Stacked Gas Flow Gaps in Purge Bin Insert Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current polyolefin polymerization processes face challenges in efficiently removing volatiles from resin mixtures due to uneven resin flow patterns and potential damage from purging gases, leading to non-commercially viable products, and the inclusion of insert assemblies to address these issues increases purge bin diameter and costs.

Innovation Solution

A system with a barrier and an insert assembly featuring stacked flow gaps, including a series of stacked cones, that allows for the controlled addition and removal of gases within the solid/gas mixture, maintaining a near constant velocity profile and reducing bin size through optimized gas distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an insert assembly is included in the purge bin to address mass flow and gas distribution problems, then gas distribution within the solids bed is improved, but the bin diameter is undesirably increased thus increasing bin cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas distributionVSAvoidbin diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The insert assembly is positioned concentrically within the purge bin, with the annular space between the insert assembly and bin wall utilized for gas flow. This nested configuration allows the insert assembly to occupy the central region while maintaining an annular flow path around it, maximizing space utilization without requiring an increase in bin diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from considering only radial gas distribution to utilizing the vertical dimension by creating stacked gas flow gaps at different heights within the annular space. This multi-level gas distribution approach improves gas-solids contact efficiency without increasing the horizontal footprint or bin diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If gas velocity is increased to improve volatile removal efficiency, then volatile removal is enhanced, but resin entrainment in the withdrawn gas increases causing piping fouling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolatile removal efficiencyVSAvoidresin entrainment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gas withdrawal process is segmented into multiple stages through stacked gas flow gaps positioned at different heights. Gas is removed in increments across multiple levels rather than as a single high-velocity stream, reducing the velocity at each interface and minimizing resin entrainment while maintaining overall volatile removal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses multiple gas flow gaps that provide sufficient gas-solids contact area to achieve effective volatile removal without requiring excessive gas velocity. The distributed gaps allow partial gas withdrawal at each level, achieving the needed purification effect with moderate velocities that prevent resin entrainment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the purge bin diameter is increased to accommodate larger insert assemblies, then gas distribution is improved, but the equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas distributionVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes the dimensions and spacing of the insert assembly components to achieve effective gas distribution within the existing bin diameter. By adjusting parameters such as gap width, gap height, and insert assembly diameter, effective gas-solids contact is achieved without requiring costly increases in bin size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution ensures efficient and uniform removal of volatiles while minimizing resin damage and bin size, promoting plug flow and reducing costs by maintaining a consistent velocity profile and preventing resin entrainment.

Implementation Method 1

the insert assembly comprises stacked flow gaps configured for addition and/or removal of gas from a solid/gas mixture flowing in the annulus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow through stacked gaps: Convection

Implementation Method 2

whose purpose is to achieve a near constant velocity profile of the resin traveling downward in the purge bin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3142781B1Systems and methods using an insert assembly with stacked gas flow gaps

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 UNIVATION TECH LLC

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AI summary

Disclosed are insert assemblies with stacked gas flow gaps to add and/or remove gases from a solid/gas mixture travelling through a barrier. An example system may comprise a barrier and an insert assembly in the barrier defining an annulus between the insert assembly and the barrier, wherein the insert assembly comprises stacked flow gaps configured for addition and/or removal of gas from a solid/gas mixture flowing in the annulus.