Erosion resistant flow conduit
AssigneeSpecialized Desanders Inc.
InventorChristopher A. HEMSTOCK
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A particulate-accommodating fluid flow directing apparatus comprises a failure detection housing containing a flow directing insert, the housing serving as a pressure boundary; failure at any location along the insert being detectable by means associated with the housing. The insert can be manufactured of erosion resistant materials, including non-ductile materials such as ceramics. The insert is sealed to the housing at an inlet and a discharge forming a pressure chamber between the insert and housing. The pressure chamber can be maintained at a pad pressure complementary to the process pressure, the pad pressure being maintained and monitored for indication of insert failure.
Claims19
A flow directing apparatus for conveying a fluid flow comprising:
- a flow directing insert having at least a first end and a second end for conveying the fluid flow therebetween;
- and
- a housing for receiving the insert wholly within, the housing comprising:
- a main body having a hollow interior for receiving the insert wholly therewithin, and at least a first, a second and a third sealable openings thereon, the first and second sealable openings in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the main body, and the third sealable opening being accessible to at least one of the first and second sealable openings through the hollow interior of the main body;
- a first port body having a fourth opening thereon, the first port body securing and sealably fitting to the main body for engaging the fourth opening with the first sealable opening and for securing and sealably fitting the first end of the insert to the first sealable opening;
- and
- a second port body having a fifth opening thereon, the second port body securing and sealably fitting to the main body for engaging the second opening with the second sealable opening and for securing and sealably fitting the second end of the insert to the second sealable opening.
A method for assembling a flow directing apparatus, said apparatus comprising a housing and a flow directing insert, the housing having a hollow interior, and at least a first, a second and a third sealable openings thereon, the insert having a first and a second ends, the method comprising:
- inserting said insert into the housing, such that the first end of the insert is positioned at the first sealable opening and the second end of the insert is positioned at the second sealable opening;
- sealably securing the first end of the insert to the first sealable opening;
- sealably securing the second end of the insert to the second sealable opening for directing fluid flow through the insert between the first and second body openings;
- and
- accessing the third sealable opening for at least one of sealably securing the first end of the insert to the first sealable opening and sealably securing the second end of the insert to the second sealable opening.
A method for replacing a flow directing apparatus coupled to a wellpipe, said apparatus comprising a housing and a first flow directing insert to be replaced, the housing having a hollow interior, and at least a first, a second and a third sealable openings thereon, the first insert having a first and a second ends, said first end of the first insert being coupled to the wellpipe through the first sealable opening, the method comprising:
- removing said first insert from said flow directing apparatus;
- inserting a second insert into the housing, such that the first end of the second insert is positioned at the first sealable opening and the second end of the second insert is positioned at the second sealable opening;
- sealably securing the first end of the second insert to the first sealable opening;
- sealably securing the second end of the second insert to the second sealable opening;
- and
- coupling the first sealable opening to the wellpipe for directing fluid flow from the wellpipe through the first end of the second insert to the second end of the second insert;
- wherein at least one of said sealably securing the first end of the second insert to the first sealable opening and said sealably securing the second end of the second insert to the second sealable opening is conducted through accessing the third sealable opening.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.