Fixed Flange Spray Deflector for Pressurized Fluid Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sprays of pressurized fluids from improperly secured or sealed joints in fluid conveying structures can cause injury and property damage due to their long-range trajectory, and existing removable deflectors are often not properly installed, omitted, or not replaced during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A permanently attached spray deflector structure is integrated into the joint of fluid conveying structures, such as pipe connections, which deflects sprays laterally or downward, reducing momentum and preventing harm by being securely welded or riveted in place, ensuring it remains fixed throughout the assembly and maintenance processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If removable deflectors are used for spray protection, then installation flexibility is improved, but reliability of protection deteriorates due to improper installation, omission, or failure to replace during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is segmented into a first portion that attaches to the pipe or flange and a second portion that extends into the spray path, allowing the structure to be integrated into the joint while maintaining spray deflection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector structure is merged with the joint assembly by being permanently attached to one of the flanges or pipes near the flange, ensuring it cannot be omitted or improperly installed separate from the joint itself
2Reliability
If a permanent deflector structure is attached to the joint, then protection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to permanent attachment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is attached to the pipe or flange before the joint is assembled, ensuring it is in place before piping operations begin and cannot be removed during normal maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector serves as an intermediary structure between the joint and the spray, intercepting sprays before they can travel far while being integrated into the joint assembly through permanent attachment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the deflector structure is made more substantial to improve spray deflection, then spray momentum reduction is improved, but weight and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector has different properties in different portions: the first portion attached to the pipe/flange provides structural support while the second portion extending into the spray path is optimized for spray interception, with features like lips or edges positioned to maximize deflection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector extends in multiple dimensions - radially outward from the pipe and along the spray path - creating a structure that intercepts sprays through its spatial configuration rather than requiring substantial mass
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 effectively reduces the reach and impact of sprays by deflecting them away from personnel and equipment, minimizing the risk of injury and damage while ensuring the deflector remains securely attached, thus preventing reattachment during normal operations.
Implementation Method 1
the structure also causes a loss of momentum of the liquid, thereby reducing the reach of the spray size. As a result of the loss of momentum, some or all of the escaping liquid will leave the joint area as a leak flowing down from the area without momentum rather than as a powerful spray
Data Source
AI summary
A spray deflecting joint of fluid conveying structures has a spray obstructing structure lying in the path of any fluid that might spray from the joint in any direction within a range of directions, wherein the spray obstructing structure is permanently attached to one of the fluid conveying structures, is shaped to reduce the momentum of liquid sprays and/or has a surface treatment to reduce the momentum of liquid sprays.