Parallelogram Boiler Protection Block with Interlocking Ferrules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boiler wall protection solutions are prone to loosening, leading to ferrule failure and exposure of the boiler wall to corrosive gases, as they do not provide adequate robustness and heat insulation.

Innovation Solution

A boiler wall protection block with a parallelogram shape and annular cut-outs at corners, held in place by multiple ferrules, and optionally a central through-hole, with protrusions and recesses for interlocking, and a heat-resistant gasket for a tight seal, using materials like Al2O3 or SiC to prevent heat radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional protection blocks are used, then the boiler wall is protected from corrosive gases, but the blocks tend to get loose and cause ferrule failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidblock stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The protection block is divided into multiple segments or layers, with each layer having specific functions. The multi-layer construction includes a heat-insulating layer and a protective layer, each contributing to overall stability and attachment reliability without interfering with each other's functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates nested structures where internal components are housed within external structures. The ferrules are embedded within the protection blocks, and the blocks themselves can be nested in patterns on the boiler wall, creating a stable, interlocked system that prevents loosening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional protection blocks are used, then the boiler wall is protected, but heat can directly radiate to the boiler wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat radiation protectionVSAvoidprotection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different parts of the protection block have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The heat-insulating layer uses materials with low thermal conductivity to block heat radiation, while the outer protective layer uses heat-resistant materials to withstand direct exposure to high temperatures and corrosive gases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protection block is constructed from composite materials combining heat-insulating substances (such as ceramic fibers or refractory concrete) with heat-resistant protective coatings (such as alumina or zirconia). This composite structure simultaneously provides thermal insulation and reliable protection against heat radiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Area of stationary object

If blocks are mounted in a wall-covering pattern, then the wall is covered, but intermediate holes or recesses are left when using identical blocks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall coverageVSAvoidsurface continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The protection blocks are designed with asymmetric shapes that complement each other when arranged in a pattern. The blocks have irregular contours or protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses of adjacent blocks, eliminating intermediate holes and creating a continuous surface coverage while maintaining efficient heat insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 solution ensures robust attachment and effective heat insulation, preventing direct radiation to the boiler wall and maintaining a gas-tight seal, thus enhancing the durability and protection of the boiler wall from corrosive gases.

Implementation Method 1

using materials like Al2O3 or SiC to prevent heat radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

two adjacent sides have a protrusion, and the two other adjacent sides have a corresponding recess. When a boiler wall is furnished with blocks according to the present invention, adjacent blocks lock each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2904314B1Boiler wall protection block, assembly of such block and a ferrule, and a boiler provided with such assembly
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 INNALOX
  • EP2904314B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2904314B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2904314B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

A boiler tube protection block, comprising an essentially parallellogram shaped body (11), an annular cut-out at all four comers, with the cutting point of two adjacent sides as a centre. An assembly of a boiler protection block and a ferrule (21) with a radius essentially corresponding to the central annular hole of the block. A boiler, and a method for furnishing a boiler inner wall, comprising applying protection blocks against the wall, and arranging ferrules through at least the annular cut-outs.