External Umbrella Nozzle Isolation for Vessel Pressure Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing isolation and pressure testing apparatuses for vessel nozzles require internal access, which is impractical and poses safety risks, especially in confined spaces, and are time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus that can be translated through the nozzle from the exterior of the vessel, actuated to form a seal against the interior wall, and operated externally for isolation and pressure testing, using a rod, umbrella, and engagement surface to create a sealed interior space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pressure testing apparatuses are used that require internal access, then the nozzle can be isolated and tested, but the process becomes time-consuming, costly, and creates safety risks in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle isolation and testing capabilityVSAvoidtesting duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by enabling external access instead of internal access. The isolation apparatus is inserted through the nozzle from the exterior of the vessel, with the umbrella collapsing to a small profile for insertion and then expanding internally to perform isolation and testing functions, eliminating the need for operators to enter confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The umbrella structure transitions from a collapsed low-profile state during external insertion to an expanded functional state inside the vessel. This dynamic transformation allows the apparatus to pass through the nozzle externally while achieving internal isolation capability, reducing both time and safety risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional pressure testing apparatuses are used that require internal access, then the nozzle can be isolated and tested, but safety risks and costs increase due to confined space operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle isolation and testing capabilityVSAvoidsafety risks in confined spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reverses the access direction from internal to external. All operations including insertion, actuation, and removal are performed from the exterior of the vessel through the nozzle, completely eliminating the need for operators to enter confined spaces and avoiding associated safety hazards and permitting requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is designed to be self-contained and self-operating from external access. The actuation portion can be operated through the nozzle from the exterior, and the apparatus can be removed externally, making the system independent of internal human intervention and thereby eliminating safety risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If existing isolation apparatuses are used that self-expand against the vessel wall, then the nozzle can be sealed, but the apparatus cannot be inserted from the exterior and requires internal access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidinsertion and operation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The umbrella is designed with dynamic transformation capability, collapsing to a compact profile for external insertion through the nozzle and then expanding to a large diameter inside the vessel to form effective seals against the internal wall, achieving both ease of external operation and reliable sealing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the insertion direction from internal to external while maintaining the self-expanding sealing mechanism. The apparatus is inserted from the exterior in a collapsed state and then actuated to expand internally, combining external accessibility with internal sealing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20250214097A1Apparatuses, systems, and methods for isolating a nozzle of a vessel

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

An apparatus for isolating a nozzle having an outer end extending externally from a vessel and an inner end opening into the interior of the vessel comprises: a rod comprising proximal and distal ends; an umbrella comprising an end member and a canopy; an actuation portion configured to actuate the umbrella between a retracted position comprising the first angle and a protracted position comprising a second angle, wherein the second angle is greater than the first angle and the umbrella is capable of being translated through the nozzle at the first angle and is not capable of being translated through the nozzle at the second angle; and an engagement surface defined on a leading edge of the canopy, the engagement surface configured to form a seal against an interior wall of the vessel when the umbrella is in the protracted position.