Conduit Cleaning Apparatus Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit cleaning apparatuses require large volumes of water for both cleaning and propulsion, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to water usage and disposal challenges.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control apparatus with a movable control element that selectively activates cleaning and propulsion fluid streams, allowing for reduced water usage by switching off the cleaning stream during outbound travel and activating it during inbound travel, and vice versa, while utilizing a curvilinear fluid path to minimize turbulence and pressure drop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning water jets and propulsion water jets are both active simultaneously, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between cleaning mode and propulsion mode using a movable control element that redirects fluid flow. During inbound journey, the control element directs fluid to cleaning outlets; during outbound journey, it directs fluid to propulsion outlets. This dynamic switching ensures cleaning effectiveness when needed while minimizing water consumption during transit.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus operates in periodic cycles, alternating between cleaning phases and propulsion phases. The control element moves between positions to activate different fluid outlets at different times, creating a periodic action pattern that reduces overall water usage while maintaining cleaning effectiveness during the cleaning phases.
2Productivity
If the apparatus is propelled deep into the conduit using propulsion fluid stream, then cleaning coverage is improved, but water usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a movable control element that dynamically redirects fluid flow between cleaning outlets and propulsion outlets based on the apparatus position and operational phase. This allows the apparatus to be propelled deep into the conduit using only propulsion fluid during outbound journey, then switch to cleaning fluid during inbound journey, improving cleaning coverage while controlling water usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid outlet system is segmented into separate cleaning outlets and propulsion outlets, controlled by a movable control element that can direct fluid to one set or the other. This segmentation allows independent optimization of propulsion efficiency and cleaning effectiveness, enabling the apparatus to travel deep into the conduit with minimal water and then perform thorough cleaning on the return trip.
3Reliability
If cleaning fluid stream is active during outbound journey, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water removal time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by activating the cleaning fluid stream only during the inbound journey when the apparatus is being pulled back to the surface. The control element is positioned to direct fluid to cleaning outlets during this phase, ensuring cleaning effectiveness while minimizing water removal time and cost, as no water needs to be removed during the outbound journey when cleaning is not active.
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
Significantly reduces the total volume of fluid used, lowering costs and time required for water removal and disposal, while maintaining effective cleaning and propulsion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid path formed between at least one said fluid inlet and at least one said fluid outlet comprises at least one curvilinear portion
Implementation Method 2
at least one second fluid outlet adapted to direct at least a portion of the fluid entering via at least one said fluid inlet in a direction so as to propel the apparatus through the interior of said conduit
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (1) for controlling the flow of fluid in a conduit comprises a main body (2) including a bore, having a first open end (3) and a second end (5), a fluid inlet for coupling said first open end (3) of said main body to a source of fluid, a fluid outlet (19) adapted to direct at least a portion of the fluid entering via the fluid inlet in a direction so as to propel the apparatus through the interior of the conduit. The apparatus comprises a control element (15) movable between (a) a first position in which at least one fluid path exists between at least one said fluid inlet and at least one said first fluid outlet (19); and (b) a second position in which at least one fluid path exists between at least one said fluid inlet and at least one said second fluid outlet (17). The fluid paths formed comprise at least one curvilinear portion.