Circular Beam Support for Polygonal Particle Separator

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing particle separator assemblies for fluidized bed reactors are heavy and costly due to the need for extensive reinforcement with support beams, which do not effectively distribute loads and accommodate thermal expansion in polygonal cross-section designs.

Innovation Solution

A particle separator assembly with a vertical vortex chamber enclosed by water tube panel walls featuring a polygonal horizontal cross-section and a supporting structure of circular beams arranged outside the panel walls, attached by radially extending fastening devices to at least three walls, distributing loads evenly and minimizing thermal expansion effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional support beams are used to reinforce water tube panel walls in polygonal particle separators, then structural strength is improved, but device weight and manufacturing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces conventional straight support beams with circular arcs that conform to the polygonal cross-section of the particle separator. These circular arc supports distribute loads more effectively along the curved geometry, providing equivalent or superior structural strength while reducing the total material required and simplifying the support structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is divided into multiple discrete circular arc segments, each attached to individual water tube panel walls. This segmentation allows each arc to independently support its adjacent walls, enabling modular construction and reducing the overall complexity of the supporting structure while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple horizontal support beams are attached to reinforce particle separator walls, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and construction cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circular arc support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement, accommodates thermal expansion through its curved geometry, and simplifies attachment to the polygonal walls. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby decreasing device complexity and construction cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameter of the support structure from straight lines to circular arcs, which fundamentally alters how the structure interacts with thermal expansion and pressure loads. This parameter change enables the structure to naturally accommodate dimensional changes without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design reduces weight and improves performance by distributing pressure differences and thermal loads efficiently, potentially saving 60-80% in supporting structure weight compared to conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

distributing loads evenly and minimizing thermal expansion effects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pascal's Law

Implementation Method 2

minimizing thermal expansion effects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

vertical vortex chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 4

separating particles from gas exhausted from the reaction chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Data Source

PatentUS9604229B2Particle separator assembly connectable to a fluidized bed reactor and a fluidized bed reactor
Publication Date: 2017.03.28
  • US9604229B2 patent drawing
  • US9604229B2 patent drawing
  • US9604229B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A particle separator assembly connectable to a fluidized reactor includes a vertical vortex chamber enclosed by water tube panel walls forming a polygonal horizontal cross section and a supporting structure of the water tube panel walls. The polygonal horizontal cross section has at least six corners and the supporting structure has at least one horizontally arranged circular beam arranged outside of the water tube panel walls and attached by radially extending fasteners to at least three of the water tube panel walls. The at least one circular beam forms a full circle, or the at least one circular beam forms a partial circle covering at least seventy-five percent of a full circle and has ends that are firmly attached to a rigid support construction.