Variable Orifice Flow Device for Debris-Flushing Flowlines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical systems with fixed orifices in flowlines often become plugged with debris and residue, leading to premature failure of mechanical seals and requiring system shutdown for maintenance, which is inefficient and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a variable orifice flow device that can be actuated between fully closed and open positions to maintain fluid circulation and self-clean, allowing for increased flow rates to flush out debris and residue without shutting down the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed orifice is used in the flowline to regulate fluid flow, then the flow rate can be controlled, but the orifice becomes plugged with debris and residue over time, requiring system shutdown for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed orifice with a variable orifice flow device that can change its opening size. The flow device includes a valve member that can be positioned at multiple locations (fully closed, partially open, fully open) to dynamically adjust the orifice size. This allows the system to maintain continuous operation by opening the orifice wider to flush debris accumulation, eliminating the need for shutdowns while maintaining flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the orifice diameter to vary rather than remaining fixed. The variable orifice flow device enables changes in the flow parameter (orifice opening size) to address different operating conditions. When debris accumulates, the orifice can be opened wider to increase flow rate and flush the debris, thereby maintaining system reliability without shutting down.
2Reliability
If the fixed orifice is cleaned manually, then the flow rate is restored, but the system must be shut down and isolated for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the system to clean itself without external intervention. The variable orifice flow device allows operators to increase the flow rate through the orifice to flush and remove debris accumulation. This self-cleaning capability eliminates the need for system shutdowns and manual maintenance, restoring flow rate while minimizing time loss.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the orifice is opened wider to flush debris, then the flow rate increases and cleaning effect is achieved, but the normal flow control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing a flow device that can dynamically adjust the orifice opening size according to operational needs. The valve member can be positioned at multiple locations including fully closed, partially open, and fully open positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain precise flow control during normal operation while being able to open wider when debris flushing is required, thus resolving the contradiction between flow control and debris removal.
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 continuous operation by maintaining fluid flow and cleaning the orifice without shutdown, preventing mechanical seal failure and ensuring consistent system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a variable orifice flow device arranged in the flowline and actuatable between a fully closed position, where an open orifice is defined in the variable orifice flow device and allows the flush and cooling fluid to circulate through the variable orifice flow device at a first flow rate, and an open position, where the flush and cooling fluid circulates through the variable orifice flow device at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical system includes a flowline through which a fluid is circulated, and a variable orifice flow device arranged in the flowline and providing a valve body that includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow path extending between the inlet and outlet ports. The variable orifice flow device is actuatable between a fully closed position, where an open orifice is defined in the variable orifice flow device to allow the fluid to circulate through the flow path at a first flow rate, and an open position, where the fluid circulates through the flow path at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate.