone of the rotary regenerating heat exchanger, where low-pressure steam is used to release CO2 from the adsorbent and produce a product stream of water vapor and CO2. A final step before repeating the cycle includes introducing ambient air to cool the adsorbent to the optimal temperature for CO2 adsorption in the adsorption step. In implementing such a TSA system, it is necessary to have access to the rotary regenerating heat exchanger via a number of pipes, including a flue gas inlet pipe, a flue gas outlet pipe, a CO2 product stream outlet pipe, a steam inlet pipe, a cooling air inlet pipe, and a cooling air outlet pipe. Therefore, limited space exists for other structures, such as the first main vertical support assembly 163A, the second main vertical support assembly 163B, and the central horizontal support assemblies 164U and 164L. Due to the large piping system, the space available for adding and removing adsorbent to the rotor in the rotary regeneration heat exchanger is also limited.

[0010] Therefore, at least the aforementioned problems need to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This document discloses a support structure for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger, comprising an upper section, a lower section, and a plurality of support members. The upper section includes an upper ring having a first outer surface, an upper hub, and at least three upper spokes, each extending between the upper ring and the upper hub and secured to the upper ring and the upper hub at a respective end. The lower section is configured to be supported in use by a base mounting structure mounted on a base, wherein the lower section is spaced apart from the upper section. Each of the plurality of support members is directly or indirectly and securely fixed to the upper ring and the lower section, thereby forming an annular space between the upper ring and the lower section. The annular space is configured as a compartment for receiving a rotor assembly. The upper hub, the upper spokes, and the support members cooperate to provide stiffness to the support structure such that the support members cooperate to support the weight of the upper spokes, the upper ring, and the upper hub and transfer that weight to the lower section.

[0012] In one embodiment, the lower section includes a lower ring having a second outer surface, a lower hub, and at least three lower spokes, each of the at least three lower spokes extending between the lower ring and the lower hub and being fixed to the lower ring and the lower hub at a respective end.

[0013] In one embodiment, a plurality of outer support pads are positioned between the base mounting structure and the lower section, adjacent to the respective lower ends of one or more upright support members, and / or a plurality of inner support pads are positioned below the axial inner end portions of one or more lower spokes and / or below the lower hub.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of support members includes a strut, rod, beam, or channel.

[0015] In one embodiment, the upper ring has at least one upper radial opening extending through the upper ring, and an upper extension portion of at least one of the upper spokes extends through a corresponding upper radial opening.

[0016] In one embodiment, the lower ring has at least one lower radial opening extending through the lower ring, and the lower extension portion of at least one of the lower spokes extends through a corresponding lower radial opening.

[0017] In one embodiment, the at least one support member is fixed to at least one of the upper extension and the lower extension.

[0018] In one embodiment, a pair of support members are fixed to the upper ring at the junction of each spoke and the lower ring, and fixed to the lower ring at the junction of each spoke and the lower ring.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one of the upper ring and the lower ring has at least one of a box-shaped cross section, a radially inwardly opening C-shaped cross section, and a radially outwardly opening C-shaped cross section.

[0020] In one embodiment, at least one of the upper spokes and the lower spokes has at least one of a box-shaped cross-section and a radially outwardly expanding tapered top profile.

[0021] In one embodiment, the upper hub includes an upper hub body having an upper gusset pattern attached to the inner surface of a circumferential peripheral wall of the upper hub body. A first central opening extends through the upper gusset pattern.

[0022] In one embodiment, the upper hub includes an upper hub body having: an upper support pad extending over the upper hub body and attached only at or near an axial periphery or a circumferential peripheral wall of the upper hub body; and a second central opening extending through the upper support pad. The upper support pad has flexural facilitating features configured to cause the upper support pad to flex in response to a load applied to it.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one of the axial inner ends of the upper spokes is rigidly attached to at least one of the following: the axial periphery of the upper hub body and a portion of the upper gusset pattern. In one embodiment, the lower hub includes a lower hub body having a lower gusset pattern attached therein, wherein a third center opening extends through the lower gusset pattern, and the axial inner ends of the lower spokes are rigidly attached to at least one of the following: the axial periphery of the lower hub body and a portion of the lower gusset pattern.

[0024] In one embodiment, the lower hub includes a lower hub body having: a lower support pad extending over and attached to the lower hub body; and a fourth central opening extending through the lower support pad.

[0025] In one embodiment, each upper spoke of the upper ring is adapted to have a sealing assembly mounted on it, the sealing assembly operatively and intermittently sealing the rotor assembly to the upper spoke during use.

[0026] In one embodiment, each spoke of the lower ring is adapted to have a sealing assembly mounted on it, the sealing assembly operatively and intermittently sealing the rotor assembly to the spoke during use.

[0027] In one embodiment, a rotary regenerative heat exchanger according to the present disclosure includes a support structure and a rotor assembly rotatably mounted in the support structure. The support structure includes at least one of the following: a base support receiving region configured to receive the base mounting structure, substantially all of the base support receiving regions being located radially inward of a peripheral circumferential boundary of the support structure; a first rotor assembly support region being substantially axially located below an upper axial boundary of an upper segment of the support structure; and a second rotor assembly support region being substantially axially located below the upper axial boundary of the upper segment of the support structure. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a conventional rotary preheater;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a prior art rotary preheater installed in a prior art structural support frame, shown without a piping system;

[0030] Figure 3 yes Figure 2An exploded perspective view of the existing technical structural support frame, shown without the rotary preheater and piping system;

[0031] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger support structure of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4B This is a top axial view of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger support structure of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 5A yes Figure 4A A perspective view of the support structure of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger, shown in a cross-sectional view with the rotor mounted in the middle;

[0034] Figure 5B yes Figure 4A A perspective view of the support structure of a rotary regenerative heat exchanger, shown in cross-section with the rotor mounted in the middle and the upper and lower rings constructed from modular sections;

[0035] Figure 6A It is across Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of the support structure and rotor of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger, taken from section 6-6;

[0036] Figure 6B Is it like this? Figure 6A The cross-sectional view of the upper bearing structure shown;

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 4A Detail 7: Enlarged perspective view of the upper hub portion of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger support structure;

[0038] Figure 8A yes Figure 7 An enlarged perspective view of the upper hub portion of the support structure for the rotary regenerative heat exchanger;

[0039] Figure 8B yes Figure 5A An enlarged exploded view of the lower hub portion of the support structure for the rotary regenerative heat exchanger;

[0040] Figure 9A is Figures 4A to 4B A perspective view of one of the spokes in the support structure of a rotary regenerative heat exchanger;

[0041] Figure 9B is Figures 4A to 4B A perspective view of one of the peripheral support rings in the peripheral support rings of the rotating regenerative heat exchanger support structure;

[0042] Figure 9C is Figures 4A to 4B A perspective view of one of the peripheral support rings in the peripheral support rings of the rotating regenerative heat exchanger support structure;

[0043] Figure 9D yes Figures 4A to 4B A perspective view of one of the peripheral support rings in the peripheral support rings of the rotating regenerative heat exchanger support structure;

[0044] Figure 10 This is a front view of the thrust bearing base of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger support structure in detail 10 of Figure 5.

[0045] Figure 11 yes Figure 4A A magnified perspective view of a portion of the upper ring in detail 11; and

[0046] Figure 12 yes Figure 5A A perspective view of a regenerating heat exchanger, shown as having pipes attached to the regenerating heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0047] like Figure 4A As shown, rotary regeneration heat exchanger 1 (see Figure 5A The support structure of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger 1 is typically specified by the number 10. Support structure 10 is used to house the rotor assembly 90 of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger 1 (see [reference]). Figure 5A ) and for providing structural support and for installation into the base and piping system ( Figure 12 The exoskeleton of the piping system shown herein. The support structure 10 consists of an upper section 10U and a lower section 10L, which are axially spaced apart from each other along and concentric with the central axis A, thereby defining an annular space S1 between the upper section 10U and the lower section 10L. The annular space S1 is configured to receive a compartment 92 of the rotor assembly 90, as referenced herein. Figure 5A As stated above.

[0048] like Figure 4AAs shown, the central axis A represents the vertical direction, therefore the terms "upper" and "lower" are used in a relative manner to distinguish the components of the upper section 10U from those of the lower section 10L. Thus, the upper section 10U and the lower section 10L are shown oriented in a horizontal plane. However, the invention is not limited in this respect, as the support structure 10 can be adopted in any orientation (including, but not limited to, tilt angle configurations, horizontal central axis configurations, and vertical configurations). The support structure 10 is practical for supporting a regenerative heat exchanger used in CO2 capture systems employing adsorption media, such as TSA systems including an adsorption step in which flue gas is fed as a feed stream into an adsorption bed located in the rotor 90 of a rotary regenerative heat exchanger. After the adsorption bed is occupied by CO2, the bed rotates to the regeneration zone of the rotary regenerative heat exchanger, where low-pressure steam is used to release CO2 from the adsorbent and produce a product stream of water vapor and CO2. The final step before repeating the cycle includes introducing ambient air to cool the adsorbent to the optimal temperature for CO2 adsorption in the adsorption step. Figure 12 As shown, the support structure 10 of the present invention provides access to the rotary regenerative heat exchanger required in the TSA system and is configured to receive a plurality of pipes 444, including a flue gas inlet pipe, a flue gas outlet pipe, a CO2 product stream outlet pipe, a steam inlet pipe, a cooling air inlet pipe, and a cooling air outlet pipe. The pipes 444 are fixed and (e.g., using gaskets) sealed to two adjacent spokes (i.e., two of 60A to 60N). Figure 12 As shown, when the conduit 444 is constructed onto the upper ring 20, the corresponding conduit is constructed onto the lower ring 30 and sealed in a fixed manner (e.g., using gaskets) to two adjacent spokes (two of 65A to 65N). Although the support structure 10 is shown and described for supporting a regenerative heat exchanger used in a CO2 capture system employing an adsorption medium, the invention is not limited in this respect, as the support structure 10 can also be used in other applications, such as, but not limited to, air preheaters in fossil fuel power plants.

[0049] like Figure 4AAs shown, the upper section 10U is constructed of an upper ring 20 having a first outer surface 22. In one embodiment, the first outer surface 22 is upright (i.e., vertical). In one embodiment, the reference line R1 for the axial orientation of the first outer surface 22 is parallel to the central axis A. The upper section 10U also includes an upper hub 40 and a plurality (e.g., fourteen) upper spokes 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60F, 60G, 60H, 60I, 60J, 60K, 60L, 60M, and 60N, each extending between the upper ring (20) and the upper hub (40) and fixed to the upper ring and the upper hub. The upper hub 40 and a plurality of (e.g., fourteen) upper spokes 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60F, 60G, 60H, 60I, 60J, 60K, 60L, 60M, and 60N) support the position and weight of the upper ring (20). Although fourteen upper spokes are shown and described, the invention is not limited in this respect, as at least three upper spokes may be used. Upper spokes 60A to 60N extend a certain length between their inner and outer ends. The inner end of each upper spoke 60A to 60N is secured to the upper hub 40 by a suitable means (such as welding and the use of mechanical fasteners such as bolts, flanges, and sleeves). The outer end of each upper spoke 60A to 60N is secured to the upper ring 20 by a suitable means (such as welding and the use of mechanical fasteners such as bolts, flanges, and sleeves). See now Figure 4B The upper spokes 60A to 60N define a free flow (FA) region between the spokes. Since there is no central horizontal support assembly 164 to obstruct the flow, the total area within the support structure 10 can be defined by the following equation I:

[0050] (Formula I)

[0051] Where FA is the free-flowing region not obstructed by the upper spokes 60A to 60N and the upper hub 40, and XA is the obstructed region defined by Equation II:

[0052] (Formula II)

[0053] SA is the region occupied by the upper spokes 60A to 60N, and HA is the hub region. Therefore, the total free-flow region is thus defined by Equation III:

[0054] (Formula III)

[0055] The ratio of the unblocked region ∑FA to the blocked region ∑SA (i.e. The ratio is between approximately 5 to 1 and approximately 25 to 1.

[0056] See you again Figure 4AIn one embodiment, the upper ring 20, upper hub 40, and upper spokes 60A to 60N intersect a common plane parallel to the axial surfaces of the upper ring 20, upper hub 40, and upper spokes 60A to 60N. In one embodiment, the upper ring 20, upper hub 40, and upper spokes 60A to 60N have substantially equal axial thicknesses T1. In one embodiment, the upper ring 20, upper hub 40, and upper spokes 60A to 60N have different axial thicknesses T1. In one embodiment, the upper ring 20, upper hub 40, and upper spokes 60A to 60N are coplanar.

[0057] See still Figure 4A The lower section 10L consists of a lower ring 30 having a second outer surface 32, a lower hub 50, and a plurality (e.g., fourteen) lower spokes (only ten shown are 65C, 65D, 65E, 65F, 65G, 65H, 65I, 65L, 65M, and 65N) extending between the lower ring 30 and the lower hub 50 and fixed to the lower ring and the lower hub, and axially and radially aligned with the upper spokes 60A to 60N. The lower hub 50 and the plurality (e.g., fourteen) lower spokes (only ten shown are 65C, 65D, 65E, 65F, 65G, 65H, 65I, 65L, 65M, and 65N) support the position and weight of the lower ring 30. Although fourteen lower spokes are described, the invention is not limited in this respect, as at least three lower spokes may be used or another support structure (such as a gusset configuration) may be used. Lower spokes 65A to 65N extend a certain length between their inner and outer ends. The inner end of each lower spoke 65A to 65N is secured to the lower hub 50 by a suitable means (such as welding and the use of mechanical fasteners such as bolts, flanges, and sleeves). The outer end of each lower spoke 65A to 65N is secured to the lower ring 30 by a suitable means (such as welding and the use of mechanical fasteners such as bolts, flanges, and sleeves). Although the lower hub 50 and a plurality of (e.g., fourteen) lower spokes (only ten shown are 65C, 65D, 65E, 65F, 65G, 65H, 65I, 65L, 65M, and 65N) are described as supporting the lower ring 30, the invention is not limited thereto, as the lower ring 30 may be supported by other support configurations (including, but not limited to, struts or integral structures supporting the lower ring 30 to a base). In one embodiment, the lower ring 30, lower hub 50, and lower spokes 65A to 65N intersect a common plane parallel to the axial surfaces of the lower ring 30, lower hub 50, and lower spokes 65A to 65N. In one embodiment, the lower ring 30, lower hub 50, and lower spokes 65A to 65N have substantially equal axial thicknesses T2. In one embodiment, the lower ring 30, lower hub 50, and lower spokes 65A to 65N have different axial thicknesses T2. In one embodiment, the lower ring 30, lower hub 50, and lower spokes 65A to 65N are coplanar. The axial thicknesses T1 of the upper ring and T2 of the lower ring are substantially equal.

[0058] The lower section 10L is spaced S1 from the upper section 10U. Multiple support members 70 are securely fixed to space the upper ring 20 from the lower ring 30. In one embodiment, the support members 70 are directly and securely fixed to the upper ring 20 and the lower ring 30, as referenced herein. Figure 4A As described herein. In one embodiment, the support member 70 is indirectly and securely fixed to the upper ring 20 and the lower ring 30, as referenced herein. Figure 11 In one embodiment, the support member 70 is parallel to the central axis A. In one embodiment, the support member 70 is oriented in an upright (i.e., vertical) position; however, the invention is not limited in this respect, as the support member 70 may be oriented at an angle relative to the central axis A, angled and parallel to the central axis, or horizontally when the central axis A is horizontal. In one embodiment, the upper ring 20 and the lower ring 30 are coaxially aligned along the central axis A. In one embodiment, the upper ring 20 and the lower ring 30 have substantially equal inner diameters D1 and D2, as described above. Figure 4A As shown. In one embodiment, the upper ring 20 and the lower ring 30 have substantially equal outer diameters D3 and D4, as shown. Figure 4A As shown. Each of the plurality of support members 70 is a strut. Although each of the support members 70 is described as a strut, the invention is not limited thereto, as each of the support members may be a rod, beam, or channel, a combination thereof, or some support members may be struts and others may be rods, beams, or channels.

[0059] See now Figure 6A Including the thickness T1 of the upper ring 20 and the thickness T2 of the lower ring 30, the total axial thickness of the support structure 10 at the outer diameters D3 and D4 is defined as T3. The ratio of thickness T3 to space S1 is between 1:approximately 2 and 3:approximately 2. The ratio of space S1 to ring thickness (e.g., the axial thickness T1 of the upper ring or the axial thickness T2 of the lower ring) is between approximately 1:1 and approximately 3:1. The ratio of outer diameters D3 and D4 to axial thickness T3 is between approximately 3:1 and approximately 7:1.

[0060] See you again Figure 4AEach of the plurality of support members 70 extends over and is secured (e.g., by welding, brazing, or direct fastening using mechanical fasteners) to the first outer surface 22 of the upper ring 20 and the second outer surface 32 of the lower ring 30. While the support members 70 are shown and described as being secured to the first outer surface 22 and the second outer surface 32, the invention is not limited in this respect, as one or more of the support members 70 may be secured to the inner surface of the upper ring 20 and / or the inner surface of the lower ring 30; one or more of the support members 70 may be secured between the first outer surface 22 and the inner surface of the upper ring 20; and / or one or more of the support members 70 may be secured between the second outer surface 32 and the inner surface of the lower ring 30.

[0061] In some implementations, multiple support members 70 are indirectly fixed to the upper ring 20 and the lower ring 30. For example... Figure 11 As best shown, for example, the upper ring 20 includes an upper radial opening 24 extending through the junction of a corresponding upper spoke 60A to 60N and the upper ring 20. Each upper spoke 60A to 60N has two upper extensions (e.g., tabs) 62A, 62B extending from that upper spoke. Each of the upper extensions 62A, 62B extends through a corresponding upper radial opening 24. The lower ring 30 includes a lower radial opening 34 extending through the junction of a corresponding lower spoke 65A to 65N and the lower ring 30. Each lower spoke 65A to 65N has two lower extensions (e.g., tabs) 62C, 62D extending from that lower spoke. Each of the lower extensions 62C, 62D extends through a corresponding lower radial opening 34. For example, Figure 11 A support member of the support member 70 is shown, which is directly fixed to the upper / lower extension members 62B / 62D (e.g., via welding or via mechanical fasteners), thereby indirectly fixing the support member 70 to the upper ring 20 and the lower ring 30.

[0062] While it is desirable to attach the support member 70 to the respective upper ring 20 and lower ring 30 through which the extensions 62A and 62B extend, for example, by welding to various extensions 62A, 62B, it should be understood that, in embodiments not shown, these extensions 62A, 62B may function to hold or capture the upper ring 20 and lower ring 30 in a predetermined fixed spatial position, through which the extensions 62A and 62B extend to define the circular geometry of the upper ring 20 and lower ring 30.

[0063] like Figure 5BAs shown, the upper ring 20 is prefabricated in modular radial segments (e.g., MS1, MS2, and MS3), which are presented to... Figure 11 The appropriate spoke extensions 62A and 62B are shown. Radial segment MS1 extends between upper spokes 60D and 60C. Radial segment MS2 extends between upper spokes 60A and 60N. Radial segment MS3 includes upper spokes 60N and 60M. The upper ring 20 can be manufactured without spokes 60A to 60N or with any combination of radial segments including one or more spokes 60A to 60N. The lower ring 30 can be prefabricated similarly to the upper ring 20 using any number of radial segments (such as radial segment MS4 extending between lower spokes 65H and 65I).

[0064] like Figure 5B As shown, the radial segments MS1, MS2, and MS3 of the upper ring 20 are welded or otherwise attached to the corresponding adjacent radial segments to create a complete ring (i.e., the upper ring 20), which has an inner circumference defined by the relevant lengths of the corresponding upper spokes 60A to 60N and / or lower spokes 65A to 65N, and a height defined by the length of each of the plurality of support members 70 (i.e., the axial spacing between the upper ring 20 and the lower ring 30), as referenced herein. Figure 4A The radial sections of the lower ring 30 are welded or otherwise attached to each other to create a complete ring (i.e., lower ring 30) having an inner circumference defined by the relevant lengths of the respective upper spokes 60A to 60N and / or lower spokes 65A to 65N, and a height defined by the length of each of the plurality of support members 70 (i.e., the axial spacing between the upper ring 20 and the lower ring 30), as referenced herein. Figure 4A As stated above.

[0065] Although the upper ring 20 is shown and described as having upper extensions 62A, 62B extending through the upper radial opening 24, the invention is not limited in this respect, as other configurations for securing the upper spokes 60A to 60N to the upper ring 20 may be employed, including: upper extensions 62A, 62B of the respective upper spokes 60A to 60N partially extending into the respective upper radial opening 24; upper extensions 62A, 62B of the respective upper spokes 60A to 60N secured to the inner surface of the upper ring 20; no upper extensions 62A, 62B, but the respective upper spokes 60A to 60N extending into the respective upper radial opening 24; and no upper extensions 62A, 62B, but the respective upper spokes 60A to 60N directly secured to the upper ring 20 in a predetermined position (such as on or attached to the lip or adjacent surface of the upper ring 20).

[0066] Although the lower ring 30 is shown and described as having lower extensions 62C, 62D extending through the lower radial opening 34, the invention is not limited in this respect, as other configurations for securing the lower spokes 65A to 65N to the lower ring 30 may be employed, including lower extensions 62C, 62D of the respective lower spokes 65A to 65N partially extending into the respective lower radial opening 34; lower extensions 62CA, 62D of the respective lower spokes 65A to 65N secured to the inner surface of the lower ring 30; no lower extensions 62C, 62D, but the respective lower spokes 65A to 65N extending into the respective lower radial opening 34; and no lower extensions 62C, 62D, but the respective lower spokes 65A to 65N directly secured to the lower ring 30 in a predetermined position (such as on or attached to the lip or adjacent surface of the lower ring 30).

[0067] like Figure 4A As shown, multiple support members 70 are fixed to upper extensions 62A, 62B and lower extensions 62C, 62D. In one embodiment, a pair of support members 70 are fixed to the upper ring 20 at the junction of each spoke 60A to 60N with the upper ring 20; and fixed to the lower ring 30 at the junction of each spoke 65A to 65N with the lower ring 30. In one embodiment, one support member 70 is fixed to the upper extension 62A and the lower extension 62C, and another support member 70 is fixed to the upper extension 62B and the lower extension 62D. In one embodiment, the support members 70 are welded to the respective upper extensions 62A, 62B and lower extensions 62C, 62D. The support members 70 extend between the upper ring 20 and the lower ring 30 and space the upper ring from the lower ring. Thus, the support members 70 maintain and bear the weight of the upper ring 20 and transfer the weight load of the upper ring 20 to the lower ring 30. Support members 70 are configured to support the weight of the upper spokes 60A to 60N, the upper ring 20, and the upper hub 40 and to transfer that weight to the lower section 10L. In one embodiment, the support members 70 are substantially parallel to each other and aligned parallel to the central axis A. In one embodiment, the support members 70 are configured to be vertically oriented.

[0068] As shown in Figures 9B and 9C, and Figure 9D As shown, the upper ring 20 and / or the lower ring 30 have a box-shaped cross-section. Figure 9D ), radially inward-opening C-shaped cross section (Fig. 9C) and radially outward-opening C-shaped cross section (Fig. 9B).

[0069] As shown in Figure 9A, one or more of the upper spokes 60A to 60N and the lower spokes 65A to 65N have a box-shaped cross-section and a radially outwardly expanding conical top profile.

[0070] like Figure 7and Figure 8A As shown, the upper hub 40 includes an upper hub body 42 (e.g., a hollow cylindrical shell) having upper gusset patterns 45A, 45B, 46A, 46B attached therein, and wherein a first central opening 47 extends through the upper gusset patterns. In one embodiment, the upper gusset patterns 45A, 45B, 46A, 46B comprise a cross-shaped arrangement of plates attached (e.g., welded) to each other and to the inner surface 42A of the upper hub body 42. The upper hub 40 includes an upper support pad 44 extending over the upper hub body 42 and attached (e.g., welded to an upper axial end 42B) to the upper hub body. The upper support pad 44 has a second central opening 48 extending through it. In one embodiment, the upper support pad 44 is not fixed to the upper gusset plate patterns 45A, 45B, 46A, 46B, and therefore allows the upper support plate 44 to flex relative to the upper hub body 42 when a load is applied to the upper support plate (e.g., torsional, axial, radial, and misaligned loads transmitted via the upper bearing 43). Figure 8A In the illustrated embodiment, and to facilitate such deflection as indicated by dashed line 44F, the upper support pad 44 is provided with deflection-promoting features in the form of exemplary cutouts 44H (e.g., four holes are shown) forming four spokes 44A, 44B, 44C, and 44D, which generally coexist with adjacent parallel portions of the members of the upper gusset patterns 45A, 45B, 46A, and 46B to be vertically supported by these portions. The second support pad 44' can be fixed to the lower axial end 42C of the upper hub body 42, as shown... Figure 6A and Figure 8A As shown. When present, the second support pad 44' provides a structural web that can be rigidly attached to both the lower axial end 42C and the lower ends of individual members of the upper gusset patterns 45A, 45B, 46A, 46B. The outer diameter D5 of the upper hub 40 ( Figure 7 D5 (shown) and the inner diameter D1 of the upper ring 20 ( Figure 4A The ratio of D1 shown is between 1:about 5.5 and 1:about 6.5. Although the upper support pad 44 is shown and described as having holes 44H and spokes 44A to 44D, the invention is not limited in this respect, as the upper support pad 44 may have more holes and spokes or may be solid. The second support pad 44' may be constructed similarly to the first support pad 44 and may be constructed as having holes and spokes or as a solid configuration without holes or spokes. Although the flexural enhancement feature of the upper support pad 44 is shown and described as having holes 44H and spokes 44A to 44D, the invention is not limited in this respect, as the flexural enhancement feature may have other configurations, including but not limited to slits extending partially or completely through the upper support pad 44, variations and uneven thickness of the upper support pad 44, and support pad assemblies formed of two or more individual pieces.

[0071] like Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the upper bearing 43 (e.g., a radial bearing) is disposed in the first rotor assembly support region 299U, which is located in the first central opening 47 and can be accessed through the second central opening 48. The upper bearing 43 and the first rotor assembly support region 299U are radially inwardly positioned along the direction of arrow R20 of the peripheral circumferential boundary 10P of the support structure 10. The upper bearing 43 and the first rotor assembly support region 299U are axially positioned below the upper axial boundary 10Q of the upper segment 10U of the support structure 10 along the direction of arrow R21 of the support structure 10P, thus eliminating the obstruction to the upper section 10U of the support structure 10. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The prior art rotary exchange requires bulky central horizontal support assemblies 164U, 164L. The upper bearing 43 includes an inner ring 43A and an outer ring 43B. The inner ring 43A and outer ring 43B are concentric with each other and with a column assembly 80 extending through the inner ring 43A and through a first central opening and secured to the inner ring 43A (e.g., welded, bolted, or coupled to the inner ring). Thus, the shaft 80U rotates together with the inner ring 43A. Each of the inner ring 43A and outer ring 43B includes a raceway 43R extending circumferentially around the ring. A plurality of rolling elements 43E are arranged between the inner ring 43A and outer ring 43B in a rolling engagement with the raceway 43R. The outer ring 43B is fixedly connected to upper gusset patterns 45A, 45B, 46A, 46B and an upper support pad 44, as described herein. A locking ring 41 is secured (e.g., welded, bolted, or coupled) to upper gusset patterns 45A, 45B, 46A, 46B and upper support pad 44. In one embodiment, the locking ring 41 is secured to the upper support pad 44 at a first central opening 47. In one embodiment, the locking ring 41 is also secured to a supplementary upper support pad 44'. The locking ring 41 includes a lip 41L to support an upper bearing 43 between the first central opening 47 and a second central opening 48. The lip 41L includes an axial surface 41F that engages an outer ring 43B from below. A locking sleeve 43L secures the outer ring 43B to the locking ring 41. The locking sleeve 43L is positioned to define a bearing support recess 43P axially disposed between the locking sleeve 43L and the lip 41L. The locking sleeve 43L is secured (e.g., fastened) to the upper support pad 44. The upper bearing 43 is positioned within the bearing support recess 43P, wherein axial movement of the upper bearing 43 is substantially prevented by engaging with the locking sleeve 43L and the lip 41L.

[0072] A removable top cover 49 is positioned above the upper bearing 43, above the first central opening 48, and connected to the support pad 44. The removable top cover 49 includes a cylindrical body portion 49B having a top 49T, and has openings 49P or more openings to allow communication between the environment and the upper bearing 43 without removing the removable top cover 49. The removable top cover 49 can also be displaced (e.g., removed) to allow access to the second central opening 48 for maintenance (e.g., lubrication) and / or replacement of the upper bearing 43. A lug 80U extends through the inner ring 43A to the column assembly 80. The lug 80U includes an end 80A that is secured to (e.g., welded, bolted, or coupled to) a surface 80Y of the column assembly 80.

[0073] like Figure 7 and Figure 8B As shown, the lower hub 50 includes a lower hub body 52 (e.g., a hollow cylindrical shell) having lower gusset patterns 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B attached therein and a third central opening 57 extending through the lower gusset patterns. In one embodiment, the lower gusset patterns 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B comprise a cross-shaped arrangement of plates attached (e.g., welded) to each other and to the inner surface 52A of the lower hub body 52. ​​The lower hub 50 includes a lower support pad 54 extending over the lower hub body 52 and attached (e.g., welded) to the upper axial end 52B of the lower hub body. The lower support pad 54 has a fourth central opening 58 extending through it. In one embodiment, the lower support pad 54 is not fixed to the lower corner gusset patterns 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B, and therefore allows the lower support plate 54 to flex relative to the lower hub body 52 when a load is applied to the lower support plate. Figure 8BIn one embodiment shown, and to facilitate such deflection, the lower support pad 54 is provided with deflection-enhancing features in the form of exemplary cutouts 54H (e.g., four holes are shown) forming four spokes 54A, 54B, 54C, and 54D, which generally coexist with adjacent parallel portions of the members of the upper gusset patterns 55A, 55B, 56A, and 56B to be vertically supported by these portions. In one embodiment, the lower support pad 54 is securely fixed (e.g., welded) to the lower gusset patterns 55A, 55B, 56A, and 56B, and thus provides stiffness to the lower hub body 52 when a load is applied to the lower support pad. A second support pad 54' may be securely fixed to the lower axial end 52C of the lower hub body 52 to add additional stiffness to the lower hub body 52 and provide a receiving area 298A for the strut 254A or other support members. Although the lower support pad 54 is shown and described as having holes 54H and spokes 54A to 54D, the invention is not limited in this respect, as the lower support pad 54 may have more holes and spokes or may be solid. The second support pad 54' may be constructed similarly to the lower support pad 54 and may be constructed with holes and spokes or be a solid configuration without holes or spokes. Although the flexural enhancement features in the lower support pad 54 are shown and described with holes 54H and spokes 54A to 54D, the invention is not limited in this respect, as the flexural enhancement features may have other configurations, including but not limited to slits extending partially or completely through the lower support pad 54, variations and uneven thickness of the lower support pad 54, and support pad assemblies formed of two or more individual pieces. Lower hub 50 outer diameter D6 ( Figure 7 D6 (shown) and the inner diameter D2 of the lower ring 30 ( Figure 4A The ratio of D2 shown is between 1 to approximately 5.5 and 1 to approximately 6.5.

[0074] like Figure 6A and Figure 10As shown, the lower bearing support 254 has a top portion 254T and a bottom portion 254K. A lower hub 50 (e.g., a second support 54') is mounted on and secured to (e.g., by welding, bolting, or coupling) a plurality of support struts 254A (e.g., four struts are shown), which are mounted on and secured to (e.g., by welding, bolting, or coupling) the top portion of the lower bearing support 254. A shaft or rotor column 80L extends through the lower hub 50 (i.e., through the third central opening 57 in the lower gusset patterns 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B; through the fourth central opening 58 in the lower support pad 54; and another opening in the second support pad 54') and through an opening 59Z in the lower bearing housing 59. The lower bearing housing 59 includes a sidewall 59Y and a cover 59X having an opening 59Z in the middle. The lower bearing housing 59 contains and protects the thrust bearing 256 from debris and contamination. The lower bearing housing 59 is housed in a second rotor assembly support region 299L, which is positioned below the lower hub 50 (i.e., below the third central opening 57 in the lower gusset patterns 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B) and secured to (e.g., welded, bolted, or coupled to) the lower bearing support 254. The shaft 80L includes an end portion 80B secured to (e.g., welded, bolted, or coupled to) the surface 80Z of the column assembly 80, allowing the shaft 80L to rotate together with the column assembly 80 and the lug 80U. The lower bearing support 254 includes a support body 254B extending around the lower bearing support, such as a square or cylindrical support body 254B.

[0075] like Figure 6A and Figure 10 As shown, the lower bearing housing 59 has a thrust bearing 256 mounted therein. The thrust bearing 256 includes an inner ring 256A, with an outer ring 256B extending circumferentially around the inner ring. The inner ring 256A and the outer ring 256B each include raceways 256R and 256R' extending circumferentially around the rings. A plurality of rolling elements 256E are disposed between the inner ring 256A and the outer ring 256B in a rolling engagement with the raceways 256R and 256R'. The inner ring 256A is fixed to (e.g., welded, bolted, or coupled to) the lower end 80C of the shaft 80L, such that rotation of the inner ring 256A causes rotation of the shaft 80L. The outer ring 256B is fixed to (e.g., welded, bolted, or coupled to) the top portion 254T of the lower bearing support 254 and is fixedly connected to the top portion.

[0076] Multiple support struts 254A connect the lower hub 50 to the lower bearing support 254 to distribute the weight of the support structure 10 around the thrust bearing 256 and maintain alignment of the thrust bearing 256 with the shaft 80L. Similarly, a base support system 254F is disposed at the bottom 254K of the lower bearing support 254 to distribute weight from the upper support structure 10, transfer the weight of the support structure to the base 254X, and maintain alignment between the thrust bearing 256 and the shaft 80L. For example, the base support system 254F includes a support pad 254P disposed between the bottom 254K and the horizontal support structure 254H. The support pad 254P engages with the bottom 254K of the lower bearing support 254 and the horizontal support structure 254H (e.g., a sliding engagement or a secure engagement). The base support system 254F also includes multiple struts 254G (e.g., four struts are shown) extending between the horizontal support structure 254H and the base 254X and securely fixing the horizontal support structure to the base. Without departing from the embodiments of this disclosure, additional axially and radially extending support structures (not shown) may be included. (1) Lower bearing support 254; (2) Base support system 254F; (3) Support pad 254P; (4) Lower bearing support 254; (5) Horizontal support structure 254H; and (6) Column 254P cooperates with the second rotor assembly receiving area 299L to rotatably support the rotor assembly 90 in the support structure 10. The second rotor assembly receiving area 299L is radially inwardly positioned along the direction of arrow R20 of the peripheral circumferential boundary 10P of the support structure 10P. The second rotor assembly support area 299L is axially positioned along the direction of arrow R21 of the support structure 10P below the upper axial boundary 10Q, below the upper section 10U, below the lower hub 50, and below the rotor 90.

[0077] like Figure 6A and Figure 10As shown, the lower ring 30, lower hub 50, and lower spokes 65A to 65N are provided with an axial support system 254F' to help support the weight of the support structure 10. For example, a horizontal support member 254M (e.g., a beam) extends radially from the lower hub 50 to the lower ring 30. An outer support pad 254R is disposed between the horizontal support member 254M and a receiving area 298R on the underside of the lower ring 30 and engages (e.g., a sliding or fixed engagement) the horizontal support member and the receiving area. An inner support pad 254R' is positioned radially inward from the outer support pad and is disposed between the horizontal support member 254M and a receiving area 298R' (e.g., a second support pad 54', the lower axial end 52C of the lower hub body 52, or lower gusset patterns 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B) on the underside of the lower hub 50 and engages (e.g., a sliding or fixed engagement) the horizontal support member and the receiving area. Horizontal support member 254M is fixed to base 254X in a fixed relationship via struts 254Q and 254Q'. In one embodiment, one or more (i.e., at least one) additional support receiving area 298Z is positioned on the underside of one or more (i.e., at least one) of the lower spokes 65A to 65N for receiving the support member mounted on base 254X. Figure 6A The structural support 254Z is shown by the dashed line. In one embodiment, receiving regions 298A, 298R, and / or 298R' are directly mounted on a base 254X configured to have a suitable height to engage the receiving regions 298A, 298R, and / or 298R'. Figure 6A As shown, the receiving areas 298A, 298R and / or 298R' are located radially inward along the direction of arrow R20 of the peripheral circumferential boundary 10P of the support structure 10.

[0078] Although the axial support system 254F' is shown and described with respect to one circumferential position relative to the support structure 10 (i.e., at the lower spoke 65A), the invention is not limited in this respect, as the axial support system 254F' can be used at more than one circumferential position, for example, positioned at two or more (e.g., at least two) circumferential positions, positioned at three or more (e.g., at least three) circumferential positions, or positioned at one or more or each of the upper spokes 60A to 60N and / or the lower spokes 65A to 65N and circumferentially aligned with and engaging one or more circumferential positions on one or more of the lower spokes 65A to 65N or the lower ring 30 and / or the lower hub 50.

[0079] like Figure 6AAs best shown, the following complete assembly includes: (1) lower bearing support 254; (2) base support system 254F; (3) support pad 254P; (4) lower bearing support 254; (5) horizontal support structure 254H; (6) strut 254P; (7) axial support system 254F'; (8) outer support pad 254R; (9) inner support pad 254R'; (10) horizontal support member 254M; and (11) struts 254Q, 254Q' are radially inwardly positioned from the peripheral circumferential boundary 10P of the support structure 10, as indicated by arrow R20. Therefore, by radially inwardly positioning from the peripheral circumferential boundary 10P of the support structure 10, this document refers to... Figure 6A The assembly of the aforementioned support structures eliminates the need for, as referenced herein, [other issues]. Figure 3 The problem of excessive space envelope associated with the prior art external support structure for installing the conventional preheater 100.

[0080] Although the assembly of the support structures is shown and described as including: (1) a lower bearing support 254; (2) a base support system 254F; (3) a support pad 254P; (4) a lower bearing support 254; (5) a horizontal support structure 254H; (6) a strut 254P; (7) an axial support system 254F'; (8) an outer support pad 254R; (9) an inner support pad and 254R'; (10) a horizontal support member 254M; and (11) struts 254Q, 254Q', the invention is not limited in this respect, as other support structure configurations radially inward from the peripheral circumferential boundary 10P of the support structure 10 may be employed, including but not limited to a single integral (e.g., monolithic) support structure.

[0081] See now Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 6A A support structure 10 supports a rotor assembly 90 rotatably mounted within the support structure. The rotor assembly 90 is sealed to upper spokes 60A to 60N using corresponding sealing assemblies 555, and to lower spokes 65A to 65N using corresponding sealing assemblies 555'. Each sealing assembly 555, 555' is mounted to its associated spokes 60A to 60N, 65A to 65N, wherein the associated sealing portion of the sealing assembly extends axially toward the rotor assembly 90, which can rotate below or above these sealing portions as appropriate. Figure 6A As shown in Figure 9A, the upper spokes 60A to 60N and the lower spokes 65A to 65N have holes 66H extending through the spokes. Each hole provides access to one of the proximal sealing actuators (not shown) of the respective sealing assemblies 555 and 555', and advantageously promotes weight reduction without compromising structural integrity. However, the holes 66H are sealed to prevent, for example, Figure 4BThe leakage between adjacent free-flow regions FA is shown. The rotor assembly 90 has radially extending compartments 92 that support heat transfer or reactant media 94, such as heat transfer sheets, heat transfer pads, heat transfer beads, adsorbents for CO2 capture such as mesh foams, granules, and structured adsorbents (e.g., parallel arrays of plate adsorbents, short diffusion path adsorbents, and plate adsorbents made from adsorbent powder). The media 94 are tightly stacked in a spaced-apart relationship within the radially extending media compartments 92 to form pathways between adjacent media 94. In one embodiment, the media 94 can be removed from and replaced within the radially extending compartments 92. Because the support structure 10 conforming to the embodiments of this disclosure does not require or include a bulky central horizontal support assembly 164, the media 94 is less obstructed, and pathways to the media 94 are increased. This increased pathway greatly increases the ease with which the media 94 is injected or placed in the media compartments 92 and subsequently maintained and replaced. During operation, air or gas flows through the pathways. The rotor assembly 90 is connected (e.g., welded or pinned) to the column assembly 80 at its inner edge 92E to rotate with the column assembly.

[0082] Re-reference Figure 6A In one embodiment, the support structure 10 for the rotary regenerative heat exchanger 1 includes an upper section 10U comprising an upper ring 20, an upper hub 40 having a first vertical outer surface 22, and three or more (i.e., at least three) upper spokes 60A, 60B, 60C, each extending between the upper ring 20 and the upper hub 40 and secured to the upper ring 20 and the upper hub 40 at a respective end of the spoke. The support structure 10 includes a lower section 10L that can be supported in use by an axial support system 254F' (i.e., outer support pads 254R and inner support pads 254R', both mounted on horizontal support members 254M, which are mounted on and supported by struts 254Q, 254Q'). The lower section 10L is spaced apart from the upper section 10U and is adapted to have a compartment 92 for housing a rotor assembly 90 between the two sections in use. This rotor assembly has an upper central rotor column 80U and a lower central rotor column 80L rotatably mounted within the support structure 10. The upper rotor column 80U is supported by an upper bearing 43 mounted to the support structure 10, and the lower rotor column 80L is supported by a lower thrust bearing 256. The support structure 10 includes a plurality of support members 70 (e.g., upright vertical support members), each of which directly ( Figure 4A ) or indirectly ( Figure 11 The upper ring 20 is securely fixed to the upper ring 20 and the lower section 10L, thereby separating the upper ring 20 from the lower ring 30 and the lower section 10L. At least one of the upper spokes 60A to 60N is fitted with a corresponding sealing assembly 555, 555' (see [reference]) during use. Figure 6A The upper hub 40 supports the upper bearing 43, such that the upper spokes 60A, 60B, 60C, the upper hub 40 and the upright support member 70 cooperate to provide rigidity to the support structure 10, which is adapted to transfer axial and / or torsional loads from the upper bearing and / or sealing assembly to the lower section during use.

[0083] In one embodiment, the upper hub 40 includes an upper hub body 42 having: an upper support pad 44 extending over the upper hub body 42 and attached only at or near the axial periphery of the upper hub body 42 or the circumferential peripheral wall of the upper hub body 42; and a second central opening 48 extending through the upper support pad 44, wherein, in use, an upper rotor column extends through a first central opening 47 to enter an upper bearing 43, which is fixed to and located below the upper support pad 44, wherein, in use, the support pad 44 facilitates flexure of the support pad when an axial load is transferred from the upper bearing 43 to the attached outer periphery of the support pad.

[0084] In one embodiment, the axial inner ends of the upper spokes 60A, 60B, 60 are rigidly attached to the axial periphery of the upper hub body 40 and / or to portions of the upper gusset patterns 45A, 45B, 46A, 46B.

[0085] In one embodiment, the lower hub 50 includes a lower hub body 52 (e.g., a hollow cylindrical body) and has lower gusset patterns 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B attached therein, wherein a third central opening 57 extends through the lower gusset patterns and the axial inner ends of the lower spokes 65A, 65B, 65 are rigidly attached to the axial periphery of the lower hub body 52 and / or to portions of the lower gusset patterns 55A, 55B, 56A, 56B, and in use, the lower end of the rotor column extends through the third central opening 57 and is supported by a lower bearing housing 59 disposed below and away from the support structure 10.

[0086] While the invention has been disclosed and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it should be noted that other variations and modifications are possible, and the following claims are intended to cover variations and modifications within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A support structure (10) for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger (1), the support structure comprising: The upper section (10U) includes an upper ring (20) having a first outer surface (22), an upper hub (40) and at least three upper spokes (60A, 60B, 60C), each of the at least three upper spokes extending between the upper ring (20) and the upper hub (40) and fixed to the upper ring and the upper hub at a respective end of the upper spoke; The first rotor assembly support area (299U) is substantially axially positioned below the upper axial boundary (10Q) of the upper ring (20) and the upper spokes (60A, 60B, 60C) of the upper section (10U) of the support structure (10). Upper bearing (43), the upper bearing being disposed in the first rotor assembly support area (299U); The lower section (10L) is configured to be supported in use by a base mounting structure mounted on the base (254X), wherein the lower section (10L) is spaced apart from the upper section (10U); and Multiple support members (70), each of the multiple support members (70) being directly or indirectly and securely fixed to the upper ring (20) and the lower section (10L), thereby forming an annular space (S1) between the upper ring (20) and the lower section (10L), the annular space being configured as a compartment (92) for receiving the rotor assembly (90). The upper hub (40), the upper spokes (60A, 60B, 60C) and the support member (70) cooperate to provide stiffness to the support structure (10), such that the support member (70) cooperates to support the weight of the upper spokes (60A, 60B, 60C), the upper ring (20) and the upper hub (40) and to transfer the weight to the lower section (10L). At least one of the upper ring (20) and the lower section (10L) has an axial spacing defined by the length of each of the plurality of support members (70).

2. The support structure (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The lower section (10L) includes a lower ring (30) having a second outer surface (32), a lower hub (50), and at least three lower spokes (65A, 65B, 65C), each of the at least three lower spokes extending between the lower ring (30) and the lower hub (50) and being fixed to the lower ring (30) and the lower hub (50) at a respective end.

3. The support structure (10) according to claim 2, wherein, Multiple outer support pads and / or multiple inner support pads are disposed between the base mounting structure and the lower section (10L), the multiple outer support pads being disposed adjacent to the respective lower ends of one or more upright support members (70), and the multiple inner support pads being disposed below the axial inner end portions of one or more lower spokes (65A, 65B, 65C) and / or below the lower hub (50).

4. The support structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, At least one of the plurality of support members (70) includes a strut, rod, beam or channel.

5. The support structure (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The upper ring (20) includes at least one upper radial opening (24) extending through the upper ring, and an upper extension (62A, 62B) of at least one of the upper spokes (60A, 60B, 60C) extends through a corresponding upper radial opening in the upper radial opening (24).

6. The support structure (10) according to claim 5, wherein, The lower ring (30) includes at least one lower radial opening (34) extending through the lower ring, and the lower extension portion of at least one of the lower spokes (65A, 65B, 65C) extends through a corresponding lower radial opening (34).

7. The support structure (10) according to claim 6, wherein, At least one of the support members (70) is fixed to at least one of the upper extension (62A, 62B) and the lower extension.

8. The support structure (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, A pair of support members in the support member (70) are fixed to the upper ring (20) at the joint of each upper spoke (60A, 60B, 60C) with the upper ring (20), and are fixed to the lower ring (30) at the joint of each lower spoke (65A, 65B, 65C) with the lower ring (30).

9. The support structure (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, At least one of the upper ring (20) and the lower ring (30) has at least one of a box-shaped cross section, a radially inward-opening C-shaped cross section, and a radially outward-opening C-shaped cross section.

10. The support structure (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, At least one of the upper spokes (60A, 60B, 60C) and the lower spokes (65A, 65B, 65C) has at least one of a box-shaped cross-section and a radially outwardly expanding conical top profile.

11. The support structure (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The upper hub (40) includes an upper hub body (42) having an upper gusset pattern (45A, 45B, 46A, 46B) on the inner surface (42A) of the circumferential peripheral wall of the upper hub body, wherein a first central opening (47) extends through the upper gusset pattern.

12. The support structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The upper hub (40) includes an upper hub body (42) having an upper support pad (44) extending over the upper hub body of the upper hub (40) and attached only at or near the axial periphery of the upper hub body (42) or the circumferential peripheral wall of the upper hub body (42). and a second central opening (48) extending through the upper support pad (44), the upper support pad (44) having flexural promoting features (44H, 44A-44D) configured to cause the upper support pad (44) to flex in response to a load applied to the upper support pad.

13. The support structure (10) according to claim 11, wherein, The support structure (10) includes at least one of the following features: (a) The axial inner end of the upper spokes (60A, 60B, 60C) is rigidly attached to at least one of the following: The axial periphery of the upper hub body (42); and The portion of the upper corner support plate pattern (45A, 45B, 46A, 46B); and (b) The lower hub (50) includes a lower hub body (52) having lower gusset patterns (55A, 55B, 56A, 56B) attached therein, wherein a third central opening (57) extends through the lower gusset patterns, and the axially inner ends of the lower spokes (65A, 65B, 65C) are rigidly attached to at least one of the following: The axial periphery of the lower hub body (52); and A portion of the lower corner support plate pattern (55A, 55B, 56A, 56B).

14. The support structure (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The lower hub (50) includes a lower hub body (52) having: a lower support pad (54) extending over and attached to the lower hub body; And a fourth central opening (58) that extends through the lower support pad.

15. The support structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Each of the upper spokes (60A, 60B, 60C) of the upper ring (20) is adapted to have a sealing assembly mounted on the upper spoke, the sealing assembly operatively and intermittently sealing the rotor assembly (90) to the upper spoke during use.

16. The support structure (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, Each of the lower spokes (65A, 65B, 65C) of the lower ring (30) is adapted to have a sealing assembly mounted on the lower spoke, the sealing assembly operatively and intermittently sealing the rotor assembly (90) to the lower spoke during use.

17. The support structure (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The upper ring (20) has a first axial thickness (T1), and the lower ring (30) has a second axial thickness (T2), the combination of the first axial thickness (T1) and the second axial thickness (T2) including the total axial thickness (T3) of the support structure (10).

18. The support structure (10) according to claim 17, wherein, The support structure further includes a ratio between the total axial thickness (T3) and the annular space (S1) that is between 1:2 and 3:

2.

19. The support structure (10) according to claim 17, wherein, The support structure further includes a ratio between the annular space (S1) and one of the first axial thickness (T1) or the second axial thickness (T2) that is between 1:1 and 3:

1.

20. The support structure (10) according to claim 17, wherein, The upper ring (20) has a first outer diameter (D3), and the lower ring (30) has a second outer diameter (D4), wherein the first outer diameter (D3) is substantially equal to the second outer diameter (D4), and The ratio of the first outer diameter (D3) or the second outer diameter (D4) to the total axial thickness (T3) is between 3:1 and 7:

1.

21. A rotary regenerative heat exchanger (1), wherein, The rotary regenerative heat exchanger (1) includes: Support structure (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 20; Rotor assembly (90), which is rotatably mounted in the support structure (10); The support structure (10) mentioned above includes at least one of the following: (a) Base support receiving areas (298R, 298R', 298A), said base support receiving areas being configured to receive the base mounting structure, and substantially all of said base support receiving areas (298R, 298R', 298A) being located substantially radially inward of the peripheral circumferential boundary (10P) of said support structure (10); and (b) Second rotor assembly support area (299L), which is substantially axially positioned below the upper axial boundary (10Q) of the upper section (10U) of the support structure (10).

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