Mechanical Conduit Plug Using Axial Seal Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable plugs for conduits require coupling with fluid lines for inflation and deflation, and multiple seal actuators for higher pressure applications, which complicates their use in maintenance and fluid flow restriction.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical plug design featuring a first and second plug portion with an elongate member, where actuation of the elongate member moves the plug portions toward each other to compress a seal against the conduit inner wall, restricting fluid flow without the need for fluid line coupling or multiple actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If inflatable plugs are used to plug conduits, then fluid flow restriction is achieved, but coupling to fluid lines is required for inflation and deflation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the fluid line coupling requirement from the plug system. The mechanical plug achieves sealing through direct mechanical compression of the seal against the conduit wall, removing the need for external fluid lines that were necessary for inflatable plugs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical plug is self-contained and self-actuating. The elongate member with actuation mechanism allows the plug to compress its own seal against the conduit wall without requiring external fluid lines or separate inflation systems, making the system self-sufficient.
2Reliability
If multiple seal actuators are used for larger and higher pressure plugs, then sealing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple sealing functions into a single integrated mechanism. One elongate member with one actuation mechanism controls the compression of the seal around the entire circumference, eliminating the need for multiple separate actuators that would be required for larger or higher pressure applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuation mechanism performs multiple functions: it moves the second plug portion relative to the first, compresses the seal against the conduit wall, and maintains sealing under varying pressure conditions. This universal mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized actuators.
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
Enables efficient and simplified fluid flow restriction in conduits, allowing for maintenance and repair without external assistance, with self-centering capabilities and scalability for various conditions, including subsea applications.
Implementation Method 1
Actuation of the elongate member moves the first plug portion and the second plug portion toward each other to compress the seal in a direction along the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
compressing a seal of the mechanical plug, thereby pressing the seal against the inner wall to seal the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical plug includes first and second plug portions and an elongate member. The first plug portion includes a first endwall and a first sidewall. The first sidewall includes a female section extending in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the mechanical plug. The second plug portion is movable relative to the first plug portion. The second plug portion includes a second sidewall, a second endwall coupled to the second sidewall, and a seal. The second sidewall includes a male section extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The seal surrounds a portion of the male section in a region along the longitudinal axis between the second endwall and the female section. The elongate member is coupled to the first and second plug portions. Actuation of the elongate member moves the first plug portion and the second plug portion toward each other to compress the seal.