External circulation cooling anti-blocking backflushing system of slurry cooler

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of coolers, and discloses a slurry cooler external circulation cooling anti-blocking backflushing system which comprises a shell, a slurry feeding pressure transmitter, a slurry discharging pressure transmitter and a flushing assembly. The shell is provided with an inlet end, an outlet end and a cavity communicated with the inlet end and the outlet end; the slurry feeding pressure transmitter is arranged at the inlet end of the shell; the slurry discharging pressure transmitter is arranged at the outlet end of the shell; the flushing assembly comprises a back flushing switch valve, a flow limiting orifice plate, a collecting pipe and a flushing connector; the backflushing switch valve is communicated with the flushing solvent pipeline, the flow limiting orifice plate is arranged in a pipeline communicated with the water outlet end of the backflushing switch valve, one end of the collecting pipe is communicated with a pipeline at the water outlet end of the flow limiting orifice plate, the other end of the collecting pipe is communicated with the flushing connector, and the flushing connector is arranged in the cavity and located on one side of the pipe plate and the pipe pass in the cavity. According to the utility model, easily-polymerized substances and blockages on the tube plate and the tube pass side can be washed away, and the on-line operation period of the slurry cooler is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cooler technology, specifically to an external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflushing system for slurry coolers. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of polyolefin and slurry-bed reaction chemical technology, slurry and solution processes have been widely used in the production of polyethylene elastomers and high-end polyolefins due to their unique technological advantages. These processes, by mixing catalysts, monomers, and solvents to form a reaction slurry, carry out polymerization reactions under specific temperature and pressure conditions, producing polyolefin products with excellent properties to meet the needs of high-end applications. However, in these processes, cooling of the reaction slurry becomes a critical factor in ensuring the long-term stable operation of the equipment. As the polymerization reaction proceeds, the temperature of the reaction slurry rises, requiring timely cooling to maintain stable reaction conditions, prevent runaway reactions, and also contribute to improving product quality and production efficiency. Currently, widely used industrial slurry coolers mainly employ techniques such as internal polishing to reduce the physical surface roughness of the side in contact with the polyolefin slurry, and measures such as rounded chamfers to avoid heat exchanger blockage. The principle behind these methods is to reduce the probability of polyolefin particle adhesion and accumulation on the cooler surface by reducing surface roughness and optimizing the structural shape, thereby delaying the occurrence of blockage.

[0003] However, with the continuous extension of the unit's operating cycle and the increase in maintenance cycles, simply relying on reducing surface roughness has revealed obvious limitations. In actual production, it has been found that this method can only temporarily delay the clogging cycle to a certain extent and cannot fundamentally solve the cooler clogging problem; the anti-clogging effect is not ideal. As operating time progresses, polyolefin particles will still gradually deposit and accumulate on the cooler surface, leading to a decrease in cooling efficiency, and even triggering unit shutdowns for maintenance, increasing production costs, reducing production efficiency, and seriously affecting the company's economic benefits and production continuity. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflushing system for slurry coolers to solve the problem of easy clogging in traditional slurry coolers.

[0005] This utility model provides an external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflow system for a slurry cooler, comprising:

[0006] The shell has an inlet end, an outlet end, and a cavity communicating with the inlet end and the outlet end;

[0007] A slurry feed pressure transmitter is located at the inlet end of the housing and configured to detect the pressure at the inlet end of the housing;

[0008] A slurry discharge pressure transmitter is located at the outlet end of the housing and configured to detect the pressure at the outlet end of the housing;

[0009] The flushing assembly includes a backflush switch valve, a flow restrictor plate, a manifold, and a flushing connector. The backflush switch valve is connected to a flushing solvent pipeline. The flow restrictor plate is located in the pipeline connected to the outlet of the backflush switch valve. One end of the manifold is connected to the pipeline at the outlet of the flow restrictor plate, and the other end of the manifold is connected to the flushing connector. The flushing connector is located inside the cavity and is situated on one side of the tube sheet and tube side inside the cavity.

[0010] Beneficial Effects: The slurry feed pressure transmitter, using a pressure sensing element, is located at the inlet end of the shell and configured to detect the inlet pressure in real time. The slurry discharge pressure transmitter, also using a pressure sensing element, is located at the outlet end of the shell and configured to accurately detect the outlet pressure. It works in conjunction with the feed pressure transmitter to determine whether the pressure difference in the heat exchanger tubes has increased by calculating the difference between the two. The flushing assembly includes a backflush switch valve, a flow-limiting orifice plate, a manifold, and flushing connectors. The backflush switch valve is connected to the flushing solvent pipeline, and its opening and closing are automatically controlled by the control system based on the tube-side pressure difference. The flow-limiting orifice plate is located in the pipeline connected to the outlet end of the backflush switch valve, and its orifice diameter is determined according to the required flushing solvent flow rate and volume under different operating conditions. One end of the manifold is connected to the pipeline at the outlet end of the flow-limiting orifice plate, and the other end is connected to the flushing connector. The length and direction of the manifold are optimized according to the internal spatial layout of the cooler to ensure that the flushing solvent can be evenly distributed to each flushing connector. The flushing joints are located inside the cavity, specifically on the tube sheet and tube side. The number and distribution of the flushing joints are rationally planned according to the dimensions of the tube sheet and tube side, ensuring that all tube joints within a 10-50mm range on the surface of the tube sheet are covered. Under high-velocity flushing, easily polymerized materials and blockages on the tube sheet and tube side can be flushed away, improving the online operating cycle of the slurry cooler.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the slurry cooler external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflushing system further includes a control board, which is signal-connected to the slurry feed pressure transmitter, the slurry discharge pressure transmitter, and the flushing connector. The control board is configured to monitor the difference between the feed pressure transmitter and the discharge pressure transmitter.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the flushing connector is disposed on the surface of the tube sheet.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, one end of the manifold extends into the tube sheet and communicates with the flushing connector.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the number of flushing joints is several, and the several flushing joints are arranged in a ring on the surface of the tube sheet.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the manifold includes an annular body and several branches connected to the annular body. The annular body is connected to a pipe at the outlet end of the flow-limiting orifice plate, and the branches extend into the tube sheet and are connected to a flushing connector.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the flushing connector is arranged on the side of the pipe near the inlet end.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the number of flushing connectors is several, and the several flushing connectors are arranged in a ring on one side of the pipe.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the manifold includes an annular body and several branches connected to the annular body. The annular body is connected to a pipe at the outlet end of the flow-limiting orifice plate, and the branches extend into the housing and are connected to a flushing connector.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflushing system of the slurry cooler further includes a cooling water inlet pipe and a cooling water outlet pipe, both of which are connected to the cavity.

[0020] Beneficial effects: The newly added cooling water inlet and outlet pipes of the slurry cooler are both connected to the cavity. The cooling water inlet pipe is responsible for introducing low-temperature cooling water into the cavity to exchange heat with the high-temperature slurry in the tube side, thereby reducing the slurry temperature to meet process requirements. The cooling water outlet pipe discharges the hot water after absorbing heat, maintaining the continuous cooling process. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflushing system for a slurry cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the flushing joint portion in an external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflushing system for a slurry cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flushing joint in an anti-clogging backflushing system for an external circulation cooling system of a slurry cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is another schematic diagram of an external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflushing system for a slurry cooler according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 1. Housing; 2. Slurry feed pressure transmitter; 3. Slurry discharge pressure transmitter; 4. Backflush switch valve; 5. Flow limiting orifice plate; 6. Manifold; 7. Flushing connector; 8. Tube sheet; 9. Cooling water inlet pipe; 10. Cooling water outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0029] In the field of polyolefin and slurry-bed reaction chemical technology, slurry and solution processes have been widely used in the production of polyethylene elastomers and high-end polyolefins due to their unique technological advantages. These processes, by mixing catalysts, monomers, and solvents to form a reaction slurry, carry out polymerization reactions under specific temperature and pressure conditions, producing polyolefin products with excellent properties to meet the needs of high-end applications. However, in these processes, cooling of the reaction slurry becomes a critical factor in ensuring the long-term stable operation of the equipment. As the polymerization reaction proceeds, the temperature of the reaction slurry rises, requiring timely cooling to maintain stable reaction conditions, prevent runaway reactions, and also contribute to improving product quality and production efficiency. Currently, widely used industrial slurry coolers mainly employ techniques such as internal polishing to reduce the physical surface roughness of the side in contact with the polyolefin slurry, and measures such as rounded chamfers to avoid heat exchanger blockage. The principle behind these methods is to reduce the probability of polyolefin particle adhesion and accumulation on the cooler surface by reducing surface roughness and optimizing the structural shape, thereby delaying the occurrence of blockage.

[0030] However, with the continuous extension of the unit's operating cycle and the increase in maintenance cycles, simply relying on reducing surface roughness has revealed obvious limitations. In actual production, it has been found that this method can only temporarily delay the clogging cycle to a certain extent and cannot fundamentally solve the cooler clogging problem; the anti-clogging effect is not ideal. As operating time progresses, polyolefin particles will still gradually deposit and accumulate on the cooler surface, leading to a decrease in cooling efficiency, and even triggering unit shutdowns for maintenance, increasing production costs, reducing production efficiency, and seriously affecting the company's economic benefits and production continuity.

[0031] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 4 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a backflushing system for external circulation cooling of a slurry cooler is provided, comprising a housing 1, a slurry feed pressure transmitter 2, a slurry discharge pressure transmitter 3, and a flushing assembly. The housing 1 has an inlet end, an outlet end, and a cavity communicating with the inlet end and the outlet end; the slurry feed pressure transmitter 2 is located at the inlet end of the housing 1 and configured to detect the pressure at the inlet end of the housing 1; the slurry discharge pressure transmitter 3 is located at the outlet end of the housing 1 and configured to detect the pressure at the outlet end of the housing 1; the flushing assembly includes a backflushing switch valve 4, a flow-limiting orifice plate 5, a manifold 6, and a flushing connector 7; the backflushing switch valve 4 is connected to a flushing solvent pipeline; the flow-limiting orifice plate 5 is located in a pipeline connected to the outlet end of the backflushing switch valve 4; one end of the manifold 6 is connected to the pipeline at the outlet end of the flow-limiting orifice plate 5, and the other end of the manifold 6 is connected to the flushing connector 7; the flushing connector 7 is located inside the cavity and is situated on one side of the tube sheet 8 and tube side within the cavity.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown, the shell 1 of the slurry cooler's external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflushing system has its left end as the inlet and its right end as the outlet. The slurry cooler is used in the production processes of polyethylene elastomers and high-end polyolefins. Its cavity contains a tube sheet 8 and tubes. The tube sheet 8 is a component in the slurry cooler used to fix the heat exchange tubes. The tubes refer to the channels through which the slurry flows in the cooler, and are composed of numerous heat exchange tubes. The slurry feed pressure transmitter 2, through a pressure sensing element, is located at the inlet end of the shell 1 and configured to detect the inlet pressure of the shell 1 in real time. The slurry discharge pressure transmitter 3, also using a pressure sensing element, is located at the outlet end of the shell 1 and configured to accurately detect the outlet pressure of the shell 1. It works in conjunction with the slurry feed pressure transmitter 2, calculating the difference between the two to determine whether the pressure difference in the heat exchanger tubes has increased. The flushing assembly includes a backflushing switch valve 4, a flow-limiting orifice plate 5, a manifold 6, and a flushing connector 7. The backflushing switch valve 4 is connected to the flushing solvent pipeline, and its opening and closing are automatically controlled by the control system based on the pressure difference in the tubes. The flow-limiting orifice plate 5 is located in the pipe connected to the outlet of the backflushing switch valve 4. Its orifice diameter is determined based on the required flushing solvent flow rate and velocity under different operating conditions. One end of the manifold 6 connects to the pipe at the outlet of the flow-limiting orifice plate 5, and the other end connects to the flushing connector 7. The length and orientation of the manifold 6 are optimized according to the internal spatial layout of the cooler to ensure that the flushing solvent is evenly distributed to each flushing connector 7. The flushing connector 7 is located inside the cavity, on one side of the tube sheet 8 and tube side. The number and distribution of the flushing connectors 7 are rationally planned according to the dimensions of the tube sheet 8 and tube side, ensuring coverage of all tube joints within a 10-50mm range on the surface of the tube sheet 8. Under high-velocity flushing, it can remove easily aggregated and blockage materials from the tube sheet 8 and tube side, improving the online operating cycle of the slurry cooler. The flushing connector 7 can employ a special nozzle design, with a fan-shaped nozzle that allows the flushing solvent to spray out in a fan-shaped pattern, achieving all-around flushing of the tube joints.

[0034] In one embodiment, the control system in the external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflushing system of the slurry cooler is a control board. The control board is connected to the slurry feed pressure transmitter 2, the slurry discharge pressure transmitter 3, and the flushing connector 7. The control board is configured to monitor the difference between the feed pressure transmitter and the discharge pressure transmitter.

[0035] In the above embodiments, the control board controls the working state of the flushing connector 7 based on the monitored pressure difference. When the pressure difference exceeds a preset threshold, the control board immediately sends a start signal to the backflush switch valve 4, causing the backflush switch valve 4 to open. The backflush switch valve 4 can be an electric ball valve, which has many advantages. Its switching action is rapid; the response time from receiving the opening signal to full opening is extremely short, enabling rapid connection of the flushing solvent and allowing the flushing operation to commence promptly. The control board can be an existing circuit board.

[0036] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, flushing joints 7 are arranged on the surface of tube sheet 8. Specifically, flushing joints 7 can be evenly distributed in the easily clogged areas of tube sheet 8. The distribution density of flushing joints 7 varies depending on the degree of slurry erosion and polymer adhesion at different locations on tube sheet 8 during slurry cooler operation. In areas of tube sheet 8 near the feed inlet where clogs easily accumulate, flushing joints 7 are arranged more densely to ensure focused flushing of these critical areas; while in areas less prone to clogging, the distribution of flushing joints 7 is appropriately sparse, optimizing resource allocation and reducing equipment costs while ensuring flushing effectiveness.

[0037] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, one end of the manifold 6 extends into the tube sheet 8 and is connected to the flushing connector 7.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 The diagram shows a specific implementation of the flushing connector 7. The flushing connector 7 is fixed to the tube sheet 8 by its threads. A conical cap is provided at the outlet end of the flushing connector 7. The center of the flushing connector 7 is hollow, and the surface of the tube sheet 8 is flushed through the rectangular slit under the conical cap. Of course, this flushing connector 7 can also have other structures, as long as it can achieve the function of flushing the surface of the tube sheet 8.

[0039] In one embodiment, there are several flushing joints 7 arranged in a ring on the surface of the tube sheet 8. The number and spacing of the flushing joints 7 are precisely calculated based on the size and shape of the tube sheet 8. For larger tube sheets 8, the number of flushing joints 7 is increased to ensure that each position on the ring covers a suitable flushing area; while for smaller tube sheets 8, the number is appropriately reduced to ensure economic efficiency. The uniform spacing between adjacent flushing joints 7 allows the flushing solvent to be evenly distributed on the surface of the tube sheet 8, avoiding flushing dead zones. This ring-shaped layout can make full use of the space of the tube sheet 8, achieving all-round and thorough flushing of the tube sheet 8 in a limited area, thus improving flushing efficiency.

[0040] In one embodiment, the manifold 6 includes an annular body and several branches connected to the annular body. The annular body is connected to a pipe at the outlet end of the flow-limiting orifice plate 5, and the branches extend into the tube sheet 8 and connect to a flushing connector 7. The connection between the annular body and the pipe at the outlet end of the flow-limiting orifice plate 5 ensures that the flushing solvent after passing through the flow-limiting orifice plate 5 can converge into the annular body, which can be fitted onto the outer periphery of the housing 1. Several branches of the manifold 6 extend from the annular body, respectively, into the tube sheet 8, and connect to corresponding flushing connectors 7. The number and distribution of the branches are closely related to the layout of the flushing connectors 7. The direction and length of the branches are rationally planned according to the number and position of the flushing connectors 7 on the tube sheet 8. For example, in areas where the flushing connectors 7 are densely distributed on the tube sheet 8, the number of branches is increased accordingly to ensure that each flushing connector 7 receives sufficient flushing solvent; while in areas where the flushing connectors 7 are sparsely distributed, the number of branches is appropriately reduced to avoid resource waste. This precise design allows the flushing solvent to be accurately delivered to each flushing connector 7, improving the targeting and effectiveness of flushing. Preferably, each branch connects to one flushing connector 7.

[0041] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the flushing connector 7 is located on the tube side near the inlet end. This area near the inlet end is the part of the tube side that the slurry first comes into contact with. During the operation of the slurry cooler, easily polymerized substances in the slurry flow with the slurry and first begin to accumulate near the inlet end. Placing the flushing connector 7 here allows for flushing of the area near the inlet end of the tube side.

[0042] In one embodiment, there are several flushing joints 7 arranged in a ring on one side of the tube. This ring arrangement allows for a close fit to the shape and size of the tube. The number and spacing of the flushing joints 7 are precisely calculated based on the diameter and length of the tube. For larger diameter tubes, the number of flushing joints 7 is appropriately increased to ensure even coverage of the flushing area and avoid flushing dead zones; for smaller diameter tubes, the number is reasonably reduced to improve both flushing effectiveness and economy. The spacing between adjacent flushing joints 7 is carefully designed to ensure that the flushing solvent is evenly distributed on one side of the tube, providing comprehensive and thorough flushing and maximizing the use of tube space for efficient flushing.

[0043] In one embodiment, the manifold 6 includes an annular body and several branches connected to the annular body. The annular body is connected to a pipe at the outlet end of the flow-limiting orifice plate 5, and the branches extend into the housing 1 and are connected to a flushing connector 7. The connection between the annular body of the manifold 6 and the pipe at the outlet end of the flow-limiting orifice plate 5 allows the flushing solvent passing through the flow-limiting orifice plate 5 to converge into the annular body. Simultaneously, several branches of the manifold 6 extend from the annular body, respectively entering the housing 1 and connecting to corresponding flushing connectors 7.

[0044] In one embodiment, the external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflushing system of the slurry cooler further includes a cooling water inlet pipe 9 and a cooling water outlet pipe 10, both of which are connected to the cavity. In this embodiment, the newly added cooling water inlet pipe 9 and cooling water outlet pipe 10 of the slurry cooler are both connected to the cavity. The cooling water inlet pipe 9 is responsible for introducing low-temperature cooling water into the cavity to exchange heat with the high-temperature slurry in the tube, thereby reducing the slurry temperature and meeting process requirements. The cooling water outlet pipe 10 discharges the hot water after absorbing heat, maintaining the continuous cooling process.

[0045] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An external circulation cooling anti-block backflush system for a slurry cooler characterized in that, include: The shell (1) has an inlet end, an outlet end, and a cavity communicating with the inlet end and the outlet end; A slurry feed pressure transmitter (2) is located at the inlet end of the housing (1) and configured to detect the pressure at the inlet end of the housing (1); A slurry discharge pressure transmitter (3) is located at the outlet end of the housing (1) and is configured to detect the pressure at the outlet end of the housing (1); The flushing assembly includes a backflush switch valve (4), a flow restrictor plate (5), a manifold (6), and a flushing connector (7). The backflush switch valve (4) is connected to the flushing solvent pipeline. The flow restrictor plate (5) is located on the pipeline connected to the outlet end of the backflush switch valve (4). One end of the manifold (6) is connected to the pipeline at the outlet end of the flow restrictor plate (5), and the other end of the manifold (6) is connected to the flushing connector (7). The flushing connector (7) is located inside the cavity and is situated on the tube sheet (8) and tube side inside the cavity.

2. The slurry cooler external circulation cooling anti-blocking backflush system of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a control board that is signal-connected to the slurry feed pressure transmitter (2), the slurry discharge pressure transmitter (3) and the flushing connector (7), and the control board is configured to monitor the difference between the slurry feed pressure transmitter (2) and the slurry discharge pressure transmitter (3).

3. The slurry cooler external circulation cooling anti-blocking backflush system of claim 2, wherein, The flushing connector (7) is arranged on the surface of the tube sheet (8).

4. The slurry cooler external circulation cooling anti-blocking backflush system of claim 3, wherein, One end of the manifold (6) extends into the tube sheet (8) and is connected to the flushing connector (7).

5. The slurry cooler external circulation cooling anti-blocking backflush system of claim 3, wherein, The number of flushing joints (7) is several, and the several flushing joints (7) are arranged in a ring on the surface of the tube sheet (8).

6. The slurry cooler external circulation cooling anti-blocking backflush system of claim 5, wherein, The manifold (6) includes an annular body and several branches connected to the annular body. The annular body is connected to the water outlet of the flow-limiting orifice plate (5). The branches extend into the tube plate (8) and are connected to a flushing connector (7).

7. The slurry cooler external circulation cooling anti-jamming backflush system of claim 2, wherein, The flushing connector (7) is arranged on the side of the pipe near the inlet end.

8. The slurry cooler external circulation cooling anti-jamming backflush system of claim 7, wherein, The number of flushing connectors (7) is several, and the several flushing connectors (7) are arranged in a ring on one side of the pipe.

9. The slurry cooler external circulation cooling anti-clogging backflushing system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The manifold (6) includes an annular body and several branches connected to the annular body. The annular body is connected to the water outlet of the flow limiting orifice plate (5). The branches extend into the housing (1) and are connected to a flushing connector (7).

10. The slurry cooler external circulation cooling anti-jamming backflush system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein, It also includes a cooling water inlet pipe (9) and a cooling water outlet pipe (10), both of which are connected to the cavity.

Images