18319179. SELF-CLEANING CONDUITS FOR HYDROCARBON FLUIDS simplified abstract (GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY)
Contents
SELF-CLEANING CONDUITS FOR HYDROCARBON FLUIDS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Ravindra Shankar Ganiger of Bengaluru (IN)
Scott Alan Schimmels of Miamisburg OH (US)
Hiranya Nath of Bengaluru (IN)
SELF-CLEANING CONDUITS FOR HYDROCARBON FLUIDS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18319179 titled 'SELF-CLEANING CONDUITS FOR HYDROCARBON FLUIDS
Simplified Explanation:
This patent application describes a self-cleaning conduit for hydrocarbon fluids, made of a tube with a unique interior surface. The tube is made of a shape memory alloy or a combination of two metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion. The interior surface of the tube features recesses and protrusions within the flow passage, allowing for self-cleaning properties. The conduit contortion factor ranges from 0.2°F to 14°F, and can be either elastic or due to thermal expansion.
- The conduit is made of a tube with a unique interior surface for self-cleaning properties.
- The tube is made of a shape memory alloy or a combination of metals with different coefficients of thermal expansion.
- Recesses and protrusions on the interior surface aid in self-cleaning.
- The conduit contortion factor ranges from 0.2°F to 14°F, and can be elastic or due to thermal expansion.
Potential Applications:
This technology could be used in oil and gas pipelines, chemical processing plants, and other industries where the self-cleaning properties of the conduit are beneficial.
Problems Solved:
This technology addresses the issue of buildup and blockages in conduits carrying hydrocarbon fluids, reducing maintenance and improving efficiency.
Benefits:
The self-cleaning conduit reduces the need for manual cleaning, decreases downtime, and improves the overall flow of hydrocarbon fluids.
Commercial Applications:
Potential commercial applications include oil and gas transportation, chemical processing, and other industries where the efficient flow of hydrocarbon fluids is essential.
Prior Art:
Prior research in the field of self-cleaning conduits for various fluids may provide additional insights into the development of this technology.
Frequently Updated Research:
Stay updated on advancements in shape memory alloys, metal combinations, and self-cleaning technologies for conduits to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of this innovation.
Questions about Self-Cleaning Conduits: 1. How does the self-cleaning mechanism of the conduit work? 2. What are the potential cost savings associated with using a self-cleaning conduit for hydrocarbon fluids?
Original Abstract Submitted
A self-cleaning conduit for a hydrocarbon fluid. The conduit includes a tube having an interior surface defining a flow passage for the hydrocarbon fluid. The tube is formed of (i) a shape memory alloy or (ii) a first metal and a second metal having a coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first metal. At least one of a plurality of recesses and a plurality of protrusions are formed on the interior surface of the tube within the flow passage. The tube is characterized by a conduit contortion factor (CCF) from two tenths degrees Fahrenheit (0.2° F.) to fourteen degrees Fahrenheit (14° F.), and the conduit contortion factor (CCF) is one of an elastic conduit contortion factor (CCF) and thermal expansion conduit contortion factor (CCF).