Modular Wet ESP Tube Bundle with Detachable Press-Fit Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transportation and assembly of large precipitation tube bundles for wet electrostatic precipitators are costly due to their size, requiring expensive special transport and packaging, and the existing modular designs do not sufficiently simplify on-site assembly.

Innovation Solution

A modular precipitation tube bundle system with detachable components and form-fitting connection means allows for disassembly into standardized modules for transport, enabling cost-effective shipping and easy assembly on-site, with features like bayonet locks and honeycomb support structures for stability and space efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If precipitation tube bundles are manufactured as large factory-made solid units, then structural integrity and stability are improved, but transport costs and packaging expenses increase due to excessive size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidtransport volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The precipitation tube bundle is divided into multiple individual precipitation tubes that can be transported separately. Each tube is a standalone component that can be assembled on-site, reducing the volume and cost of transport while maintaining the functional integrity of the complete bundle when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If precipitation tube bundles are divided into modular components for transport, then transport costs are reduced, but assembly complexity on site increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport volumeVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support collar and guide rings are designed as integrated components that combine multiple functions: structural support, tube positioning, and electrical insulation. This merging of functions into single components simplifies the assembly process on-site while maintaining the modular transport advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If traditional welded support structures are used for precipitation tubes, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The welded mechanical connection system is replaced with a press-fit system using guide rings and support collars. The guide rings provide mechanical retention through interference fit, while the support collars provide structural support and positioning, eliminating the need for welding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If precipitation tubes are fixed permanently to the support structure, then reliability is improved, but maintenance and component replacement become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent replaceability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static permanent weld to a dynamic removable press-fit connection. The guide rings and support collars allow tubes to be inserted and retained with high reliability during operation, while enabling easy removal and replacement when maintenance is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach reduces transport costs by minimizing the volume of freight, allows for simpler and cost-effective assembly of the wet electrostatic precipitator, and facilitates maintenance by enabling easy exchange of individual components.

Implementation Method 1

the particles contained in the exhaust gas are ionized and, due to the force of the electric field, migrate to the inner wall of the precipitation tubes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

the particles contained in the exhaust gas are ionized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentEP3164220B1Precipitation tube bundle for a wet electrostatic precipitator, and manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2018.12.26 STEULER KORROSIONSSCHUTZ HLDG
  • EP3164220B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3164220B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3164220B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a precipitation tube (1; 1") and to a precipitation tube bundle (100; 100') for a wet electrostatic precipitator, in particular for separating dusts, gases, and/or aerosols from exhaust gases. The precipitation tube (1; 1") is distinguished in that the precipitation tube is designed as a modular tube system, comprising at least two wall parts (2, 3), which each form a periphery segment (4, 5) of the inner periphery (6) of the precipitation tube (1; 1") and are connected to each other so as to form at least part of the inner circumference (6) of the precipitation tube (1; 1"), and/or comprising at least two wall parts, which each form a length segment of the precipitation tube and are connected to each other so as to form at least part of the length of the precipitation tube. The precipitation tube bundle (100; 100') is distinguished in that the precipitation tube bundle is designed as a modular tube bundle system and, for this purpose, has a plurality of precipitation tubes (1; 1'; 1''; 50) and a supporting structure (110; 110'; 110") combining the<sb /> precipitation tubes (1; 1'; 1"; 50) as a bundle, on which supporting structure the precipitation tubes (1; 1'; 1"; 50) are detachably held by means of connecting elements (200). The invention further relates to a method for producing a precipitation tube bundle (100; 100').