Agglomerate Removal Device for Continuous Fluidized Bed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fluidized bed processes, agglomerated particles form due to water presence, leading to operational issues like equipment plugging and increased expenses, with existing solutions requiring process shutdowns and fragile filters that are labor-intensive and prone to clogging.
Innovation Solution
A process and device for removing agglomerated particles from a fluid stream without physically decoupling conduits or vessels, using an agglomerate removal device with a capture and withdrawal system that allows for continuous operation and efficient agglomerate removal through a purge gas, enabling effective trapping and removal of agglomerates without interrupting the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an in-line filter with screen is used to capture agglomerates, then agglomerate removal is achieved, but the process requires shutdown and disassembly for cleaning, increasing labor and time costs
Solution Approach 1:
The filter screen is designed with movable components that allow it to be repositioned between a filtering position (blocking agglomerates) and a cleaning position (allowing access for maintenance). This dynamic configuration enables the screen to transition states without requiring complete system disassembly, thereby reducing shutdown time while maintaining effective agglomerate capture during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The filter screen is pre-configured with a movable mounting structure that allows rapid deployment and retrieval. The cleaning access is prepared in advance through the movable design, eliminating the need for complex disassembly procedures during maintenance operations
2Reliability
If a fragile screen is used in the filter, then agglomerate capture is effective, but the screen is prone to damage and clogging, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The filter screen incorporates a movable mounting mechanism that allows the screen to be easily removed and replaced. This dynamic design enables rapid screen replacement when clogging or damage occurs, maintaining high agglomerate capture effectiveness while compensating for reduced screen durability through quick maintenance cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The filter screen is designed as a replaceable component that can be quickly discarded when damaged or clogged and replaced with a fresh screen. The movable mounting structure facilitates this discard-and-replace approach, ensuring continuous effective operation without requiring repair of damaged screens
3Strength
If a more robust screen is used in the filter, then screen durability is improved, but clogging frequency increases, requiring more cleanings
Solution Approach 1:
The movable filter screen design enables rapid replacement of screens regardless of their condition. This dynamic replacement capability allows the system to use more robust screens that are less prone to damage while accepting that they may clog more frequently, since the quick-change mechanism makes routine cleaning as efficient as replacing fragile screens
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 solution allows for continuous operation by efficiently trapping and removing agglomerates without shutting down the process, reducing labor and maintenance costs, and preventing filter clogging, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
trapping at least a portion of the agglomerates in the agglomerate removal device to thereby provide a plurality of trapped agglomerates and an agglomerate-depleted stream
Implementation Method 2
passing a purge gas through the agglomerate removal device to remove at least a portion of the trapped agglomerates from the agglomerated removal device
Data Source
AI summary
An agglomerate removal device for removing agglomerated particles from a solids-containing stream. The agglomerate removal device can include an agglomerate capture device and an agglomerate withdrawal device. In one embodiment, the agglomerate removal device can be utilized in a process for desulfurizing gasoline or diesel streams in order to remove at least a portion of the agglomerated sorbent particles exiting the fluidized bed regenerator.