Decoking Tool Pressure Compensation Valve Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for decoking in oil refineries require high switching forces to transition between boring and cutting functions, which can lead to mechanical stress and reduced operational security and reliability.
Innovation Solution
The tool incorporates a pressure compensation mechanism that brings the pressure within the flow channel to the switching pressure, allowing for reduced mechanical stress and easier switching between functions by maintaining equal pressure above and below the valve body, using a closure body with communication channels for pressure equalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If valve bodies are used to close flow channel openings during switching between boring and cutting functions, then the tool can switch between functions, but high switching forces are required which increase mechanical stress on switching components
Solution Approach 1:
The flow body is segmented into multiple flow channels (first and second flow channels) with separate valve bodies (first and second valve bodies) for each channel. This segmentation allows independent control of each flow channel, enabling flexible switching between boring and cutting functions while distributing the switching forces across multiple smaller valve bodies rather than one large valve body, thereby reducing mechanical stress on switching components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a pressure equalization channel that connects the regions above and below each valve body, allowing pressure to equalize during switching. This pressure equalization reduces the pressure differential across the valve bodies during switching operations, thereby reducing the switching forces required and the mechanical stress on switching components while maintaining the ability to switch between functions
2Ease of operation
If high switching forces are used to transition between functions, then switching can be achieved, but mechanical stress on switching components increases reducing operational security and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization channel equalizes the pressure above and below the valve bodies during switching, reducing the force differential that must be overcome. This reduces the mechanical stress on switching components such as the control apparatus and drive mechanisms, thereby improving operational reliability and security while maintaining ease of switching between boring and cutting functions
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the flow control into multiple separate valve bodies and flow channels, the invention distributes the mechanical stress across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single large valve body. This segmentation improves the overall reliability of the system by reducing the stress on each individual switching component
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 solution significantly reduces the mechanical stress on switching components, enhancing operational security and reliability by minimizing switching forces and allowing for smaller component dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The valve body has means for compensating the pressure within the flow channel below the valve body to switching pressure as in the flow-through channel... the pressure within the flow channel below the valve body is brought to the switching pressure present in the flow-through channel
Data Source
AI summary
In a tool for cutting up coke, comprisinga housing mounted on a drill stem in the operating condition, and whereinat least one cutting nozzle for cutting and one boring nozzle for boring coke by means of a water jet, anda switchable valve means arranged in a flow-through channel for alternatively feeding the water to the flow channels in a flow body for the paths to the cutting and boring nozzles, anda switching apparatus manually or water-pressure-controlled operable at switching pressure of the water within the flow-through channel, for switching the valve means, are arranged,comprising a distribution apparatus rotatably supported above the flow body, with at least one valve body for closing off at least one opening of the flow channels,wherein depending on each angular position of the distribution apparatus with respect to the flow body, the flow path of the water to the boring nozzle or the flow path to the cutting nozzle is free or obstructed,for easier rotation of the distribution apparatus, it is provided that the valve body has means for compensating the pressure within the flow channel below the valve body to switching pressure as in the flow-through channel.