Vapour Phase Drying Apparatus Gas-Pressurized Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vapour phase drying apparatuses for transformers face challenges in pumping kerosene at low pressure and elevated temperature due to the risk of cavitation, requiring complex pumping equipment like pump pits and circulation pumps, which complicates construction, maintenance, and retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A vapour phase drying apparatus utilizing a pressurised gas source to transport the volatile fluid into the evaporator, eliminating the need for circulation pumps and pump pits by creating a pressure gradient that allows the volatile fluid to be pressed into the evaporator, thereby simplifying the system and reducing construction and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circulation pumps and pump pits are used to transport kerosene at low pressure and elevated temperature, then the kerosene can be pumped, but cavitation risk increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the circulation pump and pump pit from the system by using a pressurized gas source to transport kerosene instead, thereby removing the source of cavitation risk and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a pressurized gas source (pneumatic approach) to transport kerosene through piping to the evaporator, replacing the hydraulic pumping system and avoiding cavitation issues associated with low-pressure pumping
2Reliability
If circulation pumps and pump pits are used to transport kerosene, then the system can function, but construction and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for constructing pump pits and installing circulation pumps by using pressurized gas transport, significantly reducing construction costs and simplifying foundation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical pumping system with a gas-pressure-based transport system, eliminating heavy mechanical equipment and associated construction requirements
3Ease of operation
If pump pits and circulation pumps are installed, then kerosene can be circulated, but the foundation preparation becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for pump pits and associated foundation work by using pressurized gas transport through elevated piping, simplifying foundation preparation to minimal support structures
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 solution simplifies the construction and maintenance of vapour phase drying apparatuses, reduces the need for complex pumping equipment, and makes it easier and cheaper to set up and retrofit existing plants, while also reducing the importance of hydraulic considerations during foundation preparation.
Implementation Method 1
piping connected to the evaporator and to the pressurised gas source, and arranged for transporting the volatile fluid in liquid form to said evaporator by means of a pressure provided by said pressurised gas source
Implementation Method 2
an evaporator arranged for fluid connection with the drying chamber and for evaporating a volatile fluid such that the volatile fluid in vapour form can enter the drying chamber
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum pump arranged for lowering the pressure within the drying chamber
Implementation Method 4
the gaseous kerosene is contacted with the transformer in the autoclave, where it is condensed on transformer surfaces thereby heating the transformer
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vapour phase drying apparatus (1), comprising: a drying chamber (3) configured to receive an article (4) to be dried by means of the apparatus; a vacuum pump (12) arranged for lowering the pressure within the drying chamber; an evaporator (2) arranged for fluid connection with the drying chamber and for evaporating a volatile fluid such that the volatile fluid in vapour form can enter the drying chamber by means of the fluid connection; a pressurised gas source (9); and piping (7,10) connected to the evaporator and to the pressurised gas source, and arranged for transporting the volatile fluid in liquid form to said evaporator by means of a pressure provided by said pressurised gas source. The invention also relates to a method of transporting a volatile fluid to an evaporator of a vapour phase drying apparatus.