Syngas Cooler Using Nested Membrane Walls and Thermal Siphon
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) power generation systems require large, expensive syngas coolers that are prone to fouling and require extensive ancillary equipment, necessitating a more efficient and compact cooling solution to handle high-temperature syngas effectively.
Innovation Solution
A syngas cooler system utilizing three concentric membrane water walls with a thermal siphon to channel and cool syngas, separating slag and particulate matter while minimizing equipment needs and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If radiant and convection syngas coolers are used to cool syngas and remove entrained solids, then syngas temperature is reduced to enable solids to drop out, but the coolers are relatively large, expensive, and require extensive ancillary equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested membrane water walls where inner membrane water walls are positioned within cavities defined by outer membrane water walls. This nested configuration allows multiple cooling surfaces to occupy the same spatial envelope, achieving effective syngas cooling without requiring large-scale equipment or extensive ancillary components.
2Temperature
If known coolers are used to cool syngas, then syngas is cooled effectively, but the coolers are prone to fouling and require frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs membrane water walls with different configurations at different locations within the cooling chamber. Inner membrane water walls have different structural characteristics compared to outer membrane water walls, allowing each region to optimize for its specific thermal and flow conditions. This localized optimization reduces fouling in critical areas and improves overall system reliability.
3Temperature
If known coolers are used to cool syngas, then syngas cooling is achieved, but large amounts of ancillary equipment such as pumps, piping and steel drums are required
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane water walls are designed to be self-cooling through natural convection and radiation patterns. The nested configuration allows cooling fluid to circulate through the membrane walls themselves without requiring external pumps or complex piping systems. The structure serves its own cooling function, eliminating the need for extensive ancillary equipment.
4Temperature
If known coolers are used to cool syngas, then syngas is cooled to suitable temperature, but the coolers are relatively large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested membrane water walls where inner membrane water walls are positioned within cavities defined by outer membrane water walls. This nested configuration allows multiple cooling surfaces to occupy the same spatial envelope, achieving effective syngas cooling without requiring large-scale equipment or extensive ancillary components.
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 solution provides enhanced heat transfer efficiency, reduces fouling, and extends equipment lifespan, achieving effective syngas cooling with reduced costs and ancillary equipment needs, while maintaining high carbon conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal siphon is positioned between the first membrane water wall and the outer wall and is configured to channel a flow of syngas therethrough to facilitate cooling the channeled syngas
Implementation Method 2
Cooling fluid is channeled through the three concentric membrane water walls. The syngas is passed down through a first of the three membrane water walls to partially cool the syngas
Data Source
AI summary
A syngas cooler that includes an outer wall defining a cavity. A first membrane water wall is positioned within the cavity. A thermal siphon is positioned between the first membrane water wall and the outer wall and is configured to channel a flow of syngas therethrough to facilitate cooling the channeled syngas.