Gasifier Shedding Apparatus for Particulate Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In gasification systems, particulate deposits on components such as syngas coolers and quench units lead to inefficient heat transfer, corrosion, and operational hazards due to the formation of soot and ash layers, which can break off and cause downstream plugging, necessitating regular removal to prevent substantial buildup.

Innovation Solution

A shedding apparatus is integrated into the gasification system components, capable of transmitting a force to shed particulate layers through vibration or fluid flow, effectively removing deposits from thermal energy transfer platens and preventing their accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If deposits are allowed to accumulate on gasification system components, then the system can operate continuously without interruption, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates and steam production decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam productionVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shedding apparatus is activated before deposits can accumulate to problematic levels, performing preliminary removal action to prevent heat transfer efficiency deterioration and maintain steam production capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shedding apparatus operates periodically to remove deposits at regular intervals, maintaining heat transfer efficiency and steam production without requiring continuous operation or system shutdown

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If deposits are removed frequently to maintain heat transfer efficiency, then steam production is maintained, but system downtime for maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam productionVSAvoidmaintenance downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shedding apparatus is integrated into the gasification system and operates automatically to remove deposits without requiring external intervention or system shutdown, enabling the system to maintain itself and eliminate maintenance downtime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The shedding apparatus enables continuous operation of the gasification system by removing deposits during normal operation, eliminating interruptions and maintaining both steam production and heat transfer efficiency without downtime

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If shedding apparatus is integrated into gasification system components, then deposit removal is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposit removal effectivenessVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shedding apparatus is integrated with existing gasification system components such that the deposit removal function is combined with the thermal energy transfer function, eliminating the need for separate standalone shedding equipment and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated shedding apparatus serves multiple functions: it removes deposits to maintain heat transfer efficiency, prevents downstream plugging, and extends component life, thereby achieving multiple benefits through a single integrated solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures efficient heat transfer, prolongs the life of components by preventing corrosive deposit buildup, and reduces maintenance hazards by regularly shedding particulate layers, thereby enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A force is transmitted from the shedding apparatus into the gasification system component and the particulate layer is shed from the gasification system component as a result of the vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS8357215B2Method and apparatus of particulate removal from gasifier components

Publication Date: 2013.01.22 AIR PROD & CHEM INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a method of removing a particulate layer from a gasification system component including locating a shedding apparatus in operable communication with the gasification system component. A force is transmitted from the shedding apparatus into the gasification system component and the particulate layer is shed from the gasification system component as a result of the force. Further disclosed is a syngas cooler for a gasification system including a vessel and a plurality of thermal energy transfer platens located in the vessel. A shedding apparatus is in operable communication with the plurality of platens and is capable of shedding a particulate layer from the plurality of platens by transmitting a force to the plurality of platens. The apparatus includes a manifold disposed between the shedding apparatus and the plurality of platens and connected to the plurality of platens via one or more struts capable of distributing the force to the plurality of platens.