Gasification Reactor Pressure Control via Cooled Sleeve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gasification reactors face pressure build-up issues due to slag and fly ash accumulation, leading to overpressure and potential damage, as existing technologies cannot effectively monitor or control pressure within the reactor or equalize pressure differences between the gasifier wall and the pressure vessel.

Innovation Solution

A gasification reactor with a tubular gastight wall within a pressure vessel, equipped with a pressure responsive device that includes a cooled sleeve with a ram for pressure equalization and a pressure measurement system, allowing for the monitoring and control of pressure differences using a hydraulic actuator and pressure sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If downstream pressure control equipment is used, then pressure control is achieved, but the complexity of the system increases and real-time monitoring within the gasifier is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure controlVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A cooled probe is introduced as an intermediary device that extends into the gasifier through the water wall. The probe includes a pressure measurement device positioned at its end to measure pressure directly within the gasifier. The cooling system with coolant channels prevents the probe from overheating, enabling it to function as a mediator between the high-temperature gasifier interior and the external monitoring system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the discharge opening is covered by slag lumps, then slag removal is simplified, but gasifier outlet is blocked and overpressure builds up

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslag removalVSAvoidgasifier outlet operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical slag removal mechanisms with a pressure-responsive detection system. The pressure measurement device detects pressure changes that indicate slag accumulation and outlet blocking. This substitution allows for early detection of potential blockages through pressure monitoring, enabling preventive action before complete blockage occurs, thereby maintaining reliable gasifier outlet operation without complex mechanical removal systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If pressure measurement device is exposed to high temperatures, then direct pressure measurement within gasifier is achieved, but the measurement device is damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurementVSAvoidmeasurement device durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cooled probe serves as a protective intermediary between the high-temperature gasifier environment and the pressure measurement device. The probe includes cooling channels through which coolant flows, creating a thermal barrier that protects the measurement device from direct exposure to temperatures exceeding 1600°C. This allows the measurement device to accurately measure gasifier pressure while remaining thermally protected and durable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the thermal parameter of the probe environment by introducing a cooling system. Coolant is circulated through channels in the probe, maintaining the probe temperature at a level suitable for the pressure measurement device while the probe tip remains in the high-temperature gasifier. This parameter change enables both accurate pressure measurement and device durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively equalizes overpressure within the gasifier, enabling safe operation by allowing gas to flow freely and allowing for accurate pressure monitoring, thus preventing damage from pressure build-up and ensuring continuous operation.

Implementation Method 1

pressure equalization... enabling safe operation by allowing gas to flow freely... preventing damage from pressure build-up

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic actuator and pressure sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

pressure measurement system... accurate pressure monitoring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 4

cooled sleeve with a ram for pressure equalization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP2663618B1Gasification reactor and process
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 AIR PROD & CHEM INC
  • EP2663618B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2663618B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2663618B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A gasification reactor (1) comprising a gasifier (2) with a tubular gastight wall (3) arranged within a pressure vessel (9). The gasification reactor comprises one or more pressure responsive devices (20, 21) comprising a sleeve (22, 48) with a cooled section (24, 50) extending outwardly from an opening (23, 49) in the gastight wall. The pressure responsive devices can, e.g. include a pressure measurement device (21) and/or a pressure equalizer (20). Method of using a pressure responsive device with such a gasifier (2), wherein a heat sluice is used formed by a sleeve (22, 48) with a cooled section (24, 50) extending outwardly from an opening (23, 49) in the gastight wall.