Pipe Cleaning Assembly With Bonnet-Guided Flow for Closed Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe cleaning methods for piping systems are time-consuming, expensive, and risk contamination or damage to control valves and other equipment, especially in closed systems, due to the need for disassembly and reconfiguration, and inadequate debris removal.
Innovation Solution
A pipe cleaning assembly with a connection fixture and bonnet that allows for multiple cleaning modes without disassembly, using flanges for connection instead of welding, and a bonnet with adjustable flow paths and filters to direct fluid flow and prevent debris accumulation, enabling thorough and economical cleaning while protecting sensitive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temporary piping and welding connections are used for cleaning, then the piping system can be cleaned thoroughly, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive with risk of re-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve trim is designed to serve dual purposes: functioning as a noise-reducing trim during normal operation and as a cleaning mechanism during pipe cleaning. The cage element with multiple passages and the valve plug work together to both reduce noise and enable thorough cleaning without requiring separate temporary piping or welding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve's existing trim components (cage element, valve plug, and passages) are utilized to perform the cleaning function. The system uses its own structure to clean itself and the piping system, eliminating the need for external temporary piping, welding connections, or separate cleaning equipment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If noise reducing valve trim with cage element is used, then noise limits are met, but the small passages are susceptible to plugging by particulate debris
Solution Approach 1:
The valve plug, which normally serves to close the valve, is utilized as a cleaning tool to push debris through the cage element passages. By moving the valve plug downward, debris accumulated in the small passages is forced through, converting a potential harm (debris accumulation) into a beneficial cleaning action that maintains the noise-reducing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static noise-reducing trim to a dynamic cleaning system. The valve plug can be moved downward to actively clear debris from the cage element passages, transforming the trim from a passive noise-reducing component to an active self-cleaning mechanism that maintains its functionality over time.
3Reliability
If blowout plug is used in place of trim, then debris can be passed through the valve, but the debris is not removed from closed systems and requires disassembly and reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve trim uses its own existing components (valve plug and cage element) to perform the debris removal function. The valve plug pushes debris through the cage element passages during normal operation or maintenance, eliminating the need for separate blowout plugs, disassembly, or reconfiguration of the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning function is extracted from the valve closure function. The valve plug, while maintaining its primary function of closing the valve, also serves to extract and remove debris from the system by pushing it through the cage element passages, eliminating the need for separate debris removal mechanisms.
4Stability of the object's composition
If standard control valve trim is used during cleaning, then the valve structure remains intact, but the trim can be damaged by debris caught in the cage passages
Solution Approach 1:
Debris that would normally cause harm by damaging the trim is converted into a useful cleaning agent. By intentionally introducing additional debris or using the valve plug to push existing debris through the cage element, the trim is cleaned of accumulated particulates, preventing future damage while utilizing the debris itself as the cleaning mechanism.
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 solution allows for efficient, thorough, and cost-effective cleaning of piping systems without risking damage to control valves, enabling quick-change cleaning mode selection and high flow rates, even in closed systems, reducing labor and contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
The bonnet includes a generally cylindrical wall and a plurality of openings formed through the cylindrical wall to direct fluid flowing through the connection fixture
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe cleaning assembly has a connection fixture having a body defining a cavity. A first aperture, opposing first auxiliary aperture coaxially aligned with the first aperture, second aperture, and opposing second auxiliary aperture coaxially aligned with the second aperture are in fluid communication with the cavity. A first connection flange extends from and surrounds the first aperture, a second connection flange extends from and surrounds the second aperture, a third connection flange extends from and surrounds the first auxiliary aperture, and a fourth connection flange extends from and surrounds the second auxiliary aperture. A bonnet is inserted through the second auxiliary aperture and is positioned within the cavity of the body and includes a generally cylindrical wall and a plurality of openings formed through the cylindrical wall to direct fluid flowing through the connection fixture.