Expandable Chemical Delivery System with Quick-Connect Eductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chemical delivery systems face challenges with permanent pipe thread connections, which are difficult to reconfigure and maintain, prone to leaks, and result in high maintenance costs, especially in chemical injection systems that require multiple chemical inputs.
Innovation Solution
An expandable chemical delivery system with quick-connect/lockable interfaces allows individual eductor members to be easily connected and replaced without threading, enabling operation up to 1000 psi, and simplifies installation and maintenance by avoiding the need for tools and additional workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pipe thread connections are used to connect eductor members to the manifold, then the connection is permanent and structurally sound, but the system becomes difficult to reconfigure, maintain, and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separable components: a manifold with external threads and eductor members with internal threads. This segmentation allows the connection to be permanently secure during operation but easily disconnected for maintenance by simply unscrewing the eductor member, eliminating the need to disassemble the entire piping system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection transitions from a static permanent joint to a dynamic reversible joint. The threaded connection provides structural integrity during operation but can be dynamically disconnected and reconnected, allowing the system to adapt between stable operation and easy maintenance states.
2Strength
If pipe thread connections are used, then the connection is structurally sound, but tools and significant maintenance time are required for disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into a threaded interface that can be quickly assembled and disassembled without special tools. The eductor member screws onto the manifold like a standard pipe fitting, providing structural strength while reducing maintenance time compared to permanent welding or complex mechanical connections.
3Reliability
If Teflon tape is used to seal pipe thread connections, then leaks are prevented, but high hoop-stresses can result in splitting or fatigue cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is transferred to a disposable O-ring seal that sits in a groove on the eductor member. This inexpensive rubber seal prevents leaks without subjecting the metal fitting to high hoop-stresses, eliminating the risk of splitting or fatigue cracking associated with Teflon tape.
4Reliability
If Teflon tape or sealants are used to seal connections, then leaks are prevented, but precision orifices and valves can be fouled by debris
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring seal provides a clean sealing surface that does not shed debris. Unlike Teflon tape that can flake or sealant that can harden and crack, the rubber O-ring maintains a clean seal throughout its service life, preventing fouling of precision orifices and valves.
5Reliability
If conventional pipe connections are used, then the system can handle chemical injection, but maintenance costs increase due to frequent repairs and replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The eductor member is designed as a separable component with an integrated O-ring seal. This segmentation allows the eductor to be quickly removed and replaced without expensive repairs to the manifold or piping system, significantly reducing maintenance costs while maintaining chemical delivery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The O-ring seal is a low-cost component that can be easily replaced if degraded. This inexpensive sealing solution prevents leaks and avoids the high maintenance costs associated with failed permanent connections, making the overall system more economical to maintain.
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 system reduces maintenance time and costs by allowing easy configuration and repair of chemical delivery systems, maintaining seal integrity, and accommodating high pressures, while minimizing the need for disassembly and reducing the overall system size.
Implementation Method 1
a particular orifice is chosen to create a low-pressure region. In this low-pressure region, a port is adapted to allow another feed of fluid to be drawn into the main flow stream
Implementation Method 2
It is under this low pressure that concentrated chemicals can be metered in using a partial vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable chemical delivery system sharing a common bulk fluid inlet and bulk fluid flow path to direct a bulk fluid through one or more selected chemical eductors. Each chemical eductor is slidably insertable into an eductor port on the manifold body such that rotation of the chemical eductor is not required for installation. After installation, the orientation of the chemical eductor can be rotatably adjusted so as to avoid interference with adjacent chemical eductors. Delivery of a bulk fluid to each chemical eductor is controlled via a corresponding valve assembly that selectively allows or blocks flow of the bulk fluid from the bulk fluid flow path to the corresponding chemical eductor. The manifold body can include a plurality of individual manifold bodies approximated with a coupling system to define the bulk fluid flow path. Alternatively, the manifold body can comprise a single fabricated body for high pressure operation.