Vessel Insulation Securement Without Welding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for insulating reactor and pressure vessels require extensive welding and subsequent post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), which increases costs, reduces material strength, and can lead to vessel distortion and cracking, while alternative friction-based methods are less effective and have shorter lifespans.
Innovation Solution
A vessel insulation system using a floating ring and segmented rings supported by straps, which circumscribe the vessel without welding, allowing for the installation of insulation materials without the need for PWHT, and enabling individual segment replacement for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding brackets or lugs to the vessel shell to support insulation materials, then the insulation can be securely supported, but additional PWHT is required which reduces material strength and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure consisting of a support ring and straps that do not require welding to the vessel shell. The support ring circumscribes the vessel and straps extend downward to support insulation, eliminating the need for direct welding to the shell while maintaining structural support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the welding process from the insulation support system by using a separate support ring and strap configuration that attaches to the vessel without requiring welds. This separation removes the need for PWHT while maintaining the support function.
2Ease of manufacture
If using friction banding methods with straps to hold insulation in place, then welding is avoided, but the insulation configuration has shorter lifespan and is susceptible to sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support system into a support ring at the top and multiple straps extending downward at regular intervals. This segmentation allows the insulation to be divided into sections that can be independently supported, preventing sagging while maintaining ease of installation without welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic support system where the support ring and straps can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the vessel. The straps are positioned to run along the length of the outer shell, allowing the insulation configuration to adapt to dimensional changes while maintaining support.
3Stability of the object's composition
If welding brackets to secure insulation, then the insulation is securely supported, but the vessel requires additional PWHT which can cause distortion and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary support ring and strap system that provides secure insulation support without directly welding to the vessel shell. This intermediary structure eliminates the harmful thermal cycles that cause distortion and cracking while maintaining stable insulation securement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the welding operation from the insulation installation process by using a non-welding attachment method. The support ring and straps can be installed without welding, thereby removing the source of thermal stress that causes vessel distortion and cracking.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for insulating vessels are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the disclosure provides a vessel insulation system (e.g., for use with a reactor or pressure vessel), which includes a floating ring sized to circumscribe a top nozzle of a vessel; a plurality of straps connected to the floating ring, the plurality of straps extending downward from the floating ring and being positioned to run along a length of the outer shell of the vessel; and a plurality of segmented rings positioned to circumscribe the outer shell of the vessel and connected to the plurality of straps. The plurality of segmented rings is configured to support an insulation material circumscribing the outer shell of the vessel, which can provide effective securement of the insulation material around the outer shell without welding components on the vessel to secure the insulation material.