Variable Tilt Enclosure with Lateral Liquid Injection for Hydrocarbon Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydrocarbon feed processing, equipment with convex bottoms and variable angle inclinations face significant issues with sediment deposits, leading to clogging and requiring frequent shutdowns for cleaning, as stagnant zones allow solid particles to accumulate and adhere to surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a process involving a cylindrical upper part with a lower part having a decreasing section and variable angle of inclination, combined with lateral injections of recycled or make-up liquids, which are inclined relative to the wall to create turbulence and reduce stagnant zones, thereby minimizing solid deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a convex bottom with variable angle inclination is used in the enclosure, then the drainage of liquid and solid particles is improved, but stagnant zones form at the bottom leading to solid particle accumulation and deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by injecting liquid through nozzles positioned at the bottom of the enclosure. The liquid injection creates hydraulic flow that disturbs stagnant zones and prevents solid particle accumulation. The nozzle arrangement and injection flow rate are optimized to generate sufficient hydraulic force to move particles without disrupting the overall drainage function of the convex bottom geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration through the injection of liquid at specific frequencies and flow rates. The liquid injection creates oscillating flow patterns that mechanically disturb potential stagnant zones. This vibration effect prevents particles from settling and forming deposits while maintaining the drainage efficiency provided by the variable angle inclination bottom geometry.
2Device complexity
If the bottom section is made with a single curved portion, then the device complexity is reduced, but stagnant zones increase leading to more solid deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the increased stagnant zones in a single curved portion bottom by enhancing hydraulic action. Liquid is injected through strategically positioned nozzles that create high-velocity flows targeting specific stagnant areas. This hydraulic approach effectively cleans areas that would otherwise be prone to particle accumulation, allowing the use of a simpler single curved portion geometry without sacrificing performance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If liquid injection is added to reduce stagnant zones, then solid particle accumulation is reduced, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the liquid injection system utilizes the process liquid itself or readily available water sources. The injection system is designed to be self-regulating, using pressure differentials and flow dynamics to automatically adjust injection rates. This minimizes the need for complex external control systems while effectively preventing solid deposits in the enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid injection system serves multiple functions: it prevents solid particle accumulation, aids in the drainage process, and can be used for cleaning operations. By integrating these functions into a single system, the patent reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate systems for each function. The same injection infrastructure supports multiple operational requirements.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the injection angle is optimized to create turbulence, then stagnant zones are reduced, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes injection parameters including angle, flow rate, and nozzle positioning to achieve maximum turbulence in stagnant zones with minimum energy input. Through parameter optimization, the system creates sufficient disturbance to prevent particle accumulation without excessive energy consumption. The injection angle is specifically tuned to leverage gravity and flow dynamics rather than opposing them, reducing the energy required for effective particle disruption.
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 effectively reduces the formation of solid deposits on the walls and bottom of the equipment, extending operational periods by minimizing stagnant zones and preventing clogging, as demonstrated by simulations showing an 85% reduction in potential accumulation areas.
Implementation Method 1
lateral injections of liquids to create turbulence and reduce stagnant zones
Implementation Method 2
downward flow of a hydrocarbon liquid containing solid particles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(A)~3(B)
AI summary
The invention relates to a chamber for the downward flow of a liquid, preferably hydrocarbon-based, containing solid particles, comprising a base including a cylindrical upper portion (11), a lower portion (12) with a decreasing cross-section and a variable angle of inclination α with respect to the vertical axis (Z), an outlet conduit (9); and injection points (5) and (6) of recycled and/or makeup liquid in the lower and upper portions, respectively. The injection points (5) are inclined with respect to the tangent to the wall of the lower portion at the injection point by an angle β1 in the vertical plane (xz) and by an angle β2 in the horizontal plane (xy). The injection points (6) are inclined with respect to the wall of the upper portion by an angle θ1 in the vertical plane (xz) and by an angle θ2 in the horizontal plane (xy). The angles β1,θ1 are between 5°-175°, the angles β2, θ2 are between 0°-180°.