Fluid Catalytic Reactor Segmentation for Mechanical Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fluid catalytic reactor systems face mechanical issues due to high catalyst loads and intense thermal conditions, particularly at the intersection of reactor and separator components, leading to potential mechanical failure.

Innovation Solution

The design separates reactor and catalyst separation sections, with each comprising a separate vessel connected by a riser, allowing for better thermal transport control and reducing mechanical stress at sensitive areas like catalyst outlet ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the reactor and separator are in direct contact with one another in a unitary structure, then the system is more compact and easier to manufacture, but the mechanical stability and thermal control deteriorate under intense thermal conditions and large catalyst loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate reactor and separator sections that are not in direct contact. The reactor section and separator section are connected through a riser and standpipe system, allowing independent structural optimization for each component while maintaining functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If the reactor and separator are in direct contact with one another in a unitary structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the thermal control capability deteriorates under intense thermal conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidthermal control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The reactor and separator are segmented into separate sections with independent thermal management. The riser connects the reactor outlet to the separator inlet, allowing thermal isolation while maintaining material flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The riser and standpipe system act as intermediary components between the reactor and separator. These intermediaries enable thermal isolation while facilitating catalyst and product transfer between sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the reactor and separator are in direct contact with one another, then the system structure is simpler, but the risk of mechanical failure increases at the intersection points under high catalyst loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidmechanical failure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the reactor and separator into distinct structural units, eliminating direct contact at intersection points. Each section can be independently supported and maintained, reducing mechanical failure risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vulnerable intersection area is extracted by separating the reactor and separator sections. The connection is achieved through the riser-standpipe system rather than direct structural integration, removing the weak point from the design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

This design enhances mechanical stability and thermal control, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and improving the operational reliability of fluid catalytic reactor systems.

Implementation Method 1

fluid catalytic reactor systems

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluidization: Fluidisation

Implementation Method 2

catalyst overflowing the catalyst bed section flows over the wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3471873B1System components of fluid catalytic reactor systems
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3471873B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3471873B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3471873B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one or more embodiments disclosed herein, a system component of a fluid catalytic reactor system may include a catalyst separation section, a riser, and a reactor vessel. The catalyst separation section may include separation section walls defining an interior region of the catalyst separation section, a gas outlet port, a riser port, a separation device, and a catalyst outlet port. The riser may extend through the riser port of the catalyst separation section and include an external riser section and an internal riser section. The reactor vessel may include a reactor vessel inlet port, and a reactor vessel outlet port in fluid communication with the external riser section of the riser.