Plate Grid Distributor Flexible Support for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In chemical processing, plate grid distributors face challenges in supporting plates during thermal expansion and contraction in hot environments, particularly in fluidized bed vessels, where thermal expansion and contraction can lead to difficulties in maintaining balanced distribution of feed chemicals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an internal support system within the plate grid distributor, comprising pillar supports with rigid and flexible components, where flexible upper and lower members allow the rigid intermediate beam to change angle, enabling continuous support during thermal expansion and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional mechanical supports are added to support larger plate grid distributors in hot environments, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple pillar supports distributed across the plate grid distributor. Each pillar support is an independent unit consisting of a bracket, flexible member, and rod, allowing the system to handle large spans without requiring a single complex support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillar supports incorporate flexible members that allow dynamic adjustment of the rod's angle relative to the plate. This dynamic capability enables the support system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction of the plate, maintaining structural stability without requiring overly complex rigid support structures.
2Strength
If rigid support structures are used to support the plate, then the support strength is improved, but the ability to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each pillar support includes a flexible member connecting the bracket to the rod, allowing the rod to pivot and change its angle relative to the plate. This dynamic joint provides the necessary flexibility to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while the rigid bracket and rod provide structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle between the rod and the plate is allowed to change as a parameter in response to thermal conditions. The flexible member enables this parameter change without compromising the overall support strength, allowing the system to adapt to temperature variations.
3Productivity
If the plate grid distributor is designed for balanced fluid distribution, then the chemical process efficiency is improved, but the susceptibility to thermal distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible members in the pillar supports allow the rods to pivot and maintain contact with the plate even as it thermally expands or contracts. This dynamic adjustment prevents thermal distortion from disrupting the plate's position and ensures continued balanced fluid distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible members act as cushioning elements that anticipate and absorb thermal expansion and contraction movements. By allowing controlled movement through the flexible joints, the system prevents thermal distortion from affecting the plate's integrity and fluid distribution performance.
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 internal support system effectively maintains the structural integrity and balanced distribution of fluids across the plate grid distributor, even under conditions of thermal expansion and contraction, enhancing the operational stability and efficiency of chemical processes.
Implementation Method 1
As temperatures of the plate grid distributors may elevate, the plate may thermally expand outwards towards outer walls of the reactors or other vessels
Implementation Method 2
thermal expansion and contraction of the plate may raise difficulties in supporting the plate of the plate grid distributor
Implementation Method 3
The flexible upper member and flexible lower member may bend when the plate thermally expands or contracts allowing for the angle from vertical of the rigid intermediate beam to change
Data Source
AI summary
According to one or more embodiments, a plate grid distributor for distributing a fluid in a vessel may include a plate and an internal support system. The internal support system may include a plurality of pillar supports extending vertically from at or near a bottom surface of the plate towards a floor of the vessel. One or more of the pillar supports may include a flexible upper member connecting a rigid top support bracket to a rigid intermediate beam and a flexible lower member connecting the rigid intermediate beam to the rigid base support. According to one or more other embodiments, a method of distributing a fluid through a plate grid distributor in a vessel may include passing the fluid into the vessel below the plate grid distributor and directing the fluid through the plate gird distributor.