Boiler Support Assembly Oblique Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In power boilers, especially those with mid-support systems, the attachment of the furnace to the support frame can cause deflection of the furnace walls due to loading, leading to bending moments and potential sealing issues from thermal expansion, which existing support assemblies fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A support assembly with two oblique points of support for pipes and furnaces, using either suspension devices or supporting legs, to distribute loads and reduce bending moments by generating counteracting forces at these points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a mid-support system is used to reduce cost and thermal expansion issues, then manufacturing cost and thermal expansion are improved, but wall deflection and bending moments increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidwall deflection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly is divided into multiple components: a first support component attached to the first wall, a second support component attached to the second wall, and a connecting component linking them. This segmentation allows each component to independently manage specific loads, reducing overall wall deflection while maintaining the mid-support system's cost advantages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support assembly extends in multiple spatial dimensions by connecting walls that are transverse to each other. The first and second support components are positioned at different locations and orientations, creating a three-dimensional support structure that counteracts bending moments through geometric distribution of forces rather than simply adding more support points in one dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If brackets and support assemblies are used to connect furnace walls to the support frame, then structural support is improved, but wall deflection and bending moments worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidwall deflection
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly provides localized reinforcement at specific critical points where walls are joined. By positioning support components at the intersections of transverse walls and connecting them with strategically oriented members, the structure achieves maximum stiffness where bending moments are highest, without requiring uniform reinforcement throughout the entire furnace structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support assembly configuration creates counteracting forces that balance the gravitational and thermal loads on the furnace walls. The oblique arrangement of support components relative to the walls generates geometric relationships that produce opposing moments, effectively canceling out the bending moments induced by the furnace weight and operational loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentEP3791112B1Boiler comprising a support assembly
Publication Date: 2022.09.14 VALMET TECH OY
  • EP3791112B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3791112B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3791112B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A support assembly (40) for supporting the furnace (22) of a boiler (10) to a support frame (12) of the boiler. The support assembly comprises a first and second assembly parts (56, 8). The first assembly part (56) attaches a pipe (18), f.ex. a downcomer, to a supporting beam (32, 88). The second assembly part (58) attaches the same pipe (18) to another supporting beam (30, 86). The support assembly (40) may be obliquely positioned. Alternatively, the support frame further comprises an oblique, connecting supporting beam (84) that connects the first and second assembly parts. In this case, the first and second assembly parts attach the pipe to the connecting supporting beam (84). The first and second assembly parts define first and second points of support (52, 4) that transmit loads. The first or second assembly part may be a hanger rod. A boiler plant comprises the above- mentioned boiler, support frame for the boiler and support assembly.