Ion Exchanger Support Screen Reduces Pressure Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion exchanging apparatuses in demineralization towers of power plants face challenges in smoothly discharging treated water due to increased pressure loss caused by limited cross-sections of flow paths, leading to higher operational costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features an ion exchanger support with a screen structure that allows for a larger cross-sectional flow path, reducing pressure loss by using wire members and support rods to create a flow path that enables efficient water discharge, and includes an air supply system for resin regeneration and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If water collecting pipes with limited cross-section are used in the lower space of the demineralization tower, then the structure can be compact, but pressure loss increases and water discharge becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from vertical water collection (through pipes extending to the bottom) to horizontal water collection (through pipes arranged in the lower space with upward extension). This dimensional change allows water to be collected across a larger cross-sectional area in the horizontal plane, reducing pressure loss while maintaining compact vertical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The water collection system is segmented into multiple horizontal pipes arranged in the lower space rather than using a single vertical collection path. This segmentation distributes the water flow across multiple parallel paths, reducing the pressure loss in each individual pipe while maintaining overall system compactness.
2Device complexity
If strainers with limited opening area are used to support ion exchange resin, then the structure can be simple, but water discharge efficiency decreases due to increased pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The strainer structure is modified from a single-plane filter to a multi-level arrangement where strainers are positioned at different heights in the lower space. This vertical distribution of strainers creates multiple horizontal flow paths, increasing the total cross-sectional area for water discharge while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lower space are equipped with strainers having different characteristics (e.g., different opening sizes or densities) optimized for local water collection requirements. This localized optimization maximizes water discharge efficiency while keeping the overall structure simple.
3Length of stationary object
If ion exchange resin is loaded in the lower space with limited flow path cross-section, then the tower height can be reduced, but operational efficiency decreases due to higher pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The ion exchange resin is arranged in the lower space with horizontal flow paths instead of vertical flow through the tower height. This dimensional reorganization allows the resin to be positioned in a compact vertical region while providing extensive horizontal flow paths, maintaining short tower height while improving operational efficiency by reducing pressure loss.
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 low-pressure water discharge and improved ion exchange resin efficiency, reducing operational costs and maintaining system effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The screen includes wire members that are positioned apart from each other and that extend in one direction; and support rods that extend to cross the wire members, and wherein a pipe with nozzles suitable as air supply means are arranged to supply an upward airflow to a plurality of points on said at least one screen
Implementation Method 2
a pipe with nozzles suitable as air supply means are arranged to supply an upward airflow to a plurality of points on said at least one screen
Implementation Method 3
a steam generator etc. generates steam from supplied water, and the generated steam drives a turbine in order to generate electric power. The steam that was used to drive the turbine is treated by a condensate treatment system after the steam is condensed by the condenser
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention aims at limiting the pressure loss and smoothly discharging water treated by ion exchangers to the outside of the apparatus. Ion exchanging apparatus 1 has outer vessel 3 that has inner space 2; and ion exchanger support 4 that separates at least a part of inner space 2 into upper space 2a and lower space 2b and that can support ion exchangers to be loaded in upper space 2a. At least a part of an upper surface of the ion exchanger support is made from at least one screen which supports the ion exchangers and which has a flow path allowing water treated by the ion exchangers to flow into the lower space 2b.