Blow Case Outlet Layout for Debris Flushing and Valve Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blow cases for waste streams in well systems face issues with debris accumulation and maintenance due to failure points in the design, such as trash getting caught in check valves and air valves being prone to failure from debris and environmental factors, leading to reduced efficiency and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The improved blow case design features a top-mounted pneumatic valve, clapper valve, and access port positioning for efficient debris removal and maintenance, using compressed gas to force liquid flow through an outlet pipe, with a containment wall and internal storage compartment to prevent debris accumulation, and a gravity-open valve for reduced operational pressure and easy servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is located in the pipe before the blow case to control liquid flow, then the liquid flow can be controlled, but trash and debris get caught in the check valve causing failures and requiring constant maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve assembly is extracted from the underground buried portion and repositioned to an above-ground location. This allows the check valve to be easily accessed for maintenance and cleaning without requiring excavation or system shutdown, while still performing its function of controlling liquid flow into the blow case.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable trap or debris collection chamber is introduced between the inlet pipe and the check valve. This intermediary component captures trash and debris before they reach the check valve, protecting it from damage and reducing maintenance requirements while allowing easy removal and cleaning.
2Reliability
If air pressure control valves are located inside the blow case or externally below ground level to control gas pressure, then the pressure control function is achieved, but the valves fail due to trash, debris, environment, and normal wear requiring time-consuming replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The air pressure control valve is extracted from the underground or internal location and repositioned to an above-ground accessible location. This allows quick removal and replacement of the valve without excavation or system disassembly, dramatically reducing maintenance time while maintaining pressure control functionality through the existing gas inlet.
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized, easily replaceable valve design is implemented that can be quickly swapped without custom fabrication or complex installation procedures. The valve is designed as a modular component with standard connections that allow rapid replacement by maintenance personnel.
3Productivity
If a vertical stand pipe extends close to the bottom of the case to provide outlet flow, then the liquid outlet function is achieved, but trash and debris accumulate at the bottom of the tank reducing capacity and causing system plug failures
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the outlet pipe extend down to the bottom of the tank, the outlet is inverted to be located at the top of the blow case. Liquid flows into the tank and exits through the top outlet, which prevents debris accumulation at the bottom and eliminates plug failures while maintaining continuous flow capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressurized gas introduced into the blow case creates hydraulic pressure that forces liquid and debris through the outlet pipe. This pneumatic-hydraulic action prevents accumulation by continuously flushing the tank interior, maintaining operational capacity and preventing plug failures.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the blow case is buried halfway into ground to provide containment, then environmental protection is achieved, but access to failure points requires extensive excavation and creates additional maintenance expense
Solution Approach 1:
The blow case system is segmented into above-ground and below-ground portions. Critical maintenance components (check valve, pressure control valve, access ports) are located in the above-ground portion for easy access, while the containment tank remains partially buried for environmental protection. This segmentation allows maintenance without excavation while preserving containment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Maintenance access is provided through vertical dimension by extending access ports and valve locations to above-ground level. This dimensional change allows personnel to access failure points from the surface without horizontal excavation, maintaining the buried containment structure while enabling easy maintenance.
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
This design minimizes downtime by allowing direct debris transfer from the inlet to the outlet, reducing the need for constant maintenance, and enables above-ground servicing of the pneumatic valve, resulting in cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A float valve including a valve body mounted outside the containment wall at the float aperture, the float valve including a float arm extending through the float aperture and a float body connected to the float arm
Implementation Method 2
compressed gas to force a liquid flow through an outlet
Implementation Method 3
The clap assembly includes a gravity extension arm connected to the hinge pin which uses gravity to naturally open the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A blow case with an inlet pipe positioned to gravity direct debris to an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe having a discharge end sealed by gravity open clapper style check valve that is closed by activation of pneumatic pressure through a float style pneumatic valve. The check valve has a top mounted access port and aperture allowing for direct above ground servicing access to both the clapper inside the valve and has a removable clapper and access port for servicing the outlet pipe. The float style pneumatic valve is also top mounted for ease of service and removal and is remotely positioned from the outlet pipe to allow for removal of the valve for flushing of the debris from the blow case.