Hinged Metal Covering System for Radial Flow Reactor Deformations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radial flow reactors for reforming petroleum fractions use refractory fabrics that are carcinogenic, delicate, and require frequent replacement due to tearing and inability to adapt to packing deformations during production.

Innovation Solution

A hinged metal covering system with an annular casing formed by movable metal plates and concentric circles, using metal parts that are free of carcinogens, durable, and adaptable to different reactor sizes and deformations, allowing for reuse and secure sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If refractory fabrics are used to cover the packing, then sealing is achieved, but the fabric is carcinogenic and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecarcinogenicityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from organic refractory fabric to inorganic metal material (stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant metals), eliminating carcinogenicity while improving durability and resistance to high temperatures and chemical corrosion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The covering system uses composite construction combining metal plates with sealing elements (gaskets, sealing rings, or refractory mortar joints) to achieve both the durability of metal and the sealing effectiveness of flexible materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If refractory fabrics are used for covering, then sealing is provided, but the fabric tears during production and must be replaced after every cycle

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material from fragile refractory fabric to durable metal plates that resist tearing and mechanical stress during production and operation, enabling reuse over multiple cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The covering system is divided into multiple metal plate segments that can be assembled and disassembled without damage, allowing for easy replacement of individual components if needed while maintaining overall system durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed covering structures are used, then sealing is maintained, but the structure cannot adapt to deformations of the packing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to deformationVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic elements including expandable/contractible metal bellows and adjustable support legs that can move to accommodate packing deformation, transforming a static rigid structure into an adaptive dynamic system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses metal bellows with corrugated flexible walls that can expand and contract radially to follow packing deformation while maintaining sealing, providing flexibility without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If refractory fabrics are used, then covering is achieved, but they cannot follow deformations of the packing during production

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to deformationVSAvoidsealing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic metal bellows and adjustable support mechanisms that actively track and follow packing deformation in real-time, maintaining continuous sealing contact throughout the production process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The metal bellows act as flexible sealing shells that can deform radially to match the packing's shape changes while maintaining gas-tight sealing, combining adaptability with sealing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10792636B2Cover system for a solid particle lining and reactor comprising such a system

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 CREALYST GRP

AI summary

The invention relates to a cover system (5) for a solid particle lining (3) comprising an articulated structure (11) and an annular casing (13) covering the articulated structure (11), the casing (13) being formed by metal plates (16, 17) sealingly mounted so as to be movable relative to each other, the articulated structure (11) having metal skirts (31) forming articulated concentric circles (33) for supporting the plates (16, 17) of the casing (13) and adapting to the deformations of the lining (3), and metal elements (35) forming articulated spacers (37) making it possible to maintain a spacing between the articulated concentric circles (33) and to adapt to the deformations of the lining (3).