Gasification Feed Injector Heat Shield Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Feed injectors in gasification systems face reduced lifespan due to high temperatures and thermal stress from combustion, leading to increased downtime and decreased operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A heat shield comprising ceramic tiles radially secured to fasteners extending from the outer wall of the feed injector tip, providing thermal protection and reducing heat transfer, with an optional insulation layer to further dampen vibrations and block heat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If feed injectors are exposed to high temperatures from combustion, then combustion efficiency is improved, but the lifespan of the feed injectors is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion efficiencyVSAvoidlifespan of feed injector
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A heat shield comprising ceramic tiles is introduced as an intermediary component between the combustion flame and the feed injector tip. The heat shield absorbs and reflects thermal radiation, reducing the temperature exposure to the feed injector while maintaining adequate combustion conditions. This mediator protects the feed injector from direct thermal damage without significantly compromising combustion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The heat shield modifies the thermal parameters in the combustion zone by creating a thermal barrier that reduces heat transfer to the feed injector. The ceramic material changes the temperature distribution pattern, maintaining higher temperatures in the combustion chamber while protecting the injector tip from excessive thermal exposure, thus extending its operational lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If heat shield components are added to protect the feed injector, then the lifespan is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifespan of feed injectorVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shield is segmented into multiple individual ceramic tiles rather than using a single monolithic structure. Each tile can be independently installed, positioned, and replaced. This segmentation simplifies the overall assembly process and allows for easier maintenance without requiring complete disassembly of the entire heat shield system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ceramic tiles are designed as replaceable, relatively simple components that can be easily manufactured and replaced when worn or damaged. Rather than designing a complex, integrated heat shield system, the invention uses simple, inexpensive ceramic tiles that serve as sacrificial protective elements, reducing overall system complexity while extending feed injector lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 heat shield significantly extends the life of the feed injector, reduces downtime, and enhances operational efficiency by mitigating thermal stress and heat transfer, thereby improving overall plant performance.

Implementation Method 1

The heat shield includes a plurality of tiles radially located on the at least one fastener and radially secured to the outer wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation blocking: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

mitigating thermal stress and heat transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

an optional insulation layer to further dampen vibrations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2970800B1System comprising a gasification feed injector with a heat shield
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2970800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2970800B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2970800B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A system includes a gasification feed injector. The gasification feed injector includes a tip portion that has an outer wall and a feed outlet, and an injection axis of the gasification feed injector extends through the feed outlet of the tip portion. The gasification feed injector also has at least one fastener extending radially from the outer wall relative to an injection axis of the gasification feed injector through the feed outlet of the tip portion. An attachment location of the at least one fastener is located away from the feed outlet of the tip portion. The system also includes a heat shield, which includes a tile radially disposed on the at least one fastener and radially secured to the outer wall via fastening the tile to the at least one fastener. In addition, the tile wraps around a distal end portion of the tip portion.