HTHP Pressure Relief Tool for Controlled Vent Clearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for clearing blockages in high pressure test cells used in the oil and gas industry are unsafe and lead to uncontrolled releases of pressure and debris, posing risks of explosions and damage.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relief tool comprising a stem connected to a plunger assembly, a plunger rod, a stem connector, a handle, and a vent tube, which is attached to the test cell vent, allowing controlled puncturing and release of blockages and pressure through a controlled fluid pathway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods (paper clip, drill bit) are used to clear vent blockage, then the obstruction can be removed, but uncontrolled pressure release and debris explosion occur造成安全隐患
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized pressure relief tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the blocked vent. This tool includes a stem with annular opening, plunger assembly, and vent tube that creates a controlled pathway for pressure release. The intermediary tool channels the explosive force through a designated route rather than allowing random debris explosion, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of vent clearing and safety from uncontrolled pressure release.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief tool segments the pressure release process into controlled stages. The stem with annular opening separates the main pressure chamber from the vent pathway, while the vent tube further segments the flow path. This segmentation allows the blocked vent to be cleared while directing debris and pressure through controlled channels rather than allowing uncontrolled explosion, addressing both ease of operation and safety concerns.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If elaborate safety stands are constructed to safely remove cell cap, then pressure release can be controlled, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure relief function from the complex safety stand structure and integrates it directly into a tool that attaches to the vent opening. Instead of requiring elaborate external safety stands to control pressure release, the relief function is taken out and built into the vent clearing tool itself (stem with annular opening, vent tube). This extraction reduces device complexity while maintaining controlled pressure release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief tool combines multiple functions into a single device: it can clear blockages, control pressure release, and direct debris flow. The stem connector can attach to various vent openings, the plunger assembly can puncture blockages, and the vent tube can channel pressure and debris. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate elaborate safety stands, reducing device complexity while maintaining safety.
3Productivity
If current vent clearing methods are used, then blockage can be removed, but safety control over pressure and debris release is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized pressure relief tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the blocked vent. This tool includes a stem with annular opening, plunger assembly, and vent tube that creates a controlled pathway for pressure release. The intermediary tool channels the explosive force through a designated route rather than allowing random debris explosion, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of vent clearing and safety from uncontrolled pressure release.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief tool segments the pressure release process into controlled stages. The stem with annular opening separates the main pressure chamber from the vent pathway, while the vent tube further segments the flow path. This segmentation allows the blocked vent to be cleared while directing debris and pressure through controlled channels rather than allowing uncontrolled explosion, addressing both ease of operation and safety concerns.
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
Enables safe and controlled clearance of obstructions and pressure release from high temperature high pressure test cells, reducing the risk of explosions and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
advancing the plunger rod through the vent opening, puncturing the blockage in the test cell to allow fluid flow to the test cell vent opening
Implementation Method 2
allowing fluid to exit the test cell through a stem opening
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure relief tool including a stem connected to a plunger assembly, a plunger rod slidably retained in the plunger assembly and the stem, a stem connector for connecting the stem to a test cell vent opening, a handle operably connected to the plunger rod, and a vent tube extending from said plunger assembly, the vent tube fluidly connected to an annular opening within the stem. A method of opening a blockage and venting pressure from a high temperature high pressure test cell includes attaching a pressure relief tool of the present invention to the test cell vent opening; advancing the plunger rod through the vent opening, puncturing the blockage in the test cell to allow fluid flow to the vent opening, and allowing fluid to exit the test cell through the annular opening in the stem and the vent tube.