Elliptic Flow Fluidizing Unit for Vessel Desanding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vessel desanding systems face issues with excessive water consumption, low efficiency in sand removal, and risk of clogging due to limited operational range, particularly in the classic jetting system and prior fluidizing units.
Innovation Solution
A fluidizing unit with a discharge pipe and supply duct configuration, featuring a pressurized liquid flow with an elliptic cross-section, which is directed perpendicular to the discharge pipe's centerline, and a housing shaped as a truncated cone, optimizing fluidization with minimal liquid usage and reduced disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the classic jetting system is used for fluidizing and discharging solids, then the system can remove accumulated sand, but it consumes excessive water and causes large disturbances in process separators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow parameters by using a truncated cone shaped supply duct that transforms the liquid flow from a circular cross-section at the inlet to an elliptic cross-section at the outlet. This parameter change in flow geometry optimizes the fluidization efficiency, allowing effective sand removal with reduced water consumption compared to classic jetting systems
Solution Approach 2:
The supply duct employs an asymmetric truncated cone geometry that creates an elliptic cross-section at the outlet, differing from the symmetric circular inlet. This asymmetric design optimizes the liquid distribution pattern for fluidization, improving sand removal efficiency while reducing water usage
2Adaptability or versatility
If the classic jetting system is used for solid discharge, then sand can be removed from the vessel, but the system risks clogging and has limited operational range
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic operation modes by enabling both continuous online fluidization and periodic batch-mode discharge operations. The fluidizing unit can be operated flexibly depending on sand accumulation levels, improving adaptability while maintaining reliability through periodic clearing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system supports periodic batch-wise operation where the fluidizing unit is activated at intervals to discharge accumulated solids. This periodic action prevents clogging by regularly clearing the discharge path while allowing normal separator operation between cycles, enhancing both reliability and operational flexibility
3Loss of substance
If a conventional fluidizing unit with limited operational range is used, then the system can operate with reduced water consumption, but the efficiency of sand removal is quite low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by transforming the liquid flow cross-section from circular to elliptic through the truncated cone shaped supply duct. This geometric transformation optimizes liquid distribution and fluidization efficiency, achieving effective sand removal with minimal water consumption, thus resolving the contradiction between water efficiency and removal effectiveness
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 solution enables efficient sand removal with reduced water consumption and minimized process disturbances, allowing for both online and batch-mode operation, and compatibility with existing or new vessels.
Implementation Method 1
the accumulated solids are fluidized by use of liquid, usually water, and discharged from the system
Implementation Method 2
the pressurized liquid outlet, during use, is able to provide a pressurized liquid flow having a substantially elliptic cross-section
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a fluidizing unit (1) for use in a vessel desanding system, comprising a discharge pipe (2) and a supply duct (3), the discharge pipe comprises a discharge inlet (4) and a discharge outlet (5), and the supply duct is formed by a housing (6) arranged around the discharge pipe defining an annular space (7) between an outer surface of said pipe and an inner surface of the housing, the supply duct comprises a pressurized liquid inlet (8) and a pressurized liquid outlet (9), wherein the pressurized liquid outlet, during use, is able to provide a pressurized liquid flow having a substantially elliptic cross-section.