Continuous Pipeline Laying Robot with Integrated Welding and Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current methods for laying large-diameter pipelines are semi-mechanized, requiring high labor intensity, long laying periods, and high costs due to low automation and harsh working conditions, necessitating the development of an automated solution for efficient and accurate pipeline laying.
Innovation Solution
An automatic continuous operation robot equipped with a platform, navigation subsystem, pipe grabbing and conveying subsystem, pipe end face pre-treatment subsystem, pipe supporting subsystem, welding and welding quality inspection subsystem, and a control system, which enables precise positioning, welding, and quality inspection of large-diameter pipelines, reducing manual labor and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If semi-mechanized methods are used for laying large-diameter pipelines, then device complexity is reduced, but automation degree is low and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline laying system is divided into multiple independent functional modules including excavation module, pipe conveying module, welding module, and inspection module. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the control system, enabling high automation while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The robot platform integrates multiple functions including navigation, pipe handling, end-face processing, welding, and quality inspection into a single unified system. This multi-functionality achieves high automation degree by consolidating previously separate operations into one automated platform
2Productivity
If semi-mechanized methods are used for laying large-diameter pipelines, then device complexity is reduced, but laying period is long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous pipeline laying operations where the robot platform moves continuously along the pipeline, performing excavation, pipe installation, welding, and inspection in a continuous sequence without interruption, significantly improving laying efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Previously independent systems for excavation, pipe conveying, welding, and inspection are merged into a single integrated robot platform that operates as one coordinated unit, achieving continuous operation and high productivity
3Ease of operation
If manual coordination and commanding are used, then device complexity is reduced, but labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The robot platform performs operations autonomously using its own onboard systems for navigation, pipe handling, welding, and inspection. The system serves itself by making decisions and executing tasks without continuous manual intervention, achieving high automation while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control
4Adaptability or versatility
If independent systems are used for excavation, laying, welding, measurement, monitoring, detection, and backfilling, then device complexity is reduced, but coordination difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
All previously independent systems (excavation, pipe conveying, welding, measurement, monitoring, detection, and backfilling) are merged into a single integrated robot platform with unified control, achieving seamless coordination and high system adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an automatic continuous operation robot for laying large-diameter pipelines and an operating method therefor. The operation robot comprises a platform, a main frame (1), an operation room, a navigation subsystem (1002), a pipe grabbing and conveying subsystem (3), a pipe end face pre-treatment subsystem (4), an on-line measurement subsystem, a pipe supporting subsystem, a welding and welding quality inspection subsystem (5), and a control system. The operating method comprises: first detecting and grabbing a pipe, then performing groove machining on the pipe, fitting the welding end faces of the current pipe and a previous pipe, then putting down the pipe, finely adjusting and fixedly connecting the two pipes, and finally, welding the two pipes. The automatic continuous operation robot for laying large-diameter pipelines has a high degree of automation and high working efficiency, and the laying period is short.