Segmented Distributor Pipe for Fluidized Bed Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing distributors for fluidized beds fail to effectively distribute a light phase into a reactor containing a fluidized solid with higher density, leading to uneven distribution and temperature differences, particularly in three-phase bubbling fluidized bed reactors and catalyst regeneration processes.

Innovation Solution

A cylindrical pipe with alternating rectangular windows and branches is used to introduce the light phase into the reactor, with a convex knob having notches to break the flow and distribute it radially, ensuring uniform distribution across the reactor section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional distributor is used to introduce light phase into fluidized bed, then the light phase is introduced into the reactor, but the distribution is uneven and velocity near introduction point is too high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution uniformityVSAvoidvelocity near introduction point
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The distributor pipe is segmented with multiple rectangular windows at different heights and positions along its length. These windows divide the single high-velocity inlet stream into multiple lower-velocity outlet streams distributed at different radial positions, reducing the velocity near the introduction point while achieving uniform distribution across the reactor cross-section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distributor transitions from a single-point inlet to a distributed multi-point outlet system by adding vertical and radial dimensions. The rectangular windows are positioned at different heights (vertical dimension) and angular positions (radial dimension), creating a three-dimensional distribution pattern that eliminates concentration at a single introduction point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If light phase is introduced at high velocity, then the light phase can be effectively introduced into the reactor, but the distribution across the reactor cross-section remains uneven

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintroduction efficiencyVSAvoiddistribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single high-velocity inlet is segmented into multiple outlet windows positioned at different heights and radial locations. This segmentation maintains overall introduction efficiency by providing multiple pathways for light phase entry while distributing the flow to achieve uniform coverage across the reactor cross-section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the distributor pipe provide different local flow characteristics. The rectangular windows at various heights and positions create localized flow patterns tailored to specific radial zones, ensuring that each region of the reactor receives appropriate light phase distribution for uniform overall coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If conventional distributor design is used, then the structure is simple, but temperature differences and uneven fluidization occur in the reactor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistributor structureVSAvoidtemperature differences
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The distributor employs a segmented design with multiple rectangular windows positioned at different heights along the pipe. This segmentation, while slightly increasing structural complexity, enables uniform light phase distribution that promotes even fluidization and eliminates temperature differences, representing a worthwhile trade-off for achieving homogeneous reactor conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distributor design adds vertical and angular dimensions to the flow distribution by positioning windows at multiple heights and radial positions. This multi-dimensional approach ensures comprehensive coverage of the reactor cross-section, promoting uniform fluidization and temperature distribution without requiring complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution achieves improved distribution of the light phase, enhancing fluidization and combustion reactions while reducing temperature differences, with 3D simulations showing better coverage and interaction with the dense phase compared to prior art.

Implementation Method 1

a convex finial (9) which has regularly spaced notches (10) along its lower edge... allowing passage of branches (6) that extend beyond the circumference of said finial (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow separation: Flow Separation

Implementation Method 2

the distribution has the essential role of maintaining the fluidization of the solid in the reactor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluidization: Fluidisation

Data Source

PatentEP3618947B1Novel device for distributing a polyphase mixture in a chamber comprising a fluidised medium
Publication Date: 2022.08.24 IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
  • EP3618947B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3618947B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d
  • EP3618947B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention describes a device for distributing a light phase within a heavy phase in a reaction chamber (5) containing said heavy phase in the fluidised state, comprising a supply line (1) for the light phase, said line (1) being cylindrical and opening, in the top part of same, through first and second rectangular windows (7, 8) perforated in the side wall of the line (1), the second windows (8) being extended by arms (6) perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the reaction chamber (5), and the top part of the line (1) being surmounted by a convex knob (9).