Autonomous Electrical Pipeline Isolation Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic pipeline isolation tools face reliability and efficiency issues due to leaks, complexity, and poor conversion efficiency from electrical to hydraulic power, limiting their use in offshore and onshore pipeline maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An all-electrical autonomous pipeline isolation tool using Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) communication and direct electric drive, eliminating the need for hydraulic systems, with a self-contained modular design and 'off the shelf' components for simplified fabrication and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic systems are used in pipeline isolation tools, then sealing and isolation functionality can be achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to leaks and system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hydraulic system entirely from the pipeline isolation tool, extracting the problematic component that caused leaks and reliability issues. The tool is redesigned to be fully electric, eliminating hydraulic fluid, hoses, pumps, and associated control systems, thereby resolving the reliability and complexity contradictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electric system. Instead of using hydraulic pressure to actuate sealing elements and positioning mechanisms, the invention uses electric motors and electronic control, substituting a more reliable system that eliminates fluid leakage problems inherent in hydraulic designs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If hydraulic systems are used in pipeline isolation tools, then isolation functionality is achieved, but energy conversion efficiency deteriorates due to poor conversion from electrical to hydraulic power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the intermediate hydraulic energy conversion stage by directly using electric motors to drive all mechanical functions. This removes the inefficient electrical-to-hydraulic-to-mechanical conversion chain and replaces it with direct electrical-to-mechanical conversion, significantly improving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies electric actuation locally at each function point within the tool (sealing, positioning, gripping) rather than using a centralized hydraulic system. This allows for more efficient energy utilization at each specific location, eliminating energy losses associated with hydraulic fluid transmission and pressure conversion.
3Weight of moving object
If hydraulic systems are used in pipeline isolation tools, then sealing capability is achieved, but the tool size and weight increase due to hydraulic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all hydraulic components (fluid reservoir, pumps, valves, hoses, accumulators) from the tool design. This extraction dramatically reduces the tool's weight and volume while maintaining sealing reliability through electrically actuated sealing mechanisms that are more compact and lighter than their hydraulic counterparts.
4Length of moving object
If umbilical controlled isolation plugs are used, then remote operation is achieved, but insertion distance is limited to approximately 500 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the umbilical cable entirely from the system. The isolation tool is designed as a fully autonomous unit with onboard electronics and power supply, eliminating the physical connection to the surface. This allows the tool to be inserted much farther into the pipeline without the constraints of umbilical length or management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the isolation tool self-sufficient by incorporating onboard batteries and electronic control systems. The tool can operate autonomously without external umbilical support, managing its own power, control, and communication needs, thereby enabling unlimited insertion distance within the pipeline.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The electrical pipeline isolation tool provides a more reliable, efficient, and compact solution with reduced system complexity, enhancing maintenance efficiency and accessibility, while maintaining high-pressure operation without hydraulic system limitations.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing member moveable between an unset condition in which the sealing member is disengaged and a set condition in which the sealing member is engaged against an internal wall of a pipeline such that a seal is formed
Implementation Method 2
the electrical autonomous pipeline isolation tool also comprising a first part and a second part moveable relative to each other, the electrical autonomous pipeline isolation tool being moveable between the unset condition and the set condition under action of the first part and the second part moving relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an all electrical autonomous pipeline isolation tool for use in offshore and onshore pipeline isolation; the electrical autonomous pipeline isolation tool comprising a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being moveable relative to each other, the electrical autonomous pipeline isolation tool also comprising at least one sealing member which is moveable between an unset condition in which the sealing member is disengaged and the isolation tool is able to travel along inside a pipeline to a predetermined location; and a set condition in which the sealing member is engaged against an internal wall of a pipline such that a seal is formed between the sealing member of the isolation tool and the internal wall of the pipeline; the isolation tool being moveable between the unset condition and the set condition under action of the first part and the second part moving relative to each other. The all electrical pipeline isolation tool of the invention is controlled using an Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) communications system.Advantageously, the all electrical pipeline isolation tool of the invention is completely autonomous, without the necessity for a hydraulic pump and motor, hydraulic accumulator, hydraulic valving, hydraulic piston or hydraulic piping and hydraulic control system.