Dual Inflatable Plug Assembly for Pipeline Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe sealing technologies require multiple hot taps and complex systems for inserting and managing inflatable plugs, which are inefficient and cumbersome, especially for pipelines of varying diameters.
Innovation Solution
A dual inflatable plug assembly that can be inserted through a single hot tap, featuring independently inflatable and deflatable plugs with a centering guide and mounts that allow for simultaneous insertion and independent inflation, enabling efficient sealing and maintenance of pipelines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple hot taps are used to insert multiple inflatable plugs, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inflatable plugs and their mounting structures into a single integrated assembly that can be inserted through one hot tap. The first and second inflatable plugs are mounted on a common support structure with shared centering guides, allowing simultaneous insertion and independent inflation through separate fluid pathways, thereby maintaining sealing reliability while reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly segments the inflation control system into independent fluid pathways for each plug. Each inflatable plug has its own mount with discrete inflation and deflation ports, allowing independent control of each plug while maintaining a unified structural assembly that enters through a single hot tap
2Reliability
If multiple hot taps are used for inserting plugs, then sealing capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple plug insertion operations into a single hot tap procedure. The support structure with multiple plugs pre-assembled on it allows the entire sealing system to be inserted through one hot tap in a single operation, eliminating the need to perform multiple separate hot tap operations and significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining sealing capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent inflation of multiple plugs is implemented, then sealing flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into independent modules, each with its own inflation and deflation ports. This segmentation allows independent control of each inflatable plug while using standardized, repeatable mounting components that reduce overall structural complexity. Each plug can be independently inflated or deflated through its dedicated fluid pathway without affecting the others
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 dual plug assembly effectively restricts fluid flow, allows for independent inflation and deflation, and reduces the need for multiple hot taps, enhancing maintenance and repair processes while providing redundancy and safety features like inert gas purging.
Implementation Method 1
The first mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the first inflatable plug. The second mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the second inflatable plug.
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable plug assembly includes a first inflatable plug, a second inflatable plug, and a first mount coupled to the first inflatable plug. The first mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the first inflatable plug. The inflatable plug assembly also includes a second mount coupled to the second inflatable plug. The second mount is configured to deliver fluid to and inflate the second inflatable plug. The second mount is secured to the first mount. The first inflatable plug and the second inflatable plug are independently inflatable.