Borehole Pipe Opening and Widening for Rehabilitation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for rehabilitating boreholes with embedded pipes and annular spaces filled with softened or decomposed materials, such as sulfate-attacked concrete, fail to effectively displace and replace these materials without causing pressure increases that can deform or damage the pipe.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a combined tool with a cutting tool and a spreading tool, where the cutting tool makes openings in the pipe and the spreading tool widens them to allow softened material to enter the pipe, followed by rinsing and introducing a binder to seal the annular space, using hydraulic or pneumatic actuation to manage the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high-pressure water jet is used to make openings in the pipe, then the openings can be made efficiently, but the softened material cannot be displaced sufficiently and pressure increases in the annular space can lead to deformation or damage to the pipe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening making efficiencyVSAvoidpipe deformation or damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The process is divided into two separate stages: first making openings in the pipe, then removing softened material. This segmentation allows each operation to be optimized independently, preventing the harmful pressure buildup that occurs when trying to do both simultaneously with high-pressure water jet.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The openings are made in advance before attempting to remove the softened material. This preliminary action creates access points that allow subsequent material removal without requiring high-pressure water jets that could deform the pipe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Quantity of substance

If high-pressure water jet is used to remove softened material from the annular space, then material removal can be achieved, but pressure increases can lead to deformation or other damage to the pipe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftened material removalVSAvoidpipe structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The softened material is extracted through the pre-made openings using mechanical means (drilling, crushing, suction) rather than high-pressure water jets. This extraction approach removes the material without subjecting the pipe to damaging pressures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The high-pressure water jet mechanical system is replaced with alternative mechanical systems such as drilling tools, crushing devices, or suction systems that can remove softened material without causing pipe deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the annular space is filled with softened or decomposed material, then the borehole structure is compromised, but introducing binder requires effective displacement of this material which is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveborehole sealing effectivenessVSAvoidmaterial displacement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Openings are made in the pipe as a preliminary step before introducing the binder. This preliminary action creates pathways that facilitate easy displacement and removal of softened material, allowing the binder to effectively fill the annular space and seal the borehole.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method allows for the removal of softened material from the annular space without deforming the pipe and ensures effective sealing of the borehole by introducing a binder through the openings, preventing further water infiltration.

Implementation Method 1

Making at least one opening in a partial section of the tube by means of a cutting tool inserted into the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting:

Implementation Method 2

Expanding the opening by means of an expanding tool introduced into the tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical expansion:

Implementation Method 3

using hydraulic or pneumatic actuation to manage the process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 4

using hydraulic or pneumatic actuation to manage the process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic actuation:

Data Source

PatentEP4015762A1Method for renovating a borehole in the soil

Publication Date: 2022.06.22 KELLER HOLDING GMBH

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Method for the rehabilitation of a borehole, in particular a geothermal borehole, in which at least one pipe is inserted, wherein an annular space is formed between the at least one pipe and the borehole, containing a softened material, and a combined tool for creating and widening an opening in a pipe.