Cryogen Injector Mounting Apparatus for Vessel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for mounting cryogen injection nozzles on cryogenic processing vessels are time-consuming and prone to misalignment, leading to potential safety issues and inefficient processing due to the lengthy installation process, which increases the risk of improper sealing and bacterial growth.
Innovation Solution
A mounting apparatus comprising a base member and an insert member that allows for precise alignment and attachment of cryogen injection nozzles to the exterior surface of cryogenic processing vessels, utilizing a rotatable insert member with a pattern of openings for accurate fastener placement and a drill bushing for creating openings in the vessel wall, enabling faster and more accurate installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual mounting methods are used for cryogen injection nozzles, then the mounting process can be completed with simple equipment, but the installation time is excessively long (hours per nozzle, days for multiple nozzles)
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus pre-positions multiple nozzles simultaneously using a template structure with pre-defined opening locations. The template includes multiple openings that correspond to the exact positions where nozzles need to be mounted, allowing installers to quickly attach multiple nozzles at once rather than positioning each one individually over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus serves as an intermediary tool that facilitates the mounting process. It includes a template with openings that guide nozzle placement, and may include fastening mechanisms that temporarily secure nozzles during installation. This intermediary device eliminates the need for complex manual positioning and ensures accurate placement.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual mounting methods are used, then the equipment complexity is low, but the alignment precision and sealing accuracy deteriorate due to time constraints and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus acts as a precision intermediary tool that ensures accurate nozzle alignment. The template structure includes openings positioned at exact locations, and may include alignment features such as reference marks, guide edges, or positioning pins that ensure nozzles are mounted with precise alignment to the vessel wall, eliminating reliance on manual measurement and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The template is pre-designed and pre-positioned on the vessel surface with all opening locations predetermined. This preliminary preparation ensures that when nozzles are mounted through the template openings, they are automatically aligned correctly, transferring the precision work to the manufacturing of the template rather than to the installation process.
3Productivity
If installation is rushed to meet tight deadlines, then productivity increases, but the risk of misalignment and improper sealing increases leading to safety issues and bacterial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting apparatus pre-establishes the correct positioning and alignment for all nozzles before the actual mounting occurs. The template structure with pre-defined openings ensures that nozzles are placed at the correct locations with proper orientation, guaranteeing reliable sealing from the start of the installation process without requiring rushed or imprecise work.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting apparatus serves as a quality control intermediary that prevents misalignment and improper sealing. By providing a physical template with fixed opening positions and potentially including sealing guides or verification features, it ensures that each nozzle is correctly positioned and sealed before the installer moves to the next nozzle, maintaining reliability even under time pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for mounting a fluid cryogen injection nozzle to the exterior surface of a side wall of a cryogenic process vessel for permitting injection of a fluid cryogen into the interior of the cryogenic process vessel, the mounting apparatus including a base member and a rotatable insert member engaged with the base member, the rotatable insert member including a template for creating an opening in the side wall of the process vessel that is configured to accept the cryogen injection nozzle, and for attaching mechanical fasteners to the side wall of the process vessel in a defined pattern, such as a concentric pattern about the opening in the side wall of the cryogenic process vessel. A related mounting method is also provided.