Segmented Support Beam for Reactor Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Massive catalyst support beams used in industrial processes are difficult to handle and install due to their large size, and their production requires thick metal plates that are not readily available, leading to high costs and long delivery times, as well as design and installation limitations from steric hindrances.
Innovation Solution
The support beam is constructed from multiple smaller beam elements arranged parallelly, allowing for simpler production and faster assembly, with locking mechanisms to ensure stability and reliability, and can be designed to optimize dimensions and weight, using materials suitable for the environment and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If massive metal beams are used to ensure structural stability and load-bearing capacity, then reliability is improved, but weight and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam is divided into multiple beam elements (at least two) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. Each element has smaller dimensions and weight, making them easier to handle and install, while the combined structure maintains the required load-bearing capacity and structural stability through proper connection means.
2Strength
If thick metal plates are used to manufacture beams, then structural strength is improved, but production cost and delivery time increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing one massive beam from thick metal plates, the invention segments the beam into multiple elements with smaller thickness requirements. These elements can be produced by standard manufacturers using available plate thicknesses, avoiding the exponential cost and time increase associated with custom thick plate production.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple beam elements are combined through connection means (such as bolting, welding, or other joining methods) to form a composite beam structure. This merging achieves the required overall strength and stiffness while allowing each individual element to be manufactured from readily available materials.
3Reliability
If massive beams are manufactured by cutting metal plates, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and delivery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam structure is segmented into multiple elements that can be manufactured using simpler, more common fabrication processes. Each element requires less material and can be produced by standard manufacturing methods, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and lead time while maintaining structural integrity through proper design and connection of elements.
4Force
If large dimension beams are used to meet support requirements, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but installation difficulty increases due to steric hindrance
Solution Approach 1:
The large dimension beam is divided into smaller beam elements that are easier to maneuver and install within the steric constraints of the reactor vessel. The segmented elements can be positioned and assembled in place, avoiding the need to handle and install a single large, cumbersome beam component.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam structure transitions from a monolithic three-dimensional component to an assembly of smaller elements that can be approached and assembled from multiple directions. This dimensional approach allows installation workers to access connection points and assemble the beam structure within the confined space of the reactor vessel.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a vessel support beam comprising two or more beam elements wherein each beam element comprises a first and second opposing long side connected by a top side, a lower side and two opposing end sides, said beam elements are arranged parallelly with at least one long side of one beam element facing a long side of another beam element, thereby forming a reactor support beam having a first and second opposing long side surface, a top surface and a lower surface.