Conduit Separation Device with Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing and validating the separation of elongated foundation piles, such as those from oil and gas platforms, are inefficient and often leave residual material connecting conduit sections, making it difficult to ensure complete separation.
Innovation Solution
A device with end sections featuring fixation modules for secure attachment to the conduit inner walls and a middle section equipped with a linear actuator module, including force and motion sensors, to accurately determine and apply the necessary force for separating conduit sections, ensuring complete cutting and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional cutting tools are used to cut conduit sections, then the cutting operation can be performed, but residual material remains connecting the first conduit section and the second conduit section, making separation validation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates sensors (force sensors, displacement sensors, or vision systems) that provide real-time feedback during the separation process. This feedback allows the control system to detect when complete separation has been achieved by monitoring parameters such as force thresholds, displacement milestones, or visual confirmation of gap formation, thereby validating that no residual material connects the conduit sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions by first positioning itself within the conduit section, then systematically applying cutting forces while monitoring separation progress. The control system executes a predetermined sequence of operations including initial cutting, progressive separation, and final validation, ensuring that each step is completed before proceeding to the next, thereby guaranteeing complete separation.
2Reliability
If a device with multiple end sections and fixation modules is used to separate conduit sections, then complete separation can be validated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments: first and second end sections with fixation modules for secure attachment to conduit walls, a middle section containing the linear actuator, and integrated sensing systems. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall separation and validation process, making the complex device manageable and effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the fixation modules provide secure attachment, the linear actuator applies separation force, the sensors monitor separation progress, and the control system coordinates all operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate tools and operations, thereby managing device complexity while achieving reliable separation validation.
3Measurement precision
If force sensors and motion sensors are integrated into the linear actuator module to determine required separation force, then accurate separation validation is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Force sensors and motion sensors provide real-time feedback to the control system during the separation process. The control system uses this feedback to determine when the required separation force has been achieved and when complete separation has occurred. This feedback mechanism enables precise measurement and validation while automating the decision-making process, reducing the need for complex manual assessment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing and control system operates autonomously to determine separation completion. The force sensors and motion sensors automatically monitor separation progress, and the control system independently evaluates whether the required separation force has been applied and whether complete separation has been achieved, without requiring external intervention or complex external measurement equipment.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The various aspects relate to moving a first conduit section of a conduit relative to a second conduit section of the conduit. The device comprises end sections comprising fixation modules. The fixation modules are arranged for fixating the ends sections to the applicable conduit sections. The device also comprises a middle section provided between the first and the second end section. The middle section comprises a linear actuator module for moving the middle section relative to at least one of the first end section and the second end section. This device is suitable for validating of cutting of the bumper piles or other conduits. Cutting tools currently used for cutting such conduits are not perfect and may leave material connecting the first conduit section and the second conduit section. By moving the first section away from the second section, one is sure both sections are well separated.