Automatic pipeline damper

Abstract

A lightweight, low-material automatic line valve with a sealing mechanism that can seal against a flapper in an open or closed position and a biasing mechanism for improved sealing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to an automatic pipeline baffle. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a valve for sealing process flow. Background Technology

[0002] Isolation valves are used to isolate various parts of a refinery, such as fluidized catalytic cracking units that can operate at temperatures up to 1400°F. The size of isolation valves varies depending on the diameter of the pipeline conveying the liquid and can be as large as 12 feet in diameter, where operation must be isolated from the liquid. Because they are not frequently used, they are often cumbersome to operate manually and are made of relatively inexpensive materials. If a butterfly isolation valve does not seal tightly enough, operation may require a second valve to completely shut off the pipeline to create a good, tight shut-off. The second valve can be a baffle valve and can be up to 40 feet in length. Some primitive isolation valves required a chain hoist to install the plate by bolting it to a position above the open pipeline. While these solutions were less expensive and required less space, they posed serious health hazards due to the exposure of workers to hot fluid processes and the risks of manually operating equipment to place heavy baffle plates into the pipeline. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The general objective of the systems and methods disclosed herein is to provide an improved isolation valve. Specifically, good shut-off is important for worker safety and proper maintenance of downstream equipment. The automatic line-of-line baffle valve provides the necessary seal for isolating downstream equipment while requiring minimal material and space for operation and manufacture. The entire unit comprises a valve body with a baffle that slides through the valve body to seal the valve. The unit is designed to work with a variety of existing refinery environments, but can also be incorporated into any environment requiring an isolation valve.

[0004] In one non-limiting embodiment, the automatic line baffle device 105 includes a valve body 110. In some embodiments, the valve body 110 includes an annular recess 115 on an inner sidewall 120, wherein a portion of the annular recess includes a receiving channel 125 formed through the valve sidewall, and a portion of the annular recess includes a receiving groove 130. In some embodiments, the line baffle includes a sealing mechanism 135, the sealing mechanism 135 including a ring 140 and a mating surface 155, the ring 140 being located on a first side 145 of the annular recess 115, wherein the ring 140 is configured to slide bidirectionally along the long axis 150 of the valve, and the mating surface 155 being located on a second side 160 of the annular recess 115 opposite to the ring 140. In some embodiments, the line baffle includes a biasing mechanism 165 adjacent to the annular recess 115, wherein the biasing mechanism 165 is configured to selectively actuate the ring 140 along the long axis 150 of the valve 105. In some embodiments, the line baffle includes a baffle 170 configured to be selectively actuated bidirectionally through the receiving channel 125 transverse to the long axis of the valve, wherein, in the closed position, the baffle is configured to be selectively nested in an annular recess and to form a seal with a sealing surface when a biasing mechanism is activated. In some embodiments, the leading edge of the baffle 170 includes an angled knife-shaped or chisel-shaped edge configured to clean the sealing surface 175.

[0005] References to features, advantages, or similar language throughout this specification do not imply that all features and advantages achievable through this disclosure should be present in or in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, references to features and advantages are to be understood as meaning that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Therefore, the discussion of features and advantages throughout this specification, as well as similar language, may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to each embodiment.

[0006] Furthermore, the features, advantages, and characteristics described in this invention can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other cases, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0007] Therefore, pipeline baffle valves that can isolate the downstream section from the upstream section are needed.

[0008] The features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned through practice of the invention as set forth below. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To describe how the advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, the invention, which has been briefly described above, will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings only illustrate typical embodiments of the invention and should therefore not be considered as limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 An exemplary portion of the refining process is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 A perspective view of an automated pipeline baffle is shown;

[0012] Figure 3 A perspective view of the automatic pipeline baffle in the first open position and the second closed position is shown;

[0013] Figure 4 Detailed cross-sectional views of the receiving channel, biasing mechanism, and sealing mechanism are shown.

[0014] Figure 5 Detailed cross-sectional views of the receiving channel, biasing mechanism, and sealing mechanism are shown.

[0015] Figure 6 Detailed cross-sectional views of the receiving channel, biasing mechanism, and sealing mechanism are shown; and

[0016] Figure 7 Detailed cross-sectional views of the receiving channel, biasing mechanism, and sealing mechanism are shown; and

[0017] Figure 8 A knife-shaped piece is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present embodiments of this disclosure will be best understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same components are represented by the same numbers throughout. It will be readily understood that, as generally described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the components of the disclosed invention can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, as... Figures 1-8 The following more detailed description of embodiments of the apparatus shown is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but merely represents current embodiments of the invention.

[0019] Overall, the accompanying drawings disclose an invention that provides a pipeline isolation valve.

[0020] In the following description, line valves and downstream flows will be mentioned several times, but these items are not shown in detail in the figures. However, it should be understood that those skilled in the art, and of ordinary skill possessing this disclosure, will readily understand how this disclosure can be integrated with existing refinery structures.

[0021] Figure 1 A general description is provided for an oil production and refining process 8 with several current components and systems (marked but not discussed). In addition to these components, the oil production and refining process 8 may include a first coke drum 18 and a second coke drum 22, and de-heading valves 14-a and 14-b attached thereto. In a typical delayed coking operation, at least two coke drums operate simultaneously to allow for continuous, batch-by-batch production and refining of oil and its coke by-products.

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention will now be described in detail, examples of which are given in [the following text]. Figures 2-7 The diagram illustrates various views of an automatic line baffle 105 according to one or more embodiments of the invention. In one non-limiting embodiment, the automatic line baffle device 105 includes a valve body 10. In some embodiments, the valve body 110 includes an annular recess 115 on an inner sidewall 120, wherein a portion of the annular recess includes a receiving channel 125 formed through the valve sidewall, and a portion of the annular recess includes a receiving groove 30. In some embodiments, the line baffle includes a sealing mechanism 135 including a ring 140 and a mating surface 155, the ring being on a first side 145 of the annular recess 115, wherein the ring 140 is configured to slide bidirectionally along the long axis 150 of the valve, and the mating surface being on a second side 160 of the annular recess 115 opposite the ring 140. In some embodiments, the line baffle includes a biasing mechanism 165 adjacent to the annular recess 115, wherein the biasing mechanism 165 is configured to selectively actuate the ring 140 along the long axis 150 of the valve 105. In some embodiments, the line baffle 105 includes a baffle 170 configured to be selectively actuated bidirectionally through the receiving channel 125 transverse to the long axis of the valve, wherein, in the closed position, the baffle is configured to be selectively nested in the annular recess and to form a seal with the sealing surface when the biasing mechanism is activated.

[0023] In some embodiments, the automatic pipeline baffle includes an actuator 180 coupled to the exterior of valve 110 and configured to selectively actuate the baffle into and out of receiving channel 25. In some embodiments, actuator 180 is a lift-rod actuator. In some embodiments, a non-lift-rod actuator is used to save space. In some embodiments, a telescopic actuator actuates baffle 170. One advantage of the invention is the simplicity of the baffle. In some embodiments, when valve 105 is in the open position, no valve cover or other support structure is required to support the baffle. This reduces manufacturing time, the cost of manufacturing materials, and the operating space required to accommodate the invention. As baffle 170 is actuated from the closed position to the open position and from the open position to the closed position, the receiving channel provides the support required to maintain baffle 170 in the correct orientation. In some embodiments, a support rail is used to orient the baffle. In some embodiments, alternative actuators are used, such as racks and pinions or lifts suspended from different structures.

[0024] In some embodiments, the line baffle 105 includes a biasing mechanism 165. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism includes a plurality of pistons 185 circumferentially spaced at their distal ends to align with the distal portion of the ring. In some embodiments, the pistons 185 are spaced at ten-inch intervals. In some embodiments, the piston is coupled to the ring 140. In some embodiments, the piston 185 is cantilevered to the ring. In some embodiments, when the valve 105 is in the open position, the piston 185 can be selectively activated to bias the ring along the longitudinal axis 150 of the valve, causing the ring to engage with the baffle 170. In some embodiments, the piston 185 is selectively activated to engage the ring 140 with a mating surface 155 disposed on a second side 160 of the annular recess 115. The surface of the ring and the mating surface 155 form a sealing surface 75 that seals the valve body 110 and prevents process fluid from escaping to the first side 200 or the second side 110 of the ring, or from escaping into the environment. In some embodiments, the mating surface 155 is beveled to receive the ring and improve the seal between the ring 140 and the mating surface 155. In some embodiments, the ring includes a plurality of seals 125 configured to further prevent process fluid from leaving the central passage of the valve.

[0025] In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism includes a spring configured to bias a ring toward an annular recess. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism includes a plurality of springs 190 circumferentially spaced apart at their distal ends to align with the distal portion of the ring. In some embodiments, the spring is coupled to a ring 140. In some embodiments, the spring 190 is cantilevered to the ring. In some embodiments, when the valve 105 is in the open position, the spring 190 can be selectively activated to bias the ring along the long axis 150 of the valve to engage the ring on a baffle 170. In some embodiments, the spring 190 is selectively activated to engage the ring 140 on a mating surface 155 disposed on a second side 60 of the annular recess 115. The surface of the ring and the mating surface 155 form a sealing surface 175 that seals the valve body 110 and prevents process fluid from escaping to a first side 200 or a second side 210 of the ring, or from escaping into the environment. In some embodiments, the mating surface 155 is beveled to receive the ring and improve the seal between the ring 140 and the mating surface 155. In some embodiments, the mating surface 155 is made of a highly abrasion-resistant material. In some embodiments, the ring includes a plurality of seals 125 configured to further prevent process fluid from leaving the central passage of the valve.

[0026] Now for reference Figures 4-5 In some embodiments, the invention includes a sealing mechanism 135 comprising a ring 140 and a mating surface 155. The sealing mechanism 135 includes a ring 140 having a sealing lip 142. In some embodiments, the sealing lip 142 may be beveled. In some embodiments, the sealing lip 142 is beveled to increase contact between the sealing lip 142 and the mating surface 155. In some embodiments, the sealing lip 142 and the mating surface 155 are configured to form a sealing surface 175.

[0027] Now for reference Figure 6 In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 135 includes a ring 140 having a sealing lip 142. In some embodiments, the sealing lip 142 may be beveled. In some embodiments, the sealing lip 142 is flat. In some embodiments, the sealing lip 142 is beveled to increase the contact between the sealing lip 142 and the baffle 170. In some embodiments, the surfaces of the sealing lip 142 and the baffle 170 are configured to form a baffle sealing surface. In some embodiments, the invention is configured to form a seal when the baffle 170 is in an open position and when the baffle is in a closed position (see...). Figure 3 In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism 135 is located upstream of the baffle valve 105.

[0028] In some embodiments, the pressure in the main channel is approximately 5 PSI. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 165 generates a biasing force greater than 5 PSI between the ring 140 and the baffle 170, or between the ring and the mating surface 155. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism includes a steam input 195, wherein steam is filled on a first side 200 of the ring in accordance with the direction of the spring force. In some embodiments, the first side 200 of the ring is configured to maintain pressure to allow the first side 200 to extend as the ring 140 extends along the long axis 150 to engage the ring 140 with the surface. In some embodiments, the force generated by the additional steam on the first side exceeds 10 PSI.

[0029] In some embodiments, steam is introduced into the second side 105 of the ring. In some embodiments, the second side 105 of the ring is configured to maintain sufficient pressure to counteract the force of the spring and to expand the second arch 105 to move the ring 140 to a position that allows the baffle 170 to move between an open position and a closed position, or from a closed position to an open position.

[0030] The receiving channel further includes a collar 110 extending from the outer surface of the valve body 110, the collar 110 including packing 115 and an internal channel 120. In some embodiments, the packing is graphite packing. In some embodiments, the packing 115 is configured to prevent process fluid and gas from escaping the system. In some embodiments, the packing facilitates sealing performed by ring 140. In some embodiments, the packing prevents the escape of gas and process fluid, wherein the ring is in a retracted position to allow the baffle 170 to move.

[0031] In some embodiments, the collar 110 includes internal channels for ventilation into the receiving channel 125. In some embodiments, the internal channels guide steam, nitrogen, or other fluids through the collar 110 and into the receiving channel 125. In some embodiments, the pressure in these channels is greater than the pressure in the main channel of the valve, thereby preventing process fluid in the main channel from moving upward along the receiving channel 125 or leaving the receiving channel 125 into the atmosphere.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first side 100, the second side 105, and the collar can each be purified with steam, nitrogen, products from the refractory tower, or some other purifying agent.

[0033] In some embodiments, the automatic line baffle 105 can replace multiple valves, such as baffle valves and butterfly valves currently used to isolate different parts of a refinery.

[0034] In some embodiments, the baffle 170 is configured with a rounded edge. In some embodiments, the valve is designed to be self-cleaning. In some embodiments, the leading edge of the baffle 170 includes an angled knife-shaped or chisel-shaped edge 235 configured to clean the sealing surface 175. In some embodiments, the scraped deposits are catalyst from the process fluid. In some embodiments, the scraping occurs on the downstream side. In some embodiments, the baffle 170 removes accumulated debris as the valve performs a stroke. In some embodiments, the valve performs a stroke only after an extended interval, which may be monthly, annually, every five years, or longer. In some embodiments, the baffle 170 scrapes debris from the mating surface 155. In some embodiments, the valve 105 is self-cleaning. In some embodiments, the gate must extend beyond the ring 140 to provide sufficient surface area for sealing. In some embodiments, the baffle 170 includes the full radius. In some embodiments, the baffle 170 is flat or square.

[0035] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of this disclosure. Other modifications may be made within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, alternative constructions of this disclosure may be used in accordance with the teachings herein by way of example rather than limitation. Thus, this disclosure is not limited to the constructions shown and described precisely.

Claims

1. An automatic pipeline baffle valve, comprising: A valve body, the valve body including an annular recess on an inner sidewall, wherein a portion of the annular recess includes a receiving channel formed through the valve sidewall, and a portion of the annular recess includes a receiving groove; A sealing mechanism comprising a ring and a mating surface, wherein the ring is located on a first side of the annular recess, wherein the ring is configured to slide bidirectionally along the long axis of the valve, and the mating surface is located on a second side of the annular recess opposite to the ring; A biasing mechanism adjacent to the annular recess, wherein the biasing mechanism is configured to selectively actuate the annulus along the longitudinal axis of the valve; and A baffle, configured to be selectively actuated bidirectionally through the receiving channel transversely to the longitudinal axis of the valve between a closed position and an open position, wherein, in the closed position, the baffle is configured to be selectively nested within the annular recess, wherein... When the baffle (170) is in the closed position, the biasing mechanism (165) is configured to actuate the ring (140) to slide toward and engage with the baffle (170), thereby forming a seal between the ring (140) and the baffle (170); and when the baffle (170) is in the open position, the biasing mechanism (165) is configured to actuate the ring (140) to slide toward and engage with the mating surface (155), thereby forming a seal between the ring (140) and the mating surface (155), wherein The biasing mechanism (165) includes a spring (190) configured to generate a spring force to bias the ring (140) toward the second side (160) of the annular recess. The biasing mechanism (165) includes a first steam input section (195) for filling a first chamber (200) on a first side of the ring (140) with steam in accordance with the direction of the spring force; The biasing mechanism (165) includes a second steam input for filling a second chamber (205) on the second side of the ring (140) with steam in the opposite direction to the spring force; and The front edge of the baffle (170) includes an angled blade edge, which is configured to scrape and clean the mating surface (155) when the baffle (170) is actuated.

2. The automatic pipeline baffle valve of claim 1, further comprising an actuator connected to the outside of the valve and configured to selectively actuate the baffle to enter and exit the receiving channel.

3. The automatic pipeline blind valve of claim 1, wherein, The biasing mechanism further includes a series of annularly spaced pistons, wherein each piston is coupled to the ring and configured to bias the ring toward the annular recess when activated.

4. The automatic pipeline blind valve of claim 1, wherein, The receiving passage further includes a collar extending from an outer surface of the valve body, the collar including a packing and an internal passage configured to direct fluid around the collar and prevent process fluid from escaping the valve through the collar.

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