Ash Discharge System with Size-Based Clinker Separator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large-mass clinker ash, formed during coal combustion in boiler furnaces, often adheres to heat transfer pipes and furnace walls, growing into large lumps that can remain unmoving and require manual intervention for removal, disrupting the ash discharge process.

Innovation Solution

An ash discharge system with a separation device that filters clinker ash at the furnace bottom, allowing only clinker ash of a predetermined size to pass through while diverting larger clinker ash to a discharge port, preventing it from entering the conveyor system and facilitating easy removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If clinker ash is continuously transported by a conveyor device, then ash discharge efficiency is improved, but large-mass clinker accumulates on the conveyor and disrupts operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveash discharge efficiencyVSAvoidconveyor operation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes large-mass clinker from the ash stream before it enters the conveyor device. A separation device with a separator is installed in the ash passage, which allows fine clinker ash to pass through while intercepting and diverting large-mass clinker to a discharge port, preventing accumulation on the conveyor and ensuring stable operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The separation device performs preliminary action by separating large-mass clinker from the ash stream before the ash reaches the conveyor device. This preventive measure eliminates the problem of clinker accumulation before it can occur, allowing continuous conveyor operation without disruption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual intervention is used to remove large-mass clinker, then conveyor blockage is resolved, but operational safety and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor operation continuityVSAvoidoperator safety and workload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The separation device enables self-service operation by automatically separating and discharging large-mass clinker without requiring manual intervention. The system uses gravity and the separator structure to automatically divert large clinker to the discharge port, eliminating the need for operators to insert poking sticks through check windows and improving both safety and operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a separator is installed to remove large-mass clinker, then conveyor reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor operation stabilityVSAvoidash discharge system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ash discharge system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a separation device with separator for large-mass clinker removal, a discharge port for extracted clinker, and the conveyor device for fine ash transport. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Effectively separates large-mass clinker from the main ash stream, preventing it from accumulating on the conveyor and allowing for automated discharge, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety by reducing manual intervention and maintaining conveyor system integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a separator which permits the clinker ash with a predetermined size or less to pass through the separator, and inhibits a large-mass clinker from passing through the separator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical separation by size: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3388745B1Ash discharge system
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP3388745B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3388745B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An ash discharge system comprises a conveyor device which transports clinker ash out of a region that is below a furnace bottom of a boiler furnace; and a separation device provided at a passage of the clinker ash from the furnace bottom to the conveyor device, the separation device including a separator which permits the clinker ash with a predetermined size or less to pass through the separator, and inhibits a large-mass clinker from passing through the separator, the large-mass clinker being the clinker ash with a size larger than the predetermined size.