Nested-Vessel Cold-Wall Lockhopper for Hot Solids Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The handling and transfer of hot solids is hazardous and inefficient due to high temperatures affecting ambient conditions and operator safety, and existing lockhoppers do not effectively maintain a cold wall during operation.

Innovation Solution

A coldwall lockhopper design featuring an inner and outer vessel with insulation between them, where the inner vessel transfers hot solids and the outer vessel maintains a safe temperature through thermal isolation, allowing for safe handling and efficient transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the lockhopper is used to transfer hot solids at high temperatures, then the material transfer function is achieved, but the exterior surfaces become hot affecting operator safety and ambient conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolids transfer temperatureVSAvoidexterior surface temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lockhopper is divided into an inner vessel and an outer vessel, creating separate thermal zones. The inner vessel contains the hot solids while the outer vessel remains thermally isolated, allowing the hot transfer function to be maintained without heating the exterior surfaces that operators contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner vessel is nested within the outer vessel, with the hot solids contained in the inner chamber. This nested configuration allows the hot process to occur within the inner vessel while the outer vessel acts as a thermal barrier, protecting the exterior from high temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If insulation is added to maintain cold wall temperature, then operator safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexterior surface temperatureVSAvoidlockhopper structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nested vessel configuration provides insulation through the wall structure itself rather than adding separate insulation layers. The inner vessel fits within the outer vessel, creating a built-in thermal barrier that maintains exterior temperatures below 140°F without requiring additional complex insulation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 coldwall lockhopper maintains an outer vessel temperature below 140°F for safe handling while transporting solids above 800°F, ensuring operator safety and reducing heat loss, with a high cycle durability and rapid pressure changes.

Implementation Method 1

There is insulation between the two vessels to mitigate heat loss which also results in the outer vessel remaining at temperatures less than 140° F., the OSHA safety limit for handling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The inner vessel is preferably bonded to the outer vessel at the inlet and is snug fit at the outlet to allow for differences in thermal expansion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS20250304384A1Cold wall lockhopper

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 GTI ENERGY

AI summary

A lockhopper for the safe handling of hot solids preferably includes an outer vessel and an inner vessel positioned within the outer vessel to form an annulus volume between an exterior of the inner vessel and an interior of the outer vessel. Insulation and/or a gas gap are preferably positioned within the annulus volume.