Flow Straightener for Combustion Gas Plug Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
In thermal pyrolysis processes, existing methods face challenges in thoroughly mixing fuels with oxidants at the correct stoichiometric ratio and efficiently transitioning the mixture from non-plug flow to plug flow to effectively decompose feedstocks while minimizing mixing with residual gases in the combustion chamber.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the mixing of a fuel with an oxidant to form a first combustible gas mixture with non-plug flow, which is then transitioned into a second combustible gas mixture with predominantly plug flow using a flow straightener, such as a perforated plate or wire mesh, to ensure efficient energy transfer and decomposition of the feedstock, while reducing mixing with residual gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fuel and oxidant are mixed to form a combustible gas mixture with non-plug flow, then thorough mixing of fuel and oxidant is achieved, but mixing with residual gases in the combustion chamber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel and oxidant are pre-mixed in a dedicated mixing zone before entering the combustion chamber. This preliminary mixing action ensures thorough combination of reactants while establishing a defined flow pattern that prevents contamination from residual gases in the combustion chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing function is extracted and separated from the combustion chamber. A dedicated mixing zone is provided where fuel and oxidant combine, and this mixed stream is then introduced into the combustion chamber. This separation prevents the unmixed reactants from contaminating the combustion chamber with residual gases.
2Use of energy by moving object
If combustion products are introduced into the reaction chamber to decompose feedstock, then energy transfer to feedstock is achieved, but mixing with residual combustion chamber gases reduces decomposition efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A flow straightener is introduced as an intermediary component between the combustion chamber and reaction chamber. This device straightens the flow of combustion products, creating a plug flow pattern that maintains energy transfer efficiency while preventing mixing with residual combustion chamber gases that would reduce decomposition efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow characteristics of combustion products are changed from turbulent mixed flow to plug flow by using a flow straightener. This parameter change in flow pattern maintains the thermal energy transfer capability while eliminating harmful mixing effects that would reduce feedstock decomposition efficiency.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a flow straightener is used to transition from non-plug flow to plug flow, then mixing with residual gases is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flow straightener containing an array of closely spaced parallel wires or screens is used to transition the flow from turbulent mixed flow to plug flow. This porous-like structure effectively reduces mixing with residual gases while maintaining a relatively simple and compact device design that does not significantly increase overall system complexity.
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 method ensures thorough mixing of fuel and oxidant prior to combustion, allows residual gases to be effectively pushed out of the combustion chamber, and achieves substantial reduction in mixing between the combustible gas mixture and residual gases, enhancing the decomposition process by transferring energy from combustion products to the feedstock.
Implementation Method 1
transitioning the first combustible gas mixture into a second combustible gas mixture having predominantly plug flow
Implementation Method 2
combust the second combustible gas mixture to form one or more combustion products
Implementation Method 3
energy is transferred from the one or more combustion products to the feedstock and causes the feedstock to decompose
Implementation Method 4
thermal pyrolysis is a method by which a feedstock gas, such as a hydrocarbon, is decomposed without oxygen into its constituent elements
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel is mixed with an oxidant to form a first combustible gas mixture having predominantly non-plug flow. The first combustible gas mixture is transitioned into a second combustible gas mixture having predominantly plug flow. The second combustible gas mixture may be combusted to form one or more combustion products. The one or more combustion products may be mixed with a feedstock to cause the feedstock to decompose.