Water injector nozzle

A water injector assembly includes an injector body having a substantially hollow interior. The injector body defines an inlet opening defined within an outer radial surface of the injector body at a first axial location along the injector body. The injector body defines a flowpath opening in fluid communication with the inlet opening such that the flowpath opening is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet opening. The injector body defines an outlet opening defined within the injector body at a second axial location along the injector body. The outlet opening is in fluid communication with the flowpath opening, such that the outlet opening receives the fluid from the flowpath opening. The second axial location of the outlet opening is different than the first axial location of the inlet opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The instant application is generally directed towards an injector nozzle and, in particular, is directed towards a water injector nozzle having a reduced cross-sectional size.

Discussion of the Prior Art

Water injector assemblies can be used to inject water into a pipeline, for example. In past examples, the water injector assemblies had a spray head that was movable between an opened position and a closed position. In the opened position, water could exit the water injector assembly by moving past the spray head and into the pipeline. To support the water injector assembly in place with respect to the pipeline, a plurality of bolts are used. In past examples, a total of six bolts have been used. Due to the environment within which the water injector assembly is used, the bolts have been made of an INCONEL® material (nickel based alloys; alloys containing nickel, chromium, iron, etc.), which is relatively strong, resistant to corrosion, etc.

The cost of the six INCONEL bolts is relatively high due to the relatively high number of bolts used and the type of material (e.g., INCONEL) used in the bolts. However, using fewer than six bolts has been impractical due to a cross-sectional size of the water injector assembly and the forces and/or pressures that the water injector assembly is subject to. Thus, it would be useful to provide a water injector assembly that has a reduced cross-sectional size such that fewer bolts (e.g., less than six) can be used to support the water injector assembly in place with respect to the pipeline.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In an example, a water injector assembly includes an injector body having a substantially hollow interior. The injector body defines an inlet opening defined within an outer radial surface of the injector body at a first axial location along the injector body. The inlet opening has an inlet cross-sectional size and is configured to receive a fluid. The injector body defines a flowpath opening in fluid communication with the inlet opening such that the flowpath opening is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet opening. The flowpath opening extends axially within the injector body. The flowpath opening has a flowpath cross-sectional size that is different than the inlet cross-sectional size. The injector body defines an outlet opening defined within the injector body at a second axial location along the injector body. The outlet opening is in fluid communication with the flowpath opening, such that the outlet opening is configured to receive the fluid from the flowpath opening. The second axial location of the outlet opening is different than the first axial location of the inlet opening.

In another example, a water injector assembly includes an injector body having a substantially hollow interior. The injector body defines an inlet opening defined within an outer radial surface of the injector body at a first axial location along the injector body. The inlet opening is configured to receive a fluid. The injector body defines a flowpath opening in fluid communication with the inlet opening such that the flowpath opening is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet opening. The injector body defines an outlet opening defined within the injector body at a second axial location along the injector body. The outlet opening is in fluid communication with the flowpath opening, such that the outlet opening is configured to receive the fluid from the flowpath opening. The water injector assembly includes a spray control assembly disposed at least partially within the hollow interior of the injector body. The spray control assembly is configured to control a passage of the fluid from the outlet opening and through an exit opening defined within the injector body. The spray control assembly includes a spray head disposed within the exit opening. The spray control assembly includes a shaft attached to the spray head and extending within the hollow interior of the injector body. The spray control assembly includes a biasing device operatively attached to the shaft and configured to bias the spray control assembly towards a closed position. The biasing device is at a third axial location along the injector body. The first axial location is located axially between the second axial location and the third axial location.

In another example, a water injector assembly includes an injector body having a substantially hollow interior. The injector body extends between a first end and a second end. The injector body defines an inlet opening defined within an outer radial surface of the injector body at a first axial location along the injector body that is a first distance from the first end. The inlet opening is configured to receive fluid. The injector body defines a flowpath opening in fluid communication with the inlet opening such that the flowpath opening is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet opening. The injector body defines an outlet opening defined within the injector body. The outlet opening is in fluid communication with the flowpath opening, such that the outlet opening is configured to receive the fluid from the flowpath opening. The injector body includes a spray control assembly disposed at least partially within the hollow interior of the injector body. The spray control assembly is configured to control a passage of the fluid from the outlet opening and through an exit opening defined within the injector body at the first end. The spray control assembly includes a spray head disposed within the exit opening at the first end of the injector body. The spray control assembly includes a shaft attached to the spray head and extending within the hollow interior of the injector body. The spray control assembly includes a biasing device operatively attached to the shaft and configured to bias the spray control assembly towards a closed position. The biasing device is at a third axial location along the injector body that is a third distance from the first end. The first distance is less than the second distance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the disclosure are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the disclosure. For example, one or more aspects can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements.

Turning toFIG. 1, a portion of an example pipeline100is illustrated. The pipeline100can be used in any number of different environments, including oil and gas environments, for example. It will be appreciated that the pipeline100is illustrated somewhat schematically and sectioned off so as to illustrate portions of the pipeline100that may normally not be visible. In operation, however, the pipeline100can be closed off and fully formed. In some examples, the pipeline100can be in fluid communication with a turbine, a turbine bypass valve, a high pressure steam line, etc.

An injector housing102can be positioned adjacent an outer wall of the pipeline100. The injector housing102includes a housing interior104that is substantially hollow into which a water injector assembly106can be received. The injector housing102extends between a first end108and a second end110. In an example, the first end108of the injector housing102is positioned adjacent to, in contact with, attached to, etc. the outer wall of the pipeline100. The second end110of the injector housing102is positioned a distance away from the first end108.

In an example, the injector housing102defines a housing opening112that projects substantially perpendicularly to a direction of extension of the injector housing102. The injector housing102can be attached to a supply device (e.g., supply line, etc.) that is attached to and in fluid communication with the housing opening112. As such, the supply device can supply a fluid (e.g., liquid, water, gas, steam, etc.) through the housing opening112and into the housing interior104.

An attachment structure114can be positioned adjacent the second end110of the injector housing102. In this example, a cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) of the attachment structure114may be substantially equal to a cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) of the second end110of the injector housing102. The attachment structure114can be in contact with the injector housing102and the water injector assembly106so as to limit unintended movement of the water injector assembly106in a first direction116.

The attachment structure114can receive one or more fasteners118that can attach the attachment structure114to the injector housing102. In an example, the fasteners118include screws, bolts, nuts, or other similar mechanical fasteners. The fasteners118can extend through the attachment structure114(e.g., through openings defined within the attachment structure114) and can be attached to (e.g., threaded into, threadingly attached, etc.) the second end110of the injector housing102. In this example, four fasteners118are provided (e.g., a first fastener118a, a second fastener118b, a third fastener118c, and a fourth fastener118d). As will be described below, due to a cross-sectional size of the water injector assembly106, four fasteners118can be provided for attaching the attachment structure114to the injector housing102. In this example, the four fasteners118provide sufficient attachment force to resist movement of the water injector assembly106in the first direction116.

Turning toFIG. 2, a sectional, partially exploded view of the water injector assembly106is illustrated. It will be appreciated that the water injector assembly106is illustrated as being sectioned off for illustrative purposes and to more clearly show interior portions of the water injector assembly106that may normally not be visible. Likewise, it will be appreciated that the water injector assembly106is illustrated as being partially exploded so as to show individual portions of the water injector assembly106. In operation, the water injector assembly106may be fully assembled, in a manner similar to the example illustrated inFIG. 1.

The water injector assembly106includes an injector body200. The injector body200extends between a first end202and a second end204along an axis205. In an example, the first end202of the injector body200can be positioned adjacent an opening in the outer wall of the pipeline100. The second end204of the injector body200can be positioned adjacent and/or in contact with the attachment structure114. As such, the second end204of the injector body200can be aligned with and in proximity to the second end110of the injector housing102. The injector body200can be formed in any number of ways. In one possible example, the injector body200can be formed from an additive manufacturing process (e.g., build up in layers by depositing material).

The injector body200can have a substantially hollow interior206. In an example, the hollow interior206extends between the first end202and the second end204of the injector body200. The hollow interior206may be sized and/or shaped to receive one or more structures therein. In some examples, the hollow interior206can have a non-constant cross-sectional size between the first end202and the second end204. For example, the hollow interior206can have a varying cross-sectional size (e.g., becoming larger or smaller) from the first end202to the second end204of the injector body200.

The hollow interior206defines a first interior portion208, a second interior portion210, and a third interior portion212. The first interior portion208is positioned adjacent to the first end202of the injector body200. The first interior portion208is in fluid communication with an exit opening214defined within the first end202of the injector body200. As such, fluids, such as liquids, steam, gases, etc., can selectively flow from the first interior portion208and through the exit opening214. In this example, the first interior portion208is defined by one or more first interior walls216. The first interior wall216is substantially rounded and/or curved, such that the first interior portion208has an ovoid shape, a truncated ovoid shape, a spherical shape, a truncated spherical shape, etc.

The hollow interior206defines the second interior portion210. The second interior portion210can be in fluid communication with the first interior portion208. The second interior portion210is located between the first end202and the second end204of the injector body200, with the second interior portion210positioned adjacent the first interior portion208. In an example, the second interior portion210is located in closer proximity to the second end204of the injector body200than the first interior portion208.

The second interior portion210is defined by one or more second interior walls218. The second interior wall218can extend substantially parallel to and substantially coaxial with respect to the axis205. In this example, the second interior wall218defines a cylindrical shape that extends along the axis205. As such, the second interior portion210can have a substantially constant cross-sectional size along a length of the second interior portion210.

The hollow interior206defines the third interior portion212. The third interior portion212can be in fluid communication with the second interior portion210. The third interior portion212is located between the first end202and the second end204of the injector body200, with the third interior portion212positioned adjacent the second interior portion210. In an example, the third interior portion212is located in closer proximity to the second end204of the injector body200than the first interior portion208or the second interior portion210. As such, the second interior portion210is located between the first interior portion208and the third interior portion212.

The third interior portion212is defined by one or more third interior walls220. The third interior wall220can extend substantially parallel to and coaxial with respect to the axis205. In this example, the third interior wall220defines a cylindrical shape that extends along the axis205. As such, the third interior portion212can have a substantially constant cross-sectional size along a length of the third interior portion212. In this example, the third interior wall220extends substantially parallel to and coaxial with the second interior wall218. The third interior portion212can have a larger cross-sectional size than the second interior portion210, such that the third interior wall220is located radially outward from (e.g., a larger radial distance from the axis205) the second interior wall218.

The third interior wall220can be radially separated from the second interior wall218to define an engagement opening222. The engagement opening222is disposed radially between an end of the second interior wall218and an end of the third interior wall220. The engagement opening222can further be defined by a fourth interior wall224that extends radially between the second interior wall218and the third interior wall220. As such, the engagement opening222is bounded on three sides by the second interior wall218, the third interior wall220, and the fourth interior wall224.

Referring now to an outer radial surface226of the water injector assembly106, the water injector assembly106includes a first engagement portion230. The first engagement portion230defines a first engagement cross-sectional size232. In this example, the first engagement cross-sectional size232is larger than an injector cross-sectional size234of the injector body200from the first end202of the injector body200to the first engagement portion230. The first engagement portion230has a first side236and a second side238. In this example, the first side236extends substantially perpendicularly with respect to the injector body200. The second side238can have a sloped and/or angled shape that may extend non-perpendicularly with respect to the injector body200.

The first engagement portion230can define a first engagement channel240that extends radially around the first engagement portion230. The first engagement channel240is open radially outwardly, such that the first engagement channel240defines a recess, furrow, trench, etc. As such, the first engagement channel240can receive a gasket, O-ring, or other elastomeric and/or compressible structure. In addition or in the alternative, a gasket, O-ring, other elastomeric and/or compressible structure can be positioned adjacent the first side236of the first engagement portion230. In these examples, the gasket, O-ring, etc. can contact and/or engage the injector housing102(e.g., walls and/or surfaces within the housing interior104) so as to form a seal between the water injector assembly106and the injector housing102.

The water injector assembly106includes a second engagement portion250. The second engagement portion250defines a second engagement cross-sectional size252. In this example, the second engagement cross-sectional size252is larger than the injector cross-sectional size234. In an example, the second engagement cross-sectional size252may be the same size as the first engagement cross-sectional size232. The second engagement portion252has a first side256and a second side258. In this example, the first side256has a sloped and/or angled shape that may extend non-perpendicularly with respect to the injector body200. The second side258may extend substantially perpendicularly with respect to the injector body200.

The second engagement portion250can define a second engagement channel260that extends radially around the second engagement portion250. The second engagement channel260is open radially outwardly, such that the second engagement channel260defines a recess, furrow, trench, etc. As such, the second engagement channel260can receive a gasket, O-ring, or other elastomeric and/or compressible structure. In addition or in the alternative, a gasket, O-ring, other elastomeric and/or compressible structure can be positioned adjacent the second side258of the second engagement channel260. In these examples, the gasket, O-ring, etc. can contact and/or engage the injector housing102(e.g., walls and/or surfaces within the housing interior104) and/or the attachment structure114so as to form a seal between the water injector assembly106, the injector housing102, and/or the attachment structure114.

The first engagement portion230and the second engagement portion250can be spaced apart from each other axially along the injector body200. In an example, a chamber262may be defined between the first engagement portion230and the second engagement portion250. The chamber262can be axially aligned with the housing opening112, such that the chamber262can receive a fluid (e.g., liquid, water, gas, etc.) from the housing opening112. The chamber262can define a chamber cross-sectional size that is reduced (e.g., less than) as compared to the first engagement cross-sectional size232and/or the second engagement cross-sectional size252.

The injector body200can define one or more inlet openings264that are defined within the outer radial surface226of the injector body200. It will be appreciated that while two inlet openings264are illustrated inFIG. 2(e.g., defined at the top and the bottom of the injector body200), any number (e.g., one or more) of inlet openings264can be provided circumferentially around the injector body200. In an example, the inlet openings264are defined at the second side238of the first engagement portion230adjacent to the chamber262. As such, the inlet openings264can be positioned between the first engagement portion230and the second engagement portion250. The inlet opening264can have an inlet cross-sectional size266.

The inlet openings264define a path, a channel, or the like through which a fluid (e.g., liquid, water, gas, etc.) can pass from the housing opening112, through the chamber262, and into the inlet opening264. As such, in an example, the inlet openings264can receive a fluid from the housing opening112. In this example, the inlet openings264are angled with respect to the axis205. For example, the inlet openings264can receive the fluid (e.g., liquid, water, gas, etc.) along an angle that is between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees with respect to the axis205.

The injector body200can define one or more flowpath openings268. The flowpath openings268are in fluid communication with the inlet openings264such that the flowpath openings268can receive the fluid from the inlet openings264. In an example, the flowpath opening268extends substantially axially within the injector body200along the axis205. In this example, the flowpath opening268can extend between the inlet opening264at one end and the first end202of the injector body200at an opposing end. In this example, the flowpath openings268may extend axially along the injector body200at a location that is radially between the second interior portion210and the outer radial surface226of the injector body200. The flowpath openings268can therefore be defined by the outer radial surface226of the injector body200(e.g., at an outer radial side) and by the second interior wall218at an inner radial side.

The flowpath openings268define a path, a channel or the like through which a fluid (e.g., liquid, water, gas, etc.) can pass from the inlet openings264and through the flowpath opening268. The flowpath opening268has a flowpath cross-sectional size269that is different than the inlet cross-sectional size266. For example, the flowpath cross-sectional size269may be less than the inlet cross-sectional size266.

The injector body200can define one or more outlet openings270. The outlet openings270are in fluid communication with the flowpath openings268such that the outlet openings270can receive the fluid from the flowpath openings268. In an example, the outlet openings270are located at an end of the flowpath openings268opposite the inlet openings264. That is, the inlet openings264may be located at an upstream end of the flowpath openings268while the outlet openings270may be located at an opposing downstream end of the flowpath openings268. As such, the outlet openings270are in fluid communication with the flowpath openings268and with the hollow interior206(e.g., the first interior portion208) of the injector body200.

In the illustrated examples, the holes (e.g., as defined by the inlet openings264, the flowpath openings268, and the outlet openings270) can have a non-linear shape along the injector body200. For example, the inlet openings264can extend in a direction that is non-parallel with respect to the axis205. Likewise, the inlet openings264can have a non-uniform cross-sectional size, such as by having a trumpet shape (e.g., decreasing cross-sectional size from an end (e.g., a left end) of the inlet opening264to an opposing end (e.g., a right end)). In this example, the flowpath openings268can extend substantially parallel with respect to the axis205. In this example, the outlet openings270can extend in a direction that is non-parallel with respect to the axis205. This shape allows for the holes to compactly fit into a smaller injector body200(e.g., smaller cross-sectional size/diameter).

The water injector assembly106includes a spray control assembly272. The spray control assembly272can control the passage of the fluid from the outlet opening270and through the exit opening214that is defined within the injector body200. The spray control assembly272is illustrated in a partially exploded state inFIG. 2. However, in operation, the spray control assembly272can be fully assembled, similar to the examples illustrated inFIGS. 1, 3 and 4.

The spray control assembly272includes a control structure274. The control structure274is an elongated structure extending along the axis205that can be at least partially received within the hollow interior206of the injector body200. In this example, the control structure274includes a shaft276that extends along the axis205. The shaft276has a cross-sectional size that is less than a cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) of the second interior portion210. As such, the shaft276can be received at least partially within the first interior portion208, the second interior portion210, and the third interior portion212.

The shaft276can extend along the injector body200substantially entirely between the first end202and the second end204. In an example, the shaft276can have a shaft length that is greater than about one half (½) of a body length of the injector body200. In another example, the shaft276can have a shaft length that is greater than about two thirds (⅔) of a body length of the injector body200. In yet another example, the shaft276can have a shaft length that is greater than about three fourths (¾) of a body length of the injector body200. In this example, the shaft276can extend through the first interior portion208, through the second interior portion210, and at least partially through the third interior portion212.

The control structure274includes a spray head278attached to an end of the shaft276. In an example, the spray head278may be disposed at least partially within the exit opening214of the injector body200when the shaft276is received within the first interior portion208, the second interior portion210, and the third interior portion212. While the spray head278includes any number of shapes, in the illustrated example, the spray head278can have a truncated conical and/or a frusto-conical shape. A narrow portion of the spray head278can be attached to the shaft276such that the spray head278increases in cross-sectional size in a direction away from the shaft276(e.g., from left to right inFIG. 2). A cross-sectional size of the spray head278can be substantially equal to or greater than a cross-sectional size of the exit opening214, such that the spray head278can selectively contact the first interior wall216to close, seal, block, etc. the exit opening214.

The spray control assembly272includes a biasing device280. As will be described herein, the biasing device280can be operatively attached to the shaft276and can bias the spray control assembly272(e.g., the spray head278) towards a closed position. In the closed position, the spray head278can contact the first interior wall216to close, seal, block, etc. the exit opening214. The biasing device280includes any number of structures that has at least some degree of flexibility, compressibility, or the like. In one possible example, the biasing device280may include a spring, such as compression spring.

A cross-sectional size of the biasing device280can be less than a cross-sectional size of the third interior portion212, such that the biasing device280can be received within the third interior portion212. The biasing device280extends between a first end281and a second end282. In an example, the first end281of the biasing device280can contact and/or engage the second interior wall218. The biasing device280can be substantially hollow so as to define a channel, opening, etc. extending through the biasing device280between the first end281and the second end282. This opening in the biasing device280can be substantially coaxial with the axis205such that opening in the biasing device280and the second interior portion210can extend end to end. In an example, the shaft276can extend through the biasing device280.

The biasing device280can be received within a biasing housing283. For example, the biasing device280can be received within an interior284of the biasing housing283. In an example, the second end282of the biasing device280can bear against an internal wall285of the biasing device280. The biasing housing283defines a shaft opening286that extends through the internal wall285of the biasing housing283. In an example, the shaft opening286of the biasing device280is sized and shaped to receive the shaft276.

The spray control assembly272can include a fastener288. The fastener288includes any number of devices that can attach and/or removably attach to the shaft276. In an example, the fastener288can include a threaded nut that can thread onto (e.g., attach to) an end of the shaft276that is opposite the spray head278. In operation, the shaft276can pass through the shaft opening286. As such, the fastener288attaches to the shaft276on an opposite side of the internal wall285from the biasing device280.

Turning toFIG. 3, the water injector assembly106is illustrated in a fully assembled state. As illustrated, the inlet opening264is located at a first axial location along the injector body200. In an example, the first axial location along the injector body200is a first distance300from the first end202of the injector body200. The outlet opening270is located at a second axial location along the injector body200. In an example, the second axial location along the injector body200is a second distance302from the first end202of the injector body200. The second axial location of the outlet opening270is different than the first axial location of the inlet opening264. For example, the second distance302may be less than the first distance300.

The biasing device280(e.g., the first end281) is located at a third axial location along the injector body200. In an example, the third axial location along the injector body200is a third distance304from the first end202of the injector body200. The first axial location of the inlet opening264is located axially between the second axial location of the outlet opening270and the third axial location of the biasing device280. In the illustrated example, the first distance300is less than the third distance304.

Referring to the spray control assembly272, the spray control assembly272can be disposed at least partially within the hollow interior206of the injector body200. In this example, the spray head278is disposed within the exit opening214so as to selectively close, seal, block, etc. the exit opening214. The shaft276can extend from the spray head278, through the first interior portion208, through the second interior portion210, and at least partially through the third interior portion212. The shaft can extend through the biasing device280and through the shaft opening286of the biasing housing283. The fastener288can be attached to the end of the shaft276so as to attach the shaft276with respect to the biasing housing283. As such, movement of the biasing housing283can cause a corresponding movement (e.g., axial movement) of the shaft276along the axis205.

The biasing device280can bias the spray control assembly272towards a closed position. In an example, an end306of a sidewall308of the biasing housing283can be at least partially disposed within the engagement opening222. That is, the end306of the sidewall308is disposed between the second interior wall218and the third interior wall220within the engagement opening222. The sidewall308can be movable within the engagement opening222, such as in response to compression or extension of the biasing device280.

Turning toFIG. 4, an example operation of the water injector assembly106is illustrated. In this example, fluid can flow/enter (e.g., illustrated schematically with arrowheads400) the injector body200through the inlet openings264. The fluid (e.g., liquid, water, gas, etc.) can flow through the housing opening112(e.g., illustrated inFIG. 1) and enter400the inlet openings264. Upon entering the inlet openings264, the fluid can flow402through the flowpath opening268away from the inlet opening264. The fluid can then flow/exit404through the outlet opening270, whereupon the fluid can enter the first interior portion208of the injector body200.

The fluid in the first interior portion208can act upon the spray head278of the spray control assembly272. In this example, the fluid, such as a result of pressure within the first interior portion208, can cause the spray head278to move from the closed position to an opened position. When the spray head278moves from the closed position to the opened position, the shaft276can move (e.g., slide, translate, etc.) towards the first end202of the injector body200(e.g., from left to right in the illustrated example ofFIG. 4). As the shaft276moves, the fastener288can likewise move towards the first end202of the injector body200. The fastener288can act upon the internal wall285of the biasing housing283, causing the biasing housing283to move406towards the first end202of the injector body200.

Initially, when the spray head278is in the closed position, the end306of the sidewall308of the biasing housing283may be spaced a distance apart from the fourth interior wall224. However, as the spray head278moves from the closed position to the opened position (e.g., from left to right inFIG. 4), the biasing housing283can likewise move towards the first end202of the injector body200. As the biasing housing283moves (e.g., from left to right) towards the first end202, the end306of the sidewall308can move towards and/or into contact with the fourth interior wall224. This movement of the biasing housing283causes the biasing device280to compress.

The spray control assembly272can remain in the opened position at least as long as the fluid is flowing (e.g.,400,402,404) into the inlet opening264, through the flowpath opening268, and out of the outlet opening270. Further, the fluid flows past the spray head278and out from the water injector assembly106. It is to be appreciated that the spray head278may only move a relatively small distance (i.e., un-seat) away from the surface that defines the exit opening214, and thus allow fluid flow through a relatively cross-sectional area (not readily seen within theFIG. 4) past the spray head278. However, a relatively large fluid pressure may still provide for a relatively large volume of fluid movement past the spray head278. The fluid may exit out from the assembly106as water vapor. The water vapor can be considered to be injected into the pipeline100. Once the fluid stops flowing, the spray control assembly272can move back from the opened position to the closed position, whereupon the spray head278contacts and engages the surface that defines the exit opening214(i.e., re-seat).

Due to the biasing assembly (e.g., the biasing device280, the biasing housing283, etc.) being located between the second end204of the injector body200(e.g., opposite the exit opening214) and the inlet opening264, a cross-sectional size of the injector body200can be reduced. For example, the injector body200can include the inlet opening264, the flowpath opening268and the outlet opening270defined within the injector body200. Due to the biasing assembly (e.g., the biasing device280, the biasing housing283, etc.) being located closer to the second end204, the inlet opening264, the flowpath opening268and the outlet opening270can incorporate the illustrated shape.

In this example, the injector body200can be formed as part of an additive manufacturing process. For example, successive layers of the injector body200can be laid upon previously formed layers in response to computer control. As a result of this additive manufacturing process, the injector body200can include the inlet opening264, the flowpath opening268and the outlet opening270having the illustrated size and shape. Additionally, the additive manufacturing process allows for a number of different materials (e.g., improved materials with respect to one or more of strength, weight, cost, corrosion resistance, etc.) to be used in forming the injector body200, with some of these materials not being available under non-additive manufacturing techniques.

In this example, the water injector assembly106, in particular the injector body200, can have a reduced overall size as compared to past water injectors. For example, a length of the injector body200can be in a range of about 10 centimeters (e.g., 3.9 inches) to about 12 centimeters (e.g., 4.7 inches). In an example, a length of the injector body200is about 11.37 centimeters (e.g., 4.475 inches), which represents a 15% reduction in length as compared to past water injectors. As a result of this reduction in length, flow efficiency is increased since a length of the holes (e.g., as defined by the inlet openings264, the flowpath openings268, and the outlet openings270) is likewise reduced, which causes a reduction in surface friction from the walls of the holes.

In this example, a maximum cross-sectional (e.g., diameter) size (e.g., the first engagement cross-sectional size232and/or the second engagement cross-sectional size252) of the injector body200can be in a range of about 2.54 centimeters (e.g., 1 inch) to about 3.175 centimeters (e.g., 1.25 inches). In an example, a maximum cross-sectional size (e.g., the first engagement cross-sectional size232and/or the second engagement cross-sectional size252) of the injector body200is about 3 centimeters (e.g., 1.185 inches), which represents a 21% reduction in maximum cross-sectional size as compared to past water injectors.

As a result of this reduced size, a reduced total number of fasteners118can be used to support the water injector assembly106with respect to the injector housing102. In the illustrated example (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1), four fasteners118(e.g.,118a,118b,118c,118d) can be used for supporting the water injector assembly106within the housing interior104of the injector housing102. In past water injectors, a total of six fasteners were needed as a result of the increased size (e.g., length and/or cross-sectional size) of the water injectors. By reducing the number of fasteners118, a total cost is reduced, as the fasteners are relatively expensive due to the INCONEL material (nickel based alloys; alloys containing nickel, chromium, iron, etc.) being used for the fasteners118.