Non-Vertical Riser Support With Sliding Expansion Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing mechanical support systems for large and heavy reactor systems with non-vertical risers that account for thermal expansion and contraction is challenging, as conventional risers only expand vertically, leading to complications in chemical processing systems producing light olefins.

Innovation Solution

A supported riser apparatus with a non-vertical riser segment, a support member that slides horizontally during thermal expansion, and an expansion guide within the vessel to accommodate thermal changes, providing adequate mechanical support and allowing the riser to expand and contract safely.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-vertical risers are used to accommodate thermal expansion, then horizontal expansion capability is improved, but mechanical support stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidmechanical support stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an expansion guide as an intermediary component between the riser and the support structure. This expansion guide allows controlled horizontal movement of the riser during thermal expansion while maintaining vertical support, thus mediating between the need for expansion accommodation and mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support system is segmented into multiple functional components: a support member for vertical support, an expansion guide for controlled horizontal movement, and a support structure for overall stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If support members are added to provide mechanical support, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsupport system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member serves multiple functions: it provides vertical support for the riser, acts as a guide for horizontal expansion movement, and connects to the support structure for overall stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the riser is made larger for scaled-up production, then productivity is improved, but thermal expansion effects worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction capacityVSAvoidthermal expansion magnitude

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The expansion guide allows the riser to move horizontally in response to thermal expansion, and the support member can accommodate positional changes. This dynamic design enables the system to handle larger thermal expansion effects in scaled-up risers without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the safe positioning and support of scaled-up risers within vessels during high-temperature processes, ensuring stability and safety by allowing the support member to slide horizontally and vertically, addressing the issue of horizontal expansion in non-vertical risers.

Implementation Method 1

non-vertical risers that expand under hot conditions introduce significant horizontal expansion of the riser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

the support member slides across the expansion guide as the support member undergoes thermal expansion or thermal contraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS20240024836A1Supported riser apparatuses

Publication Date: 2024.01.25 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A supported riser apparatus may be housed at least partially within a vessel. The supported riser apparatus may include a riser including a non-vertical riser segment, a non-linear riser segment, and a vertical riser segment. The supported riser apparatus may further include a support member comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the support member may be connected to the non-vertical riser segment and the angle between the support member and the non-vertical riser segment may be from 15 to 75. The supported riser apparatus may include a support structure connected to the riser and the support member and an expansion guide connected to an interior surface of the vessel. The expansion guide may be shaped and positioned such that the support member slides across the expansion guide as the support member undergoes thermal expansion or thermal contraction.