Pyrolysis Vapour Condenser With Retractable Inlet Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pyrolysis vapour condenser systems face issues with deposit buildup on the cleaning device, which reduces its effectiveness and may require frequent cleaning, due to the large temperature differences at the vapour inlet.

Innovation Solution

A moveable cleaning device that can be retracted from the vapour inlet when not in use, combined with a reamer design for intermittent cleaning, and a sluice or transport screw for deposit removal during operation, minimizing deposit formation and allowing continuous condensation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cleaning device is disposed in the vapour inlet for cleaning deposits, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but deposit accumulation on the cleaning device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddeposit accumulation on cleaning device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is made movable between a cleaning position (disposed in the vapour inlet for cleaning) and a retracted position (retracted away from the vapour inlet towards the condenser vessel). This dynamic positioning allows the device to be in the vapour inlet only when cleaning is needed, reducing the time exposed to pyrolysis vapours and thus reducing deposit accumulation on the cleaning device itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device is extracted from the vapour inlet when not in use by retracting it towards the condenser vessel. This separation removes the cleaning device from the high-temperature vapour environment, preventing deposit formation on the cleaning device while maintaining cleaning capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the cleaning device is continuously disposed in the vapour inlet, then cleaning is maintained, but system complexity and deposit formation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous cleaningVSAvoidcleaning device positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device incorporates movable positioning capability to transition between cleaning and retracted positions. This dynamic design, while adding some complexity, enables intermittent cleaning operation rather than continuous presence, ultimately simplifying the overall system by reducing deposit-related maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device operates periodically rather than continuously - it is moved to the cleaning position when deposits need removal and retracted when not needed. This periodic action reduces the average complexity of keeping the device in position and minimizes deposit accumulation that would require frequent cleaning interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Reduces deposit accumulation on the cleaning device, maintains system uptime, and prevents pressure buildup, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted operation of the condenser system.

Implementation Method 1

a cleaning device for removing deposits from the vapour inlet, the deposits being deposited thereon during a pyrolysis vapour condensation process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cleaning:

Implementation Method 2

relatively hot pyrolysis vapour enters the condenser vessel through the vapour inlet, to be cooled and/or compressed therein to effect condensation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

Since the pyrolysis vapour coming from the vapour inlet is relatively hot, and the condenser vessel is relatively cold, relatively large temperature differences exist in the area of the vapour inlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12434279B2Pyrolysis vapour condenser system and method of condensing pyrolysis vapour

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 BTG BIOLOQUIDS BV

AI summary

A pyrolysis vapour condenser system (1) and a method for condensing pyrolysis vapour, the pyrolysis vapour condensing system comprising a condenser vessel (2), comprising a vapour inlet (3), and a cleaning device (9) for removing deposits from the vapour inlet (3). The cleaning device (9) is moveable between a cleaning position, in which it is disposed at least partially in the vapour inlet (3) for cleaning it, and a retracted position, in which the cleaning device (9) is retracted away from the vapour inlet (3) towards the condenser vessel (2).