Venturi Gas Purging Device for Pipeline Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas purging devices for pipelines are cumbersome, expensive, and require additional components, often failing to operate independently from a controlled gas line shut-off, making them inconvenient and costly for safe and efficient removal of hazardous gases.

Innovation Solution

A gas purging device and system that connects directly to a gas pipeline, utilizing a Venturi effect to create negative pressure for efficient gas removal, combined with an air compressor and grounding wire for safety, allowing independent operation from the gas line shut-off and compliance with industry standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional gas purging devices are used, then hazardous gas can be removed from pipelines, but the devices are cumbersome, expensive, and require additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas removal effectivenessVSAvoidsystem components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the purging device with the existing pipeline structure, integrating the gas removal function directly into the pipeline system rather than using separate external equipment. The purging device includes a purging chamber that connects to the pipeline and uses the pipeline's own structure as part of the purging system, thereby reducing the number of additional components needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The purging device is designed to work with existing pipeline infrastructure and can be used for multiple purposes including gas purging, inspection preparation, and maintenance operations. The device incorporates universal connection points that can interface with various pipeline configurations and existing safety equipment, making it adaptable to different应用场景 without requiring specialized custom equipment for each situation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional gas purging devices are used, then hazardous gas can be removed from pipelines, but they are expensive to install and operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas removal effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation and operation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The purging device utilizes the existing pipeline pressure differential and flow characteristics to perform the purging operation without requiring expensive external vacuum pumps or complex compression systems. The device is designed to work with the natural gas flow in the pipeline, using the pipeline's own operating conditions to achieve gas removal, thereby reducing installation and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The purging device uses simple, easily manufactured components that can be quickly installed and removed without requiring expensive specialized equipment. The purging chamber and associated valves are designed as straightforward mechanical components that can be fabricated from standard materials and assembled using conventional techniques, significantly reducing both installation and maintenance costs compared to traditional specialized purging equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If traditional gas purging devices are used, then gas can be purged from pipelines, but they require additional components to connect with pipeline

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas removal effectivenessVSAvoidconnection convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The purging device is divided into modular sections including a purging chamber, connection points, and valve assemblies that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows the device to be adapted to different pipeline sizes and configurations without requiring complete custom fabrication, making connection more convenient while maintaining effective gas removal capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The purging device incorporates intermediary connection components that bridge between the existing pipeline infrastructure and the purging functionality. These intermediate elements include standardized flange connections, adaptable sealing mechanisms, and interface valves that facilitate easy connection to various pipeline types without requiring modification of the existing pipeline system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If traditional gas purging devices are used, then gas can be removed from pipelines, but they do not operate independently from controlled shut-off of gas line

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas removal effectivenessVSAvoidindependent operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The purging device incorporates dynamic valve control that can automatically adjust the purging operation based on real-time conditions within the pipeline. The device includes controllable valves that can open and close independently to regulate gas flow during purging operations, allowing the system to respond to changing conditions without requiring manual intervention or coordination with external gas line shut-off mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The purging device includes feedback mechanisms that monitor the purging process and automatically adjust operation parameters to maintain effectiveness. Sensors detect gas composition and flow conditions within the purging chamber, and this information is used to automatically control valve positioning and airflow rates, enabling independent operation that adapts to actual pipeline conditions without relying on external gas line control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 provides a convenient, cost-effective, and safe method for purging hazardous gases from pipelines, ensuring a safe working environment while adhering to industry regulations, with direct connection and independent operation from the gas line shut-off.

Implementation Method 1

activating the air compressor to cause a first flow of air through the airflow conduit into the purging stack at a high velocity, whereby, due to the Venturi effect, the first flow of air creates a negative pressure in the main body of the gas purging device that pulls a second flow of air from the gas line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20200340627A1Combustible gas purge system
Publication Date: 2020.10.29 CRAZEWELD LLC
  • US20200340627A1 patent drawing
  • US20200340627A1 patent drawing
  • US20200340627A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A gas purging device for removing hazardous gas from a gas line has a main body with a first end and a second end. The main body has a major exterior wall extending from a first end to a second end of the main body, and an inner surface that defines a cavity of the main body. The cavity is in fluid communication with the first opening and the second opening of the main body. An airflow conduit is disposed through the major exterior wall of the main body. The airflow conduit has a first section and a second section. The first section is disposed outside of the main body and has an air inlet. The second section is disposed in the cavity and has an air outlet. A grounding wire is in electrical communication with the major exterior wall of main body.