Ejector Branch Pipe Depressurization Without Fluid Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for depressurizing high-pressure pipes, such as gas flaring or discharging into sums pits, are inefficient and can expose harmful fluids to the environment, lacking effective solutions for safely reducing pressure in pipes with different fluid pressures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using an ejector assembly within a tee pipe fitting to form a seal between two pipes, where high-pressure fluid from one pipe decreases pressure through a nozzle, drawing low-pressure fluid from a branch pipe into a mixing chamber, allowing pressure equalization without environmental exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If gas flaring or discharge into sum pits is used to depressurize high-pressure pipes, then the pressure is reduced, but harmful fluids are exposed to the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector assembly acts as an intermediary device that uses a seal mechanism to create a controlled interface between the high-pressure main pipe and the low-pressure branch pipe. This intermediary structure allows pressure equalization while containing the fluid flow, preventing environmental exposure that would occur with direct discharge methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes fluid dynamics principles where high-pressure fluid from the main pipe flows through a nozzle into a mixing chamber, creating a pressure differential that draws low-pressure fluid from the branch pipe. This pneumatic-hydraulic mechanism achieves depressurization through controlled fluid interaction rather than direct discharge to the environment.
2Stress or pressure
If traditional depressurization methods are used, then pressure is reduced, but the process is inefficient and exposes fluids to the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector assembly operates on self-service principles where the high-pressure fluid from the main pipe provides the energy needed to draw and mix with the low-pressure fluid from the branch pipe. The system uses its own operating fluid to perform the depressurization work without requiring external power sources or complex mechanical components, thereby improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter of the main pipe fluid by forcing it through a converging nozzle, which increases its velocity and decreases its pressure. This parameter change creates the suction effect needed to draw fluid from the branch pipe, achieving efficient depressurization through controlled parameter transformation rather than traditional discharge methods.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an ejector assembly is used to depressurize the branch pipe, then environmental exposure is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it creates a seal between pipes, directs high-pressure fluid flow, generates suction to draw branch pipe fluid, and facilitates mixing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving environmental protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal mechanism in the ejector assembly utilizes flexible sealing elements that conform to the interface between the main pipe and branch pipe. These flexible seals create an effective barrier preventing fluid leakage and environmental exposure without requiring complex rigid sealing structures, thus minimizing the complexity increase.
4Reliability
If the ejector assembly forms a seal between pipes, then fluid containment is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector assembly incorporates a movable seal mechanism that can dynamically adjust its position to maintain an effective seal between the main pipe and branch pipe interfaces. This dynamic capability allows the seal to accommodate slight variations in pipe alignment or thermal expansion while maintaining fluid containment, thereby preserving ease of operation despite the added reliability requirement.
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
Effectively depressurizes the branch pipe by utilizing pressure differentials, preventing environmental exposure of the fluid and maintaining normal fluid flow in the main pipe, enhancing safety and efficiency in pipe pressure management.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle converging along a flow direction of the first fluid to decrease the pressure of the first fluid to a third pressure lower than the pressure of the second fluid
Implementation Method 2
the third pressure lower than the second pressure drawing the second fluid from the second pipe into the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 3
a mixing chamber at an outlet of the nozzle, the mixing chamber including an outlet that, with the seal formed, is in fluid communication with the second pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A method for depressurizing a pipe includes forming, by an ejector assembly, a seal between a first pipe and a second pipe fluidically coupled to the tee pipe fitting. The first pipe flows a first fluid at a first pressure, and the second pipe flows a second fluid at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. The ejector assembly includes a nozzle converging along a flow direction of the first fluid flowing in the first pipe, and a mixing chamber at an outlet of the nozzle, the mixing chamber comprising an outlet is in fluid communication with the second pipe. The method also includes flowing the first fluid from the first pipe into the ejector assembly through the nozzle so that the pressure of the first fluid decreases to a third pressure lower than the second pressure to draw the second fluid into the mixing chamber.