Radial Spoke Support Assembly for Reactor Vessel Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reactor vessel support assemblies with non-radial chord members cause material stress concentration, irregular fractures, and space limitations, leading to performance issues and costly repairs in fluidized catalytic cracking processes.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly featuring a cylindrical vessel with a radially aligned inner hub and spokes, providing a more even distribution of forces and reducing the number of non-radial junctions, which minimizes stress and allows for easier access and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-radial chord members are used to support vessel hardware, then the support structure can be installed, but material stress concentration and undesirable refractory junctions are introduced at the connection point with the vessel wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from non-radial (asymmetric relative to vessel center) chord members to radial spokes that are symmetrically arranged around the vessel center. This radial symmetry ensures uniform stress distribution and eliminates stress concentration at connection points, while the spokes remain asymmetric in their orientation relative to each other to provide adequate support spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with pre-determined radial alignment and spacing before installation. The spokes are configured to connect at specific radial positions on the vessel wall, ensuring proper alignment and stress distribution is established prior to operation, preventing subsequent stress concentration issues.
2Ease of manufacture
If non-radial chord members are used, then support coverage is achieved, but irregular fractures through the lining occur and hot spots are created
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging spokes radially around the vessel center rather than using non-radial chord members, the structure achieves symmetric load distribution. This symmetry prevents irregular fractures through the refractory lining and eliminates hot spots by ensuring uniform heat and stress distribution across the vessel wall connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
Each radial spoke is designed to connect locally at optimal positions on the vessel wall, distributing the load and thermal stress evenly across different locations. This localized radial connection approach prevents concentration of stress and heat at specific non-radial junctions, thereby preventing fractures and hot spots.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-radial chord members are used, then the support structure can be formed, but space limitations are introduced that hinder workman access for inspection and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The radial arrangement of spokes creates symmetric, evenly-spaced openings around the vessel, providing uniform access pathways for workers. This radial symmetry contrasts with non-radial chord arrangements that create irregular, restricted access zones, thereby facilitating easier inspection and repair operations while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple radial spokes that create distinct access regions between them. This segmentation provides multiple pathways for worker access around the vessel, allowing inspection and repair activities to be performed from different locations without interfering with the overall structural support function.
4Ease of manufacture
If non-radial chord members are used, then support functionality is achieved, but specialized rigging equipment is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The radial spokes are designed with symmetric alignment to the vessel center, allowing for straightforward installation using standard alignment procedures. This radial symmetry eliminates the need for complex specialized rigging equipment that would be required for non-radial chord members, as the radial configuration naturally aligns with the vessel's geometric center and support points.
Data Source
AI summary
Vessel and support beam assembly includes a vessel having a cylindrical wall defining an interior chamber having a generally circular shape of diameter D in plan view, and a support assembly disposed within the interior chamber. The support assembly includes an inner hub defining an open central region, and a plurality of spokes extending radially from the inner hub. Each spoke is aligned radially with the cylindrical wall of the vessel and joined thereto. At least one open outer region is defined between circumferentially adjacent spokes.