Dual Track Pipe Pusher for Long Distance Pipeline Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe pushing technologies face challenges in automatically redirecting, reversing, and continuously pushing pipes over long distances, especially in the oil and gas industry, due to limitations in track systems and mechanical pressure distribution.
Innovation Solution
The push rack pipe pusher system employs a dual track conveyer system with a spring mechanism and pressurized cylinders, allowing for independent or concurrent operation, enabling continuous motion up to nine miles with the ability to handle pipes of varying diameters and navigate uphill, and includes a control unit for safer operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single arm track system is used to push pipes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to automatically redirect, reverse, and continuously push pipes over long distances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is divided into multiple independent arms (first arm, second arm, third arm) that can operate independently or in coordination. Each arm can be controlled separately to achieve complex pipe manipulation tasks such as redirection and reversing, while maintaining relatively simple individual arm structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the arms to change position and orientation dynamically. This enables automatic redirection of pipes along different paths, reversing of pipe direction, and continuous pushing over long distances without requiring a completely complex fixed structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pushing equipment is used, then the pressure distribution is simple, but the ability to push pipes of varying diameters and navigate uphill deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple pressurized cylinders distributed at different locations along the track arms. Each cylinder can be independently controlled to provide localized pressure where needed, allowing the system to accommodate pipes of varying diameters and navigate uphill terrain by applying pressure at specific points rather than requiring a uniformly complex pressure distribution system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressurized cylinder system is designed to handle multiple functions: pushing pipes of different diameters, navigating uphill slopes, and working in coordination with the multi-arm track system. This universal pressure application mechanism eliminates the need for separate specialized systems for each function.
3Productivity
If pushing equipment operates over long distances, then the productivity increases, but the reliability of continuous motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed with multiple pressurized cylinders and a multi-arm track configuration that prepare for long-distance continuous operation in advance. The distributed cylinders ensure that pressure can be maintained throughout the entire pushing distance, and the redundant arm structure provides backup capabilities if one arm encounters an issue, thereby maintaining reliability over nine-mile continuous operations.
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 system effectively pushes pipes of different sizes over long distances with continuous motion and directional control, enhancing operational safety and efficiency by using a dual track system with a spring mechanism and pressurized cylinders for consistent pressure distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The pipe pusher uses either tension or hydraulic pressure to push the pipe forward a couple miles at a time
Implementation Method 2
The pipe pusher uses either tension or hydraulic pressure to push the pipe forward a couple miles at a time
Data Source
AI summary
A push rack pipe pusher having a base. A first frame coupled to the base. A second frame coupled to the base. A first pressurized cylinder coupled to the base. A second pressurized cylinder coupled to the base. A third pressurized cylinder coupled to the base. A fourth pressurized cylinder coupled to the base. A lower track conveyer system coupled to the base and positioned between the first frame and the second frame. An upper track conveyer system coupled to the pressurized cylinders and positioned between the first frame and the second frame. A control unit coupled to the upper track conveyer system, the lower track conveyer system, and the pressurized cylinders.