Gas Flow Control Assembly for Injection Pipe Backflow Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In-situ uranium mining processes face inefficiencies due to significant pressure fluctuations caused by backflow in injection pipes, leading to unstable gas injection and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method that includes a gas mass flow controller, gas inlet assembly, automatic liquid discharge assembly, gas outlet assembly, and pressure collection assembly, with sensors and valves to regulate gas flow and prevent backflow, ensuring continuous and stable gas injection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas injection is performed in in-situ uranium mining, then mining efficiency is improved, but backflow in injection pipes causes pressure fluctuations that reduce operational stability
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid discharge buffer tank is introduced as an intermediary component between the gas injection system and the environment. This buffer tank receives and isolates backflow liquid, preventing it from directly interfering with the gas mass flow controller and injection system, thereby maintaining operational stability while allowing continuous gas injection for mining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful backflow liquid is extracted and separated from the gas injection system through the liquid discharge buffer tank. By removing the backflow liquid from the system and directing it to the buffer tank for discharge, the pressure fluctuations caused by backflow are eliminated, maintaining both mining efficiency and operational stability
2Reliability
If backflow liquid is allowed to accumulate, then pressure fluctuations are reduced, but contamination of the gas mass flow controller occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid discharge buffer tank serves as an intermediary barrier that prevents direct contact between backflow liquid and the gas mass flow controller. The tank collects backflow liquid while the gas outlet assembly and check valves ensure liquid cannot bypass the buffer tank to reach the controller, thus maintaining pressure stability without risking contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the gas injection zone (mass flow controller to injection pipe), the buffer zone (liquid discharge buffer tank), and the discharge zone (liquid outlet). This segmentation isolates the harmful backflow liquid in its own zone, preventing it from affecting the sensitive controller while allowing pressure stabilization
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 achieves integrated remote and on-site control, preventing backflow interference and enhancing operational efficiency in in-situ uranium mining by finely regulating the flow control valve, ensuring continuous gas injection and preventing contamination of the gas mass flow controller.
Implementation Method 1
The gas inlet assembly includes a pressure stabilizing valve, an inlet globe valve and a first check valve... the gas outlet assembly includes a solenoid valve and a second check valve
Implementation Method 2
The gas inlet assembly includes a pressure stabilizing valve, an inlet globe valve and a first check valve, an inlet of the pressure stabilizing valve is connected to the gas mass flow controller
Implementation Method 3
the gas outlet assembly includes a solenoid valve and a second check valve, the second check valve is disposed between the injection pipe and the automatic liquid discharge assembly, and the solenoid valve is disposed between the second check valve and the automatic liquid discharge assembly
Implementation Method 4
The automatic liquid discharge assembly includes a liquid discharge buffer tank, a liquid level meter and a flow control valve, a gas inlet of the liquid discharge buffer tank is connected to the gas inlet assembly, the flow control valve is disposed on a lower outlet of the liquid discharge buffer tank, and the liquid level meter is disposed in the liquid discharge buffer tank
Data Source
AI summary
A control system of gas flow for in-situ uranium mining includes: a gas mass flow controller, a gas inlet assembly, an automatic liquid discharge assembly, a gas outlet assembly, a control assembly and a pressure collection assembly. The gas inlet assembly is connected to an outlet of the gas mass flow controller; the automatic liquid discharge assembly is configured to discharge backflow liquid; the gas outlet assembly is configured to prevent backflow of an injection pipe; the control assembly is electrically connected to the gas mass flow controller, the gas outlet assembly, and the automatic liquid discharge assembly; and the pressure collection assembly includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor is disposed between the automatic liquid discharge assembly and the gas inlet assembly, and the second sensor is disposed between the injection pipe and the gas outlet assembly.