Coke Drum Sealing Arrangement for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operation of coke drum and coke crushing units in closed systems is plagued by issues such as damage and leaks due to extreme temperature fluctuations and mechanical shocks, leading to axial and radial deformations that compromise system efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sealed arrangement involving upper and lower funnels with axial and radial movement capabilities, decoupling the coke drum unit from the coke crushing unit, and utilizing spring elements and circumferential sealing elements to absorb thermal expansion and prevent mechanical damage, while maintaining a gas-tight system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the coke drum unit and coke crushing unit are connected in a fixed rigid arrangement, then structural stability is maintained, but thermal expansion and mechanical shocks cause damage and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including telescopic sections that can extend and retract, spring elements that can compress and expand, and pivot connections that allow rotational movement. These dynamic components enable the connection structure to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining structural integrity and preventing damage to the fixed portions of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is divided into multiple independent segments: a fixed section, a telescopic section with independent movement capability, and a fixed section. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the telescopic section handles thermal expansion while the fixed sections maintain structural stability, and the spring elements provide additional shock absorption.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connection between coke drum and crushing unit is rigid, then system stability is ensured, but thermal expansion causes mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the connection structure by introducing materials and designs that can undergo controlled dimensional changes. The telescopic section is designed with expandable and retractable capabilities, and spring elements are selected with appropriate stiffness to absorb thermal expansion forces, allowing the structure to accommodate temperature variations without damage.
3Reliability
If sealing elements are made rigid to ensure gas-tight sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but flexibility to accommodate movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements such as gaskets and seals made from elastomeric or flexible metallic materials. These sealing elements can deform and flex to accommodate the movement of the telescopic section and spring elements while maintaining continuous gas-tight sealing. The flexibility of these thin film-like sealing components allows them to conform to dimensional changes without compromising the seal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to accommodate axial and radial movements, then thermal expansion is managed, but structural stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements act as counterbalancing mechanisms that provide resistive force against the thermal expansion forces. When the telescopic section expands due to heat, the spring elements compress, storing potential energy and providing a counteracting force that stabilizes the system. This counterbalancing mechanism maintains structural stability while accommodating the necessary movements.
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 ensures stable, safe, and damage-free operation by preventing leaks and damage, maintaining a closed, gas-tight system that reduces atmospheric pollution and enhances workplace safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least two spring elements arranged between the upper load distributing flange and the lower support flange
Implementation Method 2
at least one circumferential sealing element providing a gastight sealing between the upper funnel and the lower funnel and allowing for an axial and radial movement of the upper funnel with respect to the lower funnel
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An arrangement (2) of a coke drum unit (4) and of a coke crushing unit (4) according to the present invention is for use in a closed, gas-tight system (102) for gaining sellable petroleum coke pieces out of solidified petroleum coke in a coke drum unit (4). It comprises coke drum unit (4) containing solidified petroleum coke; a coke crushing unit (12) for crushing the petroleum coke into sellable petroleum coke pieces arranged below the coke drum unit (4); a lower funnel (10) connected to the coke crushing unit (12) and having an upper end portion; a upper funnel (8) connected to the lower end of the coke drum unit (4) and having a lower end portion with a smaller diameter than the upper end portion of the lower funnel (20); the lower end portion of the upper funnel (8) extending into the upper end portion of the lower funnel (10); and at least one circumferential sealing element providing a gas-tight sealing between the upper funnel (8) and the lower funnel (10) and allowing for an axial and radial movement of the upper funnel (8) with respect to the lower funnel (10).