Magnet Grid Assembly for Continuous Magnetic Material Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for capturing and removing magnetic material from a flow of material, such as in oil well drilling mud or industrial processes, face challenges in continuous operation without interrupting the flow, as they require stopping the flow for cleaning and are not suitable for harsh environments like offshore drilling due to complex installation and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a magnet grid assembly with sliding magnet rods and a wiper system, arranged in a U-shaped frame with guiding bars to maintain continuous operation, allowing for easy insertion and removal of magnet assemblies during cleaning, and adapted for harsh environments with adjustable magnet strength and orientation to optimize magnetic field efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetized bars are used to capture magnetic material in a flow of material, then magnetic material is effectively removed, but the flow must be stopped for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the magnetic capture system into multiple separate magnet assemblies arranged in parallel rows. Each row can be independently removed and cleaned without affecting the other rows, allowing continuous operation as one row is cleaned while others remain in service.
Solution Approach 2:
A non-magnetic wiper assembly serves as an intermediary tool to remove captured magnetic material from the magnetized bars without requiring flow interruption. The wiper can be inserted and moved along the magnets to clear accumulated material while the system remains operational.
2Ease of repair
If magnetized bars with captured metal cuttings are handled manually, then metal material is removed, but sharp edges pose safety risks to workers
Solution Approach 1:
The non-magnetic wiper assembly acts as an intermediary tool that performs the cleaning function without exposing workers to sharp metal cuttings. The wiper safely removes and contains the captured material, eliminating direct hand contact with hazardous sharp edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The captured magnetic material is extracted from the magnetized bars using the wiper assembly and deposited into a collection container. This separates the hazardous material from the handling process, allowing maintenance without direct exposure to sharp cuttings.
3Reliability
If complex cleaning mechanisms are added to enable continuous operation, then flow interruption is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assemblies are designed to be easily removable and reinsertable by operators without requiring complex automated cleaning mechanisms. The simple modular design allows manual cleaning while maintaining continuous operation, avoiding the need for sophisticated self-cleaning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into independent, modular magnet assemblies that can be individually accessed and cleaned. This modular approach simplifies the cleaning process compared to attempting to clean a single large integrated system, reducing overall device complexity while enabling continuous operation.
4Productivity
If multiple rows of magnet assemblies are used to enable continuous cleaning, then productivity is maintained, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple separate, identical magnet assemblies arranged in parallel rows. Each assembly is an independent module that can be individually installed, removed, and cleaned. This segmentation allows continuous productivity while keeping each individual component simple and the overall installation manageable through modular replication.
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 continuous capture and removal of magnetic material without stopping the flow, is suitable for harsh environments, and can be easily adapted or expanded, ensuring safety and efficiency in handling and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
magnet assemblies (10) arranged to form a magnet grid for capturing magnetic material in a flow of material
Implementation Method 2
wiper assembly (20) for removing the captured magnetic material from the magnet rods (11)
Data Source
AI summary
Device for capturing and removing magnetic material from a flow of material, wherein the device includes magnet assemblies including magnet rods for capturing magnetic material in a flow of material passing the magnet assemblies and where the magnet assemblies are removably arranged to a frame assembly of the device, wherein each magnet assembly includes a set of at least two magnet rods.