Flow Line Filter Assembly Quick-Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for filtering drilling fluids are inefficient and pose safety hazards due to limited flow area, high costs, and time-consuming processes for installing and removing filter apparatuses, particularly in surface fluid flow manifolds.
Innovation Solution
A flow line filter assembly with a cylindrical housing, hinged cover, and elongate slot with a transverse notch, allowing for quick and safe locking and unlocking of the filter locking sleeve, enabling efficient removal and replacement of the filter assembly without interrupting fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filter apparatuses are installed in flow manifolds, then filtering function is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter apparatus is divided into separate modular components: a filter element, a housing, and a mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows the filter to be easily installed and removed from the flow manifold without complex disassembly procedures, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining filtering reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element can be extracted independently from the housing and flow manifold. The housing remains in the flow manifold while the filter element is removed for cleaning or replacement, separating the filtering function from the flow control structure and simplifying maintenance operations.
2Ease of repair
If filter apparatus is removed from flow manifold, then maintenance is enabled, but fluid flow is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The filter element is pre-positioned in the housing before installation into the flow manifold. The housing is designed with pre-configured mounting features that allow rapid installation without requiring disassembly of flow manifold components, enabling maintenance with minimal flow interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism incorporates dynamic elements such as quick-connect couplings or movable mounting brackets that allow the filter housing to be rapidly attached and detached from the flow manifold. This dynamic mounting enables fast maintenance operations while minimizing the time fluid flow is interrupted.
3Reliability
If conventional filter installation methods are used, then filtering is achieved, but installation and removal process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing and mounting mechanism are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be installed as one unit into the flow manifold. This eliminates the need for separate installation steps for the filter element and housing, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliable filtering performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing design incorporates universal mounting features that are compatible with standard flow manifold connections. The same housing can be quickly installed in various flow manifold configurations without requiring custom assembly procedures, improving installation speed across different applications.
4Ease of operation
If filter screen is conveyed to elevated location for removal, then filter can be accessed, but drop hazard is created
Solution Approach 1:
The flow manifold serves as an intermediary platform that allows filter removal at a safe, accessible elevation without requiring the filter to be conveyed to higher locations. The manifold's structure provides a stable working surface where the filter can be easily accessed and removed while eliminating the drop hazard associated with higher conveyance locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for installing an object in a flow line or other compartment, such as a surface inline filter assembly having a removable screen filter apparatus. A housing has a central through bore and an elongate slot or opening with a cover that can be selectively opened or locked in a closed position when desired. A filter apparatus can be loaded within the assembly, and shifted into a locked position within the central bore of the housing. When removal of the filter apparatus is desired, the cover can be unlocked and opened, and the filter apparatus can be quickly and efficiently removed, cleaned and/or replaced.