Unpressurized Hopper for Pipe Abrasive Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional abrasive blasting systems for cleaning small-diameter pipes face safety hazards due to pressurized vessels, lack of visual control for abrasive feed, and inefficiencies in adding material without shutting down the system.
Innovation Solution
An unpressurized hopper system with a valve body and sliding gate for controlled abrasive particulate material introduction into an air or gas stream, allowing for visual control and continuous operation without pressurized blowback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressurized hopper is used to dispense abrasive particulate material, then a steady controlled rate of insertion is achieved, but safety hazards arise due to potential deterioration and rupture of the pressurized vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pressurization function from the hopper, extracting the harmful pressurized state while retaining the dispensing function. The hopper operates at atmospheric pressure, eliminating rupture hazards while using a feed screw mechanism to maintain controlled abrasive insertion rates into the gas stream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for potential feed issues by providing visual observation capability through transparent hopper walls or viewing windows. This allows operators to monitor abrasive flow conditions and address problems before they cause system failures, cushioning against operational disruptions.
2Reliability
If a pressurized hopper is used, then controlled abrasive delivery is achieved, but the system cannot accept additional abrasive material without shutting down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing the hopper to be opened and refilled with abrasive material without shutting down the gas stream or stopping the feed screw. The atmospheric pressure design permits easy access to the hopper inlet while the feed screw continues rotating, maintaining uninterrupted abrasive delivery to the pipe cleaning operation.
3Reliability
If an axial-feed screw is used in a pressurized hopper, then steady controlled rate of abrasive insertion is achieved, but visual observation of the process is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transparency or visual indication principles by making the hopper walls transparent or providing viewing windows, allowing operators to visually observe the abrasive material flow and feed screw operation. This enables detection of hang-ups, jamming, or improper feed conditions while maintaining the controlled insertion rate provided by the feed screw mechanism.
4Reliability
If heavy-walled welded steel pressurized vessels are used, then safety against rupture is improved, but portability and ease of deployment are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pressurization function from the hopper design, extracting the need for heavy-walled steel construction. By operating at atmospheric pressure, the hopper can be made from lighter materials, significantly reducing weight and improving portability for deployment in various pipe cleaning locations while maintaining safety through eliminated pressurization.
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
Enhances safety, portability, and operational efficiency by enabling continuous operation and precise control over abrasive feed, reducing the risk of system shutdowns and improving surface preparation for coatings.
Implementation Method 1
a stream of air or gas that is introduced into a pipe for the purpose of cleaning the internal pipe walls
Implementation Method 2
valve feed means positioned within the hopper and in fluid communication with each of the pipe and the air blower for transporting the abrasive particulate material from the hopper into the stream of gas
Implementation Method 3
The use of abrasives in a flowing air or gas stream for pipe cleaning to remove the above-noted contaminants and corrosion products
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of air or gas for introduction into a pipe for the purpose of cleaning the pipe and preparing the inner surface for coating or lining. The system comprises an air blower coupled to the pipe, and generates the stream of air or gas, and a three component feed assembly for dispensing the abrasive particulate material. The feed assembly operates at atmospheric pressure and is in fluid communication with each of the pipe and the air blower, and is used to meter the abrasive particulate material into the stream of gas for introduction into the pipe. The system further comprises a shut-off valve that is in fluid communication with the feed assembly, the air blower and the pipe and is cycled to isolate the feed assembly from the air blower during pipe drying and maintenance operations.