Segmented Seal Ring with Pressure Relief for Syngas Coolers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing devices for radiant syngas coolers in IGCC power plants fail to effectively manage high differential pressures and corrosive syngas, leading to potential damage to conduit members and pressure vessels.
Innovation Solution
A sealing apparatus featuring a segmented ring construction with resiliently biased pressure devices and pressure relief mechanisms, including a flange member, ring segments, fastening members, and resilient members, which provides a fluid-tight seal and instantaneous pressure relief to protect the conduit member from high differential pressures and corrosive gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing device is used to prevent hot syngas from contacting the pressure vessel, then the vessel is protected from corrosion and high temperature exposure, but the device cannot accommodate high differential pressures during transient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is divided into multiple segments that can independently move and expand. During transient high pressure conditions, the segments can separate slightly to accommodate pressure differentials while maintaining the sealing function, preventing damage to the conduit member.
2Reliability
If a sealed conduit member is used to convey hot syngas, then the synthesis gas is contained, but the back of the conduit member is exposed to high differential pressures that can destroy it
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented seal ring acts as an intermediary pressure relief mechanism. It is positioned between the hot syngas environment and the conduit member back, allowing controlled pressure equalization through segment separation while maintaining gas containment, thus protecting the conduit member from destructive pressure differentials.
3Ease of repair
If a segmented seal ring construction is used around the conduit member, then access for inspection and replacement is improved, but the sealing effectiveness against hot syngas may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring segments are designed to be movable rather than fixed. They can dynamically adjust their position to maintain sealing contact with the conduit member under varying pressure and thermal conditions, ensuring sealing effectiveness while allowing individual segments to be accessed for inspection and replacement.
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 apparatus maintains a positive seal against hot syngas and corrosive gases, ensures structural integrity of the conduit member, and allows controlled purge flow to prevent corrosion, while enabling inspection and replacement access.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient members are disposed between each fastening member and the respective ring segment to resiliently pressure or load the plate segments into a fluid tight relationship with the outer surface of the conduit member
Implementation Method 2
The resiliently biased door is preferably located over and adapted to cover the pressure relief opening
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing apparatus adapted for use in a pressure vessel such as a synthesis gas cooler. The sealing apparatus is of a segmented plate construction formed around an outer wall section of a conduit means of the pressure vessel that defines at least part of a passage for receiving effluent from a gasification process. Pressure responsive mechanisms are provided on the plate segments to maintain the pressure difference across the sealing apparatus within the acceptable operating limits as well as to permit instantaneous pressure release to prevent damage to the pressure part assembly or cage. The seal is also maintained continuously through the differential growth movement between the conduit means and the pressure vessel during heat up and cool down cycles.