Rotatable Bonnet Pipe Cleaning Assembly for Debris-Safe Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe cleaning methods for process plant piping systems are time-consuming, expensive, and can re-contaminate the system, and control valves with small passages are susceptible to plugging and damage during cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A modular pipe cleaning assembly with a rotatable bonnet and filter assembly that allows multiple cleaning modes, prevents contamination by not welding connections, and adjusts flow capacity and noise reduction to mimic control valves, enabling thorough and economical cleaning without damaging sensitive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If temporary piping connections are welded to the piping system for cleaning, then the cleaning process can be performed, but the system requires time-consuming repair work and risks re-contamination after cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is segmented into removable temporary piping components that connect to the main piping system through flanged connections rather than permanent welding. This allows the cleaning apparatus to be separated from the process piping after cleaning, eliminating repair time and preventing re-contamination risks.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling device serves as an intermediary between the temporary cleaning piping and the permanent process piping system. This coupling allows easy connection and disconnection without welding, enabling the temporary cleaning system to be attached for cleaning operations and then removed without affecting the permanent piping.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If control valves use trim elements with many small passages for noise reduction, then noise limits are met, but the small passages are susceptible to plugging by particulate
Solution Approach 1:
The trim element design is modified by changing the passage parameters - using fewer, larger passages instead of many small passages. This maintains noise reduction capability while significantly reducing susceptibility to plugging by particulate matter in the fluid stream.
3Ease of operation
If control valves operate with debris in the flow stream, then the valve can control flow, but debris causes damage to the valve plug and trim
Solution Approach 1:
A filter assembly is installed upstream of the control valve to remove debris from the fluid stream before it reaches the valve. This preliminary filtration action protects the valve plug and trim elements from damage while maintaining full flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly acts as an intermediary between the debris-containing fluid stream and the control valve. It captures and removes harmful particulate matter before the fluid enters the valve, protecting sensitive internal components from damage.
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 modular design allows quick selection of cleaning modes, reduces labor and costs, and prevents damage to control valves and other equipment during hydrostatic testing and cleaning, ensuring thorough and contamination-free cleaning of piping systems.
Implementation Method 1
The bonnet includes a generally cylindrical wall having an open first end and a second end, an end wall at the second end of the cylindrical wall, and a plurality of openings formed through the cylindrical wall to direct fluid flowing through the connection fixture
Implementation Method 2
A valve plug is secured to the actuator shaft and is positioned within the bonnet such that the valve plug is movable within the bonnet between a first position, in which the valve plug allows fluid flow through the bonnet, and a second position, in which the valve prevents fluid flow through the bonnet
Implementation Method 3
The bonnet is rotatable between a plurality of positions to create a plurality of different flow paths
Implementation Method 4
A filter assembly is positioned within the bonnet
Implementation Method 5
The piping system is then pressurized and, once a specified pressure has been reached, the piping system is vented
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe cleaning assembly has a connection fixture having a body defining a cavity. A first aperture, opposing second aperture coaxially aligned with the first aperture, first auxiliary aperture, and opposing second auxiliary aperture coaxially aligned with the first auxiliary aperture are in fluid communication with the cavity. A first connection flange extends from and surrounding the first aperture and a second connection flange extends from and surrounding the second aperture. A rotatable bonnet inserted through the second auxiliary aperture and includes a cylindrical wall having an open first end, an end wall at a second end, and a plurality of openings through the wall. An actuator is mounted to the bonnet with an actuator shaft extending through an opening in the end wall. A valve plug is secured to the actuator shaft and positioned within the bonnet.