Radial-Flow Reactor Fluid Distributor with Cylinders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radial flow reactors face challenges in cost-effective distribution of fluid flow and management of axial and radial stresses, particularly due to transient temperature gradients and differences in thermal expansion within the reactor vessel.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a radial-flow device featuring a plurality of vertically extended cylinders with perforations, a particle-retaining outer conduit, and a perforated central conduit, arranged circumferentially within a vessel with a curved wall, to facilitate efficient fluid distribution and retention, while accommodating thermal expansion through expandable connectors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional radial flow reactor design is used, then the structure is simple, but the fluid distribution is poor and stress management is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid distribution and stress managementVSAvoidreactor internal structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reactor internal is segmented into multiple functional components: vertically extended cylinders with perforations for fluid distribution, a particle-retaining outer conduit, and a perforated central conduit. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, improving fluid distribution and stress management while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design employs a nested structure where vertically extended cylinders are positioned within the annular space between the outer conduit and central conduit. The cylinders are arranged circumferentially, creating a compact nested configuration that maximizes space utilization and improves fluid distribution throughout the particle bed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If the reactor accommodates thermal expansion, then structural integrity is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to expandable connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity under thermal stressVSAvoidconnector design

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The expandable connectors are designed to change their physical parameters (expansion/contraction) in response to temperature fluctuations. This parameter change allows the connectors to accommodate thermal expansion of the reactor components, maintaining structural integrity without requiring overly complex restraint mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connectors incorporate dynamic elements that allow for movement and adjustment in response to thermal conditions. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to temperature changes automatically, maintaining structural integrity while avoiding the need for rigid, complex stress-management mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7842257B2Fluid distributor for radial-flow reactor

Publication Date: 2010.11.30 UOP LLC

AI summary

The distribution of fluids within a radial-flow reactor is improved using vertically extended cylinders distributed around the circumference of the vessel. Cylinders with a circular cross-section provide substantial vertical strength, and the configuration minimizes low-flow areas which could cause undesirable reactions. The cylinders are isolated from particles in the reactor by a particle-retaining outer conduit. The cylinders may be fabricated in panels for ease of installation and servicing.