Reactor Solid Particle Charging Control via Filtered Bed Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing the dense loading of solid particles in reactors are inefficient, relying solely on previous measured values which can lead to erroneous control and increased downtime, particularly in petrochemical reactors where any interruption results in significant losses.
Innovation Solution
A method that models the expected loading profile over time, allowing for the filtration of measured values to generate more reliable height parameters, thereby improving loading management and reducing manual intervention by using sensors and a control system to adjust the loading process automatically or semi-automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If dense loading is performed to maximize space utilization, then loading efficiency is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to dust and falling particles interfering with sensor readings
Solution Approach 1:
A modeling module is introduced as an intermediary between the sensor and the control system. This module receives raw measured values from the sensor and generates modeled values based on a loading profile model, then combines them to produce filtered values. The modeling module acts as a mediator that filters out measurement errors caused by dust and falling particles during dense loading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing measured values with modeled values and adjusting the filtered output accordingly. The control system uses these filtered values to adjust the loading rate, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains measurement reliability even during high-speed dense loading when dust and particles are present.
2Measurement precision
If manual monitoring of bed height is performed to ensure accurate loading, then measurement precision is improved, but loading time increases due to intermittent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by implementing automatic monitoring and filtering of bed height measurements. The modeling module automatically processes sensor readings and generates filtered values without requiring manual intervention. The control system automatically adjusts loading based on these filtered values, eliminating the need for operators to manually monitor and record bed height, thus maintaining precision while reducing loading time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring with an automated electronic system. Instead of operators physically measuring and recording bed height at intervals, sensors continuously automatically measure bed height, and the modeling module processes these measurements electronically to generate filtered values, eliminating manual intervention and its associated time losses.
3Device complexity
If loading control is based solely on previous measured values, then system simplicity is maintained, but control reliability deteriorates due to erroneous values from dust and falling particles
Solution Approach 1:
The modeling module serves as an intermediary layer between the simple sensor input and the control system. It receives raw measured values, generates modeled values based on the loading profile model, and produces filtered values for control. This intermediary processing improves reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as the modeling module integrates seamlessly with existing sensor and control components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing a loading profile model that represents expected loading behavior. Before making control decisions, the system pre-processes sensor readings by comparing them against this pre-established model and generating filtered values. This preliminary modeling and filtering action ensures reliable control decisions are made based on corrected measurements rather than raw erroneous data.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for managing the charging of a space with solid particles, comprising: modelling (213) an expected charging profile over a charging duration, during the charging, receiving (201), from at least one sensor, measured values of a parameter indicative of the height of a bed of solid particles charged into the space (hm(n)), determining (204, 205, 210, 212) filtered values of the parameter indicative of the height (hf(n)) from the measured values received and from the modelled charging profile, and transmitting (214) the filtered values to control the charging with solid particles.