In-Situ Composite Pipe Liner Manufacturing and Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for replacing high-pressure piping systems in demanding, crowded, or corrosive environments often require excavation and are inefficient, as they rely on traditional pipe replacement rather than in-situ manufacturing and installation of non-metallic composite pipes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an in-situ pipe manufacturing and installation system that integrates extruded thermoplastic pipes with high-strength synthetic fiber fabrics and tapes, allowing for on-site welding and deformation of pipe liners to fit within existing pipes, enabling the restoration of degraded pipelines without excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional pipe replacement methods are used, then piping systems can be replaced, but excavation is required which increases time, effort, and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by inserting a new pipe liner inside the existing degraded pipe, eliminating the need for excavation. The liner is pulled through and expanded to fit within the host pipe, allowing replacement while maintaining the original pipe location and avoiding disruptive digging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-assembling the pipe liner with reinforcement layers and coating materials at a fabrication facility before transport to the installation site. This pre-preparation reduces on-site assembly time and enables rapid installation without excavation, directly addressing the time loss issue.
2Reliability
If pipe is dug up for lining, then high-pressure piping systems can be restored, but the process becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pipe replacement process into distinct modules: the core pipe liner, reinforcement layers, and protective coating are prepared as separate components that are assembled together before installation. This modular approach simplifies the overall installation process while ensuring high restoration quality through controlled manufacturing of each segment.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple connections between joints are made, then piping systems can be assembled, but it requires time, effort, and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by providing the pipe liner as a continuous length without joints or connections. The liner is manufactured as a single continuous piece and installed in one continuous operation, eliminating the time, effort, and expense associated with making multiple connections between joints while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized production processes.
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 solution enables the rapid and efficient replacement of high-pressure piping systems by allowing for the on-site manufacturing and deformation of composite pipe liners, reducing installation time and costs while maintaining or restoring the original performance of pipelines.
Implementation Method 1
The pipe is deformable and wrapped with a plurality of tapes to maintain the pipe in a deformed shape during insertion into a host pipe
Implementation Method 2
Both the wrap and the axial tapes are coated on at least one side with a thermoplastic hot melt, such as EVA or HDPE
Implementation Method 3
extruded thermoplastic pipe, layers of high strength synthetic fiber fabrics and tape, and an on-site manufacturing and installation system which can replace various high-performance, high-pressure piping systems
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe with a liner or core pipe and a liner or core pipe which is insertable into a host pipe, the liner or core pipe including, in certain aspects, a pipe made of temperature-resistant non-metallic corrosion-resistant material; first and second strengthening wraps around the pipe; a plurality of spaced-apart axial strength members or pulling tapes on the pipe; and a protective outer wrap on the pipe. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).