Segmented Support Beam Connectors for Mass Transfer Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
In larger-diameter mass transfer columns, the use of bolts to secure support segments is risky due to high shear forces, leading to potential bolt failure and deflection, while welding is not always feasible, especially during revamps where fire or explosion risks are present, necessitating a secure assembly method that avoids these issues.
Innovation Solution
A support beam design comprising upper and lower beam segments connected by connectors with load-transferring pins and fasteners, which resist lateral deflection and transfer loads between segments, allowing for secure assembly without welding and facilitating passage through manways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bolts are used to secure support segments together, then assembly is easier and disassembly is possible for revamping, but the high shear forces may cause bolt failure and deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The support beam is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled separately and connected through connectors. This segmentation allows the beam to be passed through the manway in discrete pieces and then assembled inside the column to form a continuous load-bearing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Connectors serve as intermediary elements between beam segments, providing a mechanical connection that transfers shear forces between segments. The connectors include brackets attached to each segment and a load-transferring pin that joins the brackets, creating a reliable connection without requiring direct bolting of segments together.
2Reliability
If welding is used to secure support segments together, then structural reliability is improved and deflection is reduced, but specialized personnel are required and fire or explosion risks prevent its use during revamps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical joining) with a mechanical connection system consisting of connectors, brackets, and load-transferring pins. This mechanical substitution achieves reliable load transfer between segments without requiring welding expertise or creating fire hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the connection method from permanent (welding) to reversible (mechanical connectors), allowing the same connection to provide sufficient structural reliability while enabling disassembly for revamping operations. The load-transferring pins and brackets are designed to withstand operational loads while remaining removable.
3Length of moving object
If support segments are assembled to fit through the manway, then passage through the manway is enabled, but the supports may require additional connectors to resist deflection under load
Solution Approach 1:
The support beam is divided into segments with lengths optimized to pass through the manway opening. The segmentation creates discrete components that can be maneuvered through the restricted opening and then assembled into a complete beam structure inside the column.
Solution Approach 2:
Connectors with brackets and load-transferring pins serve as intermediary elements that join the segmented beam components. These connectors are strategically positioned to provide structural continuity and resist deflection while allowing the segmented construction approach.
Data Source
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AI summary
An elongated support beam is provided for supporting internals such as liquid collectors, liquid distributors, packing supports, or trays within a mass transfer column. The support beam is divided longitudinally into a lower beam segment and an upper beam segment that are joined together by a plurality of connectors at one or more longitudinally spaced-apart positions. The connectors serve to stiffen and resist lateral deflection of the lower and upper beam segments in relation to each other and to transfer the load carried by the upper beam segment to the lower beam segment or vice-versa. By dividing the support beam into lower and upper beam segments, each of the lower and upper beam segments can be passed through a manway opening in a shell of the mass transfer column prior to assembly of the support beam or following disassembly of the support beam within the mass transfer column.