Flexible Sleeve Blocking Device for Reactor Solid Particle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for charging refining and petrochemical reactors with solid particles lack safety features, as operators must manually control the flow of particles, leading to potential hazards and inefficiencies in loading processes.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled system using a flexible sleeve with a locking device that reduces the effective section to block particle flow, allowing operators to maintain a safe distance and ensuring uniform loading by using blades and sensors for distribution, and pneumatic or electric actuation for the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible sleeve is used to convey solid particles from the reserve to the distribution device, then the system can adapt to different configurations and enable gravity-based flow, but the operator must manually control the flow by standing near the sleeve inside the reactor, which creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A locking device is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible sleeve and the distribution device. This locking device can be remotely actuated to block or allow particle flow, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for operator presence near the reactive zone while maintaining control over the loading process
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control method (operator physically blocking the sleeve) is replaced with a remotely actuated locking mechanism. The locking device can be controlled from outside the reactor, substituting the dangerous manual operation with a safe automated or remotely controlled system
2Ease of operation
If a valve is installed at the hopper outlet to block particle flow, then particle flow can be controlled, but particles already in the flexible sleeve continue to fall to the distribution device, extending the charging time and creating inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is positioned downstream in the flexible sleeve, allowing particles to first fill the sleeve from the hopper. Once the sleeve is sufficiently filled, the locking device is activated to seal the particles in place. This preliminary filling action ensures that when the lock engages, the distribution device immediately receives a continuous supply of particles, optimizing both control and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sleeve is effectively divided into two zones by the locking device: an upstream zone for particle storage and filling, and a downstream zone for controlled discharge to the distribution device. This segmentation allows independent control of the filling and discharge processes, preventing the inefficiency of continuous flow while maintaining productivity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the locking device is positioned far from the distribution device, then operator safety is improved through remote actuation, but the time to stop particle supply to the distribution device increases when blocking is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the flexible sleeve to achieve both safety and rapid response. By positioning the lock downstream near the distribution device entrance, it creates a strategic location that is both remotely actuable for safety and close enough to the discharge point to quickly stop flow when needed, effectively using spatial arrangement to resolve the contradiction
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
Enhances operator safety by allowing remote operation, improves loading uniformity and efficiency by reducing the effective section of the sleeve, and ensures a steady loading regime, minimizing downtime and ensuring quality of the load.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking device may comprise a balloon element in pneumatic communication with a gas supply conduit. When one controls the arrival of air in the balloon, the balloon inflates and therefore pushes the flexible sleeve against the walls of the rigid pipe so that the solid particles remain blocked.
Implementation Method 2
a flexible sleeve intended to be connected to a supply of solid particles on the one hand, and connected to the dispensing device on the other hand, in which the particles solids are able to flow, generally from top to bottom
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An assembly for loading a refinery and/or petrochemical reactor (100) with solid particles, comprising a dispensing device (110) for loading the reactor with solid particles in a relatively uniform manner, a system (200) for supplying the dispensing device, comprising a flexible sleeve (140) connected to a solid particle tank (130) and to the dispensing device, and a control system (300) comprising a blocking device (310) for blocking the particles flowing in the flexible sleeve, adjacent to a portion (141) of the flexible sleeve and capable, when activated, of moving the walls of the flexible sleeve in such a way as to reduce a cross section of said sleeve at said portion, and an actuating device (350) for actuating the blocking device located at a distance from the blocking device.