Branch Conduit Plug Segmentation for CIPP Liner Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In pipe rehabilitation systems, existing methods face challenges in effectively sealing branch conduits during the lining of main pipes with cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners, particularly in preventing delamination and exfiltration under pressure, and in efficiently installing fittings to connect the liner to branch conduits.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plug with a removable section and a durable section, equipped with locating elements, is used to seal branch conduits during liner installation, allowing for later removal to restore fluid communication and facilitate fitting installation, utilizing a robot with sensors and tools for precise alignment and operation within the main pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug is installed to seal the branch conduit during liner installation, then fluid communication is blocked and sealing is effective, but fluid communication cannot be restored without removing the entire plug
Solution Approach 1:
The plug body is divided into a removable section and a durable section. The removable section can be extracted after the liner is installed to restore fluid communication, while the durable section remains to maintain the seal between the liner and branch conduit. This segmentation allows the plug to fulfill both sealing and restoration functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable section of the plug is designed to be discarded after serving its sealing purpose during liner installation. Once the liner is properly installed and sealed, the removable section is extracted to restore fluid communication, while the durable section is recovered and remains in place to maintain the seal.
2Manufacturing precision
If a robot is used to install fittings in branch conduits from within the main pipe, then installation precision is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is designed to perform multiple functions: locating branch conduits using sensors, positioning itself accurately, and installing fittings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment for each task, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional manual methods of locating and installing fittings are replaced with a robotic system equipped with sensors and automated positioning. This substitution improves precision by eliminating human error and variability, while the integration of these functions into a single robotic platform helps manage overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the entire plug is removed to restore fluid communication, then fluid flow is restored, but the structural integrity and sealing connection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is segmented into removable and durable sections. The removable section is extracted to restore fluid flow, while the durable section remains embedded in the branch conduit to maintain the sealing connection between the liner and the conduit. This ensures both fluid flow restoration and structural integrity are preserved.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional sealing methods are used without a removable section, then installation is simpler, but fitting installation and fluid communication restoration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed with a removable section that can be easily extracted after liner installation. This segmentation allows for simple initial installation while enabling subsequent restoration of fluid communication and fitting installation, thereby improving overall rehabilitation efficiency without complicating the initial plug installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe rehabilitation system and/or robot can be used inside a pipe to measure characteristics of branch conduits, install plugs into branch conduits before the pipe is lined with a liner, remove portions of plugs and liners after lining to restore fluid communication between the pipe and branch conduits, and/or install fittings into the branch conduits to connect the liner to the branch conduits. A probe can measure characteristics of a branch conduit. A tool can install plugs and/or fittings into the branch conduits. A linkage can connect a tool to a robotic tractor so that the connected elements can navigate through a main pipe. A visualization system can aid in aligning a robot with a branch conduit. Height-adjustable braces can support robotic tools in a pipe. A plug can include integrated locating features and/or movable parts that enable expanding the plug to seal with the branch conduit.