Modular Tip Injection Device Segmentation for Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing injection systems in IGCC plants, particularly those with diverging tip devices, require extensive and time-consuming disassembly and reassembly processes during maintenance, due to the interference between radially outer and inner portions, necessitating cutting and welding, which complicates the handling of both diverging and converging nozzles.

Innovation Solution

A modular tip injection device with concentric conduits and annular nozzles is introduced, allowing for easier assembly and disassembly by coupling a first and second conduit to a modular tip, which includes a first and second annular nozzle, simplifying the process through the use of retention hardware and seal assemblies, facilitating the use of both diverging and converging nozzles without the need for welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a diverging tip device with multiple annular walls is used, then the injection system can handle both diverging and converging nozzles, but the disassembly and reassembly process becomes extensive and time-consuming due to interference between radially outer and inner portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle both diverging and converging nozzlesVSAvoidtime required for disassembly and reassembly during maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The injection device is divided into separate modular components: a tip portion containing the nozzles and a bayonet portion containing the conduits. These segments can be independently assembled and disassembled without interfering with each other, eliminating the time-consuming operations of cutting and welding while maintaining the capability to handle both diverging and converging nozzles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If radially outer portions of a diverging tip device are present, then the device can accommodate diverging nozzles, but these portions directly interfere with access to radially inner portions for maintenance activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of diverging nozzlesVSAvoidaccess to radially inner portions for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into a tip portion and a bayonet portion that can be independently removed, the radially outer portions no longer block access to radially inner portions during maintenance. The modular design allows maintenance personnel to access any component without interference from other parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tip portion containing the nozzles is extracted as a separate removable component from the bayonet portion. This extraction eliminates the interference problem where radially outer portions blocked access to radially inner portions, as the entire tip assembly can be removed and replaced without disassembling the bayonet structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional injection devices are used, then the structure can maintain fixed configuration, but extensive welding activities are required for assembly and disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed configuration of injection deviceVSAvoidassembly and disassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The injection device is segmented into modular components (tip portion and bayonet portion) that can be assembled and disassembled without welding. Each segment maintains its structural integrity and fixed configuration internally, while the interfaces between segments use mechanical coupling methods that allow easy assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The welding process is replaced with mechanical coupling methods such as threaded connections, bayonet mounts, or other removable fastening mechanisms. This substitution maintains the fixed configuration of the assembled device while eliminating the extensive welding activities required in conventional designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8721747B2Modular tip injection devices and method of assembling same

Publication Date: 2014.05.13 AIR PROD & CHEM INC

AI summary

A method of assembling an injection device for use in a reactor injector feed assembly includes coupling a plurality of substantially concentric conduits to a modular tip. The method also includes coupling a first conduit of the reactor injector feed assembly to a modular tip and coupling a second conduit of the reactor injector feed assembly to the modular tip. The modular tip includes a first substantially annular nozzle and a second substantially annular nozzle defined therein. The first conduit and the first substantially annular nozzle are centered about an injection device centerline.