Odorization Nozzle Exchange via Pressure-Equalized Sluice Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odorization devices face challenges in safely and efficiently replacing odorizing nozzles due to pressure differences between gas lines and ambient pressure, requiring significant effort and equipment, leading to high costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
An odorization device with an interchangeable sluice and sluice chamber that allows for controlled adjustment of sluice pressure to compensate for pressure differences, enabling axial movement of the odorizing nozzle for easy exchange without depressurizing the gas line, using a sluice valve and compensating valve to manage pressure and facilitate nozzle replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the odorizing nozzle is replaced while the gas line is under pressure, then the gas line remains in service and operational continuity is maintained, but the pressure difference between the gas line and ambient pressure creates significant risk and difficulty in the replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary chamber (exchange chamber) between the gas line and the odorizing nozzle. This chamber acts as a buffer zone where pressure equalization can occur safely. The intermediary chamber allows the nozzle to be exchanged while the gas line remains pressurized, as the chamber can accommodate pressure differences without creating hazardous conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Before the actual nozzle replacement, the system performs preliminary pressure equalization in the exchange chamber. The chamber is first filled with gas at line pressure, then the odorizing nozzle is replaced within this pre-prepared environment. This preliminary action ensures that when the nozzle is being exchanged, the pressure conditions are already controlled and safe.
2Reliability
If the odorizing nozzle is replaced by diverting gas via a bypass section and depressurizing the gas line, then the replacement can be performed safely, but significant equipment outlay, high costs and additional space requirements are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The exchange chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure equalization zone, a safe exchange environment, and a buffer against pressure differences. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate bypass sections, additional valves, and complex depressurization systems that would otherwise be required for safe nozzle replacement.
3Device complexity
If the odorizing nozzle is replaced without pressure compensation, then the exchangeable lock structure is simpler, but the pressure difference between line pressure and ambient pressure creates difficulty in nozzle exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter within the exchange chamber during the nozzle exchange process. By controlling the pressure in the chamber to match the line pressure, the pressure difference that normally makes nozzle exchange difficult is eliminated. This parameter change occurs automatically as gas flows into the chamber during the exchange operation.
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
This solution simplifies the exchangeability of odorizing nozzles, allowing for safe and efficient replacement without taking the gas line out of service, reducing operational costs and space requirements by controlling pressure differences and enabling axial movement of the nozzle within the exchangeable lock.
Implementation Method 1
the interchangeable sluice has a sluice valve that is arranged and designed to set a sluice pressure in a sluice section of the sluice chamber
Implementation Method 2
a controlled adjustment of the sluice pressure to a compensation pressure and thus to the line pressure in the gas line is made possible in order to bring about an axial movement of the odorizing nozzle
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to an odorizing device (100) for odorizing a gas (SG) carried in a gas line (800), which has a connection nozzle (110) for establishing a gas-carrying connection with a gas line (800), an odorizing inlet (116) configured for supplying an odorizing agent (SO), and an odorizing nozzle (200) configured for introducing the odorizing agent (SO) into the gas line (800). According to the invention, the odorizing device (100) is provided with a changeover valve (120) connectable to the connection nozzle (110) and a changeover chamber (122), wherein the changeover valve (120) has a changeover valve (141.1) which is arranged and configured to set a changeover pressure (PS) in a changeover section (122.1) of the changeover chamber (122).