Compact Fuel Gas Conditioning System with Reversed Flow

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gas turbine conditioning systems are space-intensive and costly due to the need for multiple pieces of equipment, which can be a challenge for facilities with limited space and high operational expenses.

Innovation Solution

A compact fuel gas conditioning system is developed, incorporating an outer and inner tubular housing with baffles and heating elements, where the gas flow direction is reversed within the inner passageway to enhance heat transfer and impede flow, allowing for efficient preheating and superheating of the gas within a single pressure vessel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate pieces of equipment are used for gas conditioning, then the gas can be properly conditioned with adequate space for each component, but the system takes up considerable space and increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas conditioning effectivenessVSAvoidspace requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate gas conditioning equipment (pre-heater, expansion valve, gas scrubber with coalescing filter, and super heater) into a single integrated pressure vessel. The inner tubular housing contains heating elements and baffles that work together with the outer housing to perform all conditioning functions in one compact unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and flowlines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where an inner tubular housing is positioned inside an outer tubular housing, creating concentric passageways. The inner housing contains heating elements and baffles, while the annular space between the inner and outer housings provides additional flow paths. This nested arrangement maximizes functional density within a compact footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If multiple separate pieces of equipment are used for gas conditioning, then the gas can be properly conditioned, but the separate pieces of equipment add to the cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas conditioning effectivenessVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Temperature

If the gas flow is impeded within the inner passageway, then heat transfer is enhanced and superheat is achieved, but the flow resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas superheat levelVSAvoidgas flow speed

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses adjustable baffles within the inner tubular housing that can be positioned at different angles and spacings to dynamically control flow resistance and turbulence. This allows optimization of heat transfer efficiency while maintaining adequate flow rates, as the baffle configuration can be adjusted based on operating conditions to balance superheat requirements with flow speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates three-dimensional flow patterns using baffles arranged at various heights and angles within the inner passageway. This transforms simple linear flow into complex multi-directional flow paths that increase heat transfer surface area and efficiency without requiring excessive pressure drop, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the heat exchange process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 system effectively conditions the fuel gas by reducing space requirements and operational costs while maintaining the necessary superheat levels for gas turbines, ensuring efficient heat transfer and reliable performance.

Implementation Method 1

one or more heating elements positioned within the passageway of the inner tubular housing, wherein each heating element extends through a corresponding passageway in each of the baffles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heating the inlet stream of gas within the inner passageway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of spaced apart baffles positioned within the passageway of the inner tubular housing, wherein each baffle defines at least one passageway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow resistance: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS8177888B2Fuel gas conditioning system

Publication Date: 2012.05.15 GAUMER

AI summary

A feed gas conditioner.