Coke Oven Clinker Removal via Thermal Cycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coking ovens face inefficiencies and potential failure due to the buildup of clinker carbonaceous material, which reduces coke production rates and heat transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for decarbonizing coke ovens by physically, chemically, or a combination of both means to remove clinker material, involving the application of an oxidizing agent and controlled temperature cycles to break down and release the clinker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical means are used to remove clinker material, then clinker removal efficiency is improved, but mechanical damage to the oven or its components occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical removal systems with a thermal-chemical system. Temperature cycling (heating to 1800-2000°F then cooling) combined with oxidizing agents chemically breaks down and removes clinker material without mechanical contact, thereby maintaining oven structural integrity while achieving effective clinker removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the clinker material through controlled temperature cycling and oxidizing agent application. By heating to specific temperature ranges and then cooling, the clinker undergoes thermal stress and chemical oxidation that facilitates its removal without mechanical force
2Productivity
If decarbonization treatment is applied to remove clinker, then oven efficiency is improved, but additional processing time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies decarbonization treatment during the cooling phase after coke production, rather than as a separate subsequent step. By integrating the temperature cycling and oxidizing agent application into the existing operational cycle, the system removes clinker buildup without adding significant external processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous or periodic decarbonization cycles that maintain oven efficiency over time. Rather than requiring prolonged shutdowns, the system performs repeated heating and cooling cycles with oxidizing agent application, continuously removing clinker and maintaining high coke production rates
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
The method effectively removes clinker material without mechanical damage to the oven or its components, improving coke production rates and oven efficiency by reducing clinker buildup and associated thermal stresses.
Implementation Method 1
applying an oxidizing agent to a portion of the clinker material
Implementation Method 2
The temperature of the coke oven is increased to a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature for a predetermined amount of time, before being reduced to a third temperature that is lower than the first temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for removing carbonaceous clinker material from a coke oven are described. A coke oven can be provided including an oven floor, coke, and clinker material deposited on the oven floor. After a temperature of the coke oven has reached a first temperature (e.g., after heating coal in the oven to produce coke), the method includes increasing the temperature of the coke oven to a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature for a predetermined amount of time. After the predetermined amount of time, the temperature is reduced to a third temperature that is lower than the first temperature.