Flexible Multi-Tube Cleaning Lance Positioner Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lance positioner frames for high pressure fluid rotary nozzle systems are rigid, cumbersome, and require substantial space adjacent to the heat exchanger tube sheet, limiting their feasibility and requiring manual adjustment close to the tube sheet to match varying tube spacings.
Innovation Solution
A pitch adjustment apparatus with an elongated housing supporting guide tubes, featuring a hose stop bracket and a guide tube pitch clamp assembly with V-blocks and a threaded rod, allowing for precise adjustment of guide tube spacing from a position spaced away from the tube sheet, enabling flexible alignment with the heat exchanger tube sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rigid frame structures are used for lance positioning, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame structure is divided into modular components: a positioner rail assembly that can be independently positioned and secured to the tube sheet, separate from the lance drive assembly. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system transitions from a fixed two-dimensional plane to a three-dimensional adjustable framework. The positioner rail can be positioned at various locations and orientations on the tube sheet surface, providing flexibility in accommodating different tube sheet configurations without requiring a complete frame reconfiguration.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid frame structures are used for lance positioning, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome setup and substantial space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable and movable components rather than fixed rigid structures. The positioner rail can be repositioned along the tube sheet, and the guide tube spacing can be adjusted using the pitch adjustment apparatus, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements without manual disassembly or reconfiguration of the entire frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioner rail and guide tubes are pre-configured with adjustment mechanisms that allow for quick setup. The pitch adjustment apparatus with V-blocks and threaded rods enables rapid spacing adjustments without requiring complex manual alignment procedures, reducing setup time and improving ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of guide tube spacing is performed adjacent to the tube sheet, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch adjustment apparatus serves as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the guide tubes. The V-blocks engage with the guide tubes and the threaded rod provides mechanical advantage, allowing precise spacing adjustments to be made from a convenient working position rather than requiring direct manual adjustment adjacent to the tube sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual adjustment is replaced with a mechanical adjustment system using V-blocks and threaded rods. This mechanical system provides precise, repeatable spacing adjustments through controlled rotation of the threaded rod, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measurement and positioning while maintaining high manufacturing precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable spreader is fastened between distal ends of guide tubes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch adjustment apparatus with V-blocks and threaded rod serves multiple functions: it adjusts guide tube spacing, maintains guide tube alignment, and provides a standardized adjustment mechanism that can be used with different tube sheet configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-blocks are positioned within the housing structure, and the threaded rod passes through the V-blocks, creating a nested arrangement where adjustment components are integrated within the existing framework. This nesting minimizes additional space requirements and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining adjustability.
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 efficient and precise positioning of guide tubes relative to the heat exchanger tube sheet, accommodating different tube spacings and sizes without the need for manual adjustment adjacent to the tube sheet, enhancing operational flexibility and safety by preventing fluid escape and hose misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
The pitch clamp assembly has at least two V-blocks fastened to a threaded rod. One V-block is fastened to a portion of the threaded rod having right hand threads. Another V-block is fastened to another portion of the threaded rod having left hand threads.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide tube pitch adjustment apparatus for aligning distal ends of lance guide tubes in registry with tube openings in a heat exchanger tube sheet is disclosed. A guide tube pitch clamp assembly carried within and supported from a housing. The pitch clamp assembly has at least two V-blocks fastened to a threaded rod. One V-block is fastened to a portion of the threaded rod having right hand threads, and another V-block is fastened to another portion of the threaded rod having left hand threads. Each of the V-blocks supports a portion of one of the guide tubes, and a cross bar clamp within the housing is oriented to span across the V-blocks and adjustably hold the portions of the guide tubes in a spaced relationship such that spacing between the distal ends of adjacent guide tubes may be adjusted by rotation of the threaded rod.