Flexible Cover Element for Combustion Chamber Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fossil-fired steam generators, the formation of deposits on heating pipes and surfaces due to slag and ash components leads to reduced boiler efficiency and poses safety risks during maintenance, requiring frequent shutdowns and lengthy downtimes for cleaning, as existing work platforms do not effectively protect workers from falling debris and cannot safely access lower areas without first clearing upper sections.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, lightweight cover element made of fabric, close-meshed net, or film, which can be introduced into the combustion chamber through a side opening and stretched to create a protected working space below the ash discharge opening, using holding, lifting, and tensioning cables to secure and position it, allowing safe maintenance in the lower area without extensive downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional work platforms are used in the combustion chamber, then workers can access the interior for maintenance, but workers are exposed to falling slag and ash components from above
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cover element made of heat-resistant fabric or mesh material that can be introduced through a side opening and stretched across the combustion chamber to create a protective barrier. This flexible film approach replaces complex rigid platform structures while providing effective protection against falling debris, directly resolving the contradiction between worker safety and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the steam generator is shut down for cleaning and maintenance, then deposits can be removed from heating surfaces, but productivity is reduced due to lengthy downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the combustion chamber into protected and unprotected zones using the cover element, allowing maintenance work to be performed in the lower protected area independently of the upper heating surfaces. This segmentation enables targeted maintenance without requiring complete shutdowns for full cleaning operations, thus reducing downtime while maintaining boiler efficiency through selective cleaning when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element is installed beforehand to create a protected working space before maintenance activities begin. This preliminary action allows workers to safely access and perform maintenance on lower heating surfaces and combustion chamber components without the need to first clear upper sections or shut down the entire system, significantly reducing required downtime.
3Reliability
If a rigid bulkhead structure is installed to protect against falling debris, then worker safety is improved, but the structure is difficult to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, rigid bulkhead concept into a dynamic, flexible cover element that can be easily introduced through a side opening, stretched into position, and removed when needed. This dynamic structure maintains protection against falling debris while dramatically improving ease of installation and removal compared to fixed rigid structures, allowing rapid deployment and teardown as required.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method involves placing and stretching of covering elements (8), comprising web and dense network and a foil, at a desired height above the lower discharge opening (4) preferably ash hopper (3) in application position. The covering element is placed in the reactor cross-section area laterally from outside through a first opening (9a,9b) in boundary wall (7) of the reactor area e.g. the combustion chamber (2) in horizontal position in e.g. heating surface (5) in the reactor. The covering elements are unfolding or stretchable. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) System for covering of a working space in a reactor; and (2) Steam generator.