Receptacle Cleaning System With Closed-Loop Fluid Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning receptacles filled with debris from wells are time-consuming, hazardous for workers, and result in an unsatisfactory work environment due to spills and slippery conditions, as they require manual handling and disposal of materials like sand, drill-fluid particles, and cuttings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a bottom sub, top assembly, retention tank, and air-driven pump with a closed-loop fluid path that connects to the receptacle's auger conveyor, allowing for efficient flushing and collection of debris using cleaning fluid, reducing manual handling and spillage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual handling and disposal methods are used for debris, then simplicity and low cost are achieved, but cleaning time increases and worker safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated washing system that uses a pump to circulate washing fluid through the receptacle, automatically flushing debris out through a drain. This substitution of manual labor with a mechanical washing system reduces cleaning time while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using a pump to circulate washing fluid through the receptacle and debris removal system. The fluid flow automatically transports debris from the receptacle through the drain, eliminating manual handling and significantly reducing cleaning time.
2Device complexity
If manual handling of debris is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but worker safety and work environment deteriorate due to spills and slippery conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual debris handling with an automated fluid circulation system that contains and transports debris through closed pathways. This eliminates worker exposure to hazardous materials and prevents spills, improving safety without requiring complex additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a closed-loop fluid circulation system with contained pathways that prevent debris and washing fluid from spilling onto the work environment. This containment approach protects workers from harmful factors while maintaining relatively simple equipment architecture.
3Device complexity
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual cleaning operations with an automated pump-driven fluid circulation system that rapidly flushes debris from the receptacle. This mechanical automation maintains equipment simplicity while dramatically improving cleaning efficiency and overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a continuous circulation system where washing fluid is continuously pumped through the receptacle, carrying debris along the flow path and out through the drain. This continuous action eliminates the intermittent nature of manual cleaning, significantly boosting productivity while keeping the system relatively simple.
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 significantly reduces cleaning time, enhances worker safety by containing debris and fluids within a closed loop, and facilitates controlled disposal of materials, making the process faster and safer compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a pump (6) connected to the retention tank (5) on the pump's suction side by a supply line (53), and said pump on the pump's pressure side being connected to the at least one bottom sub (3) by an inlet line (33)
Implementation Method 2
A system and method for cleaning a receptacle... comprising a bottom sub (3), top assembly (4), retention tank (5) and air-driven pump (6)
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle is formed with a bottom end and a top end and houses an auger conveyor. The system includes at least one bottom sub comprising an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end is releasably connectable to a receptacle bottom end. At least one top assembly, comprising a house with an entrance releasably connectable to the receptacle top end and an outlet for connection to an outlet line, and a chamber within the house. The chamber forms a flow path between the entrance and the outlet. A retention tank is connected to the at least one top assembly outlet by the outlet line. A pump is connected to the retention tank on a pump suction side by a supply line, and the pump on the pressure side being connected to the at least one bottom sub by an inlet line.