Reactor Lining Vacuum Attachment Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Reactor linings face damage and loss of protective effect at reduced pressures due to mechanical loads, as existing connection methods are either labor-intensive or expensive, and fail to maintain contact with the wall section effectively.

Innovation Solution

A reactor system with a vacuum generating device and a lining connected via a fluid port that applies negative pressure between the lining and the wall section, using a protective strip to maintain contact and prevent lifting, even at reduced interior pressures, allowing the vacuum to propagate and counteract internal pressure differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the lining is made thin to reduce cost, then material cost is reduced, but the lining becomes vulnerable to mechanical loads at reduced pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelining material quantityVSAvoidlining mechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies a counteracting force principle by introducing a vacuum between the lining and wall section. This vacuum creates a pressure difference that presses the lining against the wall section, counterbalancing the mechanical loads that would otherwise damage the thin lining during reduced pressure operations inside the reactor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Strength

If soldering is used to connect the lining to the wall section, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelining connection strengthVSAvoidconnection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the connection function from the traditional soldering/welding process. Instead of creating a permanent mechanical bond between lining and wall section, the system uses a vacuum-generated adhesive force that eliminates the need for complex connection processes while maintaining the protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If explosion cladding is used to connect the lining, then connection strength is improved, but material consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelining connection strengthVSAvoidlining material quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum pressure difference creates a holding force that replaces the need for explosion cladding. This allows the use of thinner lining material while maintaining secure attachment, as the vacuum counteracts the forces that would otherwise require thick material or explosive bonding for security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the lining is pressed against the wall section by overpressure, then connection stability is improved, but the system cannot operate at reduced pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelining connection stabilityVSAvoidpressure range adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the pressure application logic. Instead of using internal overpressure to secure the lining, the system applies vacuum from the external side (between lining and wall section). This inverted approach allows the lining to be secured during reduced pressure operations while maintaining stability across the full pressure range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The system ensures the lining remains securely attached to the wall section at all pressures, preventing damage and maintaining the protective barrier effectively, even with thin, cost-effective tantalum linings, and reduces the risk of deformation during welding.

Implementation Method 1

at least one fluid connection (6) which is connected to a vacuum generating device (7) and is subjected to negative pressure runs through the wall section (2) which opens out between the inside (3) and the lining (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP2774670B1System comprising a reactor and a vacuum generator
Publication Date: 2017.11.08 TANTEC GMBH
  • EP2774670B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Reactor (1) comprises: at least one wall section having an inner surface (3) bounding an interior space (4); a lining (5) arranged on the inner surface of at least one wall (2) to face the interior space; and at least one fluid connection, to which a negative pressure is applied, and which is structured to run through at least one wall section to open into a space between the inner surface and the lining. An independent claim is also included for forming a reactor comprising inserting a lining into an interior space bounded by at least one wall section having an inner surface, such that the lining is arranged on the inner surface of at least one wall to face the interior space, and applying a negative pressure to a space between the inner surface and the lining via at least one fluid connection running through at least one wall section.