Chemical Vessel Plate Grid Distributor Catalyst Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plate grid distributors in chemical processing vessels require unnecessary catalyst inventory and complicate catalyst removal due to the need for a hopper cone and expansion joints, which increase costs and operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a catalyst transport passage that aligns with the top of the standpipe, eliminating the need for a hopper cone and allowing for efficient catalyst removal by forming a unitary body with the plate, which has a larger cross-sectional area at the central opening than at the catalyst outlet to facilitate gas bubble disengagement and catalyst flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional plate grid distributors use a hopper cone above the plate, then catalyst can be contained and directed, but unnecessary catalyst inventory increases and catalyst removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the hopper cone component from conventional plate grid distributors. By removing this unnecessary structural element, the design reduces catalyst inventory requirements while maintaining effective catalyst containment and removal capabilities through the simplified plate structure with integrated outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate structure is designed to perform multiple functions itself - containing catalyst, directing flow, and enabling removal - without requiring additional components like hopper cones. The plate's own geometry and integrated outlets provide the necessary catalyst management functions, making the system self-sufficient.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional plate grid distributors include expansion joints, then structural flexibility is provided, but device complexity increases and catalyst removal is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes expansion joints from the plate grid distributor design. By eliminating this component, the overall device complexity is reduced while the essential structural flexibility and thermal expansion accommodation are maintained through the plate's inherent design and support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions previously separated into distinct components (plate structure, catalyst containment, flow distribution) are merged into a unified plate design. This integration simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for separate expansion joints while maintaining all necessary functions.
3Ease of operation
If the catalyst transport passage has a greater cross section area at the central opening than at the catalyst outlet, then gas bubbles can disengage from flowing catalyst, but the passage requires careful geometric design
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst transport passage is designed with varying cross-sectional area along its length - larger at the central opening for gas bubble disengagement and smaller at the catalyst outlet for efficient flow. This local variation in geometry optimizes different functions at different locations within the same component.
Solution Approach 2:
The passage employs curved transitions and rounded geometries to facilitate smooth catalyst flow and gas bubble separation. The gradual change in cross-sectional area through curved surfaces prevents flow disruption and maintains efficient catalyst transport.
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
This design reduces catalyst inventory, simplifies catalyst removal, and provides additional annular space around the distributor, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs by minimizing unnecessary catalyst usage.
Implementation Method 1
A catalyst transport passage may extend from the central opening to the catalyst outlet forming a passage from an area above the plate to the catalyst outlet
Implementation Method 2
The catalyst transport passage may have a greater cross section area at the central opening of the plate than at the catalyst outlet to enable gas bubbles to disengage from the flowing catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
According to one or more embodiments, a chemical processing vessel may include side walls, a floor, a catalyst outlet through the floor, and a plate grid distributor for distributing a fluid. The plate may include a plurality of apertures extending through the thickness of the plate and a central opening. The plate may include a catalyst transport passage extending from the central opening to the catalyst outlet. The catalyst transport passage may have a greater cross section area at the central opening of the plate than at the catalyst outlet. According to one or more embodiments, a method of operating a chemical processing vessel passing a fluid into the chemical processing vessel, directing the fluid through a plate grid distributor, and passing catalyst from above the plate, through the catalyst transport passage, and out of the chemical processing vessel through the catalyst outlet.