Valve Bonnet Nozzle Assembly for In-Service Internal Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cleaning processes for fluid control valves require shutdown and disassembly, are inefficient in cleaning sealing surfaces, expose operators to hazards, and are time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A nozzle assembly is coupled to the bonnet of a fluid control valve, allowing for the distribution of servicing fluid into the interior of the valve while it remains operational, enabling cleaning of internal components without shutdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cleaning process is used (shutdown and disassembly), then complete cleaning of all components is achieved, but productivity is reduced and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidvalve operational status

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning system is segmented into multiple spray nozzles positioned at different locations within the bonnet, each targeting specific internal surfaces and components. This allows comprehensive cleaning coverage while maintaining valve operation, resolving the contradiction between complete cleaning and continuous productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A servicing fluid (cleaning agent) is introduced as an intermediary medium to clean internal components without requiring physical disassembly or shutdown. The fluid is delivered through spray nozzles that act as intermediaries between the cleaning system and the valve internals, enabling cleaning while the valve remains operational.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual scrubbing by operator is used, then cleaning coverage is improved, but operator safety is compromised due to exposure to hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoidoperator exposure to hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve cleaning system performs self-service through automated spray nozzles that clean internal components without human intervention. The servicing fluid is pumped and sprayed automatically, eliminating the need for operators to manually enter or approach hazardous areas, thus maintaining cleaning coverage while removing operator exposure to harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The servicing fluid acts as an intermediary that performs the cleaning function previously requiring direct operator contact. By using fluid delivery systems and spray mechanisms as intermediaries, the system achieves comprehensive cleaning coverage while keeping operators at a safe distance from hazardous materials and sharp features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional cleaning process is used (disassembly and soaking), then thorough cleaning is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning thoroughnessVSAvoidcleaning duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning process operates continuously while the valve remains in service. Multiple spray nozzles deliver servicing fluid continuously to internal surfaces, maintaining constant cleaning action without the interruptions required by shutdown and disassembly processes. This continuous action achieves thorough cleaning while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The spray nozzles are pre-positioned within the bonnet to target specific cleaning zones before contamination becomes severe. The system can perform preliminary or routine cleaning at scheduled intervals, preventing buildup and reducing the need for extensive cleaning operations, thereby achieving thoroughness while minimizing time investment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effective cleaning of internal components of the fluid control valve while maintaining operation, reducing exposure to hazards and saving time.

Implementation Method 1

a flow passage extending through a portion of the nozzle body. The flow passage is adapted to be coupled to a source of servicing fluid for the fluid control valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow through passage:

Data Source

PatentUS20250222483A1Assemblies for servicing an interior of a fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is operational

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 FISHER CONTROLS INT LLC

AI summary

A nozzle assembly for servicing an interior of a valve while the valve is operational. The assembly includes a main body adapted to engage a top side of a bonnet of the valve. The assembly includes a spray nozzle that is removably coupleable to the main body and includes a nozzle body removably disposable in a central bore of the main body, and a flow passage extending through a portion of the nozzle body, the flow passage adapted to be coupled to a source of servicing fluid for the fluid control valve. The assembly includes a tip coupled to an end of the nozzle body and in fluid communication with the flow passage, such that when the nozzle body is removably disposed in the central bore of the main body, the tip is positioned to distribute the servicing fluid from the source into an interior of the bonnet.