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.
Claims24
A flow directing apparatus for conveying a fluid flow having a process pressure, the apparatus comprising:
- a housing forming a pressure boundary;
- a flow directing insert fit sealably and wholly within the housing for forming a pressure chamber about the insert and between the insert and the housing, the insert having an inlet end for receiving the fluid flow and a discharge end for discharging the fluid flow,
- wherein the pressure chamber comprises pad fluid at a pad pressure, and the pad pressure is controlled such that the differential between the pad pressure and the process pressure limits the magnitude of pressure-induced stress in the insert;
- a pressure source in fluid communication with the pressure chamber;
- a pressure monitor for monitoring the pressure differential between the process pressure and pad pressure;
- and
- a regulator controlling the pressure source for maintaining the pad pressure relative to the process pressure in response to the process pressure monitored by the pressure monitor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.