Support bracket for supporting cooler pipes in a rotary cooler

Abstract

The invention relates to novel pipe support bracket for supporting cooler pipes along the inner circumference of the rotary cooler. The cooler pipes mounted on to the inner periphery of the rotary cooler are secured to the outer wall of the cooler by means of newly designed pipe support bracket that allows for thermal expansion in lateral and liner directions thereby preventing the thermal stress on the support bracket.

Description

[0001] SUPPORT BRACKET FOR SUPPORTING COOLER PIPES IN A ROTARY COOLER

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to novel pipe support bracket for supporting cooler pipes along the inner circumference of the rotary cooler. The cooler pipes mounted on to the inner periphery of the rotary cooler are secured to the outer shell surface of the cooler by means of newly designed pipe support bracket that allows for thermal expansion in lateral and liner directions thereby preventing the thermal stress on the support bracket.

[0004] DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0005] Rotary coolers are commonly used in various industrial processes to cool materials such as minerals, cement clinker, and other granular materials. These coolers typically consist of a rotating cylinder or drum, which is internally equipped with cooling elements to facilitate heat transfer and cooling of the material.

[0006] While there are different designs and configurations of rotary coolers, internal cooling pipes are preferred. These pipes are usually arranged along the length of the drum or cylinder and are connected to a coolant circulation system, which allows the controlled flow of a cooling medium, such as air.

[0007] The primary purpose of internal cooler pipes in a rotary cooler is to remove heat from the material being processed. As the material moves through the rotating drum, it comes into contact with the cooling pipes. Heat from the material is transferred to the cooling medium circulating through the pipes, causing the material to cool down.

[0008] The cooling pipes themselves are typically made of materials with good thermal conductivity, such as steel. These materials efficiently conduct heat from the material to the cooling medium. The diameter, spacing, and length of the cooler pipes are determined based on factors such as the heat load of the material, desired cooling rate, and the characteristics of the cooling medium.

[0009] Because the material discharged from the furnace and delivered to the rotary cooler has high temperature, the inside shell of the rotary cooler and the pipes will see a high temperature of up to 1100°C. Whereas, the outer surface of the rotary cooler which is constantly cooled with water through water shroud will maintain a low temperature of 30°C. This drastic differential temperature between the inside and outside shell will be a challenge to provide for a proper support forthe cooling pipes inside the rotary cooler. In addition to ensuring proper support of the cooler pipes inside the cooler shell, it is also essential to allow forthe thermal expansion of the pipes to prevent high thermal stresses. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides a support bracket for supporting cooler pipes in a rotary cooler comprising: a) a vertical elongated pole providing the main structure of the support bracket having,

[0011] - a first end adapted to be secured indirectly to the outer shell surface of the rotary cooler,

[0012] - a second end adapted to support one or more cooling pipes; and b) a bridging element adapted to bridge between the pole and the outer shell surface of the rotary cooler, wherein the bridging element eliminates the direct contact of the elongated pole to the shell of the rotary cooler and minimize the susceptibility of the pole to deformation or failure under differential thermal cycling conditions of the rotary cooler.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the first end of the pole is adapted to be secured indirectly to the outer shell surface of the rotary cooler through the bridging element.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the bridging element is an intermediate material, typically a hollow steel structure of cross section, which acts as a bridge between the elongated pole of the support bracket and the outer shell surface of the rotary cooler. The hollow steel structure of cross section can be of any shape including but not limited to circular shapes.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, one end of the bridging element is secured to the outer shell surface of the rotary cooler and the other end of the bridging element is secured to the first end of the elongated pole to the support bracket.

[0016] In an embodiment of the invention, the elongated pole of the support bracket is passed through a radial hole on the shell of the rotary cooler to be attached to the bridging element secured around the outer shell surface of the radial hole, to avoid direct contact of the support bracket to the shell wall.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the radial hole on the shell of the rotary cooler is adapted to provide at least 3 mm gap between the elongated pole of the support bracket and the shell wall of the rotary cooler, so as to accommodate the contraction or expansion of the shell due to thermal cycling without damaging the pole.

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention, the second end of the pole is a curved saddle which cradles at least one pipe and to secure it in place.

[0019] In an embodiment of the invention, the second end of the pole is adapted to accommodate different sizes and shapes of cooling pipes. In an embodiment of the invention, the saddle is provided with means for adding flexible elements, such as bushes, to prevent the friction of the cooling pipes against the saddle and to allow for thermal expansion of the cooling pipes.

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention, the support bracket is made of heat resistant metal material including stainless steel, or any other suitable metal or alloy.

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the first end of the elongated pole is secured to one end of the bridging element using securing techniques such as welding, bolts, clamps, or other suitable fastening technique.

[0022] In an embodiment of the invention, the other end of the bridging element is secured around the radial hole on the outer shell surface of the rotary cooler using securing techniques such as welding, bolts, clamps, or other suitable fastening technique.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the securing technique is welding process.

[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, the pole is adapted to support multiple cooling pipes in a stacked or parallel configuration along the interior circumference of the rotary cooler.

[0025] Further presently preferred embodiments and further advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended dependent claims.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0027] The invention will be described in more details below by means of non-limiting examples of presently preferred embodiments and with reference to the schematic drawings, in which:

[0028] Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the support bracket according to the present invention for supporting cooler pipes in a rotary cooler.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention showing securing the elongated pole of the support bracket to the shell of the rotary cooler through the bridging element.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention showing securing multiple support brackets secured on to the interior circumference of the rotary cooler. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Supporting cooling pipes within a rotary cooler presents great challenges, which need to be addressed to ensure the smooth operation and longevity of the cooling system.

[0032] Cooling pipes are subjected to significant temperature variations due to the hot material and the cooling medium flowing through them, especially for rotary cooler used in pyro processing of minerals like spodumene and lithium. The temperature at cooler inlet to outlet is expected to vary between 1100°C to 100°C. This thermal cycling inside a rotary cooler can have significant effects on the supporting brackets that hold the cooler pipes or other components in place.

[0033] Firstly, the high operating temperatures within the rotary cooler can affect the mechanical properties of the materials used in the supporting bracket for supporting the cooler pipes. For example, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause material degradation, loss of strength, and reduced stiffness. These effects can increase the susceptibility of the brackets to deformation or failure under thermal cycling conditions.

[0034] Secondly, the temperature variations inside the rotary cooler cause the cooler pipes and other components to expand and contract. This thermal expansion and contraction can exert forces on the supporting brackets. If the brackets are not designed or installed to accommodate these movements, it can result in stress concentrations and potential failure points. Over time, this cyclic loading can lead to fatigue and ultimately compromise the integrity of the brackets.

[0035] Therefore, supporting the cooler pipes inside the rotary coolerwith fixtures fastening on the inner shell surface of the rotary shell wall was not effective. Also, adequate allowance of the cooler pipes for thermal expansion was an essential to reduce excessive stress on the brackets.

[0036] By considering these factors, the present support bracket was designed to provide for indirect welding of the bracket to the outer shell surface of the rotary shell through bridging element and to adequately allow for the thermal expansion of cooler pipes.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the support bracket according to the present invention for supporting cooler pipes in a rotary cooler.

[0038] The supporting bracket (1) according to the present invention typically consist of a vertical pole or column (2) that provides the main support, and a bridging element (3). The first end of the pole (4) is adapted to be secured indirectly to the outer shell surface (9) of the rotary cooler (7) through the bridging element (3).

[0039] The second end of the pole (5) often features a curved saddle that cradles at least one pipe and keeps it securely in place. The shape and dimensions of the saddle are designed to match the pipe size and prevent any excessive movement or slippage. Preferably, the saddle is provided with means (6) for adding flexible elements, such as bushes, to prevent the friction of the cooling pipes against the saddle and to allow forthermal expansion of the cooling pipes.

[0040] The bridging element (3) primarily acts as a bridge between the pole (2) and the shell of the rotary cooler (7) wherein one end of the bridging element (12) is secured to the outer shell surface (9) of the rotary cooler (7) and the other end of the bridging element (11) is secured to the first end of the elongated pole (4). This eliminates the direct contact of the elongated pole (2) to the shell of the rotary cooler (7) and minimize the susceptibility of the pole (2) to deformation or failure under differential thermal cycling conditions of the rotary cooler (7).

[0041] The bridging element (3) according to the present invention is an intermediate material, typically a hollow steel structure of cross section, which acts as a bridge between the pole (2) of the support bracket (1) and the outer shell surface (9) of the rotary cooler (7). This intermediate material is typically made of a compatible metal, such as steel and is designed to provide a secure connection while acting as a sacrificial component during the welding process. The bridging element, which is a hollow steel structure of cross section, can be of any shape including but not limited to circular shapes.

[0042] By utilizing indirect welding, the support bracket (1) can be attached to the rotary cooler (7) without being directly welded on to the outer shell surface (9) of the rotary cooler (7). This indirect support system protects the pole structure (2) of the support bracket (1) that is welded onto the rotary cooler (7) though the bridging element (3) to experience minimal thermal cycling that occurs between the inner shell surface (8) and outer shell surface (9) of the rotary cooler shell (7).

[0043] As discussed above the shell of the rotary cooler (7) is subjected to significant temperature variations between its inner shell surface (8) and outer shell surface (9) having a temperature variation between 1100°C to 100°C. This thermal cycling in a rotary cooler (7) can have significant destructive effects on the supporting brackets (1) that hold the cooling pipes or other components in place.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention showing securing the elongated pole of the support bracket to the shell of the rotary cooler through the bridging element.

[0045] To protect the support bracket (1) against such damages the elongated pole (2) of the support bracket (1) is passed through a radial hole (10) on the shell of the rotary cooler (7) to be attached to the bridging element (3) secured around the outer shell surface (9) of the radial hole (10), to avoid direct contact of the support bracket (1) to the shell of the rotary cooler (7).

[0046] The radial hole (10) on the shell of the rotary cooler (7) provides at least 3 mm gap between the elongated pole (2) of the support bracket (1) and the rotary cooler (7), so as to accommodate the contraction or expansion of the shell (7) due to thermal cycling without damaging the pole (2). Furthermore, since the pole (2) is secured to the bridging element (3), the direct heat transfer from the shell of the rotary cooler (7) to the support bracket (1) is reduced. In view of this, it was observed that the present support bracket (1) was able to neglect the temperature stress far below that the expected limit.

[0047] Depending on the specific requirements and available equipment, various welding techniques can be employed, including arc welding (such as MIG or TIG welding), resistance welding, or other suitable methods. The welding process joins the bridging element (3) to the pole (2) of the support bracket (1) on one end (12) and the rotary cooler shell (7) on the other end (11), effectively creating a strong and reliable connection.

[0048] Indirect welding offers several advantages over direct welding in the present scenario. One key benefit is that it minimizes the risk of heat distortion or damage to sensitive components. By using a bridging element (3), the heat generated during welding is distributed more evenly, reducing the likelihood of warping ordeformation in the pole structure (2).

[0049] Additionally, indirect welding provides flexibility in terms of disassembly and repair. In case the support bracket (1) needs to be replaced or repaired, it can be easily detached by removing the bridging element (3), leaving the primary structure intact. This can save time and costs compared to direct welding, where the entire welded joint would need to be cut or ground off.

[0050] Moreover, indirect welding allows for better control over the welding process and joint integrity. By utilizing an intermediate material, the welder can carefully manage the heat input and welding parameters, ensuring a high-quality weld with improved mechanical properties and structural integrity.

[0051] In addition to welding, the intermediate material can be secured to the pole (2) of the support bracket (1) and the rotary cooler (7) using other securing technique such are bolts, clamps or any other suitable fastening technique. However, the welding process effectively creates a strong and reliable connection.

[0052] In order to further improve the quality of the support bracket (1) during the cooling process, the pole (2) is made of heat resistant material including stainless steel or any other suitable metal or alloy.

[0053] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the present invention showing securing multiple support brackets secured on to the interior circumference of the rotary cooler.

[0054] In the arrangements of the cooler pipes according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inlet of the cooler pipe and the rotary cooler are fixed connection with one another, and the tube towards its outlet end is supported at regular intervals with support brackets (1) that are attached to the outer shell surface (9) of the cooler to provide a bearing with limited exposure to the thermal cycling conditions and also to allow for limited movement to limit the friction force of the material upon the cooling tubes. Cooler pipe outlet end is supported through a slide support to allow the linear thermal expansion. The cooler pipes are supported by the support bracket (1) in a parallel configuration along the circumference of the rotary cooler (7).

Claims

We claim1 . A support bracket (1) for supporting cooler pipes in a rotary cooler (7) comprising: a) a vertical elongated pole (2) providing the main structure of the support bracket (1) having,- a first end (4) adapted to be secured indirectly to the outer shell surface (9) of the rotary cooler (7),- a second end (5) adapted to support one or more cooling pipes; and b) a bridging element (3) adapted to bridge between the pole (2) and the outer shell surface (9) of the rotary cooler (7), wherein the bridging element (3) eliminates the direct contact of the elongated pole (2) to the shell of the rotary cooler (7) and minimize the susceptibility of the pole (2) to deformation or failure under differential thermal cycling conditions of the rotary cooler (7).

2. The bracket (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the first end of the pole (4) is adapted to be secured indirectly to the outer shell surface (9) of the rotary cooler (7) through the bridging element (3).

3. The bracket (1) according to claim 2, wherein the bridging element (3) is an intermediate material, typically a hollow steel structure of cross section, which acts as a bridge between the elongated pole (2) of the support bracket (1) and the outer shell surface (9) of the rotary cooler (7).

4. The bracket (1) according to claim 3, wherein the hollow steel structure of cross section is circular in shape.

5. The bracket (1) according to claim 3, wherein one end of the bridging element (12) is secured to the outer shell surface (9) of the rotary cooler (7) and the other end of the bridging element (11) is secured to the first end of the elongated pole (4) to the support bracket (1).

6. The bracket (1) according to claim 5, wherein the elongated pole (2) of the support bracket (1) is passed through a radial hole (10) on the shell of the rotary cooler (7) to be attached to the bridging element (3) secured around the outer shell surface (9) of the radial hole (10), to avoid direct contact of the support bracket (1) to the shell wall of the rotary cooler.

7. The bracket (1) according to claim 6, wherein the radial hole (10) on the shell of the rotary cooler (7) is adapted to provide at least 3 mm gap between the elongated pole (2) of the support bracket (1) and the shell wall of the rotary cooler (7), so as to accommodate the contraction or expansion of the shell due to thermal cycling without damaging the pole (2).

8. The bracket (1) according to claim 7, wherein the second end of the pole (5) is a curved saddle which cradles at least one pipe and to secure it in place.

9. The bracket (1) according to claim 8, wherein the second end of the pole (5) is adapted to accommodate different sizes and shapes of cooling pipes.

10. The bracket (1) according to claim 9, wherein the saddle is provided with means (6) for adding flexible elements, such as bushes, to prevent the friction of the cooling pipes against the saddle and to allow for thermal expansion of the cooling pipes.

11. The bracket (1) according to claim 10, wherein the support bracket (1) is made of heat resistant metal material including stainless steel, aluminum, or any other suitable metal or alloy.

12. The bracket (1) according to claim 11 , wherein the first end of the elongated pole (4) is secured to one end of the bridging element (12) using securing techniques such as welding, bolts, clamps, or other suitable fastening technique.

13. The bracket (1) according to claim 12, wherein the other end of the bridging element (1 1) is secured around the radial hole (10) on the outer shell surface (9) of the rotary cooler (7) using securing techniques such as welding, bolts, clamps, or other suitable fastening technique.

14. The bracket (1) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the securing technique is welding process.

15. The bracket (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the pole (2) is adapted to support multiple cooling pipes in a stacked or parallel configuration along the interior circumference of the rotary cooler.

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