Packing Section Insertion with Telescopic Thrust Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for assembling gas/liquid separation columns with large diameters and axial dimensions face challenges in inserting packing sections due to the need for significant pushing forces and uneven friction distribution, which can lead to damage and inefficiency in the horizontal insertion process.

Innovation Solution

A device with telescopic devices and a pushing means is used to grip and insert packing sections within a cylindrical ferrule, distributing thrust forces evenly and minimizing friction, allowing for horizontal insertion of packing sections with diameters up to 5m by deploying telescopic devices over the length of the shroud and using a thrust ring to distribute forces across the packing section's periphery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If packing sections are inserted horizontally into a shell, then the assembly can be performed in facilities with limited ceiling height and for long shells, but the friction forces between the packing section and shell wall become non-uniform and require considerable thrust force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidthrust force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The packing section is divided into multiple segments that can be inserted separately into the shell. Each segment is pushed individually by the insertion device, reducing the total thrust force required compared to inserting a single long packing section. The segments are then connected inside the shell to form the complete packing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A thrust distribution ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the insertion device and the packing section. This ring distributes the applied thrust force uniformly around the circumference of the packing section, preventing local stress concentration and reducing the overall force required for insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If packing sections are inserted horizontally into a shell, then the assembly can be performed in facilities with limited ceiling height, but the non-uniform friction forces can damage the packing section

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidintegrity of packing section

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion device incorporates adjustable parameters including insertion speed, thrust force magnitude, and thrust distribution characteristics. By optimizing these parameters, the device can adapt to different packing section sizes and shell configurations, ensuring uniform force application and preventing damage during insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Force

If vertical insertion method is used for packing sections, then gravity facilitates the insertion process, but tooling capable of lifting packing sections over great distance is required and production site ceiling height must be greater than shell length

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegravitational forceVSAvoidcomplexity of insertion device

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion approach is inverted from vertical to horizontal orientation. Instead of using gravity to assist vertical insertion, the device applies horizontal thrust forces directly to push the packing section into the shell. This inversion eliminates the need for high ceiling heights and complex lifting mechanisms while maintaining effective insertion capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4223406B1Device for inserting a trim section

Publication Date: 2024.12.11 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an insertion device (5) for at least one section of packing (2) within a cylindrical ferrule (3), comprising a base (8) provided with hooking means (6) configured to grip a section of packing (2) and arranged regularly around a main axis (11), characterized in that the insertion device (5) comprises at least two telescopic devices (22) integral with the base (8) and at least one thrusting means (23) integral with one end of each of the two telescopic devices (22), the telescopic devices (22) being configured to extend and cause a displacement of the thrusting means (23).