Flue Gas Duct Support Beam Arrangement Reducing Height

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supporting beam arrangements for flue gas ducts in power boilers are inefficient in terms of height optimization, as they do not effectively reduce the total height of the support frame and flue gas duct, which limits the placement of successive heat exchangers and increases structural complexity under hot conditions.

Innovation Solution

A supporting beam arrangement featuring two horizontal first beams with openings for a second beam to rest on, along with intermediate beams and reinforcing bars, which allows for a compact structure by reducing the overall height and accommodating thermal expansion through slide bearings, and utilizing I-beams, H-beams, or box beams made of steel for enhanced strength and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If traditional supporting beam arrangements are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the total height of the support frame and flue gas duct cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetotal height of support frame and flue gas ductVSAvoidstructural strength of supporting beams
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The second supporting beam extends through the flue gas duct in a horizontal direction, creating a three-dimensional support structure. This allows the beam to span across the duct and be supported at multiple points (first supporting beams on opposite sides), effectively distributing loads and reducing the vertical height requirement while maintaining structural strength through spatial configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The second supporting beam is positioned within the flue gas duct structure, with its end sections extending between the first supporting beams. This nested arrangement allows the support system to be integrated within the existing duct geometry, reducing overall height without compromising the load-bearing capacity of the external support frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of stationary object

If the second supporting beam extends through the flue gas duct to reduce height, then compactness is improved, but thermal expansion under hot conditions becomes a problem

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight of supporting beam arrangementVSAvoidability to accommodate thermal expansion
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting beam arrangement is designed to accommodate changes in physical parameters, specifically thermal expansion. The second supporting beam's configuration allowing it to expand and contract within the flue gas duct while maintaining structural integrity through its connection to the first supporting beams and support frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If successive heat exchangers are placed closer together vertically, then space is optimized, but structural support becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevertical space occupied by heat exchangersVSAvoidcomplexity of supporting beam arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting beam arrangement is divided into distinct segments: first supporting beams connected to the support frame, a second supporting beam extending through the flue gas duct, and intermediate supporting beams. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while enabling closer vertical placement of heat exchangers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second supporting beam acts as an intermediary element between the first supporting beams and the flue gas duct contents. It provides additional support points and load distribution mechanisms that enable closer spacing of heat exchangers without requiring complex reinforcement of the entire support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration reduces the total height of the supporting beam arrangement, allowing closer placement of heat exchangers and a more compact power boiler design, while maintaining structural integrity under hot conditions by allowing thermal expansion and providing a robust support system.

Implementation Method 1

the second supporting beam is exposed to flue gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3751195B1Supporting beam arrangement for supporting a flue gas duct
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 VALMET TECH OY
  • EP3751195B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3751195B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3751195B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A supporting beam arrangement (14) for supporting a flue gas duct (10) to a support frame (16) of the flue gas channel. The supporting beam arrangement comprises two horizontal first supporting beams (18) that are parallel and on two opposite sides of the flue gas duct (10) and separated by a distance from the flue gas channel, and further are connected to the support frame (16). The supporting beam arrangement (14) comprises a horizontal second supporting beam (20) defining two opposite ends (22) that are supported to the first supporting beams (18), the second supporting beam extending through the flue gas duct (10) that is supported to the second supporting beam. At least one or each one of the first supporting beams comprises an opening (24), in which opening one of the two opposite ends (22) of the second supporting beam is placed to rest on the first supporting beam (18).