Reaction Vessel Support Layout for Thermal Expansion Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reaction apparatuses experience deformation due to thermal expansion or contraction, leading to operational issues with the reaction vessel and conveyance mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A reaction apparatus with a cylindrical reaction vessel supported by a first and second support part, where the second support part allows the end side of the reaction vessel to be movable in the axial direction, and a temperature control unit manages temperature changes to align with desired displacement rates, preventing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the temperature of the reaction vessel is changed, then the reaction process can be controlled, but the reaction vessel and conveyance mechanism deform due to thermal expansion or contraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction vessel temperatureVSAvoidreaction vessel dimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reaction vessel is designed with one fixed support and one movable support that allows axial displacement. This dynamic support configuration enables the vessel to expand and contract freely in the axial direction during temperature changes, preventing deformation while maintaining operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention explicitly accounts for thermal expansion by providing a movable support that accommodates the expected thermal displacement of the reaction vessel. The support system is designed to allow the vessel to expand/contract within calculated tolerances, preventing stress buildup and deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #37Thermal expansion

2Temperature

If the temperature of the reaction vessel is changed, then the reaction process can be controlled, but the conveyance mechanism deforms due to thermal expansion or contraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction vessel temperatureVSAvoidconveyance mechanism operational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyance mechanism is designed with movable support that allows it to move axially in sync with the reaction vessel's thermal expansion or contraction. This prevents relative displacement between the vessel and mechanism, maintaining proper alignment and operational reliability throughout temperature changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system preemptively compensates for thermal deformation by designing the support structure to allow controlled movement before deformation can occur. This prevents the conveyance mechanism from becoming misaligned or damaged during temperature transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the reaction vessel is fixed rigidly, then structural stability is maintained, but thermal expansion or contraction causes deformation and operational failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereaction vessel structural stabilityVSAvoidthermal adaptation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support system transitions from a fully fixed rigid structure to a hybrid configuration with one fixed support and one movable support. This allows the system to maintain structural stability through the fixed support while adapting to thermal changes through the movable support, achieving both stability and thermal adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the boundary condition parameter of the support from completely fixed to partially movable, allowing controlled displacement in the axial direction. This parameter change enables the reaction vessel to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Prevents deformation of the reaction vessel and conveyance mechanism, ensuring normal operation by controlling thermal expansion and contraction.

Implementation Method 1

the reaction vessel, the conveyance mechanism, or the like is deformed due to thermal expansion or thermal contraction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the reaction vessel, the conveyance mechanism, or the like is deformed due to thermal expansion or thermal contraction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentEP4692706A1reactor
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 THE JAPAN STEEL WORKS LTD
  • EP4692706A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692706A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4692706A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a reaction device that can be prevented from becoming unable to operate normally, even when the reaction vessel deforms due to thermal expansion or thermal contraction. A reaction device (10A) comprises: a cylindrical reaction vessel (100) that includes an intermediate section (A3) between a supply section and a delivery section; a temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the intermediate section; the supply section; the delivery section; a transport mechanism that transports the processed matter from the supply section side to the delivery section side through the intermediate section; a first support part (103) that supports one end side of the reaction vessel in a fixed state; and a second support part (104) that supports the other end side of the reaction vessel to be movable in the axial direction of the reaction vessel, wherein the temperature control unit controls the temperature rise rate or the temperature fall rate of the intermediate part so that the actual displacement rate of a specific part (E) of the reaction vessel follows the desired displacement rate of the specific part of the reaction vessel.A reaction apparatus capable of preventing a situation in which a reaction vessel cannot normally operate due to deformation of the reaction vessel because of thermal expansion or thermal contraction thereof is provided. A reaction apparatus (10A) includes: a cylindrical reaction vessel (100) including an intermediate part (A3) between a supply part and a delivery part; a temperature control unit configured to control a temperature of the intermediate part; the supply part and the delivery part; a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the substance to be treated from a side of the reaction vessel close to the supply part to a side of the reaction vessel close to the delivery part through the intermediate part; a first support part (103) configured to support one end side of the reaction vessel in a state in which the one end side of the reaction vessel is fixed; and a second support part (104) configured to support another end side of the reaction vessel in such a way that the other end side of the reaction vessel is movable in an axial direction of the reaction vessel, in which the temperature control unit controls a temperature increase rate or a temperature decrease rate of the intermediate part in such a way that an actual displacement rate of a specific part (E) of the reaction vessel follows a desirable displacement rate of the specific part of the reaction vessel.