Hydroblasting Effluent Bag Assembly With Anti-Static Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydroblasting effluent containment devices face issues with high-pressure spray impingement and static electricity buildup, which can lead to electrical discharges and ignite flammable vapors, especially when handling vessels with oblique water jets and heat exchangers with extended tubes.
Innovation Solution
A bag assembly with a resilient sleeve and anti-static capabilities is designed to be attached around the vessel, featuring a containment bag with a throat opening, sleeve, and drain, along with optional anti-static coatings or conductive materials to prevent static buildup and protect against high-pressure fluid impingement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional plastic effluent container material is used, then the containment bag is flexible and easy to install, but static electricity builds up from spray and effluent flow which can ignite flammable vapors
Solution Approach 1:
The containment bag is constructed from conductive material such as stainless steel mesh or conductive fabric, replacing conventional non-conductive plastic material. This composite approach maintains flexibility and ease of installation while inherently conducting away static electricity to prevent sparks that could ignite flammable vapors.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical conductivity parameter of the containment bag material is changed from insulating (plastic) to conductive (stainless steel mesh or conductive fabric). This parameter change allows the material to dissipate static electricity while maintaining the necessary flexibility for installation around vessels.
2Productivity
If the hydroblasting wand sprays at an oblique angle to clean vessels with extended tubes, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but high pressure spray directly impinges on the bag surface causing material damage
Solution Approach 1:
The containment bag uses conductive fabric or stainless steel mesh material that is inherently resistant to high-pressure water impingement. This composite material structure provides both the flexibility needed for installation and the strength to withstand oblique-angle hydroblasting spray without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment bag is constructed as a flexible shell from conductive material that can deform and absorb the impact of high-pressure spray. The flexible nature allows it to withstand oblique-angle impingement while maintaining containment integrity, unlike rigid structures that would be more vulnerable to damage.
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
Effectively contains and drains hydroblasting effluent while preventing static electricity discharges and material damage from high-pressure fluid, ensuring safe handling of flammable vapors during hydroblasting operations.
Implementation Method 1
The containment bag is made of conductive material to reduce the risk of igniting vapor
Implementation Method 2
The sleeve is formed of a resilient material... configured to resist direct impingement by hydroblasting fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
System and method for handling effluent during a hydroblasting operation of a vessel (110). The system includes a bag assembly (50) comprising a containment bag (100) and a drain (116). A throat opening (302) is configured to interface with an end of a vessel (110). The sidewall (114) extends approximately longitudinally from the throat opening (302). A sleeve (120) is located substantially circumferentially around the containment bag (100) near the throat opening (302) and is formed of a resilient, anti-static material.