Pivoting Deflector Elements for Solid Particle Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for loading solid particles into reactors face challenges in achieving dense, uniform, and efficient distribution, particularly due to dust generation and difficulties in closing the reactor safely, which necessitate a solution for introducing particles through a low-section orifice while maintaining compactness and control.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a solid particulate supply hopper, a rotating member with rigid deflector elements pivotally mounted, and remote actuable deployment means to adjust the deflector elements' angle relative to the axis of rotation, allowing for precise control of particle distribution and maintaining compactness during introduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If rigid deflector elements are used to ensure efficient particle distribution, then the loading quality is improved, but the device size increases making it difficult to introduce through low-section orifices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle distribution qualityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to pivot between a retracted position (for compact device introduction) and a deployed position (for effective particle distribution). This dynamic configuration enables the device to adapt its size to the introduction orifice while maintaining functional performance during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The deflector elements are configured to nest within or alongside each other when in the retracted position, allowing the entire assembly to pass through limited orifices. Once inside the reactor, they can be deployed to their functional positions, effectively nesting the functional components within a compact introduction envelope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If flexible materials are used to reduce device size for introduction, then the device compactness is improved, but the particle distribution efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidloading efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static flexible structure to a dynamic rigid structure. The deflector elements are rigid when deployed to ensure effective particle redirection, but can be retracted to achieve compact device size during introduction. This resolves the contradiction by making rigidity conditional rather than permanent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into multiple independently controllable deflector elements that can be selectively deployed or retracted. This allows the device to present a compact profile during introduction while deploying only the necessary components for particle distribution during operation, maintaining both compactness and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the deflector elements are fixed in position, then the device structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different rotation speeds and loading conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The deflector elements are designed with pivot mounting and remote actuation capabilities, allowing their position to be adjusted based on operational requirements. This dynamic positioning capability provides adaptability to different rotation speeds and loading conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows change in the angular position parameter of the deflector elements to optimize particle distribution under varying operating conditions. By enabling remote adjustment of the deflector angle, the system adapts to different rotation speeds and loading scenarios without requiring complex structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple deflector elements are deployed to improve particle distribution uniformity, then the loading homogeneity is improved, but the device complexity and introduction difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle distribution uniformityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses multiple segmented deflector elements that can be individually controlled. Each element is relatively simple in structure, but their coordinated deployment creates the complex particle distribution pattern needed for uniform loading. The segmentation allows each component to remain simple while achieving complex overall functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple deflector elements are designed with independent pivot and actuation mechanisms, allowing them to be deployed in a coordinated manner. This dynamic deployment strategy enables uniform particle distribution across the reactor cross-section while keeping each individual element structurally simple and the overall device manageable for introduction.

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

The solution enables efficient and uniform distribution of solid particles, reducing dust generation and facilitating safe reactor closure by allowing precise control over the deflector elements' position, ensuring a high-quality load and compact design.

Implementation Method 1

a rotating member... to train in rotation said organ rotating around an axis of rotation having a direction with the conditions of use a component according to the direction of the gravity vector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3677332B1Distribution of solid particles in an enclosure
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 PETROVAL SA
  • EP3677332B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3677332B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3677332B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A solid particle distribution device (417) for loading solid particles into an enclosure, comprising: a solid particle feed hopper (418), a rotating member (421) and a drive member coupled to said rotating member to drive said rotating member in rotation, a set of at least one deflector element (425), each deflector element extending along its longitudinal direction between a first (430) and a second (432) end, and being carried by said rotating member at its first end.characterized in that - at least one deflector element of said set is rigid and pivotally mounted on the rotating member at its first end, - the distribution device further includes remotely actuable deployment means (422) arranged to drive at least one deflector element pivotally mounted on the rotating member, so as to pivot it from an introduction position in the enclosure, to an upright position said to be independent of the rotation speed of the rotating member.