Hot Rotary Screw Pump for High-Temperature Particulate Metering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial hydrogen generation via steam reforming of natural gas faces challenges with large unit sizes and methane slip, as well as difficulties in accurately metering and pumping high-temperature granular materials like calcium carbonate, which requires tall stand pipes and is prone to gas leakage.
Innovation Solution
A screw feeder system with a high-temperature compatible metal or ceramic screw and a labyrinth seal is used to transport particulate materials from low to high pressure environments, featuring a housing with an inlet and outlet port, and a cooling mechanism to manage temperature and pressure differentials, reducing material reverse movement and gas leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tall stand pipes and riser systems are used to meter high temperature granular material, then accurate metering is achieved, but device size increases and gas leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical stand pipe and riser system with a positive displacement screw pump mechanism. The screw pump provides accurate metering through its threaded geometry that positively displaces material, eliminating the need for tall stand pipes while maintaining measurement precision and preventing gas leakage through its sealed design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using a screw pump that can handle high temperature granular material directly, eliminating the need for temperature-controlled stand pipes. The screw pump's design allows it to operate effectively at the temperatures involved, changing the approach from passive temperature management to active thermal tolerance.
2Productivity
If standard pumping systems are used for high temperature granular material, then material transport is achieved, but clogging and gas leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by maintaining the granular material in a controlled state during transport. The screw pump's threaded geometry and sealed chambers prevent material compaction and clogging while the high temperature compatibility of the screw pump components allows operation at elevated temperatures without material degradation or gas leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material principles by using high temperature compatible materials for the screw pump components. The screw pump is constructed with materials that can withstand the operating temperatures and maintain structural integrity, preventing both clogging and gas leakage simultaneously.
3Productivity
If calcium carbonate is circulated in CaCO3 or CaO forms, then CO2 removal is achieved, but pumping and metering difficulties arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional pumping systems with a positive displacement screw pump that is specifically designed for high temperature granular materials. This substitution eliminates the operational difficulties associated with pumping calcium carbonate while maintaining the CO2 removal function through the calcium carbonate circulation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using a screw pump that can handle the high temperature and granular nature of calcium carbonate. This allows the material to be pumped and metered accurately without the difficulties encountered by standard systems, maintaining hydrogen yield while improving ease of operation.
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 screw feeder system effectively transfers high-temperature particulate materials with reduced clogging and gas leakage, enabling efficient operation and compact design by maintaining a pressure differential and preventing material reverse flow, thus improving hydrogen generation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A screw is rotatably mounted within the housing to advance the particulate material from the inlet port to the outlet port
Implementation Method 2
A labyrinth seal is formed around and in communication with the screw to substantially eliminate reverse movement of the material
Implementation Method 3
A cooling medium is in operable contact with at least the housing
Implementation Method 4
A pressure differential from the inlet port to the outlet port is at least 0.069 MPad (10 psia)
Data Source
AI summary
A screw feeder can be used to transport a high temperature particulate material. A housing contains the material within the screw feeder which includes an inlet and an outlet port. A screw is rotatably positioned within the housing to advance the material from the inlet port to the outlet port, which rotates axially. A labyrinth seal can be formed around and in communication with the screw to eliminate reverse movement of the material. A cooling medium can be directed into contact with at least the housing. A fluid can be injected through the screw to prevent blockage of the particulate material. A pressure differential is created from the inlet to the outlet port of at least 0.069 MPad.