Non-Rising Electric Actuator for Coke Drum De-Heading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric actuator systems for deheading coke drums in the petroleum refining process face issues such as space constraints, unpredictable lifespan, inconsistent thrust output, and increased wear due to tortional loads, leading to unsafe and costly maintenance and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A valve actuator system featuring a non-rising rotating screw with a housing assembly and wear blocks that prevent rotation, allowing for axial displacement without extending beyond the actuator, and utilizing a drive nut with a threaded connection to maintain constant thrust output, along with a compact design that prevents debris entry and includes shear points for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional electric actuator system is used to open and close the deheading valve, then the valve can be actuated, but the drive stem extends beyond the actuator requiring additional deck space and allowing tortional loads to reach the valve stem causing increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating screw is nested within a hollow valve stem, allowing the screw to rotate inside the stem without extending beyond the actuator housing. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for external drive stem extension while maintaining full actuation capability, directly resolving the deck space constraint issue
2Ease of operation
If a traditional electric actuator system is used, then the valve can be actuated, but tortional loads reach the valve stem resulting in increased wear on system elements
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining ring acts as an intermediary element between the rotating screw and the hollow valve stem. The retaining ring transfers axial thrust from the screw to the stem while blocking the transmission of tortional loads, thereby protecting the valve stem from wear-causing rotational forces during actuation
3Productivity
If prior art electric actuators are used, then the valve can be opened and closed, but the actuators have unpredictable life spans and produce inconsistent thrust output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a lead screw mechanism with precisely controlled geometric parameters (lead angle, thread profile, pitch) to transform rotational motion into linear displacement with high consistency. This parameter-controlled mechanical transmission ensures uniform thrust output and predictable actuator lifespan by eliminating the variability present in prior art systems
4Area of stationary object
If a compact design is implemented to address space constraints, then deck space is reduced, but debris may enter the actuator system
Solution Approach 1:
A protective cover or housing encloses the rotating screw and drive mechanism, creating a sealed environment that prevents debris from entering the compact actuator system. This shell-like protection allows the actuator to maintain a space-efficient compact design while remaining resistant to contamination from the harsh refinery environment
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 system ensures consistent and safe operation by maintaining constant thrust output, reducing wear, and allowing for predictive maintenance, while also addressing space constraints and improving operational efficiency during the decoking process.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded external surface on the rotating screw structured to operably engage a drive nut with a threaded internal surface to axially displace the housing assembly when the rotating screw rotates
Implementation Method 2
The housing assembly having at least one wear block that extends into the at least one longitudinal groove to prevent the housing assembly from rotating wherein rotation is prevented when the at least one wear block contacts one of the opposing internal surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system. The de-header valve is equipped with a valve body, a gate, a transmission system and an actuator. Actuation of the valve closure functions to open and close the de-header valve.