Hollow Rotating Shaft for Uniform Catalyst Loading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for loading catalyst particles into chemical reactors often result in uneven filling profiles due to anisotropic particle shapes, leading to preferential paths for fluids and unsatisfactory reactor operation, and existing monitoring solutions are either complex or disrupt reactor operation, increasing downtime.

Innovation Solution

A device with a hollow rotating shaft allows for the introduction of monitoring instruments and functional devices during loading, using a central deflector to ensure uniform particle distribution and correct filling profiles, and includes a fixed protective tube to prevent damage and ensure safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If monitoring instruments are introduced to check filling front horizontality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling front horizontality measurementVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow shaft is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the dispersal system, creates a central shadow zone for uniform particle distribution, and simultaneously serves as an access channel for introducing monitoring instruments and functional devices during loading operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The hollow shaft acts as an intermediary structure that allows non-intrusive introduction of monitoring instruments into the chamber during loading, eliminating the need for separate access openings and reducing installation complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If loading is interrupted to verify filling front horizontality, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilling front horizontality verificationVSAvoidloading operation continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow shaft enables the introduction of monitoring instruments during the loading operation without requiring interruption, allowing continuous verification of filling front horizontality while maintaining uninterrupted particle loading and dispersal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If a solid rotating shaft is used for particle dispersal, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshaft structural integrityVSAvoidfunctional device introduction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a solid shaft that provides structural integrity, the invention inverts the approach by using a hollow shaft that maintains structural integrity while creating an internal passage for introducing functional devices and monitoring instruments during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 enables continuous monitoring and adjustment of filling profiles, reducing reactor downtime and ensuring optimal operation by maintaining a horizontal filling front, while allowing for ancillary operations like dust removal and particle distribution without disrupting the air flow or particle trajectory.

Implementation Method 1

thanks to the hollow configuration of a rotating shaft, for the introduction and/or withdrawal of a functional device in the chamber during loading

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHollow configuration:

Implementation Method 2

the introduction of the particles to be loaded via the top of the reactor and the collision of the individual particles during their fall with fixed or mobile mechanical deflectors, causing a random deviation of the particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectParticle deviation:

Implementation Method 3

the introduction of the particles to be loaded via the top of the reactor and the collision of the individual particles during their fall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS7878428B2Device and method for loading a chamber with a divided solid

Publication Date: 2011.02.01 TOTAL RAFFINAGE MARKETING

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for filling a chamber with a divided solid comprising a divided solid feeder hopper (1), an exhaust chimney (2) fixed to said hopper or connected thereto by a supply conduit (3), a motor unit (4) rotatably driving a shaft (5) which is substantially disposed in the direction of the exhaust chimney and at least one deflector member (8) which is mounted downstream of the output orifice(s) (6, 7) of the exhaust chimney and is pivotable about sail shaft (5) in such a way that it angularly moves away therefrom due to a centrifugal force when said shaft (5) rotates. The shaft (5) is embodied in such a way that it is hollow and shaped in the form of a tube whose internal diameter is sufficient for passing a functional device (9) therethrough.