AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE NOZZLES/SCREENS USED IN THE FLUID PROCESSING UNITS

Abstract

The invention relates to an improvement in nozzles/screen for fluid flow distribution/collection used In fluid flow distribution/collection used In fluid processing units. Improvement in conventions nozzle/screen comprises a flow restricting cylindrical body to have ring washer shape aperture control at inlet/outlet. The improved nozzle/screen comprises outer casing made of stacked flat rings with micro opening between said stacked ring providing uniform throughout its periphery. A central conduit having holes for flow of fluid entering through the said outer casing. The said conduit having means to regulate fluid flow.

Claims

1. An improvement in the conventional nozzles/screen for fluid flow distribution/collection used in fluid flow processing units comprises wedge wire screen (02) of wedge wire profiles (206) wound cylindrically, with pitch (206a) to form a screen (210a) & welded with vertical rods (207) to form an open cylinder from its either side; and characterised in that a pair of threaded couplings (228, 229) having external diameter nearly equal to the cylinder of the screen (210a) are welded from either of its openings; one of the said coupling (229) height is kept minimum, just to introduce a flow restrictor (30) and the said other end coupling (228) is standard to receive piping connection (34); and the said flow restrictor (30) having basic cylindrical shape, having threaded end (229a) matching with the said short coupling end (229) for introducing inside the screen cylinder (210a); the said fluid restrictor (30), has given conical taper (231) nearly up to half-way mark of the screen (210a) height, and thereafter turned into cylindrical shape (232) with conical tip (233), such that the said cylindrical shape (232) of the flow restrictor (30) passing through end coupling (228) makes washer shape orifice (235) with internal face of the pipe connection (34) for fluid flow control.

2. The improvement in the conventional screen/nozzle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the screen (210a) cylindrical length of the screen may be extended to form a distribution/collection lateral-screen & therein the applied flow restrictors' (30) length can be increased proportionately, such that it closes the dead-end of the lateral mechanically from inside & the conical taper nearly ends at the distribution/collection (inlet/outlet) end of the said lateral-screen; and the said flow restrictor (30) cantilevered in the said screen-lateral by dead-end support.

3. An improved nozzles/screen for fluid flow distribution/collection used in fluid processing units comprises a cylindrical outer casing (125) of screen made of number of tapered, flat & circular stacked rings, each of them having tapered surface (13a) towards centre on one side and flat other side (13b) or tapered both sides (113a, 113c), having defined width and thickness with radially extending number of lugs (14, 114) formed therein with thickness slightly more than that of said ring to give desired openings between successive stack rings; and the said lugs resting on the periphery of a central conduit (122) having threaded ends located at the centre of the said outer casing; and at least one lug (14a, 114a) having extended length to engage into the vertical slot of the said conduit (314c); the said conduit (122) provided with number of holes (120) at distant in straight-line in each of channel formed by adjacent lugs (14, 114); the said outer casing held by check nut or threaded ring (124,124a) in the said conduit; and the entire said assembled nozzle/screen having threaded ends (111, 111a) for external connections.

4. The nozzle/screen as claimed in claim 3 wherein; the said stack rings comprising at least one face (top or bottom/or both) tapered towards its centre; having horizontally flat supporting lugs radially immerging from the outer circumference of the ring towards spoke directions at equal arc lengths; and the said lugs having extra thickness (vertically) making offset on the tapered side (or sides) of the ring to an extent the thin aperture is desired; and the extended face of the said lugs have concave shape, thoroughly touching to the said central conduits' convex curvature surface; and the said lugs have conical shape such that the sides tapering towards the outermost circumference of the ring nearly emerging into a single point; and these featured stack rings, when mounted on the nozzle, the adjacent lugs form a vertical partition creating isolated fluid channels in between adjacent lugs; and the said successive rings making a thin, uniform, circular gap at its circumference horizontally due to the offset thickness of the flat lugs

5. The nozzle/screen of claim 3, wherein the said central conduits (122) provided with at least one male-female type interlock (314c) with the lugs of the said stack rings assembly; and the said central conduit is applied with conical shape flow restrictor (30c) enclosing it from one end whereas the tapered end reaching the inlet/outlet end of the said nozzle.

6. The nozzle/screen of claim 3 wherein the said cylindrical outer casing (125) formed can be extended to form a distribution/collection lateral by increasing: a) the said conduits' (122) length, b) the proportionate number of stack-rings, c) the said flow restrictors' (30c) proportionate length & its conical taper, d) or connecting number of nozzles in series using suitable couplings to form a lateral of desired length; & introducing single flow-restrictor (30c) in the said composite-lateral and said lateral-screen formed connecting to main distribution/collection header.

7. Flow restrictor (30A, 30B & 30c) of claim 1, can be introduced in each distribution/collection lateral-pipes & subsequent header-pipes, independently, with suitable size modification so as to equalize flow & pressure conditions in the individual distribution/collection laterals & screens, regardless of the type of nozzles/screens; and the said applied modification in the flow restrictor can be in its size & mode of end connection within the pipe such as a. Introducing flow restrictor 30 from opposite end of the header-lateral pipes with respect to their fluid distribution/collection end & closing it mechanically e.g. with threaded connections or flange type of end connections; b. The basic round bar-shaped flow restrictors' 30 taper, of chamfer shape, can be manipulated either from ONE side towards distribution/collection end in case of a header having its lateral distribution points on ONE side only; and in another case the said flow restrictors' 30 taper of chamfer shape can be manipulated from TWO sides towards distribution/collection end in case of a header having its lateral distribution points on its either side (two sides); and alternatively the flow restrictors' 30 taper shape can be given in conical shape uniformly for any type of laterals branching on header-pipe; c. The varied length of the applied flow restrictor 30 in a pipe (either Header Or Lateral) has to be such that, the tapered end allows full bore water at the first inlet/outlet branch opening with respect to (w.r.t.) distribution/collection nozzle end.

8. Flow restrictor of claim 7, when applied in the headers of the distribution/collection system, having near square or rectangular shape at its' cross-section, then the said flow restrictor, therein characterised with square or rectangular shape at its' cross-section, so as to match the said header & the taper applied to the said flow restrictor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] FIG. No: 01 (Prior Art) shows the vertical & horizontal (SECTION-I) cross section of a wedge wire screen nozzle & its construction details.

[0019] FIG. No: 02A shows a vertical cross section of improved wedge wire screen & its details.

[0020] FIG. No: 02E shows a vertical section of the flew restrictor (30) & its details.

[0021] FIG. No: 02C shows a vertical section of the improved wedge wire screen assembly NOZZLE-A & its sectional view (SECTION-II).

[0022] FIG. No: 02D shows 3D view of the Row restrictor (30) & its details.

[0023] FIG. No: 02E shows 3D view of the improved wedge wire screen assembly & its details.

[0024] FIG. No: 03A shows TOP & BOTTOM view of the Stack Ring Type-I & its features.

[0025] FIGS. No: 03B & 03C shows the SECTION-III of the stack ring type-I & its' details after stacking.

[0026] FIG. No: 04A shows TOP & BOTTOM view of the Stack Ring Type-II & its features.

[0027] FIGS. No: 04B & 04C shows the SECTION-IV of the stack ring type-II & its' details after stacking.

[0028] FIG. No: 05A shows NOZZLE-B assembly details using stack rings of Type-I or Type-II.

[0029] FIG. No: 05B shows vertical cross section of the NOZZLE-B without stack rings & their details.

[0030] FIG. No: 05C shows vertical cross section of the NOZZLE-B with flow restrictor loading but without stack rings loading.

[0031] FIG. No: 06A shows details of the SECTION-V, in which stack ring interlocking with nozzle conduit is elaborated.

[0032] FIG. No: 06B snows Blank Ring used for supporting & partitioning the main stack-rings assembly.

[0033] FIG. No: 07A shows cross-section of a pressure vessel having Header-Lateraltype distribution/collection system with main header applied with flow restrictor applications branches with improved nozzles.

[0034] FIG. No: 07B shows Front View & Top View of a cylindrical (Bar shaped) shaped flow restrictor with two-side chamfers.

[0035] FIG. No: 07C shows horizontal cross section of a header (Tap View), having laterals connections on its either sides & containing flow restrictor with either two-sided chamfer (taper) or conical shape.

[0036] FIG. No: 07D shows Front View & Top View of a cylindrical (Bar shaped) shaped flow restrictor with one-side chamfer.

[0037] FIG. No: 07E shows horizontal cross section of a header (Front View), having laterals connections on its bottom & containing flow restrictor with one-sided chamfer (taper).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] Prior to giving details of the preferred embodiments, we would like to brief out the development for easy understanding for the present disclosure given below.

[0039] Flow distribution nozzle systems consists' of a set of nozzles used for fluid processing units for fluid distribution/collection applications under varied physical parameters. In the present disclosure, an attempt made to explain development work related to: [0040] 1) Improved wedge wire screens for accurate flow control. [0041] 2) Plastic nozzles substitute to wedge wire screen nozzles. [0042] 3) Improved Header-Lateral distribution & collection by applying flow restrictors.

[0043] The following description of the parts S body components, represented by numeral annotations, elaborates prior art & the development work:

[0044] FIG. No 01 (Prior Art) represents a typical wedge wire screen 01, for which a plastic nozzle/screen substitute development, is intended. Wedge wire 06 of nearly triangular shape is wound in cylindrical shape by giving pitch (gap) 06a for fluid transport 10. Pitch between two successive wires is given to separate smallest media particles from the interior cavity of the screen & it also defines the single minimum aperture area developed at its circumference for fluid transport.

[0045] The total wedge wire screen cylinder 10a defines the total available area of fluid transport at its peripheral surface. From inside of the wedge wires screen cylinder, vertical rods 07 are welded at equidistance for physical stability. The vertical rods 07 are also welded to the top circular cap 18a, which closes the screen from one end. The bottom circular cap 18b having central inlet/outlet port 11 closes the bottom of the screen cylinder. A cylindrical cup shaped fluid restrictor 08a. having lesser diameter than screen, having apertures 09 uniformly spread over its' cylindrical surface, is welded inside the bottom closing cap 18b at the centre, at its' open end. The total aperture area of the fluid restrictor 08a formed by apertures 09 is less than the total aperture area of the wedge wire screen at its periphery. An orifice ring 09a having circular opening of diameter d0, is fixed at the entry of the nozzle port 11. The area of the orifice ring 09a (d0) is less than the total area of the openings 09 on the fluid restrictor 08a.

[0046] Thus, the first boundary of fluid transport is defined by wedge wire screen peripheral openings, the second by the total openings on fluid restrictor 08a & the third by orifice opening 09a (d0). The ratio of the net areas of the successive boundaries influences the fluid transport or Nozzle/Diffuser action. Therefore, the change of apertures due to wear of the metals results uneven flow parameters.

[0047] The improvement in the conventional wedge-wire-screens is achieved by introducing a flow restrictor (30) in the nozzles, its connecting laterals (532) & main header (531). The application of flow restrictor (30, 30A, 30B) achieves uniform distribution/collection in the processing vessel.

[0048] FIGS. No: 02A, 02B & 02C elaborates the improvement in the conventional wedge wire screen nozzle with few alterations (NOZZLE-A). The same NOZZLE-A is shown with 3d perspectives in the FIGS. No: 02D & 02E. These alterations create immaculate fluid collection/distribution profile from its peripheral openings, which is required in accurate collection/distribution of fluids in the processes.

[0049] FIGS. No: 02A & 02E shows modified wedge wire screen 02. Wedge wire profiles 206 wound cylindrically, with pitch 208a to form a screen 210a & welded with vertical rods 207 to form an open cylinder from its either side. Threaded couplings 22B, 229 having external diameter nearly equal to the cylinder of the screen 210a is welded from either of its openings. At one end the coupling 229 height is kept minimum, just to introduce a flow restrictor 30. The other end coupling 228 is standard to receive piping connection 34. Flow restrictor 30 is made of plastic (e.g. PP, PVDF, UHMWPE) having basic cylindrical shape, having threaded end 229a matching for the short coupling end 229 for introducing inside the screen cylinder 210a. The fluid restrictor 30, has given taper nearly up to half-way mark of the screen 210a height then it is turned into cylindrical shape 232 & finally conical tip 233. Cylindrical shape 232 of the flow restrictor 30 passing through end coupling 228 makes washer shape orifice 235 with internal face of the pipe connection 34. By manipulating the diameter of the cylindrical shape 232 of the restrictor 30, at the crossing with pipe connection 34, the flow can be controlled.

[0050] The development of the equivalent of wedge wire in thermoplastics involves in creating a circular ring which can be stacked on a conduit to receive/deliver fluid & for which the said ring must have following features: [0051] (1) Nearly triangular shape at its cross section [0052] (2) Thin (minimum thickness) [0053] (3) Optimum width to offer minimum resistance to flow [0054] (4) Supporting features on stacking [0055] (5) Maximum fluid transporting angle (nearly 360)

[0056] FIGS. No: 03A, 03B & 03C shows the features of stack ring of Type-1. The stack rings are moulded from thermoplastics such as PVDF, HDPE, Polypropylene etc. depending on the physical properties & chemical resistance required These slack rings are stack-mounted on a conduit having apertures for fluid transport to form different types of nozzles or long lateral connecting to header pipe directly.

[0057] Stack ring of Type-1 is having width w and thickness t0.25 mm where the aperture opening between two successive rings is 0.25 mm intended. The top side of the ring surface is having taper 13a, while the opposite surface (bottom) is flat 13b. To create peripheral aperture openings in successive rings, after stacking & to support them centrally, the rings are provided with lugs 14 of flat shape having thickness t. The lugs 14 are the part of the ring (single mould) having tapered shape towards periphery & protruding towards the centre of the stack ring just like spoke of a wheel & touching the central conduit 16 assigned for fluid transport. The surface of the lugs 14, just touching the central conduit 16 nearly follows the curvature 19 of the conduit. The flat bottom surface of the stack ring aligns with the flat surface of the lugs 14 (SECTION-III). The top tapered ring surface creates offset of thin gap (0.25 mm) where the lugs intersects the ring. When the rings are stacked centrally on a conduit 16, by keeping lugs aligned, they create uniform aperture 17, between two successive rings as shown in the FIG. 03C & a vertical isolated port 15 between two adjacent lugs. A thin fluid path 17a is shown in the FIG. 03A.

[0058] To retain stack ring alignment on mounting central conduit, at least one lug is provided with rectangular extension 14a to form a male interlock with the vertical slot of the conduit.

[0059] FIGS. No: 04A, 04B & 04C shows the features of stack ring of Type-2. The stack rings are moulded from thermoplastics such as PVDF, HDPE, Polypropylene etc. These stack rings have similar features just like stack ring of Type-1 with minor differences.

[0060] The top side & the bottom side of the ring surfaces 113a are identical & having taper on both sides as shown in SECTION-IV. The lugs 114 are the parts of the ring similar to the stack rings of Type-1, but are having offset of thin elevation on either of its side with respect to the ring (Refer FIG. 04B) For example if a 0.25 mm aperture size is intended, then the lugs 114 have 0.125 mm offset on elevation on either side. FIG. No: 04C represents the aperture 117 created by to successive rings.

[0061] Referring to the crews sections (SECTION-III & IV) of both types of the stack rings, the taper angle given may variable. In our case we have maintained it in between 6 to 8 degrees with respect to flat surface of the lugs 14, 114. To increase the effective life of the stack rings from wear or erosion, the ring taper can be given by leaving a thin surface straight, at the peripheral entry of the ring (e.g. 0.25 mm). The taper given to these rings is actually identical to the wedge wire screen profiles available.

[0062] Both the above given stack ring features are intended for nozzle designs for outside-in-flow applications, in which the media remains outside the screens. When the nozzle design is intended for inside-out-flow then the taper given to the stack rings follows exactly reverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the stacks, while the ring lugs 14 & 114 remain identical for the respective types of the rings. In another method, the ring faces (13a, 113atop & 13b, 113bbottom) can be kept flat (no taper) & the lugs having desired elevation to create thin aperture.

[0063] FIG. No: 05A shows a sample nozzles (04) (NOZZLE-B) with the stack mounting. FIG. No: 06B shows vertical sections of the nozzles in which without stack rings, for simplicity. Whereas FIG. No: 05C shows vertical cross section of the NOZZLE-B with flow restrictor (30c) applied. The taper of the flow restricted (30c) guides the incoming fluid from the nozzle (or a long lateral) outer stack-rings & apertures (120) on the central conduit of the nozzle.

[0064] All these nozzles are either machined from the rods of the plastics, such as UHMWPE, PVDF, Polypropylene, HDPE etc. Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is our first choice, as it is having lowest wear rate & easy machinability. However, moulding options of other thermoplastics are also satisfactory with respect to costing, easiness & overall results.

[0065] Now referring to the FIGS. No: 05A & 05B, NOZZLE-B, 04a; the nozzle conduit 122 holds the stack assembly 125 in between two open threaded ends 111 & 111a using check nuts or threaded rings 124, 124a for locking, respectively. Apertures 120 are assigned on the conduit per compiled channels for fluid transport. The flow restrictor (30c) having conical shape can be introduced at the end such that the taper ends at the fluid inlet/outlet end. This flow restrictor achieves unique flow distribution & collection. This type of nozzles can be connected in series to form a distributor or collector lateral by using pipe connection accessories. In this case, the fluid restrictor (30c) is introduced from the last (end) nozzle-section & its tapered end reaches the inlet nozzle-section. Or the nozzle length can be extended to convert it into a long collection/distribution lateral. Due to the length extension, the fluid restrictor (30c) can be given support at the end, mechanically, instead of cantilever.

[0066] The sectional view (SECTION-V) of the NOZZLE-B, is shown in the FIG. No: 06A. Stack ring 313, having tugs 314 nearly touching central conduit 322 of the nozzle. The nozzle conduit 322 is having vertical rectangular slot 314c, shown in the enlarged view, which receives extended lugs 314a of the stack rings for interlock. Apertures 320, in between adjacent lugs on the conduit 322, receives fluid in the direction 321 from the ring periphery. A thin layer of fluid path 10b is shown, which reflects ability of the stack ring to receive fluid from its periphery just like wedge wire screens.

[0067] FIG. No: 06B shows the blank stack ring 27, used to partition or to block fluid channels of the stack ring nozzles already elaborated. In the front view, the SECTION-V) shows the stack thickness, which is just like any washer.

[0068] FIG. No: 07A shows horizontal cross section of a cylindrical processing vessel & its Header-Lateral type distribution/collection system. Header (531) connecting transition header (531a). The transition header (531a) passing through the vessel body & connecting the inlet/outlet (535) piping. Header (531) having branch outlets for lateral connections (532) on its either side at equidistance. Flow restrictor (30) is introduced in the header (531) which closes its dead end & having taper towards the distribution/collection end. The laterals (532) are constructed by connecting improved nozzles/strainers (539, 540, 541 etc.) with the help of connecting piece (538). The connecting piece (538) can also be used for fixing laterals as support. The nozzles (539, 540, 541 etc.) are having successively lower conduit diameter, as starting from branch connection towards vessel wall to achieve equal hydraulics. These modifications applied are in such a way that, the nozzles distribution & collection achieve equalization effect, if the main header (531) has square/rectangular shape at its cross-section, then the flow restrictor will have square/rectangular shape with appropriate taper. In any type of header type distribution/collection system the application of flow restrictor (30) maintains the applied pressure of distribution evenly & its gives uniform collection via all branching or collection apertures.

[0069] FIG. No: 07B shows a FRONT VIEW, SIDE VIEW & TOP VIEW of flow restrictor (30A). The round bar having diameter equal to the pipeinternal diameter (it may be header or lateral) has given two sided chamfer (534). The Row restrictor (30A) closes the dead-end of the pipe & its taper follows towards the distribution/collection end of the pipe from inside.

[0070] FIG. No: 07C shows flow restrictor (30A) applied in the header (531c) having branching on its either sides (537). The taper (534) of the flow restrictor (30A) end or nearly merges before inlet/outlet end (535) of the header.

[0071] FIG. No: 07D shows a FRONT VIEW, SIDE VIEW & TOP VIEW of flow restrictor (30B). The round bar having diameter equal to the pipeinternal diameter (it may be header or lateral) has given one sided chamfer (534). The flow restrictor (308) closes the dead-end of the pipe & its taper follows towards the distribution/collection end of the pipe from inside.

[0072] FIG. No: 07E shows the application of the flow restrictor (30B) in a pipe, which could be a header or lateral (531E) having its branching (537B) at the one side (bottom). The flow restrictor (30B) closes the dead-end of the pipe & its taper follows towards the inlet/outlet end (535) of the pipe from inside.

[0073] The flow restrictor (30) can have simple conical shape taper, regardless of the pipes branching, instead of the various shapes shown in the FIGS. No. 07B & 07C.

[0074] The preferred embodiments, in the different types of systems considered here, are subjected to minor changes or additions or standardizations & the same shall be covered by the given claims below.