Roddable Valve Manifold Cleaning Without Transducer Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional valve manifolds require significant disassembly for maintenance and calibration, leading to delays in process flow measurement systems, especially when dealing with fluids containing particulate matter, as they need to isolate the pressure transducer and equalize pressures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-valve manifold design with roddable bores and strategically positioned block and shut-off valves allows for cleaning of particulate matter without disconnecting the pressure transducer, enabling rods to be inserted directly into the fluid conducting bores, and includes redundant valves for pressure equalization and fluid connection, facilitating maintenance without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional valve manifold design is used, then pressure transducer can be isolated and calibrated, but significant disassembly is required for maintenance and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold body is segmented into multiple accessible ports positioned at different locations (top, bottom, side ports) that provide independent access to internal passages. This allows maintenance personnel to insert cleaning rods through various ports without disassembling the entire manifold, enabling targeted cleaning of specific passages while the pressure transducer remains connected.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve elements (isolation valves, equalization valves, vent valves) are introduced as intermediary components that control fluid flow and pressure during maintenance operations. These valves enable pressure equalization and isolation of specific passages, allowing safe insertion and operation of cleaning rods without disrupting the pressure transducer connection.
2Ease of repair
If pressure transducer is disconnected for cleaning, then internal passages can be accessed, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold design provides multiple ports that serve dual functions: process connection ports for normal operation and maintenance ports for cleaning access. The same ports can be used for both fluid connection and insertion of cleaning rods, eliminating the need for separate access points or disconnection of the pressure transducer.
Solution Approach 2:
Isolation valves are positioned to allow preliminary isolation of specific passages before cleaning operations begin. Equalization valves can pre-equalize pressures in preparation for maintenance, and vent valves can relieve pressure before cleaning rod insertion, enabling maintenance to proceed without disconnecting the pressure transducer.
3Reliability
If multiple valves are added for pressure control, then calibration and isolation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions (isolation, equalization, venting) are integrated into a single compact manifold body with unified internal passage geometry. The valves share common mounting structures and control mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity despite providing multiple pressure control functions. The manifold body itself serves as both the structural element and the fluid distribution network.
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 efficient cleaning and maintenance of the valve manifold without disrupting the pressure transducer and transmitter, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency by allowing direct access for cleaning rods and maintaining system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes a rod inserted in the manifold passages to break down or remove obstructions and adherent material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
An apparatus and rodding method is disclosed for cleaning particular matter from the interior high and low pressure fluid conducting conduits of a valve manifold (2) and its mounting neck (6) mat are components of a process fluid flow or mass flow measuring assembly. High and low pressure fluid conducting conduits (18, 20) run through the longitudinal length of the manifold body (12) with laterally extending diversion channels that conduct the high and low pressure fluid to a pressure transducer mounted on the back side of the valve manifold (2). Following shut down of the process fluid flow, plugs at the terminal end of the fluid channels are removed, permitting cleaning rods to be inserted into the fluid channels, without having to remove the pressure transducer and associated data transmitter from the assembly.