Embedded Vessel Anchor Assembly for Crack-Resistant Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance and replacement of electrolytic vessels in hydrometallurgical refining are challenging due to dynamic loads that can cause cracking and insufficient space for lifting equipment, especially when vessels are positioned closely together.
Innovation Solution
An anchor assembly is integrated within the electrolytic vessel to provide anchorage for lifting devices, absorbing and distributing dynamic loads while avoiding contact with metallic pieces, using straps and connectors that can be embedded or protruding, and made from materials like nylon, fiberglass, or steel to ensure strength and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional lifting methods are used on electrolytic vessels, then the vessels can be lifted for maintenance or replacement, but dynamic loads cause cracking and damage to the electrolytic cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds lifting anchors and attachment points into the vessel structure during manufacturing, before the vessel is put into service. This preliminary integration ensures that lifting points are pre-positioned to distribute loads evenly across the vessel wall, preventing cracking during subsequent lifting operations for maintenance or replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures in the vessel walls, combining materials with different mechanical properties to create zones that can absorb and distribute lifting loads. The composite construction allows the vessel to withstand dynamic loads during lifting without compromising the integrity of the electrolytic cavity.
2Productivity
If electrolytic vessels are positioned closely together to maximize space utilization, then production density increases, but insufficient space prevents passage of cables, straps, slings, and other lifting equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lifting function from external equipment (cables, straps, slings that would need to be passed between vessels) and integrates it directly into the vessel structure through embedded anchors. This allows lifting operations to be performed without needing to pass equipment through the narrow gaps between closely positioned vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded anchors serve as intermediaries between the vessel and the lifting device. Instead of requiring direct access between vessels for cable or sling passage, the anchors provide a built-in interface that mediates the lifting connection, enabling operations in confined spaces where vessels are positioned closely together.
3Strength
If the electrolytic cavity is made large enough to be structurally sound, then it can withstand operational loads, but it becomes difficult to lift and maneuver during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lifting function into multiple distributed anchor points embedded in the vessel structure. This segmentation allows the heavy electrolytic cavity to be lifted by distributing the lifting loads across multiple points, making it feasible to maneuver large, structurally sound vessels during maintenance without requiring excessive lifting capacity at any single point.
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 anchor assembly effectively reduces the risk of vessel cracking during lifting and transport, allowing for safe and efficient handling of electrolytic vessels without compromising the integrity of the electrolytic cavity, even in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the strap is embedded within the electrolytic vessel so as to absorb and distribute dynamic loads applied to the vessel during lifting, transport and placement
Implementation Method 2
The anchor provides anchorage to a lifting accessory of the lifting device used for the lifting, transport and placement of the vessel
Data Source
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AI summary
A liftable electrolytic vessel including at least one anchor assembly being at least partially embedded in each of two opposed core walls to provide anchorage to a lifting accessory of a lifting device; and related method for lifting the electrolytic vessel. Each anchor assembly comprises an anchor having a strap slot, and a strap connected to the anchor and extending from the anchor along and inside at least a portion of the corresponding core wall. The anchor further includes a connector which is sized and configured to receive a fastener or engage a lifting accessory such as a chain or a hook. The anchor assembly may include one anchor provided at each end of the strap. A plurality of anchor assemblies may extend vertically and horizontally within a core of the vessel to offer various anchorage points from an outer surface of the core. Design of the anchor of a first anchor assembly may differ from the design of a second anchor assembly. A lifting accessory is further designed to be securable to each anchor of the vessel.