Swirl Nozzle Fluidized Bed for Solid Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing fine to coarse-grained solids from storage tanks require high energy and complex mechanical components, leading to inefficiencies and susceptibility to faults, especially under high pressures.

Innovation Solution

Introducing a gas stream through swirl nozzles in the dosing chamber floor to create a rotating fluidized bed, combined with a separate gas stream for fluidization, achieving optimal and homogeneous fluidization without additional mechanical systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If fluidization is performed in the entire volume of the container, then homogeneous fluidization is achieved, but energy consumption and gas requirement increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of fluidizationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fluidization process into two distinct zones: a fluidized bed in the lower area for homogeneous mixing and a suction zone in the upper area for removal. This segmentation allows fluidization to occur only where needed, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining homogeneous fluidization in the active zone through dedicated gas supply elements positioned at the funnel edge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If mechanical components such as stirrers are added to support fluidization, then fluidization homogeneity improves, but device complexity and susceptibility to faults increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of fluidizationVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical stirrers with a pneumatic system using gas supply elements positioned at the funnel edge. Gas is introduced to create a fluidized bed that achieves homogeneous mixing through fluid dynamics rather than mechanical agitation. This substitution eliminates moving parts, reducing device complexity and susceptibility to faults while maintaining fluidization homogeneity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If high pressure is applied to achieve fluidization of difficult-to-fluidize solids, then fluidization is achieved, but seal requirements and system reliability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluidization of difficult solidsVSAvoidsystem availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies gas supply elements specifically at the funnel edge where solids are most difficult to fluidize, creating a localized fluidized bed. This local application of fluidization energy achieves effective solids handling without requiring high pressure throughout the entire system, thereby reducing seal requirements and improving system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach enables efficient and homogeneous removal of solids with reduced energy requirements and improved system availability, suitable for pressurized storage tanks handling fine-grained fuels.

Implementation Method 1

fluidization in the lower area of such a receiving or dosing container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluidization: Fluidisation

Implementation Method 2

a gas is additionally introduced in the area of the dosing chamber floor to form a fluidized bed loosening the solid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluidization: Fluidisation

Implementation Method 3

a gas via swirl nozzles to set the fluidized bed in rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirl flow: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentEP2254691B1Method and device for the metered removal of a fine to coarse-grained solid matter or solid matter mixture from a storage container
Publication Date: 2011.06.15 THYSSENKRUPP UHDE GMBH
  • EP2254691B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2254691B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a device for the metered removal of a fine to coarse-grained solid matter or a solid matter mixture from a storage container, comprising a device for forming a fluidized bed in the discharge region or in a metering chamber of the metering container, wherein fluidization that is as optimal as possible is to be created in the lower region of such a receiving or metering container while avoiding any additional systems, mechanical elements, or extensive installations. This is achieved according to the method in that a gas is additionally introduced in the region of the metering chamber bottom for forming a fluidized bed that loosens the solid matter, and a gas is introduced via swirl nozzles for bringing about the rotation of the fluidized bed.