Enclosure for distillation column
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing distillation column enclosures are cumbersome for transport and occupy excessive space, leading to increased costs due to the amount of insulating material required, and are prone to ice formation at corners which can be detrimental.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid enclosure design combining cylindrical and cuboid shapes to enhance structural strength, reduce volume, and eliminate corners, allowing for efficient transport and installation, with a convex wall arrangement that minimizes space between the column and the enclosure, and optimizes insulation placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cuboid-shaped enclosure is used, then it facilitates installation and piping, but it creates corners where ice formation risk is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the traditional cuboid-shaped enclosure with a cylindrical enclosure. This eliminates corners entirely, removing the locations where ice formation typically occurs. The curved cylindrical surface allows for smooth airflow and prevents stagnation zones where ice could accumulate, while still providing the necessary containment and insulation functions.
2Strength
If a cylindrical enclosure is used, then it promotes structural strength and volume reduction, but it complicates installation and piping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing flat rectangular panels at specific locations on the cylindrical enclosure. These panels are strategically positioned to facilitate piping connections and installation access, while the majority of the enclosure maintains its cylindrical shape to preserve structural strength and minimize volume. This localized modification balances the advantages of both cylindrical and cuboid designs.
3Reliability
If traditional enclosures are used, then they provide adequate insulation, but they occupy excessive space and increase material costs
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical shape of the enclosure is more space-efficient compared to a cuboid design. The curved surface allows for better packing and utilization of space, reducing the overall volume required for the same insulation effectiveness. This geometric optimization minimizes the amount of insulating material needed while maintaining thermal performance.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If corners are eliminated, then ice formation risk is reduced, but the enclosure design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates corners by adopting a cylindrical enclosure design, which inherently has no corners where ice could form. While this may seem to increase design complexity, the cylindrical shape is actually a simpler, more uniform geometry that can be manufactured using standard processes. The design complexity is offset by the elimination of corner-specific considerations and ice formation mitigation measures.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A distillation column enclosure (1) (2) intended to operate at a temperature below 0°C comprises at least four walls (A,B,C,D), vertical in use, and a roof, the enclosure being designed to contain at least one distillation column, at least one other element (7) intended to operate at a cryogenic temperature as well as insulation (8), at least one wall being convex (D).