Baffle Separation Vessel for Steam Particulate Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

In autoclave-based solid waste treatment systems, the high-velocity steam discharge carries abrasive particulates like glass and ceramic shards, which can damage downstream equipment and clog filters, posing challenges for effective particulate removal and system maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a separation vessel with a baffle configured to reduce steam flow velocity, causing particulates to drop and collect at the bottom, and a blowdown vessel to manage collected particulates, eliminating the need for particulate filters within the autoclave and preventing clogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If steam is discharged at high velocity from the autoclave, then processing efficiency is improved, but particulates are carried downstream causing equipment damage and filter clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidequipment damage from particulates

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A separation vessel is introduced as an intermediary component between the autoclave and downstream equipment. This vessel contains a baffle that intercepts particulates suspended in the steam discharge, allowing clean steam to pass through to downstream equipment while trapping abrasive particulates in a collection zone at the bottom of the separation vessel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The steam discharge path is segmented into two zones: a clean steam flow path that allows high-velocity steam to reach downstream equipment, and a particulate collection zone separated by a baffle. This segmentation enables the steam to maintain its useful high-velocity flow while particulates are isolated and removed from the flow path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If particulate filters are installed in the autoclave outlet, then particulate removal is improved, but filter clogging occurs and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate removalVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The particulate removal function is extracted from the autoclave outlet and relocated to a separate separation vessel. Instead of filtering particulates directly at the autoclave outlet where they would clog filters, the system extracts particulates from the steam flow in a dedicated collection zone where they can be easily removed without clogging critical filtration paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design accepts that particulates will accumulate in the separation vessel collection zone, but makes the system easy to maintain by allowing simple periodic blowdown or removal of collected particulates. The separation vessel acts as a disposable catchment that can be periodically cleared rather than requiring complex filtration systems that clog and need frequent replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a separation vessel with baffle is introduced, then particulate removal is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate removalVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of trying to prevent particulates from forming or using complex filtration systems, the invention inverts the approach by providing a dedicated collection zone where particulates are welcomed and trapped. The baffle inverts the normal flow path, causing steam to redirect while particulates settle in the collection zone, simplifying the overall system design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This solution effectively removes particulates from steam discharge, preventing equipment damage and filter clogging, while allowing for steam recycling and thermal energy recovery, maintaining system efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

the baffle is so configured so that steam is incident upon the baffle to reduce its flow velocity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow velocity reduction:

Implementation Method 2

collecting particulates that drop from suspension in the steam at the bottom of the separation vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational settling: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10646843B2Removing particulates

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 WILSON BIO CHEM LTD

AI summary

In a solid waste treatment system comprising an autoclave (201) not having a particulate filter at its outlet, a method of removing particulates suspended in steam discharged from the autoclave following processing of solid waste is disclosed. The method includes discharging steam from the autoclave; routing the steam to the inlet (301) of a separation vessel (209) that further includes an outlet (303) and a baffle (302) between the inlet and the outlet; and collecting particulates (304) that drop from suspension in the steam at the bottom of the separation vessel. The baffle is configured so that steam is incident upon the baffle to reduce its flow velocity.