Gamma Ray Level Meter for Char Hopper Weight Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing char recovery systems in carbonaceous feedstock gasification facilities face challenges in accurately measuring the small weight of char due to the large weight of the char feeding hopper, requiring high measurement accuracy and complex device configurations, which becomes impractical for future increases in gasifier size.
Innovation Solution
The system employs volume measurement using a level meter with a radiation source and detector to measure the char amount in the char feeding hopper, eliminating the need for weight measurement and simplifying the configuration, allowing for accurate char reintroduction into the gasifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight measurement using load cells is employed to measure char amount, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for high precision and additional components like pressure balancing joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight measurement system (load cells) with a non-contact level measurement system using radiation (gamma rays). The level meter measures the height of char in the hopper, and char amount is calculated from this level data, eliminating the need for mechanical load cells and pressure balancing joints while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If the gasifier size is increased to respond to plant capacity expansion, then productivity increases, but the char feeding hopper weight increases making weight measurement less accurate and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation-based level measurement system is independent of hopper size and weight. As the gasifier and hopper scale up to increase plant capacity, the level meter continues to accurately measure char level without being affected by the increased hopper weight, providing a scalable solution that maintains measurement precision regardless of system size.
3Reliability
If multiple hopper configurations are provided to ensure reliability, then system reliability improves, but device complexity and initial installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified level measurement system reduces the complexity of each individual hopper configuration, making the system more reliable and easier to operate. With reduced complexity and lower initial installation costs, it becomes more practical to provide multiple hopper configurations for reliability, as each unit is simpler and more cost-effective.
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 approach enables simple and accurate char feeding unit configuration, maintaining constant total char volume in the system, reducing initial installation costs, and eliminating the need for load cells and pressure balancing joints.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source section for emitting γ-rays toward an inside of the char communicating tube and a γ-ray detector provided in the vertical axis direction of the char communicating tube, for detecting the emitted γ-rays
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes: a char feeding hopper body that feeds separated char toward a coal gasifier; a char communicating tube that communicates with a bottom portion of the char feeding hopper body and extends in a vertical axis direction; fluid gas feeding means that is provided at a bottom portion side of the char feeding hopper body and feeds fluid gas to an inside thereof; a radiation source section that emits γ-rays toward an inside of the char communicating tube in which a level of the char reaches a level H2 which is the same level as a level H1 of the char in the char feeding hopper as a result of feeding of the fluid gas; and a γ-ray detector that is provided along a vertical axis direction of the char communicating tube and detects the emitted γ-rays.