Particulate Addition Vessel Support for Stable Weight Readings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing addition systems for adding particulate matter to industrial processes, such as fluid catalytic cracking, face challenges in achieving stable and accurate weight readings due to wind, vibration, and structural flexibility, particularly in smaller loaders, leading to fluctuations and inaccuracies in catalyst and additive measurements.
Innovation Solution
A novel addition system with a stable base plate and splayed legs, incorporating load cells and a horizontal filter design, along with a jacking system for easy installation and transportation, ensures precise weight measurements by minimizing external influences and optimizing vessel stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If load cells are placed under the vessel on a metal plate with legs, then stability is improved, but the system remains susceptible to wind-induced weight changes
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a base plate for load cell mounting, splayed legs for structural stability, and a vessel support frame. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall susceptibility to external disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The legs are designed with an asymmetric splayed configuration rather than vertical alignment, creating a wider base of support that resists lateral wind forces more effectively. The asymmetric geometry distributes wind loads more evenly across the support structure.
2Strength
If the metal frame housing the loader is used, then structural support is provided, but flexibility in the frame causes short-term fluctuations in weight readings
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with locally optimized properties: it is rigid and heavy enough to minimize flexing under the vessel, while the splayed legs provide flexibility only in directions that enhance stability. The load cells are mounted on this locally optimized rigid platform, isolating them from frame-induced fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The splayed leg structure is pre-configured to resist lateral forces before wind or operational disturbances occur. The geometry is calculated in advance to provide optimal stability, preventing weight reading fluctuations rather than correcting them after they occur.
3Ease of operation
If smaller loaders are used, then ease of operation and transportation is improved, but measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to susceptibility to external disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The splayed leg configuration creates a counterbalancing geometric stability that compensates for the smaller size of the loader. The wider base created by the splayed legs provides inherent stability against wind and vibration, allowing small loaders to achieve measurement reliability previously only possible with larger, heavier systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides enhanced accuracy and reliability in measuring and adding larger quantities of catalyst and additives, reducing dust emissions, and maintaining consistent weight readings despite external disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more load cells are supported by the base plate and support the legs of the addition system
Data Source
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AI summary
An addition system for introducing particulate material into an industrial process is disclosed. The addition system comprises a vessel for holding the particulate material, wherein the vessel has a top and a bottom; one or more weighing devices; a controller for controlling operation of the addition system; a base plate to support the vessel and optionally the controller; and three or more legs, each leg having an uppermost section that connects to the vessel and a foot that is connected to the base plate. The widest diameter of the vessel is less than the diameter of a circle drawn through the feet of the legs. The one or more weighing device are mounted on the base plate and support the legs of the vessel.