Flue Gas Channel with Removable Catalyst and Dust Separator Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flue gas ducts do not facilitate easy access and maintenance of catalysts and dust separators, hindering their efficient cleaning and reconditioning.

Innovation Solution

The ducts are designed with an opening in the wall, equipped with a closing device that allows for easy installation and removal of catalysts and dust separators, enabling cleaning and reconditioning while maintaining a secure seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If catalysts and dust separators are arranged freely along the channel, then the channel can treat flue gases effectively, but the catalysts and dust separators become difficult to access for cleaning and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of catalysts and dust separatorsVSAvoidStructure of channel
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel is segmented into sections with removable closing devices that can be independently opened. Each closing device forms a separate access point to the catalyst and dust separator components, allowing maintenance personnel to access specific components without dismantling the entire channel structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closing devices are designed to be completely removable from the channel. When removed, they provide direct access to the catalyst and dust separator for cleaning and maintenance. The closing devices can be taken out through the opening in the channel wall, facilitating easy removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a closing device is added to seal the opening for catalyst installation, then the channel becomes secure, but the complexity of the channel structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSealing of channelVSAvoidStructure of channel
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing device incorporates a hinge that allows it to pivot between an open position (providing access to catalyst and dust separator) and a closed position (sealing the channel opening). This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for complex removable fastening systems while maintaining reliable sealing when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism that connects the closing device to the channel wall, enabling smooth transition between open and closed states. This simple mechanical linkage provides reliable sealing without adding significant structural complexity to the overall channel design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the opening in the channel wall is made wide to facilitate catalyst installation, then accessibility is improved, but the structural integrity of the channel may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility for catalyst installationVSAvoidStructural integrity of channel
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The channel wall contains a defined opening that is sized appropriately for catalyst installation. The closing device spans this opening and distributes structural loads around the opening area, preventing stress concentration that would compromise channel integrity while maintaining adequate access for maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4596969A1Channel for flue gas, especially furnace tube
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 BLUE FIRE GMBH
  • EP4596969A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4596969A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4596969A1 patent drawingFigure 1b

AI summary

In a duct for flue gas, in particular a furnace pipe, designed for the installation of at least one catalyst and/or a dust separator in the duct, it is provided that it has at least one opening in its duct wall, that this opening is assigned at least one closing device closing the opening and that the catalyst and/or the dust separator is connected to the closing device.