Cyclone for thermodynamic system

Abstract

The invention relates to a cyclone for a thermodynamic system for separating a solid material (S) from a mixture (M) of the solid material (S) and a gaseous substance (G). The swirler (120) includes a cylindrical body (122) having a central axis in a first direction (Sz), and an inlet channel (200). The swirler (120) is configured to discharge solid material (S) from the cylindrical body (122) in a first direction (Sz). The interior (239) of the inlet channel (200) tapers in a first direction (Sz) towards the bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200). Further, the swirler comprises a nozzle (220) disposed at the bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200), the nozzle (220) configured to feed a gas to the inlet channel (200) to enhance the flow of the solid material (S) at the bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200). The invention also discloses a thermodynamic system comprising the cyclone. The swirler is applied to enable the first direction to be downward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to thermal systems, such as pyrolysis reactors, gasification reactors, and boilers (including circulating fluidized bed boilers and bubbling fluidized bed boilers). The present invention relates to cyclones suitable for use in such systems. The present invention relates to cyclones suitable for separating solid material from a mixture of solid material and gaseous matter. Background Art

[0002] A cyclone is generally used to separate solid material from a mixture of solid material and gaseous matter. A cyclone can be used in a thermal system such as a circulating fluidized bed boiler. As an example, European patent EP1831604 discloses a circulating fluidized bed boiler in its FIG3, which mainly includes a furnace and a cyclone. The main points of the figure are reproduced in the specification. Figure 1 , includes a furnace 110 and a cyclone 120. The mixture M present in the furnace 110 enters the cyclone 120 through the inlet passage 200, and in the cyclone 120, both the solid material S and the gaseous substance G are separated from the mixture M. Generally speaking, the heavier solid (i.e., the solid material S) becomes concentrated on the wall of the cyclone 120 due to the centrifugal force and falls down due to the gravity, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 In contrast, the gaseous substance G may be discharged from the upper portion of the cyclone 120 .

[0003] It has been found that a heap 990 containing some solid material S generally accumulates on the bottom of the inlet channel 200, such as Figure 1 As shown. The deposit 990 has several disadvantages. First, in order to ensure the normal operation of the system, the deposit 990 needs to be removed from time to time. Removing the deposit 990 is a complicated task because the deposit 990 may be very large (several cubic meters) and extremely hot (hundreds of degrees Celsius) during use. Therefore, in order to remove the deposit 990, it needs to be cooled down, which may take several days. In addition, after cooling, the material of the deposit 990 may become a solid block sintered into one, which is difficult to remove. Secondly, the density of the solid material in the deposit 990 may be in the same order of magnitude as the density of sand, for example, about 2 tons / cubic meter. Assuming that the size of the deposit 990 may be several cubic meters, the weight of the deposit 990 needs to be taken into consideration when designing the system in order to withstand the increased system weight due to the formation of the deposit 990.

[0004] For at least these reasons, there is a need to reduce the tendency for deposits 990 to form in the inlet passage 200 of the cyclone 120, particularly in thermal systems. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present inventors have found that the tendency of the accumulation 990 to form in the inlet channel 200 of the cyclone 120 can be reduced by providing a nozzle 220 or a plurality of nozzles 220 at the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200, wherein the nozzle is configured to feed gas to the inlet channel 200 to enhance the flow of the solid material S at the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200. In addition, the shape of the inlet channel is designed to taper toward the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200, whereby the inlet channel collects the solid material to the nozzle 220.

[0006] The nozzles may be configured to blow air or other gases to enhance the flow of solids towards the interior of the cyclone.The bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 may be sloped to enhance the flow of solids towards the interior of the cyclone.

[0007] The invention and preferred embodiments are described herein in more specific terms. These and other embodiments are illustrated in the specification and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A circulating fluidized bed boiler of the prior art is shown.

[0009] Figure 2a A first embodiment of a cyclone is shown,

[0010] Figure 2b A second embodiment of a cyclone is shown,

[0011] Figure 2c A first embodiment of a cyclone is shown in detail and some directions,

[0012] Figure 3a shows a first cross section of an inlet channel of a cyclone according to a first embodiment,

[0013] Figure 3b shows a first cross section of an inlet channel of a cyclone according to a second embodiment,

[0014] Figure 4a Shown in more detail Figure 3a Some directions and measurements in

[0015] Figure 4b Shown in more detail Figure 3b Some directions and measurements in

[0016] Figure 5a and Figure 5b shows a cross section of an inlet channel of a cyclone according to an embodiment (eg, the first embodiment or the second embodiment), the cross section being perpendicular to the first cross section,

[0017] Figures 6a to 6c shows a cross section of an inlet channel of a cyclone according to an embodiment (eg, the first embodiment or the second embodiment), the cross section being perpendicular to the first cross section,

[0018] Figure 7a The first cross section of the inlet channel of the cyclone is shown, and the inlet channel is also provided with a nozzle on the wall, and is basically similar to Figure 3a A first embodiment of the invention,

[0019] Figure 7b The first cross section of the inlet channel of the cyclone is shown, and the inlet channel is also provided with a nozzle on the wall, and is basically similar to Figure 3b The second embodiment,

[0020] Figure 8 A cross section of an inlet passage of a cyclone according to an embodiment (eg, the first embodiment or the second embodiment) is shown, the cross section being perpendicular to the first cross section and at a more detailed angle,

[0021] Figures 9a to 9d shows a cross section of an inlet channel of a cyclone according to an embodiment, the wall of the inlet channel comprising heat transfer tubes covered with mortar,

[0022] Fig.10 shows a cross section of the cyclone including its inlet channel, the cross section being substantially horizontal,

[0023] Fig.11 A thermal system is shown, and the same gas (e.g. air) is fed to both the reactor (e.g. furnace) and the nozzles of the inlet channels of the cyclone, and

[0024] Fig.12 A thermodynamic system is shown and recirculation gas is fed to the nozzle of the inlet channel of the cyclone, where it has been separated from the mixture.

[0025] In the drawings, in typical applications, direction Sz is set downward; direction Sx is perpendicular to direction Sz, in typical applications, direction Sx is horizontal and basically parallel to the flow direction of mixture M in the inlet channel; and direction Sy is perpendicular to both directions Sx and Sz. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figures 2a to 10An embodiment of a cyclone 120 is shown. The cyclone 120 is suitable for separating a solid material S from a mixture M and is constructed as such. The mixture comprises both a solid material S and a gaseous substance G; thus, it is a mixture M of a solid material S and a gaseous substance G. The operating principle of a cyclone is cyclonic separation, which is well known to a person skilled in the art and can be read from textbooks.

[0027] refer to Figure 2a to Figure 2c The cyclone 120 includes a cylindrical body 122 having a central axis in a first direction Sz. In typical applications, the first direction Sz points in the same direction as gravity (i.e., downward). The term "cylindrical body 122" refers to a body having a substantially circular interior 123, even though the outer surface of the wall of the body 122 may have a different shape. The cyclone 120 includes an inlet channel 200. The inlet channel 200 is configured to allow the mixture M to enter the cylindrical body 122. In particular, the inlet channel 200 is configured to allow the mixture M to enter the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122. The inlet channel 200 has an inlet 201 for receiving the mixture M and an outlet 202 leading to the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122. The inlet 201 and the outlet 202 are at least Figures 5a to 6b is shown in .

[0028] The inlet channel 200 extends along the second direction Sx, which is perpendicular to the first direction Sz. In addition, the inlet channel 200 is configured to feed the mixture M into the cylindrical body 122 along a direction substantially parallel to the second direction Sx. More specifically, the inlet channel 200 is configured to feed the mixture M along the feeding direction (FD, see Fig.10 ) feeds the mixture M into the cylindrical body 122; and the normal projection (normal projection, positive axis projection) of the feeding direction FD on a plane having a normal line in the first direction Sz is parallel to the second direction Sx (see Fig.10 ). However, reference Figures 5a to 6b , the feeding direction FD may also have a component in a first direction Sz, as shown in the direction DT, in which the solid material may travel along the bottom 210. As described above, in one embodiment, the first direction Sz is vertically downward. Therefore, in this embodiment, the second direction Sx is parallel to the normal projection of the feeding direction FD, which is in a horizontal plane. In the above, the feeding direction refers to the average direction of the mixture M in the application, in which the mixture M flows from the inlet 201 to the outlet 202 in the inlet channel 200.

[0029] Accordingly, the outlet 202 is arranged at least in the second direction Sx relative to the inlet 201. In addition to being arranged in the positive second direction Sx, the outlet 202 can also be arranged, for example, below the inlet 201. In such embodiments, the outlet 202 can also be arranged in the first direction Sz relative to the inlet 201. More specifically, the outlet 202 is arranged in a direction relative to the inlet 201 that has a positive component in both the first direction Sz and the second direction Sx. As an example, the bottom 210 of the inlet channel can be inclined toward the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122 (see Figures 5a to 6b ), and the ceiling of the inlet channel 200 may be inclined in a similar manner to the bottom 210 (not shown).

[0030] In addition to the first direction Sz and the second direction Sx as described above, a third direction Sy is also defined, and the third direction is perpendicular to both the first direction Sz and the second direction Sx. Figure 2a ), these directions conform to the ordinary right-hand rule: Sz = Sx × Sy, where × represents the vector product of two directions (i.e., vectors) Sx and Sy.

[0031] For the purpose of reducing the tendency to form deposits 990, a nozzle 220 or a plurality of nozzles 220 have been disposed at the bottom of the inlet channel 200. Thus, the cyclone includes a nozzle 220 or a plurality of nozzles 220 disposed at the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200. The nozzle 220 is configured to feed gas to the inlet channel 200 to enhance the flow of the solid material S at the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200. Since air or other gas is fed to the inlet channel 200 through the nozzle 220, the flow of the solid material S is enhanced, thereby reducing the tendency to form deposits 990. Therefore, due to the fluidization effect provided by the gas fed via the nozzle 220, the solid material flows with the mixture M in the inlet channel 200 to the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122, rather than forming deposits 990.

[0032] However, for those areas that are not affected by the nozzle 220, one or more smaller deposits may still form on the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200. Therefore, the shape of the inlet channel 200 is designed so that the interior 239 of the inlet channel 200 tapers in the first direction Sz toward the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200. Therefore, the tapering shape of the inlet channel 200 forms a funnel that collects solid material to the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200, where the nozzle 220 is located, with reference to Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 3a and Figure 3b . refer to Figure 7a and Figure 7b , the shape does not need to taper over the entire height of the inlet channel; it does not even need to taper near the bottom 210. Figure 7a and Figure 7b As shown, the nozzle 220 may be disposed in a bottom channel defined by a wall including a substantially vertical portion. Figure 9a and Fig.9c , the outer surface of the inlet channel 200 does not need to gradually taper in the first direction Sz.

[0033] In this way, even if the solid material does not flow directly to the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122, it will fall due to gravity towards the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200, wherein the solid material will be in a fluidized state due to the gas fed by the (one or more) nozzles 220 and will be guided to the interior 123 at least along the bottom 210. Moreover, the tapering shape of the interior 239 of the inlet channel collects the solids to the (one or more) nozzles 220. As an example, Figure 5a and Figure 5b A direction DT in which solid material may travel along the bottom 210 is shown.

[0034] In order to enhance the collection of solid material at the bottom 210, the shape of the inlet channel 200 (particularly the shape of its interior 239) should taper reasonably sharply toward the bottom 210. At the same time, however, there are two other design factors to consider. First, the width measured at the level of the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 should not be too large to prevent the formation of one or more accumulations on the bottom 210 next to the nozzle 220. In addition, preferably, only the shape of the lower portion of the inlet channel 200 should taper toward the bottom 210. Conversely, the upper portion of the inlet channel 200 preferably has a substantially constant width. This is preferred from the perspective of the throughput of the inlet channel 200. However, referring to Figure 7a and Figure 7b , the lowermost portion of the inner portion 239 does not need to have a tapered shape.

[0035] For these reasons and with reference to Figure 3a and Figure 3b In one embodiment, the inlet passage 200 of the cyclone 120 includes walls 230, 231 that define the interior 239 of the inlet passage 200. The walls 230, 231 are designed to form a tapered shape as described above. Therefore, at least one of the walls 230, 231 (i.e., the first wall 231, Figure 3a and Figure 3bThe first wall 231 is shown with reference numeral "231" in the figure, extending from the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 such that the surface of the wall 231 facing the interior 239 is inclined. Therefore, at least a portion of the first wall 231 extends in an inclined manner. The wall 231 extends from the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 such that a first angle α between (i) a first normal N1 of at least a portion of the surface of the first wall 231 extending from the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 and (ii) a first direction Sz is 110 to 160 degrees. Here, the surface of the wall 231 refers to a surface defining the interior 239 of the inlet channel 200. Therefore, the first normal N1 faces the interior 239 of the inlet channel 200. In Figure 3a and Figure 3b The cross section of the inlet channel 200 is shown in FIG. Figure 2c The plane Px is shown in FIG. Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, in one embodiment, the inclined portion of the first wall 231 extends from the bottom 210. However, as shown in FIG. Figure 7a and Figure 7b As shown, in one embodiment, the inclined portion of the first wall 231 extends from a vertical portion that extends from the bottom 210 .

[0036] Therefore, if Figure 3a As shown, in one embodiment, where the first direction Sz is downward, the angle between the first normal N1 and the horizontal plane can be, for example, 20 to 70 degrees. The minimum value of this angle (and the first angle α) ensures that the solid material becomes collected at the bottom 210, while the maximum value of this angle (and the first angle α) ensures the appropriate width of the bottom and / or the appropriate height of the tapered portion of the inlet channel 200.

[0037] refer to Figure 3a In one embodiment, the inlet passage 200 includes two opposing walls 231, such that a first angle α between (i) a first normal line N1 of at least a portion of a surface of a first one of the two opposing walls 231 extending from the bottom 210 of the inlet passage 200 and (ii) a first direction Sz falls within the above limits; and an angle between (i) a normal line N1 of at least a portion of a surface of a second one of the two opposing walls 231 extending from the bottom 210 of the inlet passage 200 and (ii) the first direction Sz falls within the above limits. Figure 3aIn the illustrated embodiment, the bottom 210 of the inlet passage 200 may be substantially at the center of the inlet passage 200 in the third direction Sy. For example, the bottom 210 may be disposed in such a position that the width of the first portion of the inlet passage 200 (the first portion disposed on the first side of the bottom 210) is 75% to 125% of the width of the second portion of the inlet passage 200 (the second portion disposed on the second side of the bottom 210), the widths of the two portions being defined along the third direction Sy. Here, the first side and the second side of the bottom 210 are disposed on opposite sides of a centerline of the inlet passage 200, which is located at the center in the third direction Sy.

[0038] In this case, the two opposing walls 231 may be substantially symmetrical relative to the center plane of the inlet passage, such as Figure 7a However, Figure 3a and Figure 4a As shown, the two walls need not be symmetrical in this manner.

[0039] refer to Figure 3b In one embodiment, the inlet channel 200 includes only one such wall 231, so that the angle α between (i) a first normal N1 of at least a portion of the surface of the first of the two opposing walls 231 extending from the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 and (ii) the first direction Sz falls within the above limits. The opposing walls may, for example, be substantially vertical, such as Figure 3b shown.

[0040] The purpose of the inclination of the surface of the wall 231 is to guide the solid material to the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200. Regardless of the size of the first angle α, by providing one or more auxiliary nozzles 222 on the walls 230, 231 to further fluidize the solid material and enhance the material flow, the accumulation of solid material on the walls 230, 231 of the inlet channel 200 can be prevented or at least reduced. Therefore, in one embodiment, the cyclone 120 includes one or more auxiliary nozzles 222, which are provided on at least a portion of the wall having the first normal line N1. Figure 7a and Figure 7b200. Such an auxiliary nozzle 222 is shown in FIG. The auxiliary nozzle(s) 222 are configured to feed gas to the inlet channel 200 to enhance the flow of the solid material S in the inlet channel 200. In particular, the auxiliary nozzle(s) 222 are configured to feed gas to the inlet channel 200 to enhance the flow of the solid material S in the inlet channel 200 at a position of the inlet channel 200 where the shape of the inlet channel 200 tapers toward the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 in the first direction Sz. If the first angle α is selected from the lower limit of the above range, or even lower, then if the auxiliary nozzle 222 is not provided, the risk of solid material accumulating on the wall 231 increases.

[0041] Regarding the appropriate width of the bottom 210, Figure 4a and Figure 4b The width W210 of the bottom 210 is shown. Here, the width W210 is defined in the third direction Sy, as described above. Regarding the term "bottom", in one embodiment, the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 includes a portion having a second normal N2 facing the interior 239 of the inlet channel 200 and having no component in the third direction Sy. Here, the portion refers to a surface. Therefore, the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 includes a portion having a surface having a second normal N2 facing the interior 239 of the inlet channel 200 and having no component in the third direction Sy. Therefore, the surface of the portion can be horizontal or inclined toward the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122.

[0042] Regarding the statement that the second normal N2 has no component in the third direction Sy, as is well known, in a coordinate system, any vector (including a direction vector) can be represented by a combination of its components. In this case, the coordinate system is defined by its basis vectors (basis vectors), and any vector can be represented as a linear combination of basis vectors. In this way, any vector can be decomposed into its components. In this specification, the first, second and third directions (Sz, Sx and Sy) define a coordinate system. When the second normal N2 has no component in the third direction Sy, and the second normal N2 is decomposed into its components in the coordinate system defined by Sz, Sx, Sy, the component associated with Sy is zero. However, the bottom 210 of the entryway 200 does not need to include such a portion of the second normal N2 having an interior 239 facing the entryway 200 and having no component in the third direction Sy.

[0043] Likewise, when another direction (eg, DT) has a positive component in a specific direction that is one of the directions of basis vectors of the coordinate system (Sz, Sx, and Sy), the component associated with the specific direction is not zero but positive.

[0044] Regarding the width W210 of the bottom 210, in one embodiment, the width W210 of the bottom 210 (e.g., the width of the portion of the bottom 210 having the second normal line N2) is at most 50% of the width W239 of the inner portion 239 of the inlet channel 200. Here, the width W210 is defined in the third direction Sy. In addition, the width W239 of the inner portion 239 of the inlet channel 200 is defined in the third direction Sy. Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, the width W239 of the inner portion 239 of the inlet passage 200 refers to the width measured at the upper portion of the inlet passage 200. The width W239 of the inner portion 239 may be the maximum width of the inner portion 239 in the third direction Sy.

[0045] like Figure 3a and Figure 4b As shown, particularly when the width W210 of the bottom 210 is large (for example, close to or reaching 50% of the width W239 of the inner portion 239), it may be necessary to provide the bottom 210 with a plurality of nozzles 220, which are arranged side by side (in the third direction Sy), for example, to avoid the formation of deposits on one side of the nozzle 220.

[0046] In an embodiment, the width W210 of the bottom 210 is at most 35% of the width W239 of the interior 239 of the inlet channel 200. The width W210 of the bottom 210 may be at least 5% of the width W239 of the interior 239 of the inlet channel 200, for example.

[0047] refer to Figure 4a and Figure 4b In one embodiment, at least the outlet of the nozzle 220 is arranged above the bottom 210, for example, above the portion of the bottom 210 having the second normal N2. Therefore, in one embodiment, the nozzle 220 is arranged (or a plurality of nozzles 220 are arranged) on at least the portion of the bottom 210 having the second normal N2. Naturally, even if the swirler 120 includes (one or more) nozzles 220, the bottom 210 does not need to include such a portion of the surface having the second normal N2 defined above.

[0048] With regard to forming the walls 230 , 231 , preferably, the walls 230 , 231 include heat transfer tubes 242 for recovering heat from the inlet channel 200 . Figures 9a to 9d230 , 231 . However, the environment in the inlet channel 200 is harsh because the flowing solid material tends to corrode the walls 230 , 231 of the inlet channel 200 . Therefore, if the heat transfer tubes 242 are exposed to the flowing solid material in this way, they will be corroded quickly. To prevent corrosion, in one embodiment, the heat transfer tubes 242 of the walls 230 , 231 are covered by mortar 244 at least on the side facing the interior 239 of the inlet channel.

[0049] Therefore, in one embodiment, the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 includes the heat transfer tube 242 covered by the mortar 244. Furthermore, preferably, the wall 231 (at least a portion of which has the first normal line N1) includes the heat transfer tube 242 covered by the mortar 244.

[0050] The thickness of the mortar 244 need not be constant. As an example, Figure 9a and Figure 9b An embodiment is shown in which the bottom 210 is substantially located at the center of the inlet passage 200 in the third direction Sy. Figure 9a and Figure 9b In one embodiment, the walls 230, 231 include heat transfer tubes 242 covered by mortar 244, such that the mortar 244 is disposed at least between the interior 239 of the inlet channel and the heat transfer tubes 242 to protect the heat transfer tubes 242 from corrosion.

[0051] To reasonably prevent corrosion, the thickness of the mortar 244 on the heat transfer tubes 242 may be at least 20 mm, such as at least 40 mm.

[0052] like Figure 9a As shown, in one embodiment, the thickness of the mortar 244 is adjusted so that even if the longitudinal direction of the heat transfer tubes 242 contained in the wall 231 is parallel to the first direction Sz, an inclined surface of the wall 231 is formed. This is achieved by using a thick layer of mortar 244 near the bottom 210 of the inlet channel and conversely using a thinner layer of mortar 244 above the bottom 210.

[0053] like Figure 9b As shown, in one embodiment, the thickness of the mortar 244 can be substantially constant. Therefore, the inclined surface of the wall 231 is formed by the bending point of the heat transfer tube 242, such as Figure 9b As shown, the heat transfer tubes 242 are covered by using a mortar 244 of substantially constant thickness.

[0054] The contents described about the thickness of the mortar 244 are applicable to some embodiments in which the bottom 210 is disposed at one side of the inlet passage 200 along the third direction Sy, such as Fig.9c and Figure 9d For example, Fig.9cAs shown, even if the surface of the wall 231 is inclined, the heat transfer tubes 242 can extend along the first direction Sz (that is, these heat transfer tubes can have their longitudinal direction). As another example, Figure 9d As shown, the heat transfer tube 242 may include a bend so that the surface of the wall 231 is inclined even if the thickness of the mortar 244 is substantially constant.

[0055] refer to Figure 5a , Figure 5b , Figure 6a , Figure 6b , Figure 6c and Figure 8 , the bottom 210 may also be inclined toward the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122 of the cyclone 120. Thus, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom 210 of the inlet passage 200 is inclined such that material traveling along the bottom 210 toward the cylindrical body 122 travels in a direction DT having a positive component in the first direction Sz (and by definition, also a component in the second direction Sx). Thus, in typical applications and embodiments, the material travels toward the outlet 202 while at least slightly downward. The material traveling along the bottom 210 toward the cylindrical body 122 travels from the inlet 201 to the outlet 202 (see Figures 5a to 6b ).exist Figures 5a to 6b The cross section of the inlet channel 200 is shown in FIG. Figure 2c is shown in .

[0056] exist Figure 5a In the embodiment shown, the entire bottom 210 is inclined in the above-described manner. Therefore, the material traveling from the inlet 201 toward the cylindrical body 122 (i.e. toward the interior 123 thereof) also travels in the positive first direction Sz. Accordingly, the direction DT along which the material travels on the bottom 210 has a positive component in the first direction Sz. The above description about a vector being decomposed into its components in a coordinate system applies here.

[0057] exist Figure 5b In the illustrated embodiment, only the portion of the bottom 210 near the cylindrical body 122 is inclined in the above-described manner. However, the portion of the bottom 210 near the reactor 810 (e.g., the furnace 110) may be inclined in the opposite direction. Thus, materials on the reactor 810 side that tend to accumulate at the bottom 210 of the inlet channel fall back to the reactor 810 along the bottom 210.

[0058] For the inclination of the bottom 210, please refer to Figure 8Therefore, in one embodiment, the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 includes a portion having a third normal N3 facing the interior 239 of the inlet channel 200. The third normal N3 has a first component in the first direction Sz and a second component in the second direction Sx. The third normal N3 also has a component in the third direction Sy.

[0059] Because of the inclination of the bottom, the angle formed by the third normal line N3 with the positive second direction Sx is smaller than the angle formed with the negative second direction -Sx. Figure 8 , even though the angle formed with the positive second direction +Sx / the negative second direction −Sx is not shown in the figure.

[0060] Regarding the tilting, this type of tilting is not necessary since the solid material can be driven into the interior by the gas feed of the nozzle(s) 220 .

[0061] However, in one embodiment, the vector defined by the first component (of the third normal line N3) and the second component (of the third normal line N3) forms a second angle β of 135 to 180 degrees. Therefore, the angle of the surface of the bottom 210 relative to the horizontal plane may be 0 to 45 degrees. Figure 8 However, the bottom 210 may be at least slightly inclined. Thus, in one embodiment, the second angle β is 135 to 178 degrees. Thus, the angle of the surface of the bottom 210 relative to the horizontal plane may be 2 to 45 degrees. The second angle β is Figure 8 By means of this definition, a possible inclination of the bottom 210 in the third direction Sy is excluded by defining the second angle only according to the two components of the third normal N3 as defined above. For example, if the wall 231 of the inlet channel (see Figure 3a or Figure 7a ) extends to the bottom 210, so that these walls form a sharp V-shape with a width W210 that is substantially zero, then the inclination of the bottom 210 in the third direction Sy is also significant, but does not necessarily affect the guidance of the material toward the interior 123. For these reasons, the third component of the third normal N3 corresponding to the direction Sy is omitted from the above definition.

[0062] With regard to the inclination, the surface of the bottom portion 210 may be made of mortar, and the thickness of the mortar need not be constant. Thus, even if the bottom portion 210 is made of a tube covered with mortar, the tube itself may be arranged so that there is no inclination, or even some inclination, towards the inlet 201 of the surface defined by the tube itself. A thinner layer of mortar may then be applied closer to the outlet 202, and a thicker layer of mortar closer to the inlet 201, so that the inclination of the surface formed by the mortar falls within the above limits. The varying thickness of the mortar at the bottom portion 210 is not shown. However, the same principle may also apply with regard to Figures 9a to 9dThe bottom 210 of the wall is shown.

[0063] As described above, the purpose of the nozzle(s) 220 is to fluidize the solid material on the bottom 210 in order to improve the transfer of the solid material to the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122. Moreover, by arranging the bottom 210 in an inclined manner towards the interior 123 as described above, this transfer can be further improved.

[0064] In addition, if Figures 5a to 6c and Figure 8 As shown, one embodiment includes a plurality of nozzles 220 located at the bottom 210, and the plurality of nozzles 220 are continuously arranged at least in the second direction Sx. Regardless of the size of the second angle β (as mentioned above, the size of the second angle β in this embodiment can be, for example, 180 degrees or less), this applies. The plurality of nozzles 220 also contribute to fluidizing the solid material at the bottom 210 and substantially throughout the bottom 210. A plurality of nozzles 220 can also be arranged at different heights in the first direction Sz. The nozzles 220 do not need to guide the solid material, but can be oriented to guide the solid material toward the interior 123.

[0065] Thus, by orienting the (one or more nozzles 220) to move the solid material toward the interior 123, the flow of the material on the bottom 210 may be further enhanced by the (one or more) nozzles 220. For example, in one embodiment, the (one or more) nozzles 220 are configured to feed a gas (e.g., air) to a direction that forms an angle of at most 60 degrees (e.g., at most 45 degrees) with the second direction Sx. Thus, in one embodiment, the (one or more) nozzles 220 are configured to feed a gas to the inlet channel 200 such that the feeding of the gas enhances the flow of the material on the bottom 210 of the inlet channel 200 toward the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122 of the cyclone 120.

[0066] Figures 6a to 6c A number of embodiments are shown in which the nozzle 220 has a shape such that the gas fed by the nozzle 220 directs the solid material toward the interior 123. As shown in the figure, the direction in which the gas leaves the nozzle 220 forms only a small angle with the second direction Sx to direct the solid material toward the interior 123. This small angle falls within the range disclosed above.

[0067] In addition, reference Figure 6b and Figure 6c, one embodiment comprises a number of nozzles 220. Furthermore, the levels of these nozzles are arranged relative to one another so that the nozzles close to the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122 are also located further away in the positive first direction +Sz, i.e. more downward in typical applications. Correspondingly, the nozzles close to the reactor 810 are also located further away in the negative first direction -Sz, i.e. more upward in typical applications. This has the effect that the nozzles far from the interior 123 blow the fluidizing gas and solid material to the nozzles close to the interior. As a result, the nozzles themselves do not form an obstacle to the material flow, thereby improving the transfer of solids in the inlet channel. Furthermore, the erosion of the nozzles can be reduced.

[0068] Preferably, the cyclone 120 is configured as part of a thermal system. Examples of thermal systems include fluidized bed boilers, gasification reactors, and pyrolysis reactors. Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention is a thermal system including the cyclone 120. Fig.11 and Fig.12 An example of a thermal system is shown in . The thermal system includes a reactor 810 configured to produce a mixture M of a solid material S and a gaseous substance G. The thermal system is configured to direct the mixture M from the reactor 810 to the inlet channel 200 of the cyclone 120 .

[0069] In one embodiment, the reactor 810 includes one of the following: the furnace 110 of the circulating fluidized bed boiler 100, a pyrolysis reactor, a gasification reactor, and a furnace of a bubbling fluidized bed boiler. Fig.11 An example is shown in which the reactor 810 comprises the furnace 110 of the circulating fluidized bed boiler 100. In such an embodiment, the main function of the cyclone is to separate the bed material and the flue gas from their mixture. Fig.12 An example is shown in which the reactor 810 comprises a circulating fluidized bed type pyrolysis reactor. Although not shown, embodiments of the cyclone may be used, for example, to separate fly ash from flue gas, such as that produced by a bubbling fluidized bed boiler. In such embodiments, the primary function of the cyclone would be to separate ash (e.g., fly ash) from the flue gas.

[0070] As is known, cyclones function based on cyclonic separation. Accordingly, in a cyclone, solid material S and gaseous substances G are separated from a mixture M using the rotation effect and gravity. In order to enhance the rotation effect and improve the cyclonic separation in this way, the inlet channel 200 is preferably arranged relative to the cylindrical body 122 so that when the mixture M leaves the inlet channel 200 and enters the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122, the movement direction of the mixture M is at least to a certain extent tangential at this location. The term "tangential" refers to the tangent surface of the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122. Reference Fig.10 .exist Fig.10 In the figure, the first direction Sz is perpendicular to the plane shown in the figure and away from the reader. Fig.10 The feeding direction FD, the second direction Sx, and the third direction Sy are shown as described above. More precisely, because Fig.10 The figure only shows the feed direction FD in Fig.10 The projection onto the plane of defines the second direction Sx, as described above. It should also be noted that Fig.10 In the Figure 2a to Figure 2c In the embodiment shown, different directions form eddies in the interior 123 (in Fig.10 In the example, when viewed from the top, the vortex is counterclockwise; Figure 2a to Figure 2c There will be a clockwise vortex when viewed from the top) due to the different position of the inlet passage 200 relative to the interior 123.

[0071] refer to Fig.10 In one embodiment, the inlet channel 200 extends in the second direction Sx and is configured to feed the mixture M into the cylindrical body 122 along the feeding direction FD. As described above, the feeding direction FD has a component in the second direction Sx and may have a component in the first direction Sz. However, according to the definition of the second direction Sx (see above), the feeding direction FD does not have a component in the third direction Sy. Therefore, the inlet channel 200 is configured to feed the mixture M into the cylindrical body 122 at least in the second direction Sx.

[0072] The inlet channel 200 has an inlet 201 for receiving the mixture M and an outlet 202 leading to the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122 to allow the mixture M to enter the interior 123. The above positioning of the outlet 202 relative to the inlet 201 applies here. In order to enhance the rotation effect within the cylindrical body 122, in one embodiment, the outlet 202 is arranged at a position so that the second direction Sx forms a third angle γ of at most 45 degrees with a tangent direction DTan of the cylindrical body 122, and the tangent direction DTan is defined at the position of the outlet 202 in the interior 123. Here, the tangent direction DTan refers to a tangent direction to the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122, which tangent direction does not have a component in the first direction Sz (that is, the axial direction of the surface of the cylindrical interior 123 is not considered). Fig.10 The tangent direction DTa n is shown at the outlet 202 in FIG. Naturally, the tangent plane of the cylindrical body 122 defines two directions that do not have a component in the first direction. One of the two directions is Fig.10 It should be noted that, according to the above, that is, since the angle γ is at most 45 degrees in one embodiment, the angle between the second direction Sx and the other tangent direction (not shown) will be at least 135 degrees, because these angles are adjacent angles, such as Fig.10 As shown by the dotted line and “γ” near the reference numeral “Sx”.

[0073] To explain the relative position of the outlet 202 and the cylindrical body 122 in alternative terms, it can be combined with the above description of the third angle γ and still refer to Fig.10 In one embodiment, the cyclone 120 (which may be part of a thermal system) includes walls 230, 231, 232 that define an interior 239 of the inlet passage 200. One of the walls may be referred to as the second wall 232. Fig.10 , the second wall 232 is attached to the cylindrical body 122. It should be noted that such a second wall 232 is at least Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 4a , Figure 4b ,as well as Figures 9a to 9d is also shown.

[0074] The second wall 232 is attached to the cylindrical body 122 such that a portion of the second wall 232 attached to the cylindrical body 122 has a fourth normal line N4. Fig.10 A fourth normal N4 is shown here. Reference is made in particular to the portion of the second wall facing the interior.

[0075] exist Fig.10 , the attachment point between the cylindrical body 122 and the second wall 232 is located at a position where the cylindrical shape of the cylindrical body changes to the planar shape of the second wall 232. However, the second wall 232 may have a curved shape, for example, having a radius of curvature greater than the radius of the cylindrical body 122.

[0076] refer to Fig.10 , the cylindrical body 122 (particularly the interior 123 thereof) defines a tangent plane Pt at the location where the second wall 232 is attached to the cylindrical body 122. In addition, the second wall 232 is arranged relative to the cylindrical body so that the tangent plane Pt has a fourth normal N4. In other words, the normal of the tangent plane Pt is parallel to the fourth normal N4, that is, the normal of the portion of the second wall 232 attached to the cylindrical body. This also improves the generation of eddies within the interior 123 of the cylindrical body, because this enables at least some of the material entering the interior 123 to enter the interior at a speed having a substantially tangential direction.

[0077] More preferably, at least the bottom 210 is disposed relatively close to the second wall 232 to further improve the generation of vortexes within the interior 123 of the cylindrical body.

[0078] More specifically, the inlet passage 200 includes an outlet 202 that opens into the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122. The outlet 202 includes a portion of the bottom 210 of the inlet passage. For example, Fig.10 A plurality of lines L defining the bottom 210 are shown. 210 These lines may be, for example, portions of the inlet channel 220 where the inclined wall extends from the bottom 210. These points are also Figure 3a The reference numeral “L 210 ” is shown.

[0079] In particular, in one embodiment, a portion of the bottom 210 included by the outlet 202 is disposed relatively close to the second wall 232. More specifically, in one embodiment, the outlet 202 is disposed at such a position that:

[0080] a primary distance La is provided between a portion of the bottom 210 contained by the outlet 202 and the second wall 232 ; and

[0081] a secondary distance Lb is provided between a portion of the bottom 210a contained by the outlet 202 and a plane Pto having a fourth normal N4 (for example parallel to the second wall 232 which may be planar and including the central axis O of the cylindrical body 122); and

[0082] -The primary distance La is smaller than the secondary distance Lb; La <Lb。

[0083] The primary distance La and the secondary distance Lb are shown in Fig.10 middle.

[0084] This position of the outlet 202 also helps to keep the third angle γ reasonably low, thereby improving the formation of vortices in the interior 123 of the cylindrical body 122 .

[0085] According to this, for example Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Fig.9c ,and Figure 9d The entryway in the Figure 2a to Figure 2c The inlet channel of the cyclone in FIG. 2 is because the second wall 232 is arranged to have a smaller coordinate value in the third direction Sy. Fig.10 In the embodiment, the second wall 232 has a larger coordinate value in the third direction Sy. Fig.10 In the embodiment shown, there are Figure 3a , Figure 3b , Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Fig.9c ,and Figure 9d An inlet passage which is a mirror image of the inlet passage shown in any of the Figures would be preferred because Fig.10 In the embodiment, the second wall 232 should have a larger coordinate value in the third direction Sy, and the bottom 210 is preferably close to the second wall 232, as described above. Here, the mirror image refers to a plane symmetrical image, and the plane of symmetry has a normal line facing the third direction Sy.

[0086] With respect to operating the nozzle(s) 220, the gas that fluidizes the solid material in the inlet may be fed continuously, or the gas feed may be pulsed.

[0087] In general, the type of gas fed to the nozzle(s) 220 can be selected as required. This may mean, for example, using a gas with a low oxygen content if the gaseous substance G separated by the cyclone is subsequently used for fuel purposes. Examples include pyrolysis and gasification. However, in a combustion process, a gas with a higher oxygen content, such as air, may be used. Furthermore, in particular in fluidized bed boilers, of course, pressurized air may be used, since it is used as combustion air.

[0088] Thus, in applications where the reactor 810 producing the mixture M is the furnace 110 of a fluidized bed boiler, the same air may be fed to the furnace 110 as combustion air, as well as to the nozzle(s) 220 for fluidizing the material in the inlet passage 200 of the cyclone 120 .

[0089] Based on this and refer to Fig.11, an embodiment of the thermal system comprises a first feed channel 820 for feeding gas to a reactor 810 of the thermal system. The thermal system may be a circulating fluidized bed boiler. The reactor 810 may be a furnace 110. In this embodiment, the first feed channel 820 comprises a first branch 825. The purpose of the branch 825 is to separate the gas into two parts: a first part for the reactor 810 and a second part for the inlet channel 200. Therefore, the thermal system comprises a first conduit 830 for conveying the second part of the gas from the first branch 825 to the nozzle(s) 220; and as described above, the first feed channel 820 is for feeding the first part of the gas to the reactor 810. In an embodiment in which the thermal system is a fluidized bed boiler, the first feed channel 820 is configured to feed (a first part of) the combustion air into the furnace 110 of the fluidized bed boiler, and a part of the combustion air (the second part) is configured to be fed to the nozzle 220 through the first branch 825 and the first conduit 830.

[0090] As described above, in applications where the reactor 810 produces a gaseous substance G that can be used as a fuel, the gas fed to the nozzle(s) 220 should not contain too much oxygen. In such embodiments, some of the gaseous substance G can be recycled to be used as a fluidizing gas fed to the nozzle(s) 220. Accordingly, and with reference to Fig.12 An embodiment of the thermal system includes a second conduit 840 configured to feed a portion of the gaseous substance G separated by the cyclone 120 to the nozzle(s) 220 .

[0091] Of course, according to Fig.12 In the embodiment shown, even if the thermal system is a fluidized bed boiler and air is fed to the furnace 110, some of the gaseous matter G separated by the cyclone 120 can be used to fluidize the material in the inlet channel. Fig.12 The illustrated embodiment typically requires a pump or a fan to recirculate a portion of the gaseous matter G separated by the cyclone 120 to the nozzles 220. By also using combustion air in the nozzle(s) 220, another pump is no longer required.

[0092] As described above, in one embodiment, the first direction Sz is vertically downward. Therefore, the present invention also relates to the use of the cyclone 120 as described above and / or in the appended claims, so that the first direction Sz is downward. In addition, the present invention also relates to the use of the thermal system as described above and / or in the appended claims, so that the first direction Sz is downward.

Claims

1. A cyclone (120) for separating a solid material (S) from a mixture (M) of the solid material (S) and a gaseous substance (G), the cyclone (120) comprising: a cylindrical body (122) having a central axis in a first direction (Sz); as well as an inlet channel (200) configured to allow the mixture (M) to enter the cylindrical body (122), wherein: The cyclone (120) is configured to discharge the solid material (S) from the cylindrical body (122) along the first direction (Sz), Features: The interior (239) of the inlet channel (200) tapers gradually in the first direction (Sz) toward the bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200), and The cyclone comprises a nozzle (220) disposed at a bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200), the nozzle (220) being configured to feed gas to the inlet channel (200) to enhance the flow of the solid material (S) at the bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200).

2. A thermal system comprising: The cyclone (120) as claimed in claim 1; A reactor (810) configured to produce a mixture (M) of the solid material (S) and the gaseous substance (G), wherein: The reactor (810) includes one of the following: a furnace (110) of a circulating fluidized bed boiler, a pyrolysis reactor, a gasification reactor, and a furnace of a bubbling fluidized bed boiler; and The thermal system is configured to direct the mixture (M) to an inlet channel (200) of the cyclone (120).

3. The cyclone (120) or the thermal system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The inlet channel (200) of the cyclone (120) comprises: Walls (230, 231, 232) defining an interior (239) of the inlet channel (200), at least a first wall (231) of the walls extending from a bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200) such that: A first angle (α) between a first normal line (N1) of at least a portion of the surface of the first wall (231) and the first direction (Sz) is 110 to 160 degrees, wherein: The first normal (N1) faces the interior (239).

4. The cyclone (120) or the thermal system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The inlet channel (200) extends at least in a second direction (Sx) perpendicular to the first direction (Sz) and is configured to feed the mixture (M) into the cylindrical body (122), wherein the second direction (Sx) is perpendicular to the first direction (Sz) and a third direction (Sy) is perpendicular to the first direction (Sz) and the second direction (Sx), The width (W210) of the bottom (210) is at most 50% of the width (W239) of the interior (239) of the inlet channel (200); wherein: The width (W210, W239) is defined in the third direction (Sy); Preferably, The bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200) includes a portion having a second normal (N2) facing the interior (239) of the inlet channel (200) and having no component in the third direction (Sy), and The width (W210) of the bottom portion is the width of the portion of the bottom portion (210) having the second normal line (N2).

5. The cyclone (120) or the thermal system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The inlet channel (200) extends at least in a second direction (Sx) perpendicular to the first direction (Sz) and is configured to feed the mixture (M) into the cylindrical body (122), the second direction (Sx) being perpendicular to the first direction (Sz), whereby a third direction (Sy) being perpendicular to the first direction (Sz) and the second direction (Sx), The bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200) includes a portion having a second normal (N2) facing the interior (239) of the inlet channel (200) and having no component in the third direction (Sy), and The nozzle (220) is disposed on the portion of the bottom (210) having the second normal line (N2).

6. The cyclone (120) or the thermal system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The inlet channel (200) has an inlet (201) for receiving the mixture (M) and an outlet (202) leading to the interior (123) of the cylindrical body (122), and At least a portion of the bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200) is inclined so that material traveling along the bottom (210) toward the cylindrical body (122) travels in a direction (DT) having a positive component in the first direction (Sz); Preferably, The bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200) includes a portion having a third normal (N3) facing the interior (239) of the inlet channel (200), wherein The third normal (N3) has a first component in the first direction (Sz) and a second component in the second direction (Sx), A vector defined by the first component and the second component forms a second angle (β) of 135 to 178 degrees.

7. The cyclone (120) or the thermal system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The nozzle (220) is configured to feed gas to the inlet channel (200) such that the feeding of gas enhances the flow of material on the bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200) towards the interior (123) of the cylindrical body (122) of the cyclone.

8. The cyclone (120) or the thermal system according to any one of claims 3 to 7, comprising: The auxiliary nozzle (222) is disposed on the at least one portion of the first wall (231) having the first normal line (N1).

9. The cyclone (120) or the thermal system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The inlet channel (200) extends along a second direction (Sx) and is configured to feed the mixture (M) into the cylindrical body (122) at least in the second direction (Sx), the second direction (Sx) being perpendicular to the first direction (Sz), The inlet channel (200) has an outlet (202) leading to the interior (123) of the cylindrical body (122), wherein the outlet (202) is arranged at such a position that: The second direction (Sx) forms a third angle (γ) of at most 45 degrees with a tangent direction (Dtan) of the cylindrical body (122), the tangent direction (Dtan) being defined at the position of the outlet (202).

10. The cyclone (120) or the thermal system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: walls (230, 231, 232) defining an interior (239) of the inlet passage (200), at least a second wall (232) of the walls (230, 231, 232) being attached to the cylindrical body (122) such that: The portion of the second wall (232) attached to the cylindrical body (122) has a fourth normal (N4), The cylindrical body (122) defines a tangent plane (Pt) at a location where the second wall (232) is attached to the cylindrical body (122), and The section plane (Pt) has the fourth normal line (N4); Also preferably, The inlet channel (200) comprises an outlet (202) leading to the interior (123) of the cylindrical body (122), the outlet (220) comprising a portion of the bottom (210), wherein the outlet (202) is arranged in a position such that: The distance (La) between the portion of the bottom (210) included by the outlet (202) and the section (Pt) is smaller than the distance (Lb) between the portion of the bottom (210) included by the outlet (202) and a plane (Pto), wherein the plane (Pto) is parallel to the section (Pt) and includes the central axis (O) of the cylindrical body (122).

11. The cyclone (120) or the thermal system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The inlet channel (200) extends along a second direction (Sx) perpendicular to the first direction (Sz) and is configured to feed the mixture (M) into the cylindrical body (122), the second direction (Sx) being perpendicular to the first direction (Sz), whereby a third direction (Sy) being perpendicular to the first direction (Sz) and the second direction (Sx), and The bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200) is located substantially at the center of the inlet channel (200) along the third direction (Sy).

12. The cyclone (120) or the thermal system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The bottom (210) of the inlet channel (200) includes a heat transfer tube (242) covered by mortar (244); Preferably, At least a portion of the wall (231) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, having said first normal (N1), comprises a heat transfer tube (242) covered by mortar (244).

13. The thermal system according to any one of claims 2 to 12, comprising: a first feed channel (820) for feeding gas to the reactor (810) of the thermal system, The first feed channel (820) includes a first branch (825), and the thermal system includes: a first conduit (830) for conveying gas from the first branch (825) to the nozzle (220); Preferably, The reactor (810) is a furnace (110) of a circulating fluidized bed boiler, The first feed channel (820) is configured to feed combustion air into the furnace (110), and A portion of the combustion air is configured to be fed to the nozzle (220) through the first branch (825) and the first duct (830).

14. The thermal system according to any one of claims 2 to 13, comprising: A second pipe (840) is configured to feed a portion of the gaseous substance (G) separated by the cyclone (120) to the nozzle (220).

15. Use of a cyclone (120) or a thermal system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The cyclone (120) is optionally used as part of the thermal system so that the first direction (Sz) is downward.

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