Cyclone Inlet Channel Nozzles for Solid Heap Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In thermal systems like circulating fluidized bed boilers, a heap of solid material often accumulates at the bottom of cyclone inlet channels, causing operational challenges due to its large size, high temperature, and density, which complicates removal and affects system design.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates nozzles at the bottom of the inlet channel to enhance gas flow, combined with a tapered shape that directs solid material into the cyclone, reducing heap formation and improving flow dynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If solid material is separated in the cyclone, then separation efficiency is improved, but heap formation at the inlet channel bottom occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Gas is fed through nozzles at the bottom of the inlet channel to create a pneumatic flow that prevents solid material accumulation. The gas flow fluidizes the solids and maintains them in a suspended state, preventing heap formation while preserving cyclone separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the solid material at the inlet channel bottom is changed from a static heap to a fluidized state by introducing gas flow. This parameter change in flow dynamics prevents accumulation while maintaining separation performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the inlet channel bottom is flat, then construction is simple, but solid material accumulates forming a heap
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complicating the geometric shape of the inlet channel bottom, the patent uses pneumatic action through nozzles to achieve material flow. The flat bottom remains simple to construct, while the gas flow prevents accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Gas acts as an intermediary medium between the flat inlet channel bottom and the solid material. The gas flow mediates the interaction, preventing direct contact and accumulation of solids on the simple flat surface.
3Use of energy by moving object
If no gas is fed to the inlet channel bottom, then energy consumption is low, but solid material flow is insufficient causing heap formation
Solution Approach 1:
A small amount of gas flow is introduced to fundamentally change the flow regime of solid material from stagnant to fluidized. This parameter change in flow velocity and state prevents heap formation with minimal energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
Pneumatic flow through nozzles provides the necessary energy to maintain solid material movement. The gas flow creates sufficient velocity to prevent accumulation while consuming minimal energy compared to mechanical alternatives.
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 configuration reduces the tendency of solid material to accumulate as a heap, facilitating smoother operation by maintaining a fluidized state and enhancing the separation efficiency of solid and gaseous substances within the cyclone.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle or nozzles configured to feed gas to the inlet channel for enhancing flow of the solid material at the bottom of the inlet channel
Implementation Method 2
the heavier solids (i.e. the solid material S) becomes collected at the walls of the cyclone 120 due to centrifugal forces
Implementation Method 3
fall downwards due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclone for separating solid material from a mixture of the solid material and a gaseous substance. The cyclone comprises a cylindrical body having a central axis in a first direction and an inlet channel. The cyclone is configured to let out the solid material from the cylindrical body in the first direction. An interior of the inlet channel tapers in the first direction towards a bottom of the inlet channel. Additionally, the cyclone comprises nozzles arranged at the bottom of the inlet channel, the nozzles being configured to feed gas to the inlet channel for enhancing flow of the solid material at the bottom of the inlet channel. A thermal system comprising the cyclone. Use of the cyclone such that the first direction is downwards.