GB2433710A

GB2433710A - Nozzle with fluid deflector arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2433710A
Application number: GB0708798A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jamie Oag
Original assignee: Optima Solutions UK Ltd
Current assignee: Optima Solutions UK Ltd
Priority date: 2004-03-05
Filing date: 2005-02-28
Publication date: 2007-07-04
Anticipated expiration: 2025-02-28
Also published as: GB0708798D0; GB2433710B

Abstract

A nozzle (1, Fig 1) for use with a pressurised water source as typically used in the offshore environment such as a water wall around a flare in a hydrocarbon well-test operation, can be attached (via a coupling ring 5) to a hose or fixed work pipe installation. The nozzle (1) provides a channel 19 through a body (3), on which is arranged a frusto-conical fluid deflector 7. Deflecting surface 9 is angled away from the direction of the fluid flowing along channel 19 which may impinge upon the fluid deflector 7 and travel along a surface of the deflector and out of the nozzle in a jet. The angle of the deflector surface 9 relative o the main axis of the body may be as much as 105 degrees. The frusto-conical deflecting surface 9 extends beyond the maximum width of channel 19. Various embodiments are described for varying the width of the channel at the deflector to adjusting a characteristic of the jet and for providing self-cleaning of the nozzle as well as including an arrangement of sensors.

Description

1 Improved Nozzle 3 The present invention relates to a nozzle. In

particular, 4 but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a nozzle for use with a pressurised water source as 6 typically used in the offshore environment.

8 During well completion, a surface well test package is 9 used to evaluate well reservoir parameters and hydrocarbon properties. The evaluation of hydrocarbon 11 properties requires the flow of a hydrocarbon fluid to 12 the well test package from the well. Once the test has 13 been made it is necessary to dispose of the hydrocarbon 14 fluid. This is done by igniting the hydrocarbon fluid and flaring it from drilling rig, Floating Production 16 Storage and Of f loading vessels (FPSOs), Driliships, 17 platforms and land rig burner booms. The flaring 18 operation can cause temperatures to reach levels where 19 the intense heat can compromise the integrity of the :. 20 structure and rig safety equipment such as lifeboats, 21 lifecrafts etc and create a hazardous working environment 22 for personnel. One way of reducing the temperature 23 around the flaring hydrocarbons is to form a water wall 1 around the flare, known as a rig cooling system and/or 2 heat suppression and/or deluge system.

4 Systems of this type provide an outer wall of water designed to surround the flare which mimics the flare 6 profile and/or shields the flare. The outer wall of 7 water can take the form of a solid flat or conical shield 8 or curtain and a central source which has a secondary 9' function of generating a very fine mist of water through the central outlet of the dual nozzle design. The fine 11 mist of water is designed to remove energy from the 12 flare, and the outer wall of water is designed to create 13 a barrier which also removes energy and therefore 14 temperature from the flare.

16 In order to produce and shape a jet of water, it is 17 necessary to connect a nozzle to a high-pressure water 18 source and to engineer the nozzle such that an outer 19 (typically cone-shaped) wall of water is formed in conjunction with a fine mist of water directed behind the 21 flare.

23 An example of this type of nozzle is provided in UK 24 Patent No. GB2299281. This document discloses a nozzle attachable to a high-pressure water source in which a 26 narrow opening is positioned between a deflecting surface 27 which opposes the direction of flow of water, and a 28 guiding surface angled towards the direction of flow of ". 29 the water and which defines the shape of the outer wall of water that is produced by this nozzle. It has been 31 found that the combined action of the deflecting surface 32 and guiding surface disrupts the water flow and causes 33 energy to be dissipated thus lowering the water pressure.

1 It is an object of the present invention to provide an 2 improved nozzle.

4 In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a nozzle for a hose or fixed 6 pipework installation, the nozzle comprising: 7 a body; 8 a channel extending through the body of the nozzle; and 9 a fluid deflector arranged at or near the downstream end of the channel, and wherein the fluid deflector 1]. determines the direction of flow of the fluid as it 12 leaves the nozzle.

14 Fluid flowing along the channel may impinge upon the fluid deflector and may travel along a surface of the 16 deflector and out of the nozzle, the direction of flow of 17 the fluid as it leaves the nozzle thereby determined by 18 the deflector. By this arrangement, the fluid deflector 19 may serve to direct the fluid whilst minimising energy loss when compared to prior nozzles of the type where the 21 fluid is thrown backwards onto a second directing surface 22 which directs the fluid out of the nozzle.

24 The fluid deflector may be located in a fluid flow path extending through the nozzle along the channel.

27 Preferably, the fluid deflector and the body of the e.

" 28 nozzle together define a width of the channel at or near 29 said downstream end. The fluid deflector may have a :. 30 deflecting surface positioned relative to the end of the 31 channel to define the width of the channel at or near the 32 downstream end of the channel. Accordingly, at least 33 part of the channel may be defined between the deflecting 1 surface and an outlet surface of the body. The deflecting 2 surface and the body outlet surface may be substantially 3 parallel.

The deflector surface may be disposed at an obtuse angle 6 relative to a main axis of the body and is preferably 7 angled away from the body.

9 Nore preferably, said channel width is variable. This may facilitate adjustment of a characteristic and/or 11 parameter of the fluid exiting the nozzle, including 12 velocity, fluid pressure, and/or the shape of a jet, 13 stream or cloud of fluid exiting the nozzle. The channel 14 width may be variable by adjusting a position of the fluid deflector relative to a remainder of the nozzle, in 16 particular, relative to the nozzle body.

18 The fluid deflector may be movably mounted relative to 19 the body, to enable adjustment of a position of the deflector relative to the body. This may facilitate 21 adjustment of the channel width.

23 Preferably, the channel is provided with a gap or space 24 suitable for accommodating a spacer to alter the position of the fluid deflector relative to the end of the 26 channel, thereby varying the width of said channel.

: ... 27 " 28 Alternatively, the deflector may be threadably coupled to 29 the body, such that rotation of the deflector relative to :. 30 the body may advance and / or retract the deflector 31 relative to the body, thereby facilitating adjustment of 32 the channel width. The nozzle may include a retaining 33 member, such as a nut, clip or the like, for retaining 1 the deflector in a desired position relative to the body, 2 to fix the channel width.

4 The nozzle may comprise a mechanism for adjusting the channel width, which may be a self-cleaning mechanism.

6 The mechanism may be hydraulic, electrical, electra- 7 mechanical or mechanical, and may comprise an actuator 8 for controlling a position of the deflector relative to 9 the body, for adjustment of the channel width. The actuator may be adapted to be activated to mOve the 11 deflector to increase the channel width, in order to 12 facilitate flow of any debris such as particulate matter 13 trapped in the nozzle and impeding fluid flow. The 14 mechanism may comprise one or more sensors f or detecting the presence of trapped debris. For example, the nozzle 16 may include a pressure sensor or flowmeter for detecting 17 an increase in pressure or reduction in fluid flow rate 18 through the channel indicative of the presence of trapped 19 debris impeding fluid flow.

21 Preferably, the fluid deflector comprises the deflecting 22 surface and a central beam, shaft, boss or the like 23 extending from the deflecting surface into the body of 24 the nozzle, the central beam being attachable to the body of the nozzle.

: 27 Preferably, the nozzle is further provided with pressure ***. * .

28 sensing means. a ** * a S.. S

:. 30 Preferably, the channel extending through the body of the 31 nozzle is an annular channel, but may be of any :. 32 alternative, suitable shape.

1 Preferably, the nozzle further comprises a central 2 channel extending through the body of the nozzle.

4 Preferably, the central channel extends through the central beam of the deflector.

7 The pressure sensing means may be located in the fluid 8 deflector.

Optionally, the pressure sensing means is located in the 11 body of the nozzle.

13 Preferably, the fluid deflector means further comprises 14 filter coupling means for coupling a filter to the upstream end of the central channel.

17 Preferably, the fluid deflector means further comprises 18 nozzle-coupling means for coupling a nozzle to the 19 downstream end of the central channel.

21 More preferably, said nozzle coupling means is 22 connectable to a nozzle for producing a fine spray of 23 fluid.

Preferably, the fluid deflector means is frusto-conical 26 and is thus provided with a frusto-conical deflecting 27 surface, angled away from the direction of fluid flow.

28 Alternatively, the deflecting surface may be any other 29 suitable shape and the deflector may be frusto-conical with an arcuate deflecting surface, in cross-section. * ** * S 5 * S. * SI.

S

1 More preferably, the frusto-conical deflecting surface 2 extends beyond the maximum width of the channel to direct 3 the flow of fluid.

Preferably, the nozzle is generally cylindrical in shape.

7 Preferably, the nozzle is further provided with sensor 8 means attached thereto.

More preferably, the sensor means are attached to the 11 fluid deflector means.

13 Nore preferably, the sensor means are embedded in a front 14 surface of the fluid deflector means.

16 The sensor means can be temperature sensors, gas sensors, 17 or other suitable sensors and may be hardwired through 18 the nozzle to provide information on the temperature, gas 19 composition pressure or other information.

21 The nozzle may be constructed in a single piece.

23 It will be understood that the nozzle may be suitable for 24 use with a wide range of diameters of hoses or pipes of a pipework installation, and may therefore be dimensioned 26 accordingly. However, embodiments of the invention may 27 be particularly suited for use with hoses/pipes having 28 diameters in the range of 1"" to 2" (approximately 38mm 29 to 51mm), whilst other embodiments may be particularly :. 30 suited for use with hoses/pipes having diameters of 31 around 6" (approximately 152 mm) or more. * ** * * S

**. 32

S *

1 In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there 2 is provided a kit of parts for a nozzle in accordance 3 with the first aspect of the invention, the kit of parts 4 comprising a body and a fluid deflector.

6 Preferably, the kit of parts further comprises a coupling 7 means adapted to connect the deflector to the body.

9 Further features of the nozzle are defined in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

12 In accordance with a third aspect of the present 13 invention, there is provided a nozzle comprising: 14 a body having a fluid outlet; a fluid flow channel extending through the body, the 16 channel in fluid communication with the body outlet; and 17 a fluid deflector located adjacent the body outlet and 18 positioned such that fluid flowing along the channel 19 impinges on the deflector and is directed out of the nozzle by the deflector, the direction of flow of the 21 fluid exiting the nozzle thereby determined by the 22 deflector.

24 Further features of the nozzle are defined in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

:.:. 27 The present invention will now be described by way of 28 example only, with reference to the accompanying : .. 29 drawings, in which: *. . 31 Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a *" 32 nozzle in accordance with an embodiment of the present 33 invention; 1 Figure 2 is a further, partial cross-sectional view of 2 the nozzle of Figure 1; 4 Figure 3 is another sectional view of the nozzle of Figure 1 in which the fluid flow paths are shown; 7 Figure 4a shows the deflector of the present invention, 8 Figure 4b shows a coupling ring as used in the present 9 invention and Figure 4c shows a body of the nozzle of the present invention; 12 Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the present 13 invention in which sensors are embedded into the front 14 surface of the deflector means; 16 Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a 17 nozzle in accordance with a third embodiment of the 18 present invention; Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle of 21 Figure 6; 23 Figures 8 and 9 are end and sectional views, 24 respectively, of a deflector forming part of the nozzle of Figure 6; and : 27 Figures 10 and 11 are end and side views, respectively, S...

28 of a body forming part of the nozzle of Figure 6. * .* * * . S*S S

:. 30 In the embodiment of the present invention shown in 31 Figure 1, the nozzle 1 is constructed from three separate *... 32 components. These are the nozzle body 3, the coupling 33 ring 5 and the deflector 7.

1 The deflector 7 is provided with a front surface 11, a 2 deflecting surface 9 which is angled away from the 3 direction of fluid flow and a central beam or projection 4 10 which extends into the nozzle body 3 and provides a central channel 21.

7 The central channel 21 has a filter coupler 33 to which a 8 wire-mesh cone known as a Witch's Broom can be attached.

9 The purpose of this filter is to prevent particulates from entering the central channel. A second coupler 13 11 is attached to the downstream end of the central channel 12 21. The second coupler 13 is used to attach a further 13 nozzle for shaping the water flow. Suitably, the nozzle 14 is designed to produce a fine spray or fog of water.

16 Typically, the water used will be filtered upstream of 17 the nozzle. Therefore, the size of particulates entering 18 the nozzle will have a maximum determined by the upstream 19 filter.

21 The gap between the central beam 10 and the nozzle body 3 22 defines an outer channel which is annular in shape.

23 Support means in the form of fins 30 extend between the 24 central beam 10 and the nozzle body 3 to secure the deflector 7 in place. Grub screws are used to further 26 secure the deflector 9 in position. The nozzle may also 27 be provided with a pressure indicator switch (not shown) " 28 located in the deflector surface or on the body of the 29 nozzle. Fixed rings 25 are also included to position the deflector within the nozzle body 3.

32 The box section 26 provides abutting surfaces at either 33 end thereof, and further provides an adjustable gap 27 1 which can be reduced in size by the inclusion of further 2 spacer rings (not shown). Typically, an additional 3 spacer ring would be introduced at the downstream end of 4 the box section 26 thereby moving the deflector in an upstream direction and therefore reducing the size of the 6 adjustable gap 27. This also reduces the width of the 7 end of the channel as defined by the distance between the 8 deflector surface 9 and the chamfered surface 15.

It will be noted that the deflector 7 is generally 11 frusto-conical or cone-shaped. The chamfered surface 15 12 provides a way of smoothing the flow of fluid at the 13 downstream end of channel 23, and as a consequence 14 creates a more laminar fluid flow.

16 Providing an adjustable gap between the deflector surface 17 9 and the chamfered surface 15 provides water flow having 18 different profiles. For example, where the gap between 19 the chamfered surface 15 and the deflector surface 9 is small, the flow of water from the nozzle will be 21 disrupted and this will create a non-uniform flow to 22 produce a more diffuse wall of water. Where this 23 distance is larger the flow will be more laminar and the 24 wall of water will be less diffuse.

26 The chamfered surface 15 forms part of a coupling ring 27 which is attached to the nozzle body 3. The upstream end 28 of the nozzle body 3 is provided with a nozzle coupler 29 31, for coupling the nozzle 1 to a hose or pipework. The nozzle 1 is dimensioned for coupling to a 6" 31 (approximately 152mm) diameter hose or pipe, although it 32 will be understood that the nozzle 1 may be provided for 33 a hose or pipe of any suitable diameter. In this example, 1 the coupler 31 is a screw thread. As the water has been 2 filtered upstream, the gap between surfaces 9 and 15 will 3 provide a flow path that is not restricted by the 4 presence of large particulates. Accordingly, this will not block or inhibit the performance of the nozzle.

6 Figure 2 provides a further, partial cross-sectional view 7 of the present invention and shows the outer surface of 8 the central beam 10 and the fins 30. The features of 9 this drawing are identical to the features shown in Figure 1.

12 Figure 3 shows the water flow path through the nozzle.

14 The water flows through the main channel 19 at the upstream end of the nozzle in direction A. The flow is 16 then split into two portions which flow through the 17 central channel 21 in direction C and through the outer 18 channel 23 in direction B. A filter (not shown) is 19 attached to the filter coupler 33. This prevents particulates from entering the central channel and 21 directs them out through the outer annular channel 23.

22 This is desirable because the purpose of the central 23 channel is to provide a fine mist of water by using a 24 fine nozzle (not shown). The use of a filter prevents particulates from entering the fine nozzle, and thereby 26 blocking it. I...

28 As the water flows through the outer channel 23 in : .. 29 direction B, the water is deflected from surface 9 outwards in a pre-determined direction. This direction 31 is determined by the angle of the deflection surface 9 32 with respect to the direction of bulk flow through the 33 channel 23. In this example, the surface 9 is at an 1 angle of approximately 105 with respect to the central 2 beam. Clearly, therefore, the deflector surface 9 is 3 angled away from the direction of flow B. Advantageously, it has been found that the use of a 6 deflector surface in this configuration means that the 7 general bulk flow B loses energy only when it is 8 deflected from the surface 9. Therefore, it is possible 9 to produce a more efficient nozzle that requires a lower water pressure to produce a wall of water that extends a 11 predetermined distance from the nozzle than would be 12 possible with the prior art nozzles. In addition, it is 13 possible to produce walls of water that extend further

14 with the same pressure than in the prior art.

16 It should be noted that in the prior art the exiting 17 water impinges on a first surface, and is thrown 18 backwards onto a second directing surface for directing 19 the water out from the nozzle. This causes the water to lose energy and therefore causes a reduction in overall 21 pressure.

23 In addition, the present invention may also be provided 24 with means for altering the width of the gap between the chamfered surface 15 and the deflector surface 9. In 26 order to alter this distance, a spacer ring (not shown) 27 is introduced into the nozzle body so as to reduce the 28 width of gap 27. A number of rings of different width 29 can be used to produce different gap sizes. S..

31 Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show the components from which an *:.. 32 embodiment of the present invention can be made. Figure 33 4a shows the deflector means 7, Figure 4b shows the 1 coupling ring 5 and Figure 4c shows the nozzle body 3.

2 It is convenient for the nozzle of the present invention 3 to be constructed in three parts in this manner as it 4 allows easy cleaning and maintenance of the nozzle.

6 Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the present 7 invention in which sensors 112 are embedded into the 8 front surface 111 of a nozzle 101. The sensors can be 9 hard-wired and/or wirelessly and/or acoustically connected through the central channel 121 to a position 11 upstream where data from the sensors can be analysed.

12 The sensors can be temperature sensor, gas composition 13 sensors or any other desired sensor.

In the examples of Figures 1-4 and 5, the fins 30 may be 16 shaped to affect the flow of water through the outer 17 channel 23.

19 Turning now to Figure 6, there is shown a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a nozzle in accordance with a 21 third embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle 22 indicated generally by reference numeral 201. Like 23 components of the nozzle 201 with the nozzle 1 of figures 24 1-4c share the same reference numerals incremented by 200.

27 The nozzle 201 is dimensioned for coupling to a hose or 28 pipe of a diameter in the range of l.5"-2" (approximately 29 38mm-Simm), although it will again be understood that the :. 30 nozzle 201 may be provided on a hose or pipe of any 31 suitable diameter, and thus dimensioned accordingly.

S S..

S

1 The nozzle 201 is similar to the nozzle 1 of Figures 1- 2 4c, except that the nozzle 201 comprises two main 3 components, a nozzle body 203 and a fluid deflector 207 4 which is coupled to the nozzle body 203. As will be described below, the deflector 207 is secured to the 6 nozzle body 203 by a retaining member in the form of a 7 nut 35.

9 The nozzle 201 is shown in more detail in the exploded perspective view of Figure 7. Also, the deflector 207 is 11 shown separately from the body 203 in the end and 12 sectional views of Figures 8 and 9, and the body 203 is 13 shown with the deflector 207 removed in the end and 14 sectional views of Figures 10 and 11.

16 Only the main differences between the nozzle 203 and the 17 nozzle 1 of figures l-4c will be described herein in 18 detail.

The body 203 includes a central beam or a shaft 210 which 21 is located by fins 230 that are formed integrally with 22 the body 203. The beam 210 is threaded at 37 and the 23 deflector 207 includes a hub 39 which is internally 24 threaded for engaging the beam threads 37. In this fashion, the deflector 207 may be coupled to the body 203 :. 26 and the gap between the deflector surface 9 and a 27 chamfered surface 215 of the body 203 may be adjusted by * **.

28 rotating the deflector 207, causing the deflector to :.: 29 advance or retract along the beam 210 relative to a main * 30 part of the body 203. The deflector 207 is locked in 31 position by a retaining member in the form of a threaded * 32 nut 35 which engages the beam threads 37 and abuts the ** 33 deflector 207. If required, however, spacer rings (not 1 shown) may be provided between a shoulder 41 of the body 2 203 and the deflector 207.

4 In a variation, the deflector 207 may include a smooth hub 39 and may be clamped in position between the 6 shoulder 41 of the body 203 and the nut 35. Spacer rings 7 may be located between the shoulder 41 and the deflector 8 207 to increase the spacing between the deflector surface 9 209 and the chamfered surface 215 on the body 203.

11 In a similar fashion to the nozzle 1, the nozzle 201 12 defines a central flow channel 221 whilst the body 203 13 defines an outer flow channel 223. In use, fluid flow is 14 split between the inner and outer channels 221, 223 and a further nozzle may be provided coupled to a coupler 213 16 on the beam 210.

18 The nozzle 201 additionally includes a self-cleaning 19 mechanism (not shown) for adjusting the channel width at the downstream end, that is the space or gap between the 21 deflector *surface 209 and the chamfered surface 215 of 22 the body 203. The mechanism is typically hydraulic, 23 electrical, electro-mechanical or mechanical and includes 24 an actuator for controlling adjustment of the channel width. For example, the mechanism may comprise a motor :. 26 for adjusting a position of the deflector 207 relative to 27 the body 203. This may be achieved by rotating the 28 deflector 207 to advance or retract the deflector along :.:. 29 the beam 210 either by direct rotation of the deflector 30 207 relative to the beam 210, or the beam 210 may be * *, 31 provided as a separate component coupled to or integral 32 with the deflector 207, and may be rotatable relative to **S * 33 the body 203.

1 The self-cleaning mechanism may be actuated to increase 2 the channel width between the deflector surface 209 and 3 the chamfered surface 215 of the body 203 in response to 4 the detection of the presence of trapped debris, such as particulate matter in the nozzle 203. Such debris may 6 cause a reduction in the flow rate of fluid through the 7 nozzle and/or an increase in fluid pressure, which may be 8 detected by appropriate sensors. On detection of such a 9 situation, the self- cleaning mechanism may automatically activate the actuator to adjust the position of the 11 deflector 207, increasing the channel width and allowing 12 clearance of the blockage.

14 The embodiments of the present invention described herein show a nozzle designed for manufacture using a lathe 16 (Figures 1 to 5) and by casting (Figures 6 to 11).

17 Details of the component design may change where other 18 manufacturing techniques are used to make the nozzle.

19 Examples of alternative manufacturing techniques are lost wax processing or a combination of techniques.

22 In addition, the nozzle may be made in modular form or as 23 a single component.

It is also envisaged that the present invention could be *. 26 used for escape route protection, well control and where 27 blowouts occur. * * S... *28

:.:. 29 Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein * 30 without deviating from the scope of the invention. * .* * * . * *.

S * *.

Claims

1 CLAIMS 3 1. A nozzle for forming a water wall around a flare in a 4

hydrocarbon well-test operation, the nozzle comprising: 6 a body having a fluid outlet; 7 a fluid flow channel extending through the body, the 8 channel in fluid communication with the body outlet; 9 and a frusto-conical fluid deflector located adjacent the 1]. body outlet and having a frusto-conical deflecting 12 surface, angled away from the direction of fluid flow 13 and positioned such that fluid flowing along the 14 channel impinges on the deflecting surface, the direction of flow of the fluid exiting the nozzle 16 thereby determined by the deflecting surface; wherein 17 the fluid deflector and the body of the nozzle 18 together define a width of the channel and the 19 frusto-conical deflecting surface extends beyond the maximum width of the channel to direct the flow of 21 fluid.

23
2. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the frusto- 24 conical deflecting surface extends beyond the maximum width of the body. * *

:..::: 27
3. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein 28 at least part of the channel is defined between the :.:. 29 deflecting surface and an outlet surface of the body. I.. *

* * 31
4. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the 32 deflecting surface and the outlet surface of the body S..

33 are substantially parallel.

2
5. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4 3 wherein the deflector surface is disposed at an 4 obtuse angle relative to a main axis of the body.

6
6. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the fluid 7 deflector comprises a deflector surface disposed at 8 an angle of approximately 105 degrees relative to the 9 main axis of the body.

11
7. The nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein 12 said channel width is variable by adjusting a 13 position of the fluid deflector relative to the 14 nozzle body.

16
8. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the fluid 17 deflector is movably mounted relative to the body, to 18 enable adjustment of a position of the deflector 19 relative to the body, to facilitate adjustment of the channel width.

22
9. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8 wherein 23 the channel is provided with a gap or space suitable 24 for accommodating a spacer to alter the position of the fluid deflector relative to the end of the 26 channel, thereby varying the width of said channel.

*1*, 27 28
10. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 9 29 wherein the deflector is threadably coupled to the 30 body, such that rotation of the deflector relative to * *, 31 the body advances and/or retracts the deflector 32 relative to the body, thereby facilitating adjustment a..

33 of the channel width.

2
11. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 10 3 wherein the nozzle comprises a mechanism for 4 adjusting the channel width, which is a self-cleaning mechanism.

7
12. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 11 wherein the 8 mechanism comprises an actuator and one or more 9 sensors, the actuator moving the deflector in response to a detected increase in fluid flow rate 11 indicative of trapped debris in the nozzle.

13
13. The nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein 14 the fluid deflector comprises the deflecting surface and a central beam, shaft, boss or the like extending 16 from the deflecting surface into the body of the 17 nozzle, the central beam being attachable to the body 18 of the nozzle.

14. The nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein 21 the channel extending through the body of the nozzle 22 is an annular channel.

24 15., The nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the nozzle further comprises a central channel 26 extending through the body of the nozzle. * S S...

28 16. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the central :.:. 29 channel extends through the central beam of the 30 deflector.

**, 31 32 17. The nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim wherein S..

33 the nozzle is further provided with sensor means.

3 18. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 17 wherein the sensor 4 means is located in the fluid deflector.

6 19. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the sensor 7 means are embedded in a front surface of the fluid 8 deflector.

20. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 18 wherein the sensor 11 means is located in the body of the nozzle.

13 21. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 20 14 wherein the nozzle further comprises filter coupling means for coupling a filter to the upstream end of 16 the central channel.

18 22. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 15 to 21 19 wherein the nozzle further comprises nozzle-coupling means for coupling a nozzle to the downstream end of 2]. the central channel.

23 23. A hydrocarbon well test deluge system comprising' the 24 nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim.

26 24. A nozzle for forming a water wall around a flare in a * *** 27 hydrocarbon well-test operation, the nozzle ***.

28 comprising: :.:. 29 a body having a fluid outlet; 30 a fluid flow channel extending through the body, the 31 channel in fluid communication with the body outlet; 32 and

S

1 a fluid deflector located adjacent the body outlet 2 and positioned such that fluid flowing along the 3 channel impinges on the deflector and is directed out 4 of the nozzle by the deflector, the direction of flow of the fluid exiting the nozzle thereby determined by 6 the deflector; 7 wherein the fluid deflector comprises a deflector 8 surface disposed at an angle of approximately 105 9 degrees relative to a main axis of the body.

11 25. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 24 wherein the 12 deflector surface is a frusto-conical deflecting 13 surface, angled away from the direction of fluid 14 flow.

16 26. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the frusto- 17 conical deflecting surface extends beyond the maximum 18 width of the channel to direct the flow of fluid.

27. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 26 wherein the frusto- 21 conical deflecting surface extends beyond the maximum 22 width of the body.

24 28. The nozzle as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 27 wherein the fluid deflector and the body of the 26 nozzle together define a width of the channel and at :..::: 27 least part of the channel is defined between the 28 deflecting surface and an outlet surface of the body. * .* * * * *** S

 30 29. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 28 wherein the * 31 deflecting surface and the body outlet surface are 32 substantially parallel. 33

1 30. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 28 or Claim 29 wherein 2 said channel width is variable by adjusting a 3 position of the fluid deflector relative to the 4 nozzle body.

6 31. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 30 wherein the fluid 7 deflector is movably mounted relative to the body, to 8 enable adjustment of a position of the deflector 9 relative to the body, to facilitate adjustment of the channel width.

12 32. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 30 or Claim 31 wherein 13 the channel is provided with a gap or space suitable 14 for accommodating a spacer to alter the position of the fluid deflector relative to the end of the 16 channel, thereby varying the width of said channel.

18 33. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 30 to 32 19 wherein the deflector is threadably coupled to the body, such that rotation of the deflector relative to 21 the body advances and/or retracts the deflector 22 relative to the body, thereby facilitating adjustment 23 of the channel width.

34. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 30 to 33 :. 26 wherein the nozzle comprises a mechanism for 27 adjusting the channel width, which is a self-cleaning 28 mechanism. E *-

 30 35. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 34 wherein the * *, 31 mechanism comprises an actuator and one or more 32 sensors, the actuator moving the deflector in ***

S

1 response to a detected increase in fluid flow rate 2 indicative of trapped debris in the nozzle.

4 36. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 24 to 35 wherein the fluid deflector comprises the deflecting 6 surface and a central beam, shaft, boss or the like 7 extending from the deflecting surface into the body 8 of the nozzle, the central beam being attachable to 9 the body of the nozzle. *10

11 37. The nozzle as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 36 12 wherein the channel extending through the body of the 13 nozzle is an annular channel.

38. The nozzle as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 37 16 wherein the nozzle further comprises a central 17 channel extending through the body of the nozzle.

19 39. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 38 wherein the central channel extends through the central beam of the 21 deflector.

23 40. The nozzle as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 39 24 wherein the nozzle is further provided with sensor means. S. * *..

*. 27 41. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 40 wherein the sensor S...

: 28 means is located in the fluid deflector.

 30 42. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 41 wherein the sensor * *. 31 means are embedded in a front surface of the fluid * . . * S. * 32 deflector. S..

1 43. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 40wherein the sensor 2 means is located in the body of the nozzle.

4 44. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 24 to 43 S wherein the nozzle further comprises filter coupling 6 means for coupling a filter to the upstream end of 7 the central channel.

9 45. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 24 to 44 wherein the nozzle further cOmprises nozzle-coupling 11 means for coupling a nozzle to the downstream end of 12 the central channel.

14 46. A hydrocarbon well test deluge system comprising the nozzle as claimed in any of Claims 24 to 45.

17 47. A kit of parts for a nozzle, the kit of parts 18 comprising a body, a fluid deflector and a coupling 19 means adapted to removably connect the fluid deflector to the body, wherein the kit of parts when 21 assembled forms a nozzle according to any of Claims 1 22 to 22 or 24 to 46.

24 48. A nozzle for a hose or fixed pipework installation, the nozzle comprising: 26 a body; ". 27 a channel extending. through the body of the nozzle; *.*.

28 and * ** 29 a fluid deflector arranged at or near the downstream 30. end of the channel, and wherein the fluid deflector * ** 31 determines the direction of flow of the fluid as it * S * * 32 leaves the nozzle. S.. *

1 49. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 48 wherein the fluid 2 deflector is located in a fluid flow path extending 3 through the nozzle along the channel.

50. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 48 or Claim 49 wherein 6 the fluid deflector and the body of the nozzle 7 together define a width of the channel at or near 8 said downstream end.

51. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 50 wherein the fluid 11. deflector includes a deflecting surface positioned 12 relative to the end of the channel to define the 13 width of the channel at or near the downstream end of 14 the channel.

16 52. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 51 wherein at least 17 part of the channel is defined between the deflecting 18 surface and an outlet surface of the body.

53. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 52 wherein the 21 deflecting surface and the body outlet surface are 22 substantially parallel.

24 54. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 51 to 53 wherein the deflector surface is disposed at an 26 obtuse angle relative to a main axis of the body. I...

* * 27 S...

* 28 55. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 50 to 54 29 wherein said channel width is variable by adjusting a position of the fluid deflector relative to the *:::* 31 nozzle body. * 32 S.. *

1 56. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 55 wherein the fluid 2 deflector is movably mounted relative to the body, to 3 enable adjustment of a position of the deflectOr 4 relative to the body, to facilitate adjustment of the channel width.

7 57. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 55 or Claim 56 wherein 8 the channel is provided with a gap or space suitable 9 for accommodating a spacer to alter the position of the fluid deflector relative to the end of the 11 channel, thereby varying the width of said channel.

13 58. The nozzle as claimed in any One of Claims 55 to 57 14 wherein the deflector is threadably coupled to the body, such that rotation of the deflector relative to 16 the body advances and/or retracts the deflector 17 relative to the body, thereby facilitating adjustment 18 of the channel width.

59. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 55 to 58 21 wherein the nozzle comprises a mechanism for 22 adjusting the channel width, which is a self-cleaning 23 mechanism.

60. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 59 wherein the 26 mechanism comprises an actuator and one or more . 27 sensors, the actuator moving the deflector in * ....

28 response to a detected increase in fluid flow rate 29 indicative of trapped debris in the nozzle. * 30

*:*::* 31 61. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 51 to 60 * 32 wherein the fluid deflector comprises the deflecting *.

33 surface and a central beam, shaft, boss or the like 1 extending from the deflecting surface into the body 2 of the nozzle, the central beam being attachable to 3 the body of the nozzle.

62. The nozzle as claimed in any of Claims 47 to 61 6 wherein the channel extending through the body of the 7 nozzle is an annular channel.

9 63. The nozzle as claimed in any of Claims.47 to 62 wherein the nozzle further comprises a central 11 channel extending through the body of the nozzle.

13 64. The nozzle as claimed in any of Claims 47 to 63 14 wherein the central channel extends through the central beam of the deflector.

17 65. The nozzle as claimed in any of Claims 47 to 64 18 wherein the nozzle is further provided with sensor 19 means.

21 66. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 65 wherein the sensor 22 means is located in the fluid deflector.

24 67. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 66 wherein the sensor means are embedded in a front surface of the fluid :. 26 deflector. * **s **** * * **

28 68. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 65 wherein the sensor 29 means is located in the body of the nozzle. *** * 30

* *. 31 69. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 63 to 68 * * * * * 32 wherein the nozzle further comprises filter coupling S.. *

1 means for coupling a filter to the upstream end of 2 the central channel.

4 70. The nozzle as claimed in any one of Claims 63 to 68 wherein the nozzle further comprises nozzle-coupling 6 means for coupling a nozzle to the downstream end of 7 the central channel.

9 71. The nozzle as claimed in any of Claims 47 to 70 wherein the fluid deflector is frusto-conical and is 11 thus provided with a frusto-conical deflecting 12 surface, angled away from the direction of fluid 13 flow.

72. The nozzle as claimed in Claim 71 wherein the frusto- 16 conical deflecting surface extends beyond the maximum 17 width of the channel to direct the flow of fluid.

19 73. A kit of parts for a nozzle according to any one of Claims 48 to 72, the kit of parts comprising a body 21 and a fluid deflector.

23 74. The kit of parts as claimed in Claim 73 wherein the 24 kit of parts further comprises a coupling means adapted to connect the deflector to the body. * S..

". 27 75. A nozzle comprising: **.

28 a body having a fluid outlet; 29 a fluid flow channel extending through the body, the 30 channel in fluid communication with the body outlet; 31 and * . . * 32 a fluid deflector located adjacent the body outlet S..

33 and positioned such that fluid flowing along the 1 channel impinges on the deflector and is directed out 2 of the nozzle by the deflector, the direction of flow 3 of the fluid exiting the nozzle thereby determined by 4 the deflector. * . * *** S... * . * *.

* *. . S.. S

S *S. * * SS * S 5 * *S S..