Rapping Assembly for Ash Removal from Perforated Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ash particulate in coal-fired power plants' flue gas causes clogging and pressure loss in catalytic converters and downstream equipment, leading to high replacement costs and operational inefficiencies due to inadequate ash removal methods.
Innovation Solution
A system with perforated screens and rapping assemblies is employed to collect and remove ash from flue gas, using a pneumatic or electromechanical hammer to dislodge accumulated ash from the screens, ensuring efficient cleaning and maintaining flow without direct force on the frame, thus protecting the catalytic converter and reducing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If screens are positioned vertically across the horizontal section of the outlet duct or tipped away from the hopper, then ash collection is improved, but the pressure of flue gas stream holds ash against the screen causing plugging and decreased flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a shaking device that vibrates the screen surface to prevent ash from adhering and plugging the screen. The vibration disrupts the holding force of flue gas pressure on ash particles, allowing continuous ash removal while maintaining flue gas flow through the screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaking device is designed to automatically remove ash from the screen without requiring manual intervention or system shutdown. The device operates continuously or periodically to self-maintain screen cleanliness, ensuring uninterrupted flue gas flow and ash collection functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If screens cover the entire duct or are staggered with additional partial screens, then ash removal is increased, but screen plugging occurs and power plant operating cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shaking device provides automated mechanical vibration to prevent screen plugging, eliminating the need for frequent manual cleaning and reducing operating costs. The vibration mechanism ensures screens remain operational at full coverage without degradation from ash accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaking device enables continuous operation of the screen system without shutdowns for cleaning. By continuously preventing ash adhesion through vibration, the system maintains uninterrupted ash removal capability across the entire screen surface, reducing downtime and operational costs.
3Reliability
If ash accumulates on catalyzer surfaces, then catalytic effect is reduced and pressure loss increases, but replacement of catalytic converters is extremely expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The shaking device performs preliminary ash removal from screens before ash can be carried into the catalytic converter. By proactively preventing ash accumulation at the source, the system protects the catalytic converter from clogging and maintains its catalytic effect, avoiding expensive replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen system with shaking device acts as an intermediary barrier between the flue gas stream and the catalytic converter. It intercepts and removes ash particulate before it reaches the converter, protecting the expensive equipment while maintaining catalytic efficiency.
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 effectively removes ash deposits from screens, preventing clogging and pressure loss, reducing the need for frequent converter replacements and lowering operational costs by ensuring continuous ash removal and maintaining catalytic converter efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using a pneumatic or electromechanical hammer to dislodge accumulated ash from the screens
Data Source
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AI summary
A particulate separator includes a plurality of perforated screens which remove ash particulate from flue gas. A rapper assembly dislodges ash deposits on the perforated screens by exerting a vibrating force thereon. Shafts, which are operatively connected to a rapping device, are received in the openings of perforated screens and welded thereto. The rapper exerts a force on the shaft, which, in turn, vibrates the perforated screen. The vibration of the perforated screens causes the ash deposits to fall off into the hopper.