Flame Arrestor Washing Assembly for Damage-Free Debris Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oil and gas heater treaters face issues due to the buildup of dirt and debris in flame arrestors, which can lead to catastrophic failures such as implosions or explosions, as existing cleaning methods may damage the delicate components or fail to effectively remove contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A washing assembly with a vessel, nozzle assembly, and a drawer member is used to spray washing liquid at optimized pressure and temperature angles to clean the flame arrestor without causing damage, featuring a rotatable conduit member with angled nozzles to ensure thorough cleaning while preserving the arrestor's functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure washing is used to remove contaminants from the flame arrestor, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the delicate components of the arrestor may be damaged or bent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the pressure and temperature of the washing liquid to effective ranges (1500-2000 PSI and 140-200°F) that balance cleaning effectiveness with component protection. The angled nozzles (25-35 degrees) and spray patterns are also optimized to deliver cleaning force at the right angle to remove contaminants without bending delicate fins or screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a specially designed washing assembly with angled nozzles and controlled spray patterns as a mediator between the high-pressure water source and the delicate flame arrestor components. This intermediary system distributes the washing force evenly at optimal angles to clean without damaging.
2Reliability
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then the flame arrestor can be cleaned, but catastrophic failures may still occur due to incomplete removal of contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing multiple parameters including pressure (1500-2000 PSI), temperature (140-200°F), and nozzle angle (25-35 degrees) to achieve thorough cleaning that prevents catastrophic failures while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using a rotatable conduit member that can rotate 360 degrees to dynamically access all surfaces of the flame arrestor from multiple angles, ensuring complete removal of contaminants from all sides and preventing any remaining contamination that could cause failure.
3Reliability
If the flame arrestor is cleaned frequently to prevent buildup, then safety is improved, but the complexity of the cleaning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional washing assembly that combines multiple cleaning capabilities (high-pressure spray, heated water, rotatable positioning, and angled nozzle coverage) into a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity while improving safety through frequent effective cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses self-service principles by designing the washing assembly to automatically position and rotate the flame arrestor for uniform cleaning from all angles, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning systems and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining thorough cleaning for safety.
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 assembly effectively cleans the flame arrestor by removing contaminants without bending or damaging its components, thereby preventing potential failures and ensuring efficient airflow in the heater treater.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle assembly is configured to spray washing liquid toward the flame arrestor positioned on the bottom member of the drawer member
Implementation Method 2
flowing washing liquid from the source of washing liquid to the nozzle assembly at a first washing liquid pressure and a first washing liquid temperature. The first washing liquid temperature is between about 140° and about 200°
Data Source
AI summary
A flame arrestor washing assembly that includes a vessel portion having a floor, a lid, opposing first and second side walls, a front wall and a rear wall that cooperate to define a vessel interior, a drawer member received in a front opening of the vessel portion that is movable between a closed position and an open position, a nozzle assembly depending downwardly from a lower surface of the lid, and a source of washing liquid in liquid communication with the nozzle assembly. The drawer member includes a bottom member having a plurality of drain openings defined therein and is sized to receive a flame arrestor on the bottom member. The nozzle assembly is configured to spray washing liquid toward the flame arrestor positioned on the bottom member of the drawer member.