Cylindrical Dividing Wall Double-Column Thermal Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large temperature differences across a column partition lead to condensation, evaporation, and mechanical stress, disrupting thermodynamics and causing instability in thermal separation and chemical reaction processes.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical partition is designed as a double wall with two coaxial cylindrical walls of different radii, forming a closed intermediate space with a radial distance of 0.1 to 10 cm, preferably 2 to 5 cm, which is insulated and can maintain negative pressure, and is filled with gases like air, helium, or nitrogen to enhance insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-walled cylindrical partition is used, then the device complexity is low, but condensation and evaporation occur due to temperature differences, disrupting thermodynamics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepartition structureVSAvoidthermodynamic stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall is divided into two separate coaxial cylindrical walls (outer wall 6 and inner wall 7) with an intermediate space 8 between them. This segmentation allows the temperature differences to be distributed across the gap rather than concentrated in a single wall, preventing condensation and evaporation while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate space 8 is introduced between the two partition walls to act as a thermal buffer. This intermediary space reduces heat transfer between the hot and cold sides of the partition, preventing direct thermal contact that would cause condensation and evaporation, thereby improving thermodynamic stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a cylindrical partition is used to divide the column, then the column is divided into separate spaces, but thermal stresses cause mechanical stress and potential skewing of the column

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The partition is segmented into two walls with an intermediate space, allowing thermal expansion and contraction to occur within the gap rather than creating stress in a single rigid wall. This segmentation absorbs thermal stresses and prevents mechanical failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition design changes the thermal parameters by introducing an air gap with different thermal conductivity compared to solid material. This parameter change reduces thermal stress transmission to the column structure, maintaining mechanical stability while enabling effective separation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If insulation is added to the partition wall, then condensation and evaporation are prevented, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermodynamic stabilityVSAvoidpartition structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate space between the two partition walls automatically provides insulation without requiring additional insulating materials. The air gap itself serves as the thermal barrier, allowing the structure to insulate itself and reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The partition walls are constructed as thin cylindrical shells that form an enclosed space. This thin-walled design provides effective thermal insulation through the enclosed air gap while minimizing material usage and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 prevents condensation and evaporation, stabilizes the thermodynamics, and improves the mechanical stability of the column by enhancing the insulating effect and allowing precise control of the partition's insulating function.

Implementation Method 1

A partition wall insulated in this way prevents condensation and evaporation, thus improving the thermodynamics and stability of the column. Here, the closed space improves the insulating effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The closed intermediate space can have negative pressure in order to increase the insulating effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP3325119B1Column with cylindrical dividing wall
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 KOCH ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • EP3325119B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a column for carrying out thermal separations and/or chemical reactions with a vertical cylindrical column outer wall that surrounds an inner chamber which is divided by a vertical cylindrical separating wall into two chambers in which substance exchange packets, packages and/or substance exchange bases are arranged, wherein the cylindrical separating wall, as a double wall, has two coaxial cylindrical walls that have radii of different sizes.