Fluid Decoking Tool Diverter Plate Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoking tools face mechanical jamming issues due to coke debris in the cutting fluid, leading to cumbersome mode shifting and potential tool entrapment in coke drums, which hampers refinery production.
Innovation Solution
A decoking tool with a diverter plate, diverter body, and shifting apparatus that allows selective alignment of flow paths for pressurized fluid, including self-clearing nozzles that can be activated to extricate the tool from coke bed collapses, reducing the need for manual intervention and minimizing jamming risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reciprocating sleeve type valve or rotatable sleeve valve is used to direct fluid flow to selected nozzles, then the decoking operation can be performed with controlled fluid distribution, but the valve design becomes complex, requires numerous components, and demands very high manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple cylindrical sections with radial ports at different angular positions. Each section can be independently rotated to align its ports with the common hole, thereby selectively directing fluid flow to different nozzles without requiring a complex single-piece valve design
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple cylindrical valve sections share a common structural design and work principle, with each section capable of directing fluid to different nozzle groups. This modular universal design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining multiple flow distribution functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If high-pressure cutting fluid is applied to shift cutting modes in existing decoking tools, then mode shifting can be achieved, but friction forces increase and debris-laden shuttle devices become more prone to mechanical jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The shuttle valve mechanism is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a mechanical shuttle device that is prone to jamming, the invention uses simple rotational alignment of cylindrical valve sections with radial ports to achieve mode shifting, eliminating the reliability issue entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The common hole in the valve body acts as an intermediary that receives fluid from different radial ports of rotating cylindrical sections. This intermediary mechanism allows flexible mode shifting without requiring complex shuttle valves or high-pressure actuation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the decoking tool is raised to the top of the vessel to engage cutting mode, then the cutting nozzles can be used to cut the balance of the coke, but the raising step is time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting mode can be engaged dynamically at any position within the drum by simply rotating the cylindrical valve sections to align the appropriate radial ports with the common hole. This eliminates the need for time-consuming mechanical repositioning or raising of the tool, as mode switching is achieved through rapid rotational adjustment of the valve mechanism
4Reliability
If manual intervention is required to free the tool from coke bed collapses, then the tool can be rescued from entrapment, but the decoking process is significantly delayed and production capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The upwardly directed clearing nozzles enable the tool to clear its own surrounding area of collapsed coke automatically. By activating these nozzles, the tool creates a clear path through the coke bed and frees itself from entrapment without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining continuous operation and production capacity
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 tool enables efficient and remote activation of cutting mode shifting, reducing decoking time and preventing tool entrapment, thereby enhancing refinery production capacity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The diverter plate can be in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and can define at least one selection orifice disposed therethrough. The diverter body can be in fluid communication with the diverter plate through the at least one selection orifice.
Implementation Method 2
The shifting apparatus can be operatively coupled to at least one of the diverter plate and the diverter body such that upon operation of the shifting apparatus, the diverter plate and the diverter body rotate relative to one another to substantially align the at least one selection orifice and at least one of the at least one clearing orifice, the at least one cutting orifice and the at least one boring orifice
Implementation Method 3
Decoking may be accomplished, for example, by using high-pressure water directed through nozzles of a decoking (or coke cutting) tool
Data Source
AI summary
A decoking tool includes a tool body, a diverter plate, a diverter body, a plurality of flow paths and a shifting apparatus. The plurality of flow paths may include a clearing flow path, a cutting flow path and a boring flow path each having a nozzle. The nozzle that terminates the clearing flow path can be directed substantially upwards during normal operation. The shifting apparatus can be operatively coupled to the diverter plate and/or the diverter body such that upon operation of the shifting apparatus, the diverter plate and the diverter body rotate relative to one another to substantially align a selection orifice and at least one of a clearing orifice, a cutting orifice and a boring orifice to establish fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the respective nozzle.