Scissor-Baffle Fuel Gas Conditioning for Compact Superheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas turbine conditioning systems are space-intensive and costly due to the need for multiple pieces of equipment, which can be a challenge for facilities with limited space and budget constraints.
Innovation Solution
A compact fuel gas conditioning system is developed, utilizing an outer and inner tubular housing with baffles and heating elements to efficiently condition feed gas, reducing the need for external flowlines and separate equipment by integrating heating and filtration within a single pressure vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate pieces of equipment are used for gas conditioning, then the gas can be properly conditioned (heated, filtered, and separated), but the system takes up considerable space and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate gas conditioning equipment (pre-heater, expansion valve, gas scrubber with coalescing filter, and super heater) into a single integrated pressure vessel. The inner tubular housing contains heating elements and baffles that perform heating and flow direction changes, while the outer housing provides structural support and houses filtration components, allowing all conditioning functions to occur within one compact unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where an inner tubular housing is positioned inside an outer tubular housing. The inner housing contains the heating elements and baffles, while the annular space between the inner and outer housings serves as a flow passage. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to be compactly arranged within the single pressure vessel, significantly reducing the space required compared to separate equipment
2Reliability
If multiple separate pieces of equipment are used for gas conditioning, then the gas can be properly conditioned, but the cost increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate gas conditioning equipment (pre-heater, expansion valve, gas scrubber with colescing filter, and super heater) into a single integrated pressure vessel. The inner tubular housing contains heating elements and baffles that perform heating and flow direction changes, while the outer housing provides structural support and houses filtration components, allowing all conditioning functions to occur within one compact unit
Solution Approach 2:
The single pressure vessel performs multiple gas conditioning functions simultaneously: the heating elements provide pre-heating and superheating, the baffles direct gas flow and facilitate separation, and the integrated filtration system removes condensate and particulates. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate equipment pieces, reducing both cost and space requirements while maintaining effective gas conditioning
3Temperature
If heating elements are added to the passageway, then the gas can be superheated effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where an inner tubular housing is positioned inside an outer tubular housing. The inner housing contains the heating elements and baffles, while the annular space between the inner and outer housings serves as a flow passage. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to be compactly arranged within the single pressure vessel, significantly reducing the space required compared to separate equipment
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 effectively superheats the gas while being compact, reducing space requirements and costs, and enhances heat transfer efficiency through a serpentine flow pattern and counter-flow design, achieving high heat transfer coefficients and consistent operating temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heating elements positioned within the passageway of the inner tubular housing, wherein each heating element extends through a corresponding passageway in each of the baffles
Implementation Method 2
The system effectively superheats the gas while reducing space requirements and costs, achieving efficient heat transfer and reliable operation with uniform temperature distribution
Implementation Method 3
feeding the inlet stream of gas into an outer passageway in a first direction; then feeding the inlet stream of gas into an inner passageway in a second direction, in opposition to the first direction
Implementation Method 4
a plurality of spaced apart baffles positioned within the passageway of the inner tubular housing, wherein each baffle defines at least one passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A feed gas conditioner includes a passageway with a plurality of heating elements positioned within the passageway. A plurality of baffle assemblies can cause a fluid flowing through the feed gas conditioner to flow in a serpentine flow pattern so that the fluid flows transverse to at least a portion of the heating elements. The baffle assemblies can each include two or more baffle elements, the baffle elements being positioned at an angle relative to each other. The heating elements can pass through passages within one or more of the baffle elements.