Vacuum Tank Separable Conduit for Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum systems used in drilling and excavation operations face challenges in safely and efficiently releasing pressure to prevent damage to components when the vacuum is turned off, as rapid air flow reversal can harm the pump and engine, and maintaining vacuum pressure increases the force required to open the tank door for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum assembly with a separable conduit connection between the tank and blower, allowing for rapid pressure equalization without reversing air flow, and a check valve to prevent counterflow, along with an actuator to move the tank and conduit sections, enabling safe pressure release and easy access for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the vacuum tank maintains vacuum pressure, then the vacuum system can continuously operate, but the force required to open the tank door increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air conduit is divided into separable sections (first section connected to tank, second section connected to blower) that can be quickly disconnected. This segmentation allows the tank to be isolated from the vacuum system, enabling pressure equalization and easy door opening without compromising overall system continuity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the vacuum is turned off, then energy consumption stops, but rapid air flow reversal can harm the pump and engine
Solution Approach 1:
Before turning off the vacuum system, the operator quickly disconnects the air conduit sections, equalizing pressure between the tank and atmosphere. This preliminary action prevents harmful reverse air flow from occurring when the system shuts down, protecting the pump and engine while allowing safe energy cessation.
Solution Approach 2:
The separable air conduit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tank and blower. By introducing this disconnectable connection, the system can safely transition from vacuum state to atmospheric pressure without direct reverse flow through the pump, thus protecting components during energy shutdown.
3Reliability
If a threaded connection is used in the conduit, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional threaded mechanical connections with a simplified coupling system consisting of a male end and female end that connect through basic insertion and engagement. This substitution maintains connection security while dramatically reducing assembly and disassembly time, enabling quick pressure equalization without complex threading operations.
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 solution allows for safe and efficient pressure release, protecting system components and facilitating easy tank access for cleaning and maintenance without causing air flow reversal, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The blower is configured to remove air from the vacuum tank
Implementation Method 2
allowing for rapid pressure equalization without reversing air flow
Implementation Method 3
a check valve to prevent counterflow
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling pressure to a vacuum tank. The system comprises a conduit disposed between the vacuum tank and a blower. The conduit has a sealable connection disposed along its length between two sections that are geometrically conforming. The connection may be conical and threadless. Tilting the vacuum tank relative to the blower causes the connection to separate, allowing pressure within the vacuum tank to equalize with atmospheric pressure. Filters may be provided on each side of the connection for removing particulates from air evacuated from the tank.