Cylindrical Wall Grid Adaptability for Radial Flow Reactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cylindrical walls for filtering solid particles in radial flow reactors are not adaptable to various radii of curvature and are prone to mechanical stress, leading to inefficiencies and potential shutdowns in catalytic reforming and dehydrogenation processes.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical wall design featuring a perforated plate with a grid element composed of rigid wires secured only by connections between adjacent wires, allowing for flexibility and easy adaptation to different curvatures, with connections occupying a minimal portion of the wire length and being easily removable or replaceable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the grid is made with rigid plates welded to the perforated plate, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the adaptability to various radii of curvature deteriorates and mechanical stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grid is segmented into modular elements that can be independently assembled. Each grid element consists of rigid wires joined by connections, forming a standardized module that can be configured for different radii of curvature without requiring custom welding, thus maintaining mechanical strength while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid elements are designed as universal components with standardized dimensions and connection types that can be used across multiple applications and different radii of curvature. The same grid element design can be adapted to various cylindrical wall configurations, eliminating the need for custom-designed grids for each specific radius.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grid elements are custom-designed for specific radii of curvature, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The overall grid structure is divided into multiple identical or similar modular elements. Each module has a standardized design that simplifies manufacturing, and the modules are assembled in different quantities or configurations to achieve different effective radii of curvature, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptability to different radii of curvature is achieved by changing the number of grid elements assembled together or their angular arrangement, rather than changing the fundamental design parameters of each grid element. This allows the same standardized components to serve multiple curvature requirements.
3Strength
If the connections between wires occupy a large portion of the wire length, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the fluid flow between wires is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connections between rigid wires are designed to be localized at specific positions rather than extending along the entire wire length. This local connection approach provides sufficient mechanical strength at the joint while leaving the majority of the wire length open for fluid flow, thus balancing structural integrity with flow efficiency.
4Manufacturing precision
If the grid is designed as a fixed structure, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grid is constructed from multiple identical modular elements that can be independently manufactured with standard precision and then assembled. If one element becomes damaged or clogged, only that specific module needs to be removed and replaced, not the entire grid structure, significantly easing maintenance while maintaining manufacturing precision through standardized production.
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 design enhances adaptability and flexibility, reduces mechanical stress, and simplifies manufacturing and maintenance by allowing the same grid elements to be used across various filtering applications, while minimizing the impact of accidental breakages and facilitating quick replacement of faulty components.
Implementation Method 1
a grid element comprising a plurality of rigid wires each extending in a direction having a longitudinal component and arranged adjacent to one another to filter the solid particles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A cylindrical wall (12) for filtering solid particles in a fluid, through which a fluid can circulate, said wall comprising at least one perforated plate (23) having a finite radius of curvature, and at least one mesh element (22) placed over said perforated plate, this mesh element comprising a plurality of rigid wires (26, 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D) extending along a longitudinal direction and positioned adjacent to one another so as to filter the solid particles, characterized in that the mesh element is arranged so that the wires are secured to one another only by means of connections (27) between adjacent wires, each connection between two adjacent wires occupying only a portion of the length of said wires, and having a thickness that is less than or equal to the thickness of these wires in proximity to this connection.