Ball Trap Screen Blocking Elements for Heat Exchanger Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current "T" type ball traps in heat exchanger cleaning systems are ineffectual in collecting all cleaning balls due to fluid flow patterns that cause some balls to congregate in regions not drawn into the ball collection chamber.
Innovation Solution
A ball trap screen with a cone-shaped inlet, a 90° elbow featuring a planar solid area, and solid blocking elements on screen sections to block fluid flow, directing cleaning balls into the ball trap extension and ensuring they are collected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional ball trap screen is used in a T-type ball trap, then the structure is simple, but cleaning balls congregate in regions not drawn into the ball collection chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is divided into multiple sections (first screen section, second screen section, third screen section) with different configurations. Each section has specific blocking elements positioned at different locations to control ball movement in different regions, ensuring balls are directed toward the collection chamber while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the screen have different properties and blocking element configurations. The first screen section has blocking elements near the inlet to prevent ball escape, the second section has elements to redirect balls, and the third section has elements to guide balls into the collection chamber. This localized differentiation solves the ball congregation problem without requiring complete redesign of the entire screen.
2Reliability
If blocking elements are added to the screen to improve ball collection, then ball collection efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple blocking elements are integrated into a single screen assembly that functions as one cohesive unit. The blocking elements are positioned at specific locations on the screen sections to work together in sequence, directing balls through the trap and into the collection chamber. This merging approach achieves improved ball collection without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking elements are pre-positioned on the screen during manufacturing or installation to create the desired ball flow pattern before the system operates. This preliminary configuration ensures that balls are automatically directed toward the collection chamber as they move through the trap, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms during operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The blocking elements modify fluid flow patterns, ensuring all cleaning balls are directed into the ball collection chamber, enhancing the efficiency of the ball trap system.
Implementation Method 1
the cone solid blocking element, the first solid screen blocking element and the second solid screen blocking element are configured so as to block fluid flow through corresponding regions of the ball trap screen
Data Source
AI summary
A ball trap screen for use with “T” type ball traps having a ball trap extension in which the ball trap screen includes a cone shaped inlet; an elbow, at least a portion of which includes a substantially planer solid area; a first screen section extending between the cone shaped inlet and the elbow; and a second screen section extending from the elbow into the ball trap extension; wherein at least a portion of the cone shaped inlet includes a cone solid blocking element, the first screen section includes a first solid screen blocking element and the second screen section includes a second solid screen blocking element. A method of enhancing the movement of the cleaning ball through the ball trap by blocking portions of a ball trap screen deployed within a ball trap housing so as to modify the fluid flow through the ball trap.