Cable-Guided Pig Loading Reducer for Non-Flanged Pipelines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for loading foam pigs into pipelines are often dangerous and inefficient, particularly when pipelines lack flanged ends for attachment, and existing apparatuses are not compact, portable, or adaptable for different pipeline sizes.

Innovation Solution

A tubular reducer apparatus with a pig-engaging surface and rigid member attached to a cable, allowing for axial movement and tensioning to push the pig into the pipeline, along with guide members and support structures for secure alignment and stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If motorized vehicles or heavy machinery are used to force foam pigs into pipelines, then the pig can be loaded into the pipeline, but the operation becomes dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe operationVSAvoidcomplex loading apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a tubular reducer for size transition, a cable system for force application, and a pig-engaging surface for pig manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function safely without requiring heavy machinery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cable acts as an intermediary element to transmit force from the operator to the pig, eliminating the need for direct contact with heavy machinery. The cable system provides mechanical advantage while maintaining operator safety throughout the loading process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional loading apparatuses are used, then pigs can be loaded into pipelines with flanged ends, but the apparatus cannot be used with pipelines lacking flanged ends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different pipeline configurationsVSAvoidspecialized attachment mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular reducer is designed with a universal interface that can bear against various pipeline configurations, including both flanged and non-flanged ends. The cable attachment mechanism provides multi-functional capability to secure the apparatus to different pipeline types, eliminating the need for specialized attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If foam pigs are compressed axially during loading, then the pig can enter the pipeline, but frictional forces increase due to radial expansion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepig insertionVSAvoidfrictional resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The tubular reducer is designed to gradually compress the foam pig axially as it passes through, controlling the radial expansion to minimize frictional resistance. This preliminary controlled compression prepares the pig for smooth insertion into the pipeline by managing the frictional forces throughout the loading process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Weight of moving object

If compact and portable apparatus are used, then the apparatus can be easily transported and positioned, but the loading force may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus weightVSAvoidloading force

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus replaces heavy mechanical systems with a cable-based tension system that provides mechanical advantage. The cable system can generate sufficient loading force through tension while keeping the apparatus itself lightweight and portable, eliminating the need for heavy machinery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 apparatus safely and efficiently loads foam pigs into pipelines of varying sizes without the need for flanged ends, ensuring compactness and portability while minimizing frictional resistance.

Implementation Method 1

When the foam pig is compressed in the axial direction, it tends to expand in the radial direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion upon axial compression: Poisson's Effect

Implementation Method 2

considerable frictional forces between the foam pig and the interior of the pipeline may resist loading of the foam pig into the pipeline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11703176B2Apparatus and method for loading a pig into a pipeline

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 PETERSON WARREN

AI summary

An apparatus and related method are provided for loading a pig into a pipeline. The apparatus includes a tubular reducer, a rigid member including a pig-engaging surface, and a guide member slidingly engaged by the rigid member to permit axial movement, while limiting radial movement, of the rigid member in relation to the reducer. In use, when the reducer is aligned concentrically with the pipeline end with the front end of the reducer bearing axially, either directly or indirectly, against the pipeline end, and the pig-engaging surface is disposed axially rearward of the reducer, increased tension in the cable pulls the rigid member axially forward relative to the pipeline, whereupon the attached pig-engaging surface pushes the pig through the reducer and into the pipeline interior.