Cyclone Separator Suspension for Fluidized Bed Boiler

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large fluidized bed boilers with non-rectangular separators face issues with uneven load distribution and local stress due to conventional suspension methods, leading to structural challenges and increased construction costs, as well as difficulties in measuring the weight of separators and flue gas channels.

Innovation Solution

The separator construction features a frame at the upper circumferential edge connected to hanger rods or wires, evenly distributing the load across the separator's periphery, allowing direct support to primary steel structures and enabling accurate weight measurement, while allowing for flexible design of the flue gas channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional suspension methods using hanger rods arranged at intervals are used for non-rectangular separators, then the separator can be supported, but heavy local loads and uneven stress distribution occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural reliabilityVSAvoidlocal stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is segmented into multiple hanger rods distributed around the separator perimeter, with each rod independently supporting a portion of the load. This segmentation allows for more uniform stress distribution compared to fewer concentrated support points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger rods are strategically positioned at specific locations around the separator perimeter to optimize load distribution. The local support characteristics are tailored to match the structural requirements at different positions, ensuring even stress distribution while maintaining structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If separators are suspended directly to primary steel structures, then support is provided, but construction costs increase and design flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport strengthVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger rods serve as intermediary elements between the separator and the primary steel structure. This intermediate suspension system provides the necessary support strength while allowing for more economical construction compared to direct rigid connections, and enables greater design flexibility for the separator geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stress or pressure

If the number of hanger rods is increased to distribute load evenly, then stress distribution improves, but device complexity and construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress distributionVSAvoidsuspension system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a continuous support structure or an excessive number of hanger rods, the invention employs a partial action approach with a specific optimized number of hanger rods positioned at key locations. This provides sufficient stress distribution while avoiding the complexity and cost of more extensive suspension systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2021118B1Cyclone-separator arrangement for a fluidized bed boiler and mounting construction
Publication Date: 2013.04.03 FOSTER WHEELER ENERGIA OY
  • EP2021118B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2021118B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2021118B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a separator construction of a fluidized bed boiler. The invention thus relates to a fluidized bed boiler, comprising generally speaking the actual furnace and means for treating flue gases as well as means for circulating bed material and returning said material to the furnace. The invention especially relates to suspending a separator used in connection with such a power boiler. It is a typical feature of a separator construction in accordance with the invention, the separator comprising walls (38), a ceiling, and inlet and outlet conduits (14, 22) of the separator, the separator being suspended to a supporting structure (18) from above in the boiler building, that the suspending means are formed of a frame (30) arranged in connection with an upper margin of the wall (38) of the separator (12) and of suspending bars or wires (40) connecting the frame (30) directly to said supporting structure (18).