Pipe Clearing Air System With Segmented Pressure Velocity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe clearing systems are inefficient and complex, often contaminating contents and leaving residue due to the use of large blowers and separate sanitation systems, which complicates the process of clearing viscous liquids from pipes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing an air system that provides high-pressure, low-velocity airflow to initiate content movement, followed by low-pressure, high-velocity airflow to remove contents and residue, with a fluid-gas separator, chlorinated water system, and collection system to maintain sanitation and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large powerful blowers are used to provide high air pressure and velocity to remove contents from the pipe, then the clearing efficiency is improved, but the system complexity and sanitation risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pipe clearing process into three distinct phases with different air pressure and velocity characteristics: (1) initial high-pressure low-velocity phase to dislodge viscous contents, (2) medium-pressure medium-velocity phase to transport bulk contents, and (3) low-pressure high-velocity phase to remove residue. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, improving overall clearing efficiency without requiring a single oversized blower system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of air pressure and velocity throughout the clearing process. The air system transitions from high pressure/low velocity at the start to low pressure/high velocity at the end. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing conditions within the pipe, maintaining optimal clearing performance while using a more balanced, less complex blower configuration.
2Speed
If high pressure air is used to move viscous contents in the pipe, then the contents begin to move, but residue remains on the pipe walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the clearing process into distinct phases: an initial phase using high pressure/low velocity air to dislodge and move viscous contents from the pipe, followed by a secondary phase using low pressure/high velocity air to remove residual films from the pipe walls. This segmentation ensures both bulk content removal and thorough residue elimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the air flow between phases. The first phase uses high pressure (to overcome viscous forces and initiate movement) while the second phase uses low pressure with high velocity (to effectively strip residue from surfaces). This parameter transformation allows the system to address different aspects of the clearing problem optimally.
3Reliability
If separate sanitation systems are added to prevent contamination, then the sanitation is maintained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clearing and sanitation functions into a single integrated air system. The same air system that clears the pipe contents also performs sanitation through the low-pressure high-velocity phase that effectively removes residue. Additionally, the system uses the pipe's own contents as the clearing medium in reverse, eliminating the need for separate sanitation equipment while maintaining reliable sanitation standards.
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 system effectively clears pipe contents and residue while maintaining sanitation, using a simplified and efficient process that reduces contamination and complexity, ensuring fast and thorough pipe clearing.
Implementation Method 1
providing air by the air system at high pressure and low velocity until the contents begin to move within the pipe
Implementation Method 2
providing air by the air system air at low pressure and high velocity until a majority of the contents are removed from the pipe
Implementation Method 3
flowing the remaining contents to a fluid-gas separator
Implementation Method 4
chlorinating the air system
Data Source
AI summary
A method of clearing a pipe of contents with an air system. The method may include providing air by the air system at high pressure and low velocity until the contents begin to move within the pipe, providing air by the air system air at low pressure and high velocity until a majority of the contents are removed from the pipe, and continuing to provide air at low pressure and high velocity until substantially all remaining contents are removed from the pipe.