Electrolytic Tank Levelling Assembly for Thermal Expansion Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for aligning and leveling electrolytic tanks are laborious and costly due to uneven support surfaces, deformation, thermal expansion, and contraction, leading to undesired movements and potential tank damage, requiring frequent realignment and shutdowns during refining operations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable levelling mechanism with foot members and levelling members, combined with sole assemblies providing friction or sliding, to maintain tank alignment and stability, and reinforcement assemblies to distribute stress and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional support beams and manual levelling methods are used, then tank alignment can be achieved, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming due to uneven support surfaces and tank deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing adjustable levelling mechanisms that are pre-installed on the support beams before tank placement. These mechanisms include adjustable feet with locking devices that can be pre-positioned to compensate for uneven support surfaces, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual shimming and adjustment after tank installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using adjustable levelling mechanisms with movable components that can be easily adjusted and locked. The mechanisms include threaded rods, nuts, and locking devices that allow for dynamic adjustment of tank position and level, enabling quick adaptation to tank deformation and uneven surfaces without manual intervention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tanks are rigidly fixed to prevent movement, then alignment stability is improved, but thermal expansion and contraction cause stress and potential damage to the tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using adjustable levelling mechanisms that can accommodate changes in tank dimensions due to thermal expansion and contraction. The mechanisms allow for adjustment of vertical and horizontal positions, enabling the system to adapt to dimensional changes without creating stress concentrations that could damage the tank structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing adjustable levelling mechanisms as intermediary elements between the support beams and the tank. These mechanisms act as buffers that can absorb thermal expansion and contraction movements, preventing direct stress transmission to the tank while maintaining alignment stability through their adjustable and lockable design.
3Manufacturing precision
If frequent realignment is performed to maintain tank row alignment, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but operational downtime increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing adjustable levelling mechanisms with alignment features that enable initial precise positioning of tanks in the row. The mechanisms include adjustable feet and locking devices that can be pre-set to maintain consistent tank spacing and alignment, reducing the frequency of realignment operations during production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using levelling mechanisms that can be quickly adjusted and re-locked if realignment is needed. The adjustable and lockable design allows for rapid repositioning of tanks, minimizing operational downtime when alignment adjustments are necessary while maintaining the ability to achieve precise alignment when needed.
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
Facilitates efficient and cost-effective alignment and leveling of electrolytic tanks, reducing downtime and preventing damage by allowing for controlled movements and stress distribution, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a sole assembly provided between the electrolytic tank and the support beams. The sole assembly is configured to provide friction and control transversal movement of the electrolytic tank with respect to the support beams during expansion or contraction thereof
Implementation Method 2
Stark variations of temperature lead to thermal expansion and contraction of the walls of the electrolytic tanks
Implementation Method 3
Stark variations of temperature lead to thermal expansion and contraction of the walls of the electrolytic tanks
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an electrolytic tank assembly facilitating alignment and levelling of an electrolytic tank with respect to adjacent electrolytic tank. A levelling assembly can include a plurality of adjustable levelling mechanisms being independently actuable to cause upward or downward movement of the electrolytic tank. A sole assembly can include friction and sliding soles for controlling transversal movement of an electrolytic tank with respect to support beams onto which the tank is supported. A strap assembly comprising a vertically extending strap and a connector provided at an end of the vertically extending strap can be connected to each adjustable levelling mechanism of the levelling assembly. Various type of connectors can be provided at the other end of the strap to provide anchorage to accessory for operation, lifting, maintenance, etc.