Grate Coupling Element for Incineration Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grate systems for solid combustion in large incineration plants face challenges such as high temperature exposure, mechanical wear, chemical corrosion, and leakage due to complex and high-stress connections, leading to reduced service life and inefficient cooling.

Innovation Solution

A direct coupling of fluid channels between adjacent grate elements using a coupling element that is self-centering, pressure-tight, and made of non-rusting material, eliminating the need for difficult welding and reducing pressure losses, allowing for larger cooling water flow with lower pressure drop.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex connection methods (welding, screw connections, pipe sections) are used to connect grate elements, then the connection can be made secure, but the manufacturing complexity and installation difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the fluid channel connection and the structural connection into a single integrated coupling element. This coupling element simultaneously provides mechanical support and fluid tight connection, eliminating the need for separate welding or screwing operations. The direct coupling of fluid channels between adjacent grate elements through this single element resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining connection security while dramatically reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between grate elements. Instead of directly welding or screwing complex pipe sections, the coupling element serves as a pre-fabricated intermediary that provides both structural and fluid connection functions in one component, reducing installation difficulty and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional pipe connections with screw connections or welds are used, then the fluid channels can be connected, but pressure losses increase and cooling efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid channel connectionVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the fluid channel connection directly into the coupling element structure, the patent eliminates intermediate pipe sections, bends, and connection fittings that cause pressure losses. The direct coupling creates a streamlined fluid path with minimal resistance, reducing energy losses while maintaining reliable fluid channel connection between grate elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If grate elements are exposed to high temperatures during combustion, then the combustion process is effective, but the grate elements suffer from chemical corrosion and mechanical wear reducing service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion efficiencyVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of water to steam for cooling the grate elements. Cooling water is circulated through channels in the grate elements, absorbing heat during evaporation and phase change, thereby protecting the grate elements from thermal damage, chemical corrosion, and mechanical wear while maintaining effective combustion temperatures in the combustion chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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

This solution ensures effective cooling with reduced leakage, increased service life, and improved material durability, preventing chemical corrosion and mechanical wear while maintaining a low pressure drop and high flow rates.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling element (1) has guiding parts (11) which serve for guiding and centering the laterally adjacent grate elements (2) to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical self-centering:

Implementation Method 2

At least one seal (8) is provided which serves for sealing the coupling element (1) in a pressure-tight manner to the laterally adjacent grate elements (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

Cooling water flows through the fluid channels of the grate elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Implementation Method 4

Due to the direct coupling of the fluid channels of laterally adjacent grate elements (2) of a grate row (10) of a grate (100) low pressure losses are ensured and large amounts of cooling water can be conveyed through the grate elements (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2751488B1Grate for the incineration of solid material
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 SCHENKEL ERNST
  • EP2751488B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2751488B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2751488B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a grate (100) for the incineration of solid material, having at least one grate row (10), which comprises a plurality of grate elements (2) arranged in a row one beside the other, where each grate element comprises at least one tube or fluid channel (30) through which cooling fluid can flow and having corresponding channel-opening regions (3), each arranged laterally on the grate element, and wherein the channel-opening regions (3) are oriented coaxially in relation to one another for coupling by means of coupling elements (1), such that the cooling channels are connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner.