Integral Ball Valve Tap for Pipeline Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing taps for pipelines do not allow for the interruption of fluid flow, making it difficult to perform maintenance, replacement, or repair of downstream equipment without shutting down the pipeline.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a ball valve with opposing stems and handles into the tap design, enabling the interruption of fluid flow without shutting down the pipeline, allowing for maintenance and repair of downstream equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional tap design is used without a valve, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it is impossible to interrupt fluid flow for maintenance of downstream equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tap and ball valve into a single integrated assembly, where the ball valve is positioned within the tap body and shares the same fluid passage. This merging allows the device to provide both flow interruption capability and maintains relative structural simplicity by eliminating the need for separate valve and tap components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated tap-valve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a flow conduit and a flow control device. The ball valve component enables the device to interrupt flow when needed while maintaining flow capability when open, providing operational versatility without requiring entirely separate components.
2Productivity
If a ball valve is added to the tap to enable flow interruption, then maintenance of downstream equipment can be performed without shutting down the pipeline, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the ball valve directly into the tap structure, the patent reduces the number of separate components that would otherwise be required. The valve stem, handle, and sealing elements are incorporated within the tap body, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining the ability to interrupt flow for maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball valve components are nested within the tap body structure. The valve mechanism is positioned inside the tap housing, with the ball, stem, and handle arranged concentrically or in a compact configuration that utilizes the existing tap geometry, thereby minimizing additional space and structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If opposing stems with handles are provided on the ball valve, then flexibility in handle positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides asymmetric handle positioning options by including opposing stems that can accommodate handles at different locations. This asymmetric design allows the system to adapt to various installation orientations and spatial constraints, enabling flexible configuration while maintaining a relatively simple underlying valve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The opposing stems serve multiple functions: they provide alternative handle mounting positions for different installation scenarios, and they maintain the same basic valve operation mechanism. This universal approach allows a single valve design to accommodate various operational requirements without requiring entirely different valve configurations.
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
Facilitates the installation, removal, maintenance, replacement, or repair of downstream equipment like piping, fittings, and transmitters without interrupting the fluid flow in the pipeline, enhancing operational efficiency in the oil and gas industry.
Implementation Method 1
a ball valve (18) mounted in the through bore (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A valved tap is disclosed comprising a tap body having a through bore from a threaded input end to an output end thereof. A globe valve is positioned in the valve body so as to interrupt the flow of fluid in the through bore. The output end of the tap body may comprise a flanged portion connectable to a manifold.