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.
Claims18
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 therein, the first and second sealable openings in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the main body, and the third sealable opening for access to at least one of the first and second sealable openings through the hollow interior of the main body;
- the insert being removably installable into the housing and accessible through the third sealable opening and the third sealable opening closeable for forming a pressure chamber between the insert and the housing;
- a first port body having a first insert interface thereon, the first port body securing and sealably fitting with the first sealable opening and for securing and sealably fitting the first end of the insert to the first port body's first insert interface;
- and
- a second port body having a second insert interface thereon, the second port body securing and sealably fitting with the second sealable opening and for securing and sealably fitting the second end of the insert to the second port body's second insert interface, for separating the fluid flow from the pressure chamber and conveying the fluid flow between the first port body and the insert and between the insert and the second port body.
A method for removably installing a flow directing insert into a housing, 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;
- securing and sealably fitting a first port body with the first sealable opening of the housing to form a first insert interface;
- securing and sealably fitting a second port body with the second sealable opening of the housing to form a second insert interface;
- and
- accessing the third sealable opening for at least one of
- sealably securing the first end of the insert to the first insert interface;
- and
- sealably securing the second end of the insert to the second insert interface wherein fluid flow is conveyable through the insert between the first and second port bodies;
- sealably closing the third sealable opening for forming a pressure chamber between the insert and the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.