Patent ID: 12215863

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1illustrates a liquid seal190, in embodiments. The liquid seal190includes a liquid seal mating system100including a mating collar101. The mating collar101allows a gas-delivery conduit103(sometimes referred to as a “downcomer”) to slide therein and thus accommodates thermal expansion of the gas-delivery conduit103during elevated temperature operation.FIG.1is a perspective-view of the liquid seal190.FIG.1indicates a longitudinal axis199of the gas-delivery conduit103, which inFIG.1is the same as the longitudinal axis of the liquid seal190. The liquid seal190includes an outer shell102. The gas-delivery conduit103enters the outer shell102, and is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis199.

In an embodiment, the gas-delivery conduit103includes a bend such that a portion of the gas-delivery conduit103extends perpendicular to longitudinal axis199and intersects the outer shell102. The gas-delivery conduit103may bend at angles between 0 degrees and 180 degrees without departing from the scope herein. The gas-delivery conduit103illustrated inFIG.1is coaxial with the outer shell102but other positions of the gas-delivery conduit103with respect to the outer shell102do not depart from the scope herein. The liquid seal190may be rotated from that illustrated inFIG.1without departing from the scope herein.

The gas-delivery conduit103has a discharge end104, through which a discharge gas (not shown) may exit the gas-delivery conduit103. The gas-delivery conduit103is slidably received by a liquid seal mating system100that includes the mating collar101that is sized and shaped to accept the gas-delivery conduit103while maintaining a gap105. The gap105may be filled with gasket material such as an o-ring that at least partially seals the gap105. The mating collar101is attached by one or more brackets106to a fence107. The brackets106are shown as horizontal brackets, however, any other type of attachment, including direct attachment, may be utilized without departing from the scope hereof.

The fence107is mounted to the outer shell102. The fence107is shown mounted to the outer shell with two horizontal beams108(1) and108(2), but it should be appreciated that more or fewer beams108, at varying mounting angles, may be utilized without departing from the scope hereof. Moreover, other types of fastening means may be used to couple the fence107to the outer shell102(including direct welding thereof) may be used without departing form the scope hereof. In an embodiment, the liquid seal mating system100does not use the fence107and instead, the mating collar101is attached to a mount (not pictured) that is physically attached to the outer shell102.

In an embodiment, the horizontal beams108are mounted to the outer shell102with a slotted-bolt connection (420inFIG.4). The liquid seal mating system100is designed to accommodate thermal expansion to allow operation of the liquid seal190over a range of temperatures of discharge gas being supplied by the gas-delivery conduit103. The mating collar101receives the gas-delivery conduit103but does physically attach thereto so that the gas-delivery conduit103can undergo thermal expansion (and thus slide with respect to the mating collar101) parallel to the longitudinal axis199without causing mechanical stress on the mating collar101. In addition, the horizontal beams108are connected to the outer shell102using the slotted-bolt connection420, providing the advantage that thermal expansion of the horizontal beams108will not cause the beams to contact the horizontal shell, where they could damage the shell. The slotted-bolt connection420also accommodates thermal expansion of the gas-delivery conduit403in a direction parallel to the horizontal beams108that would otherwise damage the liquid seal190.

In an embodiment, the discharge end104of the gas-delivery conduit103has a saw-tooth profile formed by of a plurality of saw-tooth openings109that defines discharge openings. The plurality of saw-tooth openings109allow discharge gas to exit the gas-delivery conduit103at different rates depending on the pressure of the discharge gas. Attached between the mating collar101and the fence107is a perforated cone113, which is attached to the mating collar101at an upper edge of the perforated cone113, and attached to the fence107at a lower edge, opposite the upper edge, of the perforated cone113. As discussed above, the gas-delivery conduit103may undergo thermal expansion without causing mechanical stress on the mating collar101. In embodiments including the perforated cone113, because the perforated cone113is coupled to the mating collar101, and not to the gas-delivery conduit103, thermal expansion of the gas-delivery conduit103also does not impart mechanical stress on the perforated cone113. In an embodiment, the perforated cone113Is attached to the mating collar101at a lower edge of the perforated cone113and attached to the fence107at an upper edge of the perforated cone113. The perforated cone113may be installed with other positions and orientations with respect to the mating collar101and fence107without departing from the scope herein.

During operation of the liquid seal190, the outer shell102is filled with a liquid (not shown for clarity). The liquid is filled to a liquid level112that is sufficient to submerge the discharge end104of the gas-delivery conduit103in the liquid. When the pressure of the discharge gas is sufficiently high, the discharge gas exits the gas-delivery conduit103and travels upward and out of the liquid. In an embodiment, the liquid seal mating system100has one or more gas-dispersion elements, shown as inner chevrons114, and an outer chevron115that reduce unwanted bulk motion of the liquid in response to the motion of the discharge gas. Other types of gas-dispersion elements may be used without departing from the scope hereof. The inner chevrons114are mounted to the gas-delivery conduit103. The outer chevron115is mounted to the fence107. In an embodiment there is at least one additional outer chevron115(2). The number of out chevrons115may vary without departing from the scope herein. In addition to the horizontal beams108, the fence has a set of mounting fixtures116that attach the fence107to the outer shell102for additional support of the fence107during shipping. In an embodiment, the set of mounting fixtures116are removed during operation to prevent mechanical strain on the liquid seal mating system100or liquid seal190caused by thermal expansion.

It should be appreciated that various components discussed above may, or may not, be included in a desired liquid seal190. Accordingly,FIGS.2-9depict various illustrations of combinations of components shown inFIG.1forming given liquid seals, where the description of the various features described therein are interchangeable between the figures unless otherwise indicated.

FIG.2illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one liquid seal mating system200with a mating collar201that is sized and shaped to receive a discharge end204of a gas-delivery conduit203while maintaining a gap205between the mating collar201and the gas-delivery conduit203. In an embodiment, mating collar201is sized and shaped such that the gap205is 0.125 inches. Other dimensions may be used for the gap205without departing from the scope hereof so long the gap205is sufficiently small that the majority of the discharge gas is output outside the mating collar201during maximum designed flow conditions. In an embodiment the mating collar201is 6 inches long in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis299. Other dimensions of the mating collar201may be used without departing from the scope hereof. The mating collar201is mounted using a set of brackets206to a fence207that surrounds the collar201and gas-delivery conduit203. In an embodiment, the collar201, gas-delivery conduit203, and fence207are cylindrical and mutually concentric. During elevated-temperature operation, the discharge gas (not shown) heats the gas-delivery conduit203and causes it to thermally expand. Expansion along the longitudinal axis299causes the discharge end204to extend downward through the collar201but since the collar201is not attached to the gas-delivery conduit203, the expansion does not cause mechanical stress on the liquid seal mating system200. The liquid seal mating system200is an example of the liquid seal mating system100, ofFIG.1, including only certain components from the description ofFIG.1. The mating collar201, gas-delivery conduit203, discharge end204, gap205, brackets206, fence207, and longitudinal axis299, are examples of the mating collar101, gas-delivery conduit103, discharge end104, gap105, brackets106, fence107, and longitudinal axis199ofFIG.1, respectively, and the descriptions of each respective element apply between the two figures.

FIG.3illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one liquid seal mating system300installed in a liquid seal390(which is an example of the liquid seal190ofFIG.1). The liquid seal390includes an outer shell302into which a gas-delivery conduit303penetrates. A discharge end304of the gas-delivery conduit303is received by the liquid seal mating system300, which includes a mating collar301that is sized and shaped to maintain a gap305between the collar301and the gas-delivery conduit303. The mating collar301is mounted using a set of brackets306to a fence307that surrounds the collar301and gas-delivery conduit303. The liquid seal390is filled with liquid (not shown) to a liquid level312, which is sufficient to submerge the discharge end304of the gas-delivery conduit303. The liquid seal mating system300is an example of the liquid seal mating system100, ofFIG.1, including only certain components from the description ofFIG.1. The mating collar301, outer shell302, gas-delivery conduit303, discharge end304, gap305, brackets306, fence307, and liquid level312are examples of the mating collar101, outer shell102, gas-delivery conduit103, discharge end104, gap105, brackets106, fence107, and liquid level112ofFIG.1, respectively, and the descriptions of each respective element apply between the two figures.

FIG.4illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one liquid seal mating system400with a slotted-bolt connection420installed in a liquid seal490(which is an example of the liquid seal190ofFIG.1). The liquid seal490includes an outer shell402into which a gas-delivery conduit403penetrates. A discharge end404of the gas-delivery conduit403is received by the liquid seal mating system400, which includes a mating collar401that is sized and shaped to maintain a gap (not shown) between the collar401and the gas-delivery conduit403. The mating collar401is mounted using a set of brackets406to a fence407that surrounds the collar401and gas-delivery conduit403. The fence407is attached to the outer shell402using a horizontal beam408and the slotted-bolt connection420, which includes a bolt421and a slot422. The slotted-bolt connection420allows the liquid seal mating system400to mount the horizontal beam408to the outer shell402and still accommodate thermal expansion of the horizontal beam408. During elevated-temperature operation, the discharge gas heats the horizontal beam408and causes it to thermally expand. The slotted-bolt connection420accommodates this expansion while preventing the horizontal beam408from transferring the expansion force to the outer shell. The liquid seal490is filled with liquid (not shown) to a liquid level412, which is sufficient to submerge the discharge end404of the gas-delivery conduit403. The liquid seal mating system400is an example of the liquid seal mating system100, ofFIG.1, including only certain components from the description ofFIG.1. The mating collar401, outer shell402, gas-delivery conduit403, discharge end404, brackets406, fence407, horizontal beam408, liquid level412, slotted-bolt connection420, bolt421, and slot422are examples of the mating collar101, outer shell102, gas-delivery conduit103, discharge end104, brackets106, fence107, horizontal beam108, liquid level112, slotted-bolt connection420, bolt421, and slot422ofFIG.4, respectively, and the descriptions of each respective element apply between the two figures.

FIG.5illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one liquid seal mating system500with a perforated cone513installed in a liquid seal590(which is an example of the liquid seal190ofFIG.1). The liquid seal590includes an outer shell502into which a gas-delivery conduit503penetrates. A discharge end504of the gas-delivery conduit503is received by the liquid seal mating system500, which includes a mating collar501that is sized and shaped to maintain a gap (not shown) between the collar501and the gas-delivery conduit503. The mating collar501is mounted using a set of brackets506to a fence507that surrounds the collar501and gas-delivery conduit503. The liquid seal mating system500includes the perforated cone513that is mounted to the mating collar501at its upper edge. The perforated cone513is attached at its lower edge to the fence507for added support. The liquid seal590is filled with liquid (not shown) to a liquid level512, which is sufficient to submerge the discharge end504of the gas-delivery conduit503. The perforated cone513is perforated to allow discharge gas (not shown) that has exited the discharge end504of the gas-delivery conduit503to travel through the perforated cone as it travels upward towards the liquid level512. This process reduces unwanted bulk motion of the liquid. The liquid seal mating system500is an example of the liquid seal mating system100, ofFIG.1, including only certain components from the description ofFIG.1. The mating collar501, outer shell502, gas-delivery conduit503, discharge end504, brackets506, fence507, liquid level512, and perforated cone513are examples of the mating collar101, outer shell102, gas-delivery conduit103, discharge end104, brackets106, fence107, liquid level112, and perforated cone113ofFIG.1, respectively, and the descriptions of each respective element apply between the two figures.

FIG.6illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one liquid seal mating system600with an outer chevron installed in a liquid seal690(which is an example of the liquid seal190ofFIG.1). The liquid seal690includes an outer shell602into which a gas-delivery conduit603penetrates. A discharge end604of the gas-delivery conduit603is received by the liquid seal mating system600, which includes a mating collar601that is sized and shaped to maintain a gap (not shown) between the collar601and the gas-delivery conduit603. The mating collar601is mounted using a set of brackets606to a fence607that surrounds the collar601and gas-delivery conduit603. In an embodiment, the fence is cylindrical and semipermeable. In an embodiment, the fence607extends farther up the liquid seal and forms an inner annular chamber650and excludes an outer annular chamber651. The fence serves to mitigate unwanted bulk motion of the liquid and mitigates unwanted mixing of liquid within the inner annular chamber650with liquid within the outer annular chamber651. The liquid seal690is filled with liquid (not shown) to a liquid level612, which is sufficient to submerge the discharge end604of the gas-delivery conduit603. The liquid seal mating system600includes the outer chevron615attached to the fence607and extending inward toward the gas-delivery conduit603and extending upward toward the liquid level612. The outer chevron615reduces unwanted bulk motion of the liquid that is caused by motion of a discharge gas (not shown) after it exits the discharge end604of the gas-delivery conduit603and travels upward toward the liquid level612. The liquid seal mating system600is an example of the liquid seal mating system100, ofFIG.1, including only certain components from the description ofFIG.1. The mating collar601, outer shell602, gas-delivery conduit603, discharge end604, brackets606, fence607, liquid level512, and outer chevron615are examples of the mating collar101, outer shell102, gas-delivery conduit103, discharge end104, brackets106, fence107, liquid level112, and outer chevron115ofFIG.1, respectively, and the descriptions of each respective element apply between the two figures.

FIG.7illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one liquid seal mating system700with a set of inner chevrons installed in a liquid seal790(which is an example of the liquid seal190ofFIG.1). The liquid seal790includes an outer shell702into which a gas-delivery conduit703penetrates. A discharge end704of the gas-delivery conduit703is received by the liquid seal mating system700, which includes a mating collar701that is sized and shaped to maintain a gap (not shown) between the collar701and the gas-delivery conduit703. The mating collar701is mounted using a set of brackets706to a fence707that surrounds the collar701and gas-delivery conduit703. In an embodiment, the fence is cylindrical. In an embodiment, the fence707extends farther up the liquid seal. The liquid seal790is filled with liquid (not shown) to a liquid level712, which is sufficient to submerge the discharge end704of the gas-delivery conduit703. The liquid seal mating system700includes the set of inner chevrons714attached to the gas-delivery conduit703and extending outward toward the fence707and extending upward toward the liquid level712. The set of inner chevrons714reduces unwanted bulk motion of the liquid that is caused by motion of a discharge gas (not shown) after it exits the discharge end704of the gas-delivery conduit703and travels upward toward the liquid level712. The liquid seal mating system700is an example of the liquid seal mating system100, ofFIG.1, including only certain components from the description ofFIG.1. The mating collar701, outer shell702, gas-delivery conduit703, discharge end704, brackets706, and fence707, liquid level712, and inner chevrons714are examples of the mating collar101, outer shell102, gas-delivery conduit103, discharge end104, brackets106, and fence107, liquid level112, and inner chevrons114ofFIG.1, respectively, and the descriptions of each respective element apply between the two figures.

FIG.8illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one liquid seal mating system800with a plurality of saw-tooth openings installed in a liquid seal890(which is an example of the liquid seal190ofFIG.1). The liquid seal890includes an outer shell802into which a gas-delivery conduit803penetrates. A discharge end804of the gas-delivery conduit803is received by the liquid seal mating system800, which includes a mating collar801that is sized and shaped to maintain a gap (not shown) between the collar801and the gas-delivery conduit803. The mating collar801is mounted using a set of brackets806to a fence807that surrounds the collar801and gas-delivery conduit803. The discharge end804of the gas-delivery conduit803has a saw-tooth profile formed by of the plurality of saw-tooth openings809that defines discharge openings. The liquid seal890is filled with liquid (not shown) to a liquid level812, which is sufficient to submerge the discharge end804of the gas-delivery conduit803. The plurality of saw-tooth openings809allow discharge gas (not shown) to exit the gas-delivery conduit803at different rates depending on the pressure of the discharge gas, which has the beneficial outcome of reducing unwanted bulk motion of the liquid. The liquid seal mating system800is an example of the liquid seal mating system100, ofFIG.1, including only certain components from the description ofFIG.1. The mating collar801, outer shell802, gas-delivery conduit803, discharge end804, brackets806, fence807, plurality saw-tooth openings809, and liquid level812are examples of the mating collar101, outer shell102, gas-delivery conduit103, discharge end104, brackets106, fence107, plurality of saw-tooth openings109, and liquid level112ofFIG.1, respectively, and the descriptions of each respective element apply between the two figures.

FIG.9illustrates a cross-sectional side view of one liquid seal mating system900with a set of mounting fixtures installed in a liquid seal990(which is an example of the liquid seal190ofFIG.1). The liquid seal990includes an outer shell902into which a gas-delivery conduit903penetrates. A discharge end904of the gas-delivery conduit903is received by the liquid seal mating system900, which includes a mating collar901that is sized and shaped to maintain a gap (not shown) between the collar901and the gas-delivery conduit903. The mating collar901is mounted using a set of brackets906to a fence907that surrounds the collar901and gas-delivery conduit903. The fence907is attached to the outer shell902by the set of mounting fixtures916. The mounting fixtures provide additional mechanical support for the fence907during transportation of the liquid seal990and liquid seal mating system900. The set of mounting fixtures916are removed before operation of the liquid seal990to prevent mechanical strain on the liquid seal mating system900and liquid seal990caused by thermal expansion. The liquid seal mating system900is an example of the liquid seal mating system100, ofFIG.1, including only certain components from the description ofFIG.1. The mating collar901, outer shell902, gas-delivery conduit903, discharge end904, brackets906, fence907, and mounting fixtures916are examples of the mating collar101, outer shell102, gas-delivery conduit103, discharge end104, brackets106, fence107, and mounting fixtures116ofFIG.1, respectively, and the descriptions of each respective element apply between the two figures.

FIG.10illustrates one method1000for suppressing bulk fluid motion in an elevated-temperature liquid seal. Method1000may be used in conjunction with any of liquid seal mating systems100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800, and900.

In block1002of method1000, a mount is attached to an outer shell of a liquid seal. In one example of block1002, the mount is attached to the outer shell102,302,402,502,602,702,802, or902.

In block1004of method1000, a discharge end of a gas-delivery conduit is received in a mating collar. In one example of block1004, the discharge end104,204,304,404,504,604,704,804, or904of a gas-delivery conduit103,203,303,403,503,603,703,803, or903, respectively, is received within a collar101201,301,401,501,601,701,801, or901, respectively.

In block1012the outer shell is filled with a liquid to submerge the discharge end of the gas-delivery conduit. In one example of block1012, outer shell102,302,402,502,602,702,802, or902is filled with a liquid to submerge the discharge end104,304,404,504,604,704,804, or904, respectively of the gas-delivery conduit103,303,403,503,603,703,803, or903, respectively.

In the block1014of method1000, gas is flowed through the gas-delivery conduit. In one example of block1014, gas is flowed through gas-delivery conduit103,203,303,403,503,603,703,803, or903.

In certain embodiments, the method1000includes one or more additional blocks of the flowchart inFIG.10to mitigate unwanted bulk motion of the liquid during operation. In block1006, one or more flow-control devices are attached to the mount chosen from a group including a semipermeable fence, a perforated cone, and a set of one or more outer chevrons. In one example of block1006, the semipermeable fence107,207,303,407,507,607,707,807, or907, is attached and in another example of block1006a perforated cone113or513is used. In a third example of block1006, a set of one or more outer chevrons115or615is used.

In block1008, one or more inner chevrons are attached to the gas-delivery conduit. In one example of block1008, the set of one or more inner chevrons114or714is attached to the gas-delivery conduit103or703.

To prevent surges in gas flow through the liquid seal that occur as a result of increased upstream pressure, in block1010the discharge end of a gas-delivery conduit is provided with a saw-tooth profile that defines discharge openings. In one example of block1010, the discharge end104or804of a gas-delivery conduit103or803has a plurality of saw-tooth openings109or809that defines discharge openings.

Since the method1000may be used in liquid seal mating systems described previously, the description of respective components of a liquid seal system discussed above with respect toFIGS.1-9applies to those elements of method1000with like names. Furthermore, method1000is not limited, unless otherwise specified or understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, to the order shown inFIG.10.

Changes may be made in the above methods and systems without departing from the scope hereof. It should thus be noted that the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Combination of Features

(A1) in a first aspect, a liquid seal mating system to accommodate thermal expansion during elevated-temperature operation includes: a collar, sized and shaped to receive a discharge end of a gas-delivery conduit within the collar; a fence that surrounds the collar and the gas-delivery conduit, the collar being attached to the fence; and wherein, when installed, the collar accommodates thermal expansion of the gas-delivery conduit along a longitudinal axis of the gas-delivery conduit and limits movement of the gas-delivery conduit perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

(A2) In an embodiment of A1, the liquid seal mating system is installed in an outer shell, the outer shell being capable of containing a liquid, the outer shell containing enough liquid to submerge the discharge end of the gas-delivery conduit.

(A3) In an embodiment of A2, the fence is attached to one or more horizontal beams, the one or more horizontal beams being physically attached to the outer shell using a slotted bolt connection that allows the one or more horizontal beams to thermally expand without transferring the expansion force to the outer shell.

(A4) In an embodiment of either A2 or A3, the fence is semipermeable and forms an inner annular chamber and excludes an outer annular chamber, the fence serving to mitigate unwanted bulk motion of the liquid, the fence further serving to mitigate unwanted mixing of liquid within the inner annular chamber with liquid within the outer annular chamber.

(A5) In an embodiment of any of A1 through A4, the liquid seal mating system further includes a perforated cone attached to the collar.

(A6) In an embodiment of any of A1 through A5, the fence has at least one outer chevron attached thereto that affect the flow of gas and liquid to reduce unwanted bulk motion of the liquid.

(A7) In an embodiment of any of A1 through A6, the gas-delivery conduit has at least one inner chevron mounted thereto that affects the flow of gas and liquid to prevent unwanted bulk motion of the liquid.

(A8) In an embodiment of any of A1 through A7, the discharge end of the gas-delivery conduit has a saw-tooth profile that defines discharge openings.

(A9) In an embodiment of any of A1 through A8, the collar is further sized and shaped to accommodate the discharge end of the gas-delivery conduit while maintaining a gap between the collar and the gas-delivery conduit.

(A10) In any embodiment in A9, the gap is 0.125 inches.

(A11) In an embodiment of any of A1 through A9, or A10, the collar measures 6 inches in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gas-delivery conduit.

(A12) In an embodiment of any of A1 through A11, the collar being attached to the fence with one or more brackets.

(A13) In an embodiment of any of A1 through A12, the fence having one or more fixtures that connect directly to the outer shell to support the fence during shipping or transportation of the liquid seal mating system and outer shell.

(B1) In a second aspect, a method for suppressing bulk fluid motion in an elevated-temperature liquid seal, includes: attaching a mount to an outer shell of a liquid seal; receiving, within a mating collar, a discharge end of a gas-delivery conduit, the mating collar being sized and shaped to accommodate thermal expansion of the gas-delivery conduit, the mating collar being physically attached to the mount; filling the outer shell with a liquid to submerge the discharge end of the gas-delivery conduit; and flowing gas through the gas-delivery conduit

(B2) In an embodiment of B1, attached to the mount is one or more flow-control devices chosen from a group including a semipermeable fence, a perforated cone, and a set of one or more outer chevrons.

(B3) In an embodiment of either B1 or B2, attached to the gas-delivery conduit is a set of one or more inner chevrons.

(B4) In an embodiment of any of B1 through B3, the discharge end of the gas-delivery conduit has a saw-tooth profile that defines discharge openings.

(C1) In a third aspect, a liquid seal mating system to accommodate thermal expansion during elevated-temperature operation includes: a mount attached to an outer shell of a liquid seal; and a collar that is sized and shaped to receive a discharge end of a gas-delivery conduit while accommodating thermal expansion of the gas-delivery conduit, the collar being attached to the mount.

(C2) In an embodiment of C1, the liquid seal mating system includes one or more flow control devices chosen from a group including a semipermeable fence, a perforated cone, and a set of one or more outer chevrons, the flow control devices attached to the mount.

(C3) In an embodiment of either C1 of C2, the liquid seal mating system further includes a set of one or more inner chevrons attached to the gas-delivery conduit.

(C4) In an embodiment of any of C1 through C3, the discharge end of the gas-delivery conduit has a saw-tooth profile that defines discharge openings.

Any feature of the first, second, and third aspects described above are interchangeable with other of the described aspects, unless otherwise specified or understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.