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Emtrol - Beam Hanger Support System for FCC Cyclones
In 1974 Emtrol introduced its exclusive Patented Beam Hanger Support System for use in FCC applications. It can markedly reduce field costs and turnaround time, when compared to other designs and, since its inception, our system has become the most successfully applied method for support of cyclones in `large diameter` FCC regenerators. All regenerator internal cyclones systems must be supported in a manner that accommodates the differential thermal expansion that exists between the relatively cold vessel, which supports all vessel internals, and the cyclone system, which is exposed to a much greater temperature. This expansion problem is exacerbated by the use of rapidly expanding austenetic 304 H stainless steel for the cyclone system, and becomes problematic in larger units where considerable thermal movement is encountered.
Our exclusive system utilizes an array of horizontally oriented beams, which extend from the plenum skirt toward the vessel head and from which both the first and second stage cyclones are supported. The ends of the beams supported by the plenum skirt are pinned to lugs fixed to the plenum skirt.
The outboard ends are supported by links attached to vessel head support lugs. The pin-connected links are free to move when the beams increase or decrease in length due to thermal expansion/contraction. The links and vessel lugs are designed so that an angle is formed between each link and its associated beam. By proper determination of this angle, which depends only on the thermal expansion rates of the various metal components and the cold lengths of these components, the Emtrol support system compensates for the thermal growth difference between the high temperature cyclones systems and the much lower temperature vessel.
This compensation occurs on heat up when the expanding components (and conversely in contracting on cool down) cause the beam link to rotate outwardly and thus lower the outboard end of the beam. Simultaneously, the inboard end of the beam connected to the plenum skirt is also expanding downwardly to an equal extent. Thus, the beam remains virtually horizontal at all times, and is growing in unison with the cyclone(s) it is supporting.
This feature endows our system with the quality of always providing an expansion-balanced situation without inducing excessive stresses in any components due to thermal expansion. Furthermore, the cyclones are directly supported from the beam system by hanger straps/rods which remain vertical throughout the operating cyclones; thereby eliminating horizontal force components on the cyclones. In addition, the system remains in expansion balance during over-temperature excursions, thereby markedly reducing the potential for severe damage in the event of such excursions.
The repeated demand for this support system has endorsed our product and sustained our reputation as the dominant source of supply in this area. Phillips Petroleum in Borger, Texas, Pembroke Cracking Company in Dyfed, Wales, Imperial Oil (formerly Texaco Canada) in Nanticoke, Ontario and Chevron Oil Company, Pascagoula, Mississippi to name a few are early users who upgraded and expanded their units and chose our patented system once again. This is yet another example of paramount refiners placing their confidence in our systems.