Inclined Fluidizing Grate for Fluidized Bed Residence Time Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluidized bed reactors lack the ability to withdraw particulate matter after a well-defined residence time without interrupting the reaction process.

Innovation Solution

The fluidized bed reactor is designed with a fluidizing grate that has an inclination from the particulate matter inlet to the primary outlet, creating a horizontal momentum for continuous advancement of particulate matter, allowing control of residence time through adjustable inclination angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If a conventional fluidized bed reactor with vertical walls is used, then the reaction process can proceed, but the ability to withdraw particulate matter after a well-defined residence time without interrupting the reaction process is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidence time controlVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fluidizing grate is designed with an asymmetric inclination relative to the horizontal plane, creating a slope that facilitates the continuous movement and withdrawal of particulate matter. This asymmetric geometry enables residence time control while maintaining continuous operation, as the inclined surface naturally directs particles toward the outlet region.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The inclination angle of the fluidizing grate can be adjusted dynamically to control the residence time of particulate matter in the reaction chamber. By varying the angle, the system adapts to different process requirements, enabling flexible residence time control without interrupting the continuous reaction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the fluidizing grate is made horizontal, then the structure is simple, but the control over residence time and continuous advancement of particulate matter is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess efficiencyVSAvoidgrate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluidizing grate employs an asymmetric inclined design rather than a symmetric horizontal configuration. This inclination creates a natural gradient that drives continuous particle advancement through the reaction chamber, enhancing productivity through better residence time control while adding only moderate structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The inclination angle of the fluidizing grate serves as a controllable parameter that directly influences particle movement and residence time. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system optimizes process efficiency without requiring complex mechanical or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enables continuous feeding and withdrawal of particulate matter while adjusting residence time, enhancing process efficiency and control over reaction duration.

Implementation Method 1

a fluidizing grate having multiple openings for an operating fluid to fluidize particulate matter above the fluidizing grate within the reaction chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluidization: Fluidisation

Data Source

PatentEP4187149B1Fluidized bed reactor and method for operating the fluidized bed reactor
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 DOOSAN LENTJES GMBH
  • EP4187149B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4187149B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4187149B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fluidized bed reactor (1) comprising - a reaction chamber (2) for particulate matter, the reaction chamber (2) having at least one particulate matter inlet (3) for the particulate matter and at least one primary particulate matter outlet (4) for the particulate matter, and - a fluidizing grate (5) having multiple openings (6) for an operating fluid to fluidize particulate matter above the fluidizing grate (5).