Injection Nozzle Removal Under Pressure Using Shut-Off Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas odorization systems face challenges in maintaining and replacing odorization nozzles due to high gas pressure, which requires quick and safe removal without shutting off the gas line, and existing solutions are either cumbersome or inefficient in managing pressure differences.

Innovation Solution

A vaccination system with a stopcock and a vaccination nozzle removal device featuring a frame, screw gear, and spindle head that allows the nozzle to be removed and inspected without shutting off the pipe, using a reversible attachment and venting mechanism to manage pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pipe is shut off to remove the vaccination nozzle, then occupational safety is improved, but the gas supply is interrupted and economic losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupational safetyVSAvoidgas supply continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the nozzle removal process from the gas supply system by introducing a removable collection container. The nozzle can be removed and inspected in a separate container while the gas supply remains connected through the still-attached container, allowing maintenance without interrupting gas flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collection container acts as an intermediary element between the nozzle and the gas supply system. It provides a transition state where the nozzle can be detached from the gas line while remaining attached to the container, enabling safe removal without shutting off the gas supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the pipe is not shut off for quick maintenance, then gas supply continuity is maintained, but occupational safety risks increase due to pressurized gas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance speedVSAvoidoccupational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The collection container serves as a safety intermediary that can be attached to the nozzle assembly. When the nozzle needs removal, the container remains connected to the pressurized gas line while the nozzle is detached and transferred to the container, providing a safe buffer zone that prevents direct exposure to pressurized gas during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a large volume of pressurized gas is relieved for nozzle removal, then the nozzle can be removed safely, but economic losses increase due to gas escape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle removal safetyVSAvoidgas escape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts only the necessary volume of gas for safe nozzle removal by using a collection container with controlled capacity. The container is sized to accommodate the nozzle and allow safe pressure equalization without requiring relief of the entire gas supply system, minimizing gas loss while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 safe and efficient removal and inspection of odorization nozzles without interrupting gas supply, reducing the risk of unexpected interruptions and minimizing gas escape, allowing for flexible maintenance timing and reducing economic losses.

Implementation Method 1

a screw gear that has a spindle and a spindle head, the spindle head being designed to connect to the head part and to move the head part along the longitudinal axis of the vaccination site

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3587539B1Injection system and method for removing a nozzle from such system
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 BILFINGER EMS GMBH
  • EP3587539B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3587539B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3587539B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an injection system (10) for a pipe (12) for pressurized gas (48), in particular for compressed natural gas, with (a) an injection point (16) which has (i) an injection nozzle (18) and (ii) a head part (20) on which the injection nozzle (18) is supported. According to the invention, (b) the injection site (16) (i) has a shut-off valve (24), in particular a ball valve, and (ii) the injection nozzle (18) extends through the shut-off valve (24) into the tube (12) and along a longitudinal axis (L) of the injection site, and (c) the injection system (10) has an injection nozzle removal device (26) comprising (i) a frame (28) for reversibly attaching the injection nozzle removal device (26) relative to the injection site (16) and (ii) a screw drive (30) having a spindle (34) and a spindle head (36), (iii) wherein the spindle head (36) is configured to connect to the head part (20) and to move the head part (20) along the longitudinal axis (L) of the injection site.