Steam Ejector Vacuum Generation in Black Water Flash Tanks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gasification systems produce black water containing fine particles, ammonia, metals, and dissolved gases, which require efficient separation and processing, but existing technologies like liquid ring vacuum pumps are costly and inefficient due to moving parts and power requirements.

Innovation Solution

The use of ejectors with stationary parts and a nozzle to create a vacuum in flash tanks, employing a high-velocity jet of motive fluid to separate gases from black water, reducing capital and operating costs and improving separation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid ring vacuum pumps are used to create vacuum in flash tanks, then vacuum can be generated for gas separation, but the system has moving parts requiring maintenance and consumes significant power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum generation reliabilityVSAvoidmoving parts complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical liquid ring vacuum pump system with a steam ejector system that uses steam flow dynamics instead of mechanical moving parts. The steam ejector utilizes the kinetic energy of high-velocity steam to create vacuum, eliminating motors, impellers, and seals while maintaining reliable vacuum generation for gas separation in flash tanks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using high-velocity steam flow through the ejector nozzle to create a vacuum. The steam jet generates a low-pressure region that draws gases from the flash tank, utilizing fluid dynamics rather than mechanical action to achieve the same vacuum effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If liquid ring vacuum pumps are used for black water processing, then gas separation is achieved, but capital and operating costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas separation efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The steam ejector system uses the process steam already generated in the gasification system to create vacuum, making the system self-sufficient. The steam that would otherwise be waste or require separate generation is utilized to drive the ejector, eliminating the need for external power sources and reducing operating costs while maintaining effective gas separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces power-intensive mechanical vacuum pumps with a steam-driven ejector system that converts thermal energy directly into vacuum generation. This substitution eliminates electricity consumption and associated costs while maintaining or improving gas separation productivity through the steam jet's kinetic energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If traditional vacuum systems with moving parts are used, then vacuum is created for separation, but maintenance requirements and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum system reliabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical vacuum systems with a steam ejector that has no moving parts, eliminating maintenance requirements for motors, bearings, and seals. The system operates simply by controlling steam flow to the ejector, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable vacuum creation for black water processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 ejector system effectively separates dissolved gases from black water, reducing costs and improving processing efficiency by using stationary parts and overhead discharge of separated gases as motive fluid, enhancing the gasification process.

Implementation Method 1

an ejector with a suction chamber and a nozzle. The suction chamber is coupled to the vacuum pressure flash tank, and the nozzle is configured to discharge a motive fluid across the suction chamber to create a vacuum within the vacuum pressure flash tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEjector effect: Injector

Implementation Method 2

The nozzle is configured to discharge the first vapor discharge across the suction chamber to pull the second vapor discharge into the ejector from the vacuum pressure flash tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh-velocity jet: Jet

Implementation Method 3

a high-pressure flash tank configured to flash the black water to produce a first vapor discharge of first separated gases and a first liquid discharge of the black water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlash evaporation: Flash Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS9085472B2Gasification system employing ejectors

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 AIR PROD & CHEM INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a black water processing system includes a vacuum pressure flash tank configured to separate gases from black water. The system also includes an ejector with a suction chamber and a nozzle. The suction chamber is coupled to the vacuum pressure flash tank, and the nozzle is configured to discharge a motive fluid across the suction chamber to create a vacuum within the vacuum pressure flash tank.