Decoking Tool Mode Indicator via Rotatable Control Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating personnel in oil refineries face uncertainty regarding whether a tool for decoking is in drilling or cutting mode, which is crucial for initiating and continuing the drainage of coke drums, as the mode is often unknown before tool introduction.
Innovation Solution
A control device with position elements visible through a housing window indicates the angular position, allowing personnel to distinguish between drilling and cutting modes, with offset position elements and a display solenoid ensuring clear mode identification, and an optional pressure-resistant transparent element for visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tool is switched between drilling and cutting modes using a rotatable control device, then the tool can perform both drilling and cutting functions, but the operating personnel cannot determine the current mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indication elements (such as colored markers or illuminated indicators) on the control device that change position or appearance based on the current mode. This allows operating personnel to immediately identify whether the tool is in drilling or cutting mode through visual observation, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining mode switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control device incorporates visual feedback mechanisms that continuously display the current operational mode to the operator. This feedback loop ensures that the operator always knows the tool's state, preventing incorrect operations and enabling informed decision-making during the decoking process
2Ease of operation
If the control device is rotated 90 degrees for mode switching, then the tool can change between drilling and cutting modes, but the angular position becomes difficult to detect visually
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators such as colored markers, illuminated segments, or position-dependent optical elements are attached to the rotatable control device. As the control device rotates to different angular positions corresponding to different modes, these visual elements become visible or invisible through the housing window, providing clear angular position detection without complicating the switching operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indication system that translates the angular position of the control device into easily observable signals. This intermediary layer (such as a transparent indicator plate with positioned markers or an optical sensor system) makes the angular position detectable without requiring direct observation of the control device's rotation mechanism
3Illumination intensity
If the housing window is made transparent for visibility, then the position elements can be seen, but the window must withstand high water pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The housing window is constructed from composite materials that combine optical transparency with high pressure resistance. This may involve using specialized transparent polymers, glass-reinforced plastics, or multi-layer composite structures that maintain visibility while withstanding the high water pressure environment during decoking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible or semi-rigid transparent membrane or film for the housing window that can deform slightly under pressure while maintaining its optical properties. This flexible barrier allows visual observation of the position elements while providing adequate pressure resistance, and may incorporate reinforcement structures to enhance strength without compromising transparency
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tool for crushing coke, and includes a housing 2 that, in an operating state, is fastened to a drill rod, and in which is arranged at least one cutting nozzle 10 for cutting and a drilling nozzle 9 for drilling coke by means of a water jet, and a control for supplying water flowing through the housing 2 under pressure for drilling or cutting, wherein the control for switching the tool 1 from a drilling mode to a cutting mode and vice versa includes a control device 7 that is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the housing 2 to switch the tool 1, wherein the drilling or cutting mode is set depending on the angular position of the control device 7. To obtain a clear understanding of whether the tool 1 is in drilling or cutting mode, at least one position element 38, 39 is arranged on the control device 7 that displays the angular position of the control device 7 in the drilling and/or cutting mode of the tool 1 through a window 18 in the housing 2.