Compact Smoke-Treatment Module for Cremation Facilities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flue gas treatment installations for cremation ovens are bulky and cumbersome due to independent elements that require significant space and complex configurations, making them difficult to install and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A compact flue gas treatment module with a single enclosure containing a cooling boiler, reagent storage and metering device, and filter, where fumes are cooled and treated directly within the enclosure without additional reactors or gas pipes, connected to an extraction fan and chimney for efficient treatment and discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If independent elements (cooler, reagent dosing hopper, filtration zone) are used for flue gas treatment, then each element can perform its specific function, but the installation occupies a very large volume and surface area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflue gas treatment effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cooler, reagent dosing hopper, and filtration zone into a single integrated enclosure. The cooler and filtration zone are positioned within the same enclosure, with the cooler outlet directly connected to the filtration zone inlet. The reagent dosing hopper is integrated into the enclosure structure, allowing all flue gas treatment functions to be performed in one compact unit rather than requiring separate independent elements distributed throughout the facility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If independent elements are connected by gas pipes to convey fume flow, then each element can be positioned separately, but the configuration becomes cumbersome and restrictive to install

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating all treatment elements within a single enclosure, the patent eliminates the need for complex gas pipe connections between separate components. The cooler outlet is directly connected to the filtration zone inlet within the same enclosure, and the reagent dosing hopper is positioned to directly introduce reagents into the treatment chamber. This integration dramatically simplifies installation while maintaining full functional capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If elements are brought closer to each other to reduce size, then some space is saved, but the elements remain independent and the size reduction is only slight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation volumeVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent goes beyond merely placing elements closer together by fully integrating them into a unified system. The cooler, filtration zone, and reagent dosing hopper are combined within a single enclosure with direct internal connections. The reagent dosing hopper is positioned to directly introduce reagents into the chamber where cooled flue gases pass through the filtration zone, creating a synergistic integrated system that achieves significant space reduction while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 compact module reduces installation complexity, allows for easy interchangeability, and optimizes reagent use by recycling powdery reagents, resulting in a more efficient and space-saving solution for flue gas treatment.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling boiler (6) communicating with said flue gas inlet, said boiler comprising a water circuit with an inlet and an outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

the flue gas inlet (2) opens directly into said cooling boiler (6) above the exchanger proper

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

The outlet (3) is itself connected to an extraction fan (4) making it possible to suck in the fumes and conduct them from the inlet (2) to the outlet (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2784389B1Compact smoke-treatment module and cremation facility including the module
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 F M I PROCESS
  • EP2784389B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2784389B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2784389B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The module (1) has a boiler (6) for cooling smokes to be treated, a storage and proportioning device of reagents and a dust filter (9). The boiler, the storage and proportioning device and the filter are arranged, so that the cooled smoke and the reagents are directed in a free volume (21) available under entire surface of the filter before being sucked through the filter. Two contiguous compartments are separated by a partition (8). One of the compartments includes the boiler and the storage and proportioning device. Another compartment includes the filter. An independent claim is also included for a cremation facility for human or animal bodies.