Retractable Injection Nozzle with Removable Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The delayed coking process in the hydrocarbon processing industry faces issues with uneven heat distribution, thermal variance, and uneven flow channeling due to the lack of control over the injection of residual byproducts into coke drums, leading to increased wear and reduced lifespan of vessels and components, as well as unsafe quench characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A center feed system is introduced, featuring a retractable injection nozzle that injects residual byproducts from the center of the vessel, allowing for controlled flow and thermal management through adjustable angles and configurations, including removable inserts and a scraper for cleaning, to minimize space requirements and enhance operational safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If residual byproduct is injected through a simple inlet pipe, then the injection process is simple, but uneven heat distribution and thermal variance occur within the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is segmented into multiple nozzles arranged in a specific pattern, where each nozzle injects residual byproduct at different locations and angles. This segmentation allows for more uniform heat distribution throughout the vessel while maintaining a relatively simple overall system design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the vessel receive injection at different locations and angles, creating local variations in flow patterns that collectively achieve uniform heat distribution. The injection system provides localized control over where and how the residual byproduct enters the vessel.
2Productivity
If high velocity injection is used to increase productivity, then the injection speed increases, but thermal stress and wear on vessel components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total injection flow is divided into multiple streams through several nozzles. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high overall productivity while each individual nozzle operates at lower velocity, reducing thermal stress and wear on vessel components.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection system utilizes angular distribution in addition to radial distribution, creating a three-dimensional injection pattern. This multi-dimensional approach disperses the thermal load across different areas and reduces concentrated stress on any single vessel component.
3Temperature
If multiple inlet feeds are added to improve heat distribution, then the number of injection points increases, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple injection functions are merged into a single integrated nozzle assembly. The manifold structure combines multiple injection points and angular orientations into one compact unit, achieving uniform heat distribution without proportionally increasing system complexity or space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides multiple injection points, controls injection angles, and distributes flow patterns all within a single component structure. This multi-functionality achieves uniform heat distribution without requiring separate systems for each function.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed injection angle is used to simplify the system, then the system is easier to manufacture, but flow channeling control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into multiple fixed-angle injection elements, each manufactured with a simple fixed angle. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured easily while the collective arrangement provides versatile flow pattern control through the combination of different angular segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A center feed system allows residual byproduct to be injected into a vessel from within the center of the vessel. The center feed system can include an inlet sleeve that is attached to the vessel and a retractable injection nozzle that extends into the vessel to inject residual byproduct into the vessel and that retracts into the inlet sleeve after injecting the residual byproduct. A retractable injection nozzle may include one or more openings that each includes an insert that can be removed from the opening. The inserts can therefore be replaced to customize the functionality of the nozzle or to replace the inserts when they have become worn.