Fluid Distributor Segmentation for Nitriding Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fluid distributors used in acrylonitrile production and other nitrogen-containing fluid transport systems face issues with nitriding embrittlement due to high temperatures, leading to uneven distribution and potential reactor shutdowns, especially when reactor sizes increase.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distributor design featuring multiple main and branch pipes with strategically arranged open pores and nozzles that ensure uniform distribution of propylene ammonia mixed gas, maintaining temperatures below the nitriding point even in larger reactors, thereby reducing the risk of nitriding embrittlement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the reactor size is increased to expand production capacity, then the production capacity increases, but the path length of mixed gas in the fluid distributor increases, causing higher temperatures and nitriding embrittlement
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distributor is divided into multiple independent branch pipes (5-100 branches) connected to main pipes, creating a segmented distribution network. This segmentation reduces the path length of mixed gas in each individual branch while maintaining the ability to serve large reactor volumes, thereby preventing temperature rise and nitriding embrittlement that would occur in long single-path distributors
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-path linear distribution to a multi-dimensional network structure with main pipes and multiple branch pipes extending in different directions. This dimensional expansion allows the distributor to serve large reactor volumes without increasing the path length of individual gas streams, as each branch independently delivers gas to different reactor zones
2Productivity
If the reactor size is increased, then the production capacity increases, but the temperature of mixed gas exceeds the nitriding temperature, causing embrittlement
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the distribution system into multiple short branch pipes, the path length of mixed gas is limited in each segment. This prevents excessive temperature rise through continuous heating along long paths, keeping the gas temperature below the nitriding threshold even in large reactors
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple branch pipes act as intermediaries that distribute the mixed gas to different reactor zones independently. Each branch pipe limits the maximum path length and thus the maximum temperature increase, serving as a thermal mediator that prevents the gas from reaching nitriding temperatures
3Reliability
If nitrided resistant alloy is used to make the distributor, then the resistance to nitriding improves, but the cost increases and the problem is not fully solved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the nitriding problem from its root cause (high temperature exposure in long path distributors) rather than treating it as a material selection issue. By redesigning the distributor geometry to eliminate long gas paths, the temperature condition that causes nitriding is removed, making expensive nitrided resistant alloys unnecessary
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the distributor (number of branches, branch lengths, pipe diameters) to optimize the gas flow paths. By controlling the path length and distribution pattern, the temperature parameter is kept below the nitriding threshold, eliminating the need for special materials
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 proposed fluid distributor achieves uniform fluid distribution and maintains temperatures below the nitriding point in both standard and larger-sized reactors, preventing embrittlement and ensuring continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of open pores disposed along the length of said fluid transport branch pipe in each of said fluid transport branch pipes
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid distributor includes one or more fluid transport main pipe. The fluid transport main pipe is configured to assume a closed shape when its centerlines and/or centerline extensions are joined end-to-end. Each of the fluid transport main pipe has at least one fluid inlet and is connected with a plurality of fluid transport branch pipes. Each of the fluid transport branch pipes has a plurality of open pores disposed along the length of the fluid transport branch pipe and a connection portion. The connection portion is configured to connect the fluid transport branch pipe to the housing after the fluid transport branch pipe passes through the housing of the vessel into the inner cavity.