Field Incinerator Propane Flow Control via Multi-Gauge Pressure Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Field incinerators lack efficient control mechanisms for propane flow and flame management, leading to inconsistent burning conditions and safety concerns during earth scorching processes.

Innovation Solution

A field incinerator design featuring a carriage-mounted propane tank with a triple-gauge system and valve configuration, where the first and second gauges control the outlet valve based on pressure thresholds, and the third gauge controls the flame control valve, ensuring precise propane flow and flame management through a main control circuit and flame failure safety circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a simple outlet valve is used without multiple gauges, then the device complexity is reduced, but the pressure control precision and safety cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure control precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the pressure control system into multiple independent gauges (first gauge for low pressure threshold, second gauge for high pressure threshold, third gauge for flame control) that each monitor specific pressure conditions. This segmentation allows precise pressure control at different stages while maintaining clear functional separation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each gauge is positioned at a specific location in the propane flow path and monitors local pressure conditions at that point. The first gauge monitors pressure near the tank, the second gauge monitors pressure downstream, and the third gauge monitors pressure at the burner outlet. This local quality approach enables precise control at different locations in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If manual control of propane flow is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and safety during operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic feedback control where the gauges continuously monitor pressure conditions and automatically adjust the outlet valve and flame control valve accordingly. When the first gauge detects low pressure, it automatically opens the outlet valve; when the second gauge detects high pressure, it automatically closes it. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation without requiring constant manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-regulation of propane flow and flame control based on pressure conditions detected by the gauges. The automatic valves respond to pressure changes without external control, allowing the system to self-adjust and maintain safe operating conditions autonomously, thereby improving reliability while reducing the operational burden on the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If flame control is not automatically managed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety and consistent burning conditions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburning consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The third gauge provides feedback on pressure conditions at the burner outlet, and the flame control valve automatically adjusts based on this feedback to maintain consistent burning conditions. This automatic feedback control ensures reliable and consistent flame management without requiring complex manual control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 consistent and controlled propane flow and flame management, ensuring efficient scorching of earth with precise pressure control, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The first gauge has a first gauge control parameter. The first gauge control parameter requires less than a first set pressure for activation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

The second gauge is connected to the outlet passage downstream from the first gauge a set distance away from the first gauge. The second gauge has a second gauge control parameter. The second gauge control parameter requires more than a set second pressure for activation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 3

The third gauge has a third gauge control parameter. The third gauge control parameter requires less than a set third set pressure for activating the flame control valve.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 4

A burner is connected to the flame control valve. The burner is configured in series with the flame control valve which is in series with the third gauge, outlet valve, second gauge, first gauge, and fuel tank.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS11547108B1Field incinerator
Publication Date: 2023.01.10 YAMAMOTO JIRO
  • US11547108B1 patent drawing
  • US11547108B1 patent drawing
  • US11547108B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A field incinerator has a carriage with a frame. A fuel tank such as a propane tank is mounted to the frame. An outlet passage extends from the tank. An outlet valve is mounted to the outlet passage. The outlet valve controls the outlet passage. The first gauge has a first gauge tap. The first gauge tap is connected to the fuel tank or the outlet passage. The first gauge has a first gauge control parameter. The first gauge control parameter requires less than a first set pressure for activation. The second gauge is connected to the outlet passage downstream from the first gauge. The second gauge has a second gauge control parameter. The second gauge control parameter requires more than a set second pressure for activation. The first gauge control parameter and the second gauge control parameter must both be fulfilled for opening the outlet valve.