Delayed Coker Valve Body Flushing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In delayed coker unit operations, existing systems face challenges in effectively flushing condensate and particulate matter from valve bodies and condensate holding tanks, leading to impaired functionality and increased maintenance time due to accumulated debris and condensation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising fluid inlet lines, shut-off valves, and a method to flush condensate and particulate matter from valve bodies and condensate holding tanks by directing fluid through these components and into a chute that empties into a coke pit, allowing for continuous operation and debris removal without depressurizing the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If condensate and particulate matter are allowed to accumulate in valve bodies and condensate holding tanks during delayed coker operations, then continuous operation is maintained, but functionality is impaired and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary flushing actions by introducing water through inlet lines to valve bodies and condensate holding tanks before debris accumulation becomes problematic. This preventive maintenance approach allows continuous operation while periodically removing condensate and particulate matter, thus maintaining valve functionality without requiring shutdowns.
Solution Approach 2:
Water acts as an intermediary flushing medium that is introduced through inlet lines to remove condensate and particulate matter from valve bodies and holding tanks. The water carries away accumulated debris through drainage systems, enabling continuous operation while preventing functionality impairment.
2Ease of operation
If the system is depressurized to flush condensate and particulate matter from valve bodies and condensate holding tanks, then debris removal is effective, but continuous operation is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous useful action by allowing water flushing to occur while the delayed coker operations remain pressurized and running. Water is continuously introduced through inlet lines to flush condensate and particulate matter without requiring system depressurization or shutdown, thus eliminating maintenance time losses while maintaining effective debris removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing action is performed as a preliminary continuous maintenance measure rather than a periodic shutdown procedure. Water is continuously or periodically introduced to prevent debris accumulation, allowing effective debris removal without interrupting continuous operation or requiring system depressurization.
3Ease of repair
If water or solvent is introduced through inlet lines to flush valve bodies and condensate holding tanks, then condensate and particulate matter are removed effectively, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flushing system is segmented into separate functional components: water inlet lines with control valves for introducing water, drainage lines with valves for removing condensate and particulate matter, and the valve bodies and condensate holding tanks themselves. This segmentation allows independent operation of each component, simplifying maintenance and repair while enabling effective debris removal through the coordinated action of these discrete elements.
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 solution enables efficient removal of debris and condensate, maintaining valve functionality and reducing maintenance time by allowing for continuous operation and effective drainage of accumulated materials during active decoker unit operations.
Implementation Method 1
fluid preferably water inlet lines, which allow fluid to be flushed into a valve body and/or into a condensate holding tank
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve body and condensate holding tank flushing system and method for use in a delayed coker operation.