CZ20003816A3 - Module-built ceramic combustion reactor - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a ceramic combustion reactor (1) with a tubular body, consisting of several ceramic drum-shaped modules (2) and top (3) and bottom modules. The modules (2, 3) are fixed to each other with rigid connection means (5). According to the invention, the drum-shaped modules (2, 3) are comprising several segments (6, 61) together forming a drum-shaped module (2, 3), the segments (6, 61) and/or the modules (2, 3) being connected together by connection means (5).

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a ceramic combustion reactor. The reactor according to the invention has a cylindrical body consisting of modules. These modules are connected to each other by fixed connecting elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

US Patent No. 5,041,268 relates to a combustion reactor with an elongated cylindrical body. This body is built into a steel outer shell. During the combustion process, the barrel is heated to high temperatures. Only materials sufficiently heat resistant can be considered as materials for a cylindrical body of this type of reactor. We will continue to call this special type of reactor a perfect combustion reactor. It has been found that the reactor type of US Patent 5,041,268 works best when the wall of the cylindrical body is relatively thin, preferably thinner than 10 mm, so that the heat generated by the combustion process is rapidly dissipated by the intense infrared radiation of the cylindrical wall. It has also been found that these reactors operate very satisfactorily in large dimensions, but even in this case the wall of the cylindrical body must remain relatively thin. The full functionality of reactors with a length of more than 5 meters and a diameter of about one meter has been proven, while the combustion process remains very efficient and clean.

The only material that has been found to date for the production of these reactors is high-quality ceramics. However, the production of such reactors on a larger scale presents several problems.

It is very difficult to produce large cylindrical bodies from relatively thin-walled ceramics. First, the mold for producing the required ceramic body is very expensive due to its large dimensions. Second, the transport of the ceramic body is also very complex, since the ceramic as a material is very hard and therefore easily bursts. In intensive operation, cracks are also unavoidable in the ceramic material.

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Replacement of bulky one-piece reactors is very expensive and therefore a reactor is needed which can be repaired at relatively low cost.

DE-OS 29 40 245 A1 discloses a ceramic gas burner reactor which essentially consists of a cylindrical body used in a heating system. The gas burner reactor has a ceramic central burner tube which is formed of annular elements and longitudinal fasteners which together act as fasteners that connect portions of the burner tube wall. The problem with this construction is that it cannot be disassembled into smaller parts and, once assembled, its parts can no longer be replaced.

Large-scale ceramic furnaces and dryers for firing clay and porcelain are also known. These ceramic furnaces are usually constructed of several ceramic blocks that are embedded in a steel frame or cabinet. In these known furnaces, the blocks forming the walls of the furnace are very thick-walled and are therefore self-supporting. However, due to the thickness of the walls, this construction is not suitable for an internal combustion reactor because the heat generated cannot pass through the thick walls.

US Patent 5,687,572 discloses a thin-walled combustion chamber with impingement cooling of the rear inner wall. This combustion chamber is used for a gas turbine having a thin-walled, non-porous ceramic liner whose internal rear wall is impact-cooled. The ceramic sheath is reinforced with a porous outer metal sheath. This cooling is necessary to protect the outer metal shell from high temperatures. The need for cooling makes this type of ceramic casing unusable in a perfect combustion reactor because the pure combustion process requires the presence of high temperature walls where catalytic oxidation and reduction of the combustion products occur.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a thin-walled ceramic combustion reactor that can be manufactured cheaply and relatively easily even in large dimensions. Another object is to provide a reactor that is easy to transport and can be repaired using simple and inexpensive procedures and one in which any defective component can be replaced without having to replace the entire reactor. Another object is to provide a reactor in which it is possible to replace a defective component without having to disassemble the entire reactor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, the aforementioned objects are achieved by a reactor consisting of barrel modules connected by fixed fasteners, wherein the individual barrel modules each comprise a plurality of segments which together form the barrel module and the segments and modules are connected together fasteners.

In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners are formed by fasteners and fasteners where:

(a) the connecting plates shall be placed on segments close to their corners and shall extend radially outwards; and

b) the connection clips are designed to include at least one recess and engage in at least two connection plates.

It is preferred that the connection plates and / or the connection clips are provided with locking elements that prevent the connection clips from slipping out of the connection plates. These locking elements may be formed by ceramic pins which are inserted into the holes in the connecting plate and the clip.

It is particularly preferred that the coupling clips form interlocking flanges at the edge of the coupling plates and in the recess of the coupling clips. In the most recommended embodiment, the connection plates and the connection clips are made of ceramic material.

It has been found that one barrel module can consist of up to eight segments, but fewer is possible. As a general rule, a smaller number of segments is sufficient for small reactors but larger reactors need a larger number of segments.

In a special embodiment, the cylindrical reactor comprises a conical liner flame retardant. These liners are essential for the proper functioning of these perfect-combustion reactors as described, inter alia, in U.S. Patent 5,041,268. In order to properly position and secure the insert, the insert is provided with radial support lugs and the segments of at least one module are provided with corresponding recesses in which the lugs of the insert fit.

It is preferred that the coupling clip has two symmetrical recesses, each of which engages two connecting plates of two adjacent segments. Thus, one connecting clamp holds four segments at the corners and therefore a small number of clamps can be maintained.

In order to improve the mechanical properties, the coupling clip is provided with reinforcing ribs. It has been found to be more practical if the connecting plates are integral with the segments.

Overview of the drawings

The invention is further described with reference to the drawings, which illustrate, by way of example only, a preferred embodiment of a reactor according to the invention. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the reactor of the preferred embodiment; Fig. 2a-c is a perspective view, elevation and side view of one segment of the intermediate reactor module of Fig. 1; Fig. 3a-c is a perspective view, elevation and side view; 1, 4a-d are perspective, bottom perspective, side and plan views of the coupling clip used as the coupling element of the reactor of Figure 1; FIG. 4e is a top plan view of a modified coupling clip used as the coupling element for FIG. Fig. 1, Figs. 5a-d are perspective views, a side view, a plan view and a front view of the securing pin for the coupling clip of Figs. 4 and e; Fig. 6 another perspective view of the reactor in a preferred embodiment of the invention; to see the inside of the reactor with the flame retardant liner fitted, 4 4 · · · · · · Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of a conical liner used in reactor modules of a similar construction to that shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 8 of a cross sectional view of another reactor module made of universal segments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a reactor 1 according to the invention. This reactor is a so-called perfect combustion reactor. Smaller versions of this reactor are manufactured by RCWO Complete Combustion Reactor Bureau Ltd., Hungary, under the trade name NOCO Reactor ®. These earlier smaller reactors are made of one piece of material. The reactor 1 in FIG. 1 shows a larger version consisting of two barrel-shaped middle modules 2 and an upper module 3. Modules 2 and 3 are connected together by fixed connecting elements 5. On the right side it can be seen that the upper module 3 has a domed end 31 The reactor 1 is supported on the U-profile 9 in which the connecting elements 5 on the underside of the reactor 1 fit. The reactor also comprises a lower module, not shown in Fig. 1, to better show the interior of the reactor i. clearly seen, each middle module 2 is formed by four segments 6 and the upper module 3 is formed by four segments 61.

Segments 6 and 61 are made of high quality ceramic, which is usually a silicon-based compound. The lower module is not exposed to as high temperatures as the other modules and thus can be made of high-quality steel, but ceramic can also be used for this module.

The connecting elements 5 consist of connecting plates 51 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3) and connecting clips 52 (see also FIG. 4). The connecting plates 51 are located on the segments 6 and 61 near the corners 53 of the segments 6 and 61. The connecting plates 51 project radially outwardly so that the axis of the reactor 1 lies in the plane of the contact surface 62 of the connecting plates 51. the same thickness as the wall thickness of the segments. As best seen in Figures 2a and 3a, the connector plates are formed as part of a wide rim 65 that is bent on the straight sides of the segments perpendicular to the arched wall of the segments 6 and 61. When comparing

2a and 3a, it is also evident that the segments 6 and 61 are of almost identical construction, with the exception of the domed end 31 on the segments 61. The shape of the domed end 31 plays an important role in creating the right turbulence conditions in the reactor cavity I.

One arched side of the segments 6 and 61 comprises an arched belt 66 which, when assembled into the cylindrical body, forms part of the annular ring 10. The ring 10 has a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the barrel modules 2. After assembling the modules 2 into the cylindrical body edges of 11 segments 6.

4 and 5, the connection clips 52 have at least one recess 54 into which two connection plates 51 fit. To prevent the connection clips from sliding off the connection plates 51, it is assumed that the connection plates 51 and / or the connection clips 52 ( or both) will be provided with a locking element 7. In the proposed best embodiment of the invention, the anti-slip locking elements are formed by ceramic pins 70 which are inserted into the holes 55 in the connecting plate 51 and the connecting clip 52.

In addition, these ceramic locking pins 70 have an oval end 71. The apertures 55 in the connecting plate 51 and the connecting clip 52 are of an oval shape that dimensionally corresponds to this oval end of the locking pins. After insertion into the oval holes, the locking pin 70 is rotated 90 degrees and its oval end 71 prevents it from falling out spontaneously.

The mechanical connection between the modules 2 is provided by the connecting elements 5. For this purpose, the connecting element 5 comprises flanges 56 at the edge of the connecting plates 51 and corresponding flanges 57 in the recess 54 in the connecting clips 52. The connecting force between the modules 2 and the segments 6 and 61 The dimensions of the components representing the connecting element 5, in particular the flanges, are designed with a certain tolerance so as to leave room for some expansion or relative displacement of the individual components. This dilatation possibility is necessary due to the difference in thermal expansion and stiffness of the ceramic materials. Also, the pins 70 have sideways movement in the holes 55 and thus allow a certain displacement of the segments 6 and 61 relative to the 4 4 4 4 4 9 9 9 9 9 4 4 · 4 • · 4 9 ·

4 4 4 4 · 4 4 ´ 4 ·· * 44 ···· 9-9,999

Ί other segments of the adjacent module. This avoids temperature stresses between adjacent modules 2 and 3. It should be understood that the relative movement between the segments must not be too great at the same time. Since there is no seal between segments and modules, certain leaks cannot be avoided. If too much gas leaks through the leaks between the modules and the segments, the efficiency of the combustion process in the reactor is reduced.

Due to the high thermal stress on the cylindrical body of the perfectly combusted reactor, the connecting elements 5 must be made of a heat-resistant material. It has been found that the best solution is to make the connecting plates 51 and / or connecting clips 52 from ceramic material, preferably with the same or similar properties as the ceramic material of the reactor. Specifically, a high quality SiSiC material is designed for the segments. Although this is an expensive type of ceramic, it can withstand temperatures up to 1800 ° C. An alternative material for the segments is SiC (silica carbide), which is somewhat cheaper, but can only be used for combustion temperatures up to 1300 ° C. The proposed material for fasteners is Corderite, which can be cheaply manufactured by pressing. Corderite is also advantageous as it is somewhat more flexible and thus less prone to fracture under stress. However, for special applications it is recommended to make the connection clips also from SiC or SiSiC. For most applications, however, the buckles made of Corderite are completely satisfactory. This solution is also more economical because larger numbers of parts are cheaper to produce by pressing. On the other hand, SiC and SiSiC require expensive molds. The invention thus offers an important advantage in that it is easy to replace damaged reactor components 1 without the cost of replacing the entire reactor. Alternatively, the segments can also be made of Corderite if the combustion process is maintained at a relatively low temperature.

The connection clip 52 in FIG. 4d has two symmetrical recesses 54. In each of these recesses fit two connection plates 51 of two adjacent segments 6 or 61, i.e. one connection clip 52 connects four segments 6 or 61 at their corners. Giant. 4e • * ^: · · · * · 4 'V 4

4 shows a connecting clip 52 'having only one recess 54. The connecting clip 52' is virtually half of the clip 52 and is used to connect the connecting plates 51 'adjacent to the The lower module (not shown) or support plate of the lower module has similar joining plates to plates 51 and thus can be connected to the adjacent barrel module 2 by conventional joining clips 52.

As best seen in Figures 4e and 4d, the recess 54 of the connection clips 52 and 52 'is formed as a longitudinal slot. Two connecting plates 51 fit into this slot with corresponding tolerance so that the connecting clip 52 has the possibility to move slightly on the connecting plates 51 without being too tight or too loose. The slot has an arrow-shaped cross-section. The extensions on the head of the arrow form a flange 56 that fits into the flange 57 of the connecting plate 51. To increase the mechanical strength of the coupling clips 52, the clips are provided with stiffening ribs 58.

It is generally considered that one barrel module consists of two to eight segments. From an engineering and manufacturing point of view, even numbers are preferred but nothing prevents the production of modules consisting of three, five, seven or even more segments.

A special feature of the perfect combustion reactor is the tapered liner of the flame retardant 8. This liner is shown in Fig. 6. The liner 8 divides the internal cavity of the reactor into two chambers. The special turbulence induced by the insert 8 increases the efficiency of the reactor and ensures perfect combustion of the soot-free fuel. For correct alignment and mechanical fastening of the tapered insert 8, it is proposed that the insert 8 be provided with radially protruding supports 80. The segments 6 on at least one of the modules 2 or 3 have recesses 81 into which the supports 80 of the insert 8 fit. However, in order to minimize production costs, it is necessary to keep the number of different components as small as possible. Therefore, it is envisaged that all segments 6 and 61 will have recesses 81 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. The recesses 81 are formed by two teeth 82 on the wall of the segments. This solution ensures a relatively uniform wall thickness in all parts of the segment and thus reduces the temperature stress. The supports 80 are integral with the cone of the liner 8. It has also been

fc fc fc fc fc fc considered a variant for a larger reactor design 1 where the flame retardant supports 8 would consist of separate components (not shown). These separate abutments are firmly fixed on one side to the cone and their other end fits into recesses 81 on the segments. In this case, the separate supports have a corresponding recess in the cone of the liner 8. In another possible embodiment, the separate liners of the liner are designed as hollow rods, with pins projecting from the conical insert on one side and pins projecting from the segments towards the conical liner. In another embodiment, which is not shown, the recesses in which the abutments 80 are formed between the segment connecting plates.

Figure 7 shows another preferred embodiment of the conical flame retardant 8. Here, the insert 8 is in one piece with the supports 83, similar to the embodiment of Fig. 6, but in this case the supports 83 have an annular or U-shaped cross section. 83 are cast together. Cradles 85 are integrally formed on the wall of the segments 61 into which the outer ends of the hollow tube-shaped supports 83 or of the open U-profile fit. At the foot of the backrests 83 are holes 84 that connect the cavity inside the backrests 83 to the space surrounded by the cone of the liner 8. These openings 84 contribute to turbulence within the reactor 1 and the hollow construction of the backrests 83 provides greater mechanical strength. This type of liner 8 is particularly suitable for reactors used in combination with a gas turbine where the gas pressure on the cone of liner 8 is substantially greater. This application is important because gas turbines are used to burn cheap fuels and waste. The hollow bearing cone structure does not break the backrests even in the case of minor defects in the castings. This specific embodiment is shown for segment 61 for the upper module S, but the same construction can also be performed on segments 6.

Giant. 8 illustrates the possibility of designing larger modules with different diameters using the same type of universally applicable segments. Giant. 8 shows a reactor module 90 consisting of up to eight segments 91. Only four or six segments 91 would form a perfectly circular module, depending on the design of the universal segment 91. Multiple segments 91 can be coupled to suitably designed connecting elements.

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IQ · * * * ’” ·· · ’create a larger diameter module. It is necessary to realize that smaller modules must be created from two to four segments anyway. The segments 91 are constructed such that any number (virtually at least four) of these can be joined to form modules of different diameters. In this way, modules with a flower-shaped cross-section are formed, as shown in FIG. 8. The functional principle of the perfect combustion reactor is not affected by minor deviations from the circular cross-section. This solution has obvious advantages in terms of economy because only one type of segment is sufficient to produce reactors over a wide range of dimensions. In this case, mass production of the universal segment 91 is possible at low unit costs.

Although the reactor of the present invention has been demonstrated with reference to the preferred embodiment, which is also shown, the invention also includes other modified embodiments which are apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, it is not necessary to create all modules from the same number of segments. It is possible to construct a domed (dome) end module from a smaller number of segments, for example two semicircular segments, and to connect such an end module to a central cylindrical module consisting of four quadrant segments. New, highly heat-resistant materials can also be envisaged for the production of segments and fasteners.

Claims (16)

PATENT CLAIMS Ceramic combustion reactor with a cylindrical body, consisting of several ceramic modules (2,3), which modules (2, 3) are fixed to one another by fixed connecting elements (5) and are formed by several segments (6, 61) which together they form a module (2), the segments (6) and / or modules (2,3) being connected to each other by connecting elements (5) characterized in that the connecting elements (5) comprise connecting plates (51, 5Γ) and connecting clips (5). 52, 52 '), wherein a) the connecting plates (51, 5Γ) are located on the segments (6, 61) near their corners (53) and face radially outwards; and b) the connection clips (52, 52 ') are provided with at least one recess (54) in which at least two connection plates (51, 51') fit. Reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection plates (51, 5 ') and / or the connection clips (52, 52') are provided with locking elements (7) to prevent slipping of the connection clips (52, 52 ') from the connection plates (52, 52'). 51, 5Γ). Reactor according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking elements (7) are formed by ceramic pins (70) which fit into the holes (55) in the connecting plate (51, 5Γ) and the connecting clip (52, 52 '). A reactor according to claim 3, characterized in that the ceramic pins (70) have oval ends (71) and the connection plates (51, 5Γ) have oval openings (55) for these oval ends of the pins (71). ··· 4 44 4 -i · '4 & * 4. ♦ ·· ·' »'4. · 4 4 4- ♦ ·: ·' ·» ♦ · * »'4 4; 4 '4 4 »·» 4' 4 4 4 4 4 4 '4 4''_ _ * ».'^; · 4.4 »444 4-4 4 Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that interlocking flanges (57, 56) are formed at the edge of the connecting plates (51, 5Γ) and in the recess (54) of the connecting clips (52, 52 '). Reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connection plates (51, 5Γ) and / or the connection clips (52, 52 ') are made of a ceramic material, preferably of the same or similar properties as the reactor material. Reactor according to claims 1 to 6, characterized in that one keg-shaped module (2) consists of two to eight segments (6). Reactor according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a conical insert of a flame retardant (8), the insert having radially protruding supports (80, 83), and the segments (6,61) of the at least one module (2,3) being provided with recesses (81) into which the pad supports (8) engage. Reactor according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the connection clip (52) is provided with two symmetrical recesses (54), wherein two connection plates (51) of two adjacent segments (6) fit into each recess (54). Reactor according to Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the recess (54) of the coupling clip (52, 52) is designed as a longitudinal slot, the plane of which lies in the axis of the reactor. Reactor according to claim 10, characterized in that the longitudinal slot of the coupling clip (52, 52 ') has an arrow-shaped cross-section. Reactor according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the coupling clip (52, 52 ') is provided with reinforcing ribs (58). Reactor according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the connecting plates (51, 5Γ) are integral with the segments (6, 61). Reactor according to claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a dome-shaped module (3). Reactor according to claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the supports of the flame retardant insert (8) are provided with separate support elements which fit into the recesses (81) in the segments (6, 61). Reactor according to Claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the abutments (83) of the flame retardant insert (8) are integral with its conical part and the abutments (83) are formed by hollow rods of circular or U-section and these rods. they consist of corresponding cradles (85) formed on the segments (6, 61). 9 9 9 9 9 99 9 9 4 9 '9 9 9 9> · 9 ' 9 9 9 9 · 99 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 · 9 99 9 9 9 9