Coke Drum De-heading Device with Movable Inner Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coke drum de-heading and feeding systems are inefficient, unsafe, and prone to thermal gradients, non-uniform processing, and device sticking, leading to high maintenance costs and operational risks.
Innovation Solution
A de-heading device with an outer component and an inner component, including a pipe elbow and orifice, coupled by an actuator that shifts between positions to ensure symmetric flow and safe operation, allowing for both filling and emptying of the coke drum without the need for multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional de-heading and feeding systems are used, then the coke drum can be filled and emptied, but thermal gradients and non-uniform processing occur leading to unsafe operation and high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The de-heading device is divided into two separate components: an outer component that remains stationary and an inner component that moves. This segmentation allows the inner component to be retracted completely, eliminating thermal gradients and non-uniform processing that occur with conventional single-piece systems, thereby ensuring safe operation without harmful thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner component is made movable through an actuator mechanism, allowing it to shift between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt during operation, ensuring uniform processing and eliminating thermal gradients by completely retracting the inner component, thus resolving the safety issue.
2Productivity
If conventional de-heading devices are used, then filling and emptying can be performed, but device sticking occurs leading to unplanned shutdowns and high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the de-heading device into outer and inner components that move independently, the system eliminates the sticking problem that plagues conventional single-piece devices. The inner component can be fully retracted into the outer component, preventing contact with coke material that would cause sticking and unplanned shutdowns, while maintaining efficient filling and emptying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner component is extracted from the stationary structure and made movable, allowing it to be completely retracted during emptying operations. This extraction eliminates the risk of the device getting stuck in the coke drum, ensuring reliable operation and reducing maintenance costs while maintaining productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for filling and emptying, then specific functions can be performed, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines filling and emptying capabilities into a single integrated de-heading device with two components. The outer component provides structural support and sealing, while the movable inner component enables both filling and emptying operations. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, reducing complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining full adaptability for both operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The de-heading device is designed as a universal system that can perform both filling and emptying operations through the coordinated action of its two components. The movable inner component allows the same device to efficiently handle both operations, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity and maintenance burden.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a de-heading device for a coke drum includes an outer component that includes an inlet nozzle; and an inner component that includes a pipe elbow and an orifice, wherein the outer component is coupled to the inner component by an actuator, the actuator for shifting between two or more positions. In another embodiment, a method of de-heading a coke drum includes actuating an actuator, the actuator coupled to a de-heading device, wherein the de-heading device includes an outer component comprising an inlet nozzle; and an inner component comprising a pipe elbow and an orifice, wherein the outer component is coupled to the inner component by the actuator, the actuator for shifting between two or more positions; and either removing a material from a coke drum coupled to the de-heading device, or filling a coke drum coupled to the de-heading device with a material.