Decoking Tool Switching Apparatus for Water Jet Function Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoking tools face challenges in efficiently switching between boring and cutting functions due to complex and cumbersome mechanisms, requiring significant manual effort and high operating pressure reductions, which increases operational interruptions and maintenance difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a switching apparatus that uses a linearly moveable switching element and a driving apparatus to convert linear movement into rotary movement, allowing for automatic switching between boring and cutting functions by reducing water pressure from 300 bars to 15 bars, maintaining a compact structure and minimizing friction and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex switching mechanism with manual operation is used to switch between boring and cutting functions, then the tool can perform both functions, but the switching process requires significant manual effort and causes operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism uses the water pressure differential between boring and cutting operations to automatically actuate the switching element. During boring, high water pressure (300 bar) acts on the switching element to maintain it in the boring position. When switching to cutting, the water pressure drops (15 bar), and the spring automatically pushes the switching element to the cutting position without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switching with an automated system that uses hydraulic pressure (water flow) to actuate the switching element. The switching element is connected to a valve mechanism that automatically redirects water flow between boring nozzles and cutting nozzles based on pressure conditions, eliminating the need for manual operation.
2Reliability
If high operating pressure is maintained during switching, then the tool can maintain its boring function, but switching to cutting function requires pressure reduction from 300 bars to 15 bars which increases operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The switching element is pre-positioned and spring-loaded during boring operations. When the decision to switch to cutting is made, the pressure reduction automatically triggers the pre-configured spring mechanism to move the switching element to the cutting position, enabling rapid switching without manual intervention or prolonged operational interruptions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex valve mechanism is used to control water flow distribution, then precise function switching is achieved, but friction and wear on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulic principles where water pressure itself acts as the actuating force for the switching element. The high-pressure water flow during boring automatically maintains the switching element in the boring position, while the pressure drop during cutting allows the spring to move it to the cutting position. This hydraulic actuation reduces mechanical friction and wear compared to traditional mechanical valve mechanisms.
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
Enables quick and efficient switching between functions with reduced manual workload, lower operational pressure, and reduced wear on components, improving the decoking process by maintaining a compact design and minimizing maintenance issues.
Implementation Method 1
a switching element (35) arranged in the water flow path and moveable transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing (2), which is coupled with means (28, 62, 65, 66) for converting the linear movement of the switching element (35) into a rotary movement of the control apparatus (28)
Implementation Method 2
allowing for automatic switching between boring and cutting functions by reducing water pressure from 300 bars to 15 bars
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for cutting up coke in containers. The tool includes a housing mounted on a drill stem in the operating condition. The tool also includes at least one cutting nozzle for cutting and a boring nozzle for boring coke by means of a water jet, and a switching apparatus for controlling the feeding of pressurized water flowing through the drill stem and the housing. The switching apparatus includes a linearly moveable switching element, a driving apparatus and a control apparatus, which is rotatable as a function of a change of the water pressure by the driving apparatus to switch a valve to distribute the water and to pass it on. The angular position of the control apparatus controls whether the flow path of the water to the boring nozzle or the flow path to the cutting nozzle is free or obstructed.