Structured Packing Insertion in Horizontal Shells With Centering Aid
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of gas/liquid separation columns with large diameters and axial dimensions is challenging due to the need for long shrouds, which requires significant lifting forces and can cause deformation and misalignment during horizontal insertion of packing sections, making it difficult to center and push the sections into place.
Innovation Solution
A method using an installation aid device with a cradle or removable cone to assist in positioning and centering the packing sections during horizontal insertion, reducing friction and deformation risks by providing support and guidance through the inlet opening of the shroud.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the shroud is positioned horizontally during installation, then the required lifting force is reduced, but the packing section becomes difficult to center and requires considerable pushing force
Solution Approach 1:
A centering device acts as an intermediary between the packing section and the shroud inlet opening. This device temporarily supports and centers the packing section during horizontal installation, facilitating easy positioning without requiring vertical lifting, and then is removed after installation is complete.
2Ease of operation
If the packing section is pushed horizontally into the shroud, then gravity no longer assists the movement, but the pushing force required becomes considerable over the entire length
Solution Approach 1:
The long shroud is divided into multiple sections that can be assembled sequentially. Packing sections are installed in one segment at a time, reducing the pushing force required for each individual installation operation while maintaining the capability to assemble very long separation columns.
3Productivity
If the shroud has large diameter and great length, then the separation capacity is increased, but the installation becomes more difficult due to deformation and misalignment risks
Solution Approach 1:
The centering device is installed on the shroud inlet opening before the packing section is inserted. This preliminary action ensures that the packing section is properly centered and aligned before insertion begins, preventing misalignment and deformation during the pushing operation, even for large-diameter and long-length shrouds.
Data Source
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AI summary
The main object of the present invention is a method for installing a packing section (2) in a shell (1) using an installation aid device (14) for a packing section (2), the shell (1) comprising at least one tubular wall (4) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) between two longitudinal ends and of which an inner face (6) helps to define a housing for the packing section (2), the tubular wall (4) helping to define at one of its longitudinal ends an inlet opening (10), the shell (1) comprising a bottom wall (12) disposed at the longitudinal end opposite the inlet opening (10), the shell (1) being positioned horizontally during the method of installing the packing section (2),the method comprising a step of mounting the installation aid device (14) on the shell (1) during which the installation aid device (14) is fixed in the vicinity of the inlet opening (10) of the shell (1), a step of positioning the packing section (2) relative to the installation aid device (14) and the inlet opening (10), and at least one pushing step during which the packing section (2) is pushed into the housing of the shell (1).