Inflation Bladder Reinforcement for Pipeline Liner Bursting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline repair methods using inflation bladders have weak points where the bladder is not contained by the liner, limiting the pressure that can be applied without bursting, particularly at the junctions between main and lateral pipes.
Innovation Solution
A liner/bladder assembly with an elongated tubular inflation bladder having varying wall thicknesses, where a reinforced portion is created by folding the bladder wall onto itself to extend beyond the liner, and a containment tube is used to reinforce the bladder areas outside the liner, allowing greater pressure without bursting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the inflation bladder extends beyond the liner tube to ensure the liner is open-ended, then the liner can be properly positioned and opened, but the bladder creates weak points that limit the maximum pressure before bursting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing selective reinforcement at specific locations where the bladder extends beyond the liner. The reinforcement structure is placed only at the critical weak points (where the bladder protrudes) rather than uniformly throughout, making the bladder wall locally stronger where needed while maintaining flexibility elsewhere. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the bladder to extend beyond the liner for proper positioning while preventing bursting at the extended portions through localized strengthening.
2Productivity
If higher pressure is applied to the inflation bladder to improve liner installation effectiveness, then better liner contact and curing is achieved, but the bladder may burst at weak points where it is not contained by the liner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-installing reinforcement structures at the locations where the bladder will extend beyond the liner before pressurization occurs. These reinforcement elements (such as additional bladder material, mesh, or structural supports) are positioned in advance to prevent bursting when high pressure is subsequently applied. This allows the system to withstand the high pressures needed for effective liner installation without failing at the vulnerable extended portions of the bladder.
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 solution reduces the number of weak points and allows higher pressure application within the bladder, enhancing the durability and effectiveness of pipeline repair by preventing bladder bursting during pressurization.
Implementation Method 1
An inflation bladder is often used to urge the liner tube in an outward radial direction into contact with the pipe being repaired
Implementation Method 2
These liners can also be cured at ambient temperatures by a chemical mixture which generates an exothermic reaction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates towards a bladder tube having an open and a closed end. The closed end of the bladder tube is formed by folding a surplus portion of the bladder tube, inserting a grommet through the folded portion of the bladder tube, banding at least a portion of the surplus portion of the bladder tube, and passing at least a portion of the banding through the grommet. The banding may comprise a rope or other material that can be tied. An exhaust port may also be punched through the layers of the folded portion of the bladder tube to exhaust steam or other fluids.