Decoating Kiln Segmentation for Oxygen Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Concurrent decoating kilns face challenges in controlling the decoating process due to pyrolysis gas saturation, residual carbon residue, and inadequate oxygen levels, leading to inefficient and unsafe decoating of metal scrap, particularly in the final stages.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a high organic concurrent decoating kiln with a low-oxygen zone for initial decoating and a high-oxygen zone for final stages, utilizing sensors to control oxygen levels and reuse incombustible exhaust gases for fuel, ensuring efficient and safe decoating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If high free oxygen content is used at the entry end of the kiln, then good decoating is achieved in initial stages, but the free oxygen is fully consumed and decoating in final stages is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedecoating qualityVSAvoidfree oxygen content
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The kiln is divided into multiple zones with different oxygen concentration requirements. The first end receives high oxygen content gas for initial decoating, while the second end receives low oxygen content gas for final stages, allowing each zone to operate under optimal conditions independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the kiln are provided with different gas compositions tailored to local needs. The entry end receives oxygen-rich gas for effective decoating, while the exit end receives oxygen-poor gas to prevent fire hazards, creating localized optimal conditions throughout the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If low free oxygen content is used at the entry end of the kiln, then fire risk is reduced, but decoating efficiency decreases due to insufficient oxygen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire riskVSAvoiddecoating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The kiln structure is segmented into zones with different oxygen levels. The first end is dedicated to high-efficiency decoating with high oxygen supply, while the second end maintains low oxygen for fire prevention, allowing both objectives to be achieved simultaneously in different locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different oxygen concentrations to different locations based on local requirements. High oxygen is supplied where decoating efficiency is critical, while low oxygen is maintained where fire hazards are the primary concern, optimizing both productivity and safety locally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If concurrent decoating kilns are used, then the process can handle high organic content, but the process gas becomes saturated with pyrolysis gases rendering the process difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorganic content handling capabilityVSAvoidprocess controllability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gas flow path is segmented into separate entry and exit ends with independent gas composition control. Fresh or controlled gas is supplied at the entry end while pyrolysis-rich exhaust is removed at the exit end, preventing saturation and maintaining controllability throughout the process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different gas compositions are maintained in different regions of the kiln. The entry end maintains controlled gas composition for process stability, while the exit end accommodates high pyrolysis gas concentrations, allowing the system to handle high organic content without losing overall process controllability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach enhances decoating efficiency and safety by maintaining low oxygen levels to prevent fires and effectively removing residues, allowing for the processing of previously undesirable materials.

Implementation Method 1

the low-oxygen hot gas can vaporize and pyrolize coatings on the scrap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPyrolysis: Pyrolysis

Implementation Method 2

the high-oxygen hot gas can burn off any carbon residue that remains on the scrap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

The exhaust gases can be reused to provide fuel to the burner-fired chamber that generates the low free oxygen gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS10527280B2High organic concurrent decoating kiln
Publication Date: 2020.01.07 NOVELIS INC(US)
  • US10527280B2 patent drawing
  • US10527280B2 patent drawing
  • US10527280B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A high organic concurrent decoating kiln includes a low-oxygen zone and a high-oxygen zone. The disclosed kiln allows a gas low in free oxygen to be used in the initial stages of decoating, while a gas higher in free oxygen can be used in the final stages. The total amount of free oxygen used throughout the kiln, in particular at the upstream portion of the kiln, is kept low. Exhaust gas can be recirculated for use in a burner-fired chamber that provides the initial low-oxygen gas to the kiln.