Plasma Torch Assembly for Reactor Vessel Preheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma gasification reactors require preheating using burners that are operationally challenging to install and remove safely, and there is a need for an alternative method to preheat the reactor vessel during start-up.
Innovation Solution
A plasma torch assembly that injects hot gas into tuyeres within the reactor vessel, where a combustible material is ignited to generate heat for preheating, eliminating the need for bottom start-up burners and associated operational complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If burners are used for preheating the reactor vessel, then the reactor can be preheated effectively, but the operational complexity and safety challenges increase due to installation and removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the preheating function from separate removable burners and integrates it into the permanent plasma torch assembly. The plasma torch is positioned to inject hot gas directly into the reactor vessel through tuyeres, eliminating the need for separate burner installation and removal operations while maintaining effective preheating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma torch assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the primary heating device for the gasification process and the preheating device for the reactor vessel during start-up. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate burners and reduces operational complexity.
2Temperature
If separate burners are installed for preheating, then preheating capability is provided, but device complexity and congestion in the reactor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the preheating function with the plasma torch assembly, combining two separate functions (preheating and primary heating) into a single integrated system. The plasma torch assembly includes both the plasma generation components and the preheating capability through the same tuyere structure, reducing overall device complexity.
3Temperature
If burners are removed after preheating, then the preheating function is completed, but operational safety challenges arise during installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the removable burner component entirely and replaces it with a fixed plasma torch assembly. This eliminates the operational safety risks associated with installing and removing burners during different operational phases, as the plasma torch remains permanently installed.
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 plasma torch assembly effectively preheats the reactor vessel, reducing operational challenges and congestion, allowing for safer and more efficient start-up and supplemental heating without the need for bottom burners.
Implementation Method 1
The electric arc can be produced in a plasma torch in which the electric arc ionizes the gas which is blown out of the end of the torch producing a hot gas stream
Implementation Method 2
Heat from an electric arc can be fed into a cupola, furnace, or other reactor vessel to enhance the operation thereof
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of nozzles configured to inject a combustible material into the tuyere for combustion of the combustible material within the tuyere
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a tuyere, a plasma torch positioned to inject hot gas into the tuyere, and a plurality of nozzles configured to inject a combustible material into the tuyere for combustion of the combustible material within the tuyere. The apparatus can be used to practice a method including: injecting a combustible material into a plurality of tuyeres in a wall of a reactor vessel, using a plasma torch to inject hot gas into the tuyeres to ignite the combustible material, and directing heat from combustion of the combustible material into the reactor vessel to preheat the reactor vessel.