Modular Heating Module for Pyrohydrolysis Reactor Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pyrohydrolysis reactors for acid regeneration, particularly those using fluidized bed technology, are inconvenient for maintenance due to their non-modular design, leading to high maintenance costs and long shutdown times as many components are difficult to access and require significant disassembly and reassembly.

Innovation Solution

A modular heating module for pyrohydrolysis reactors featuring a fuel distribution system, carrier element with built-in coupling units, and individually removable burner units, allowing for separate supply and replacement of burner and oxidant elements without detaching the fuel distribution system, thus simplifying maintenance and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a non-modular reactor design is used, then the heating elements can be integrated into the reactor structure, but maintenance requires long shutdown times and huge technological efforts for disassembling and reassembling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrationVSAvoidmaintenance effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The heating module is divided into separate, interchangeable components including burner units, carrier elements, and distribution systems. This segmentation allows individual components to be maintained or replaced without disassembling the entire reactor, resolving the contradiction between structural integration and ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating module is designed with dynamic, reversible connections that allow it to be easily assembled and disassembled. The carrier element can be detached from the reactor and burner units can be individually replaced, providing the flexibility needed for quick maintenance while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If heating elements are integrated into the reactor base plate, then the reactor structure is simplified, but maintenance of heating elements requires detaching the entire base plate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereactor structureVSAvoidshutdown time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The heating module is segmented into a carrier element and multiple burner units that can be independently accessed and replaced. This allows maintenance of individual burner units without detaching the entire carrier element or base plate, reducing shutdown time while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier element is pre-assembled with all burner units and connection elements in a modular configuration. This preliminary modular assembly allows the heating module to be quickly installed as a complete unit and enables rapid replacement of individual components during maintenance without complex disassembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If a complex network of ducts and pipes is used for fuel distribution, then each burner unit can be individually supplied with fuel, but the construction becomes complex and maintenance difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual burner supplyVSAvoidfuel distribution system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel distribution system is merged with the carrier element to form an integrated modular unit. The distribution channels are built into the carrier element itself rather than being separate external ducts, simplifying the overall construction while maintaining the ability to individually supply each burner unit through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier element serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural support for the burner units, contains the fuel distribution channels, and provides the connection interface with the reactor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex ductwork while enabling individual burner supply through its integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 modular design reduces maintenance efforts and costs, enhances operator convenience, and improves site safety by allowing for on-site or off-site assembly and maintenance, reducing leakage risks and enabling faster replacement of defective components.

Implementation Method 1

a fuel distribution system being in fluid communication with a fuel source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Implementation Method 2

the connector element is in fluid communication with the coupling element of said coupling unit and wherein the connector element is in fluid communication with the burner element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Implementation Method 3

The heating elements typically consist of a set of Fuel-Nozzles and Mixing Nozzles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentEP3011075B1Heating module for use in a pyrohydrolysis reactor
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 CMI UVK GMBH
  • EP3011075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3011075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3011075B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a heating module for use in a pyrohydrolysis reactor, the heating module comprising: -- a fuel distribution system being in fluid communication with a fuel source, -- a carrier element having a plurality of built-in coupling units, wherein a coupling unit of the plurality of coupling units comprises a coupling element, wherein the coupling element of said coupling unit is in fluid communication with the fuel distribution system, -- a plurality of burner units arranged on the carrier element, wherein a burner unit of the plurality of burner units comprises a connector element and a burner element, wherein the connector element is in fluid communication with the burner element, wherein the connector element is reversibly connected to the coupling element of said coupling unit and wherein the connector element is in fluid communication with the coupling element of said coupling unit.