Centrifuge Integrated Coal Storage for Tar Solid Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveying tarry and sticky solids obtained from separating viscous tar suspensions in coking processes is inefficient and costly due to the consistency of the solids, often requiring expensive equipment or prone to device failures.

Innovation Solution

A centrifuge is integrated into the upper part of a coal-storing container, allowing the separated solids to fall by gravity into the storage bin, eliminating the need for external conveyance and using a pump for the liquid tar centrifugate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a centrifuge is used to separate solids from viscous tar suspension, then the separation efficiency is improved, but the solids obtained require complex and expensive conveying equipment due to their tarry and sticky consistency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidconveying equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the centrifuge for solid-liquid separation with the coal storage container into a single integrated unit. The centrifuge is positioned inside the storage container, and the separated solids are deposited directly into the coal mass, eliminating the need for separate conveying equipment to transport solids from the centrifuge to the storage container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the existing coal storage container to receive and store the separated solids directly. The coal mass itself serves as the receiving medium for the solids, and the container's existing structure provides the storage function, eliminating the need for additional dedicated conveying and storage systems for the solids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If conventional conveying methods such as screws or conveyor belts are used to transport the separated solids, then the solids can be moved to coal storage, but the devices are prone to failure and require frequent maintenance due to the sticky nature of the solids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid transport capabilityVSAvoidconveying device reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the solids conveying function from the system entirely by eliminating the need for mechanical conveying equipment. Instead of using screws or conveyor belts to transport solids, the system allows solids to be deposited directly into the coal storage container through gravity, removing the unreliable conveying components from the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If double-walled high-pressure conveying lines are used to transport the sticky solids, then the solids can be conveyed effectively, but the equipment cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid conveying effectivenessVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the need for expensive high-pressure conveying lines by extracting the solids conveying function from the system. The integrated centrifuge design allows solids to be deposited directly into the coal storage container, eliminating the requirement for costly specialized conveying infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

By merging the centrifuge with the storage container, the system eliminates the need for separate high-pressure conveying lines. The combined design allows solids to be deposited directly into the coal mass through gravity, replacing the expensive conveying infrastructure with a simple integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the centrifuge is located outside the coal storage container, then the separation process is independent, but additional conveying equipment is required to transport solids into the storage container

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess independenceVSAvoidconveying system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the centrifuge with the coal storage container by positioning the centrifuge inside the container. This integration allows the centrifuge to deposit solids directly into the coal mass without requiring external conveying equipment, while the liquid tar can be pumped out through a separate discharge line, maintaining process functionality while eliminating conveying complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies the process by eliminating the need for complex pumping operations, saving energy and equipment costs while ensuring the solids are directly added to the coal storage, enhancing the efficiency of solid utilization in coking processes.

Implementation Method 1

a centrifuge, which is arranged in the upper part of a coal-storing or coal-storing container and which has a feed connection for solid, liquid tar or a solids-containing, pumpable tar suspension and separates the tar suspension into a liquid phase and the solids contained therein

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 2

The solids obtained from the centrifugation, after being centrifuged off, fall by gravity into the char storage bin where the char is stored

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2521758B1Device and method for separating a solid matter-containing, liquid, pumpable tar suspension and use of the separated solid matter for producing coke
Publication Date: 2017.04.26 THYSSENKRUPP IND SOLUTIONS AG
  • EP2521758B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2521758B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for separating a solid matter-containing, liquid and pumpable tar suspension from a coking reaction with direct use of the separated solid matter contained therein. Said device consists of a centrifuge, which is arranged in the upper inner region of a carbon-storing container, and the centrifuge is equipped with a feed nozzle for solid matter-containing, liquid tar and with a discharge nozzle for liquid tar centrifugate. In the lower part, the centrifuge is equipped with an outlet for the solid matter contained in the tar, whereby the tar-containing solid matter obtained from the tar suspension does not have to be delivered or transported. The invention further relates to a method for separating a solid matter-containing, liquid and pumpable tar suspension with delivery-free use of the separated solid matter contained therein using the device according to the invention, and to the use of the coal mixed with the solid matter.