Flash Tank Inlet Valve Plate for Black Liquor Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flash tanks lack the ability to adjust the flow passage area or control the velocity and pressure of black liquor entering the tank, limiting their efficiency in processing high-pressure fluid streams from pressurized reactor vessels in pulping systems.
Innovation Solution
A movable, hinged plate at the inlet of the flash tank adjusts the flow passage area by pivoting between fully open and smaller positions, allowing control over the flow velocity and pressure, using a pneumatic or electro-mechanical actuator to manage the valve plate's position and prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inlet pipe has a fixed inlet diameter, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow passage area cannot be adjusted to control flow velocity and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a movable valve plate that can pivot between different positions to dynamically adjust the flow passage area. The valve plate is connected via a hinge mechanism, allowing it to move from a first position (defining a first throat area) to a second position (defining a second throat area with smaller cross-sectional area). This dynamic adjustment capability enables control over black liquor flow velocity and pressure without requiring multiple fixed inlet pipes, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the inlet pipe has a fixed inlet diameter, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the ability to control flow velocity and pressure is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plate mechanism provides dynamic control capability by allowing the inlet passage area to be adjusted between different positions. The hinge connection enables smooth movement between the first position (maximum flow area) and second position (reduced flow area), giving operators control over flow velocity and pressure parameters while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure that is easier to manufacture compared to complex automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the effective flow passage area parameter through the movement of the valve plate. By changing the position of the valve plate (from first position to second position), the cross-sectional area of the inlet passage is adjusted, which directly changes the flow velocity and pressure parameters of the black liquor. This simple parameter adjustment mechanism provides operational control without requiring complex manufacturing.
3Productivity
If conventional flash tanks are used without flow adjustment capability, then the device is simple, but the efficiency in processing high-pressure fluid streams is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic valve plate mechanism enables the flash tank to adapt to varying processing requirements by adjusting the inlet flow passage area. When high processing efficiency is needed, the valve plate can be positioned to maximize flow area; when pressure control or reduced flow is required, the valve plate pivots to reduce the effective area. This dynamic adaptability improves productivity without requiring a completely complex control system, as the hinge-based mechanism is mechanically simple.
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 solution enables precise control over the flow volume, velocity, and pressure drop within the flash tank, enhancing the efficiency of black liquor processing and ensuring sufficient pressure in upstream conduits, thereby optimizing heat recovery and chemical recovery in pulping systems.
Implementation Method 1
Flash tanks are generally used to flash a high pressure fluid liquor stream including steam and condensate
Data Source
AI summary
A flash tank including: a closed interior chamber; a gas exhaust port coupled to an upper portion of the chamber; a liquid discharge port coupled to a lower portion of the chamber; an inlet nozzle attached to an inlet port of the chamber, wherein the inlet nozzle includes a flow passage, and a movable valve plate in the flow passage, wherein the valve plate has a first position which defines a first throat in the flow passage and a second position which defines a second throat having a smaller cross-sectional area than the first throat.