Elastomeric Pipeline Pig Peeling Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline scraping disc designs are not self-sharpening, do not compensate for wear, and fail to conform to the pipeline surface, leading to reduced effectiveness in removing debris like paraffin and scale.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric member with a peeling edge having a negative rake angle, oversized to fit within the pipeline, which self-sharpens and compensates for wear by peeling away debris, and features radial slots for conforming to the pipeline surface and facilitating debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a rigid scraping disc is used to remove debris from the pipeline wall, then debris removal effectiveness is improved, but the disc cannot compensate for wear and maintain consistent performance over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to elastomeric, allowing the scraping element to deform elastically. This enables the disc to maintain contact pressure with the pipeline wall despite wear, as the elastomeric material can compress and rebound, consistently engaging the pipeline surface to remove debris throughout the service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the scraping disc through elastomeric material and spring-loaded mechanisms. The disc can dynamically adjust its position and contact force against the pipeline wall, maintaining optimal scraping pressure even as wear occurs, thereby compensating for dimensional changes over time.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rigid scraping disc with fixed geometry is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the disc cannot conform to the inside surface of the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastomeric scraping disc that functions as a flexible element. This flexible disc can conform to the internal geometry of the pipeline, including slight irregularities in the wall surface, while maintaining its structural integrity and scraping functionality. The flexibility allows adaptation to various pipeline diameters and surface conditions.
3Productivity
If a scraping disc with positive or zero rake angle is used, then debris is pushed forward, but the disc is not self-sharpening and edge durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional rake angle from positive or zero to negative. This negative rake angle causes the elastomeric material to peel and shear debris in a manner that continuously sharpens the leading edge of the disc. As the disc rotates, fresh material is exposed at the edge, effectively self-sharpening and extending edge durability.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If an oversized elastomeric member is used to compensate for wear, then wear life is extended, but the force required to engage the pipeline wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter to elastomeric, which has inherent elastic properties. The oversized disc compresses elastically upon contact with the pipeline wall, generating engagement force through elastic recovery rather than rigid mechanical pressure. This reduces the overall force requirement while maintaining consistent contact pressure throughout wear.
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 solution provides a self-sharpening, wear-compensating tool that effectively removes paraffin and debris, preventing their buildup by continuously engaging and peeling them off the pipeline surface, while maintaining a long wear life and efficient debris removal.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric member which has means for mounting to a pipeline pig, is oversized relative to the inside diameter of the pipe or pipeline so that in a pipeline-restrained position, the elastomeric member urges radially outward
Implementation Method 2
forms a peeling edge having a negative rake angle which engages and peels away debris from the internal wall of a pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline debris shearing device includes a forwardly positioned, self sharpening, wear compensating, diameter conforming elastomeric member that forms a peeling edge having a negative rake angle to peel away debris from the internal wall of a pipeline. The peeling edge is formed at the point of meeting between a concave-shaped, curved forward face surface and a substantially straight outer peripheral surface. Radial slots may be provided to lessen the force being exerted on the peeling edge and provide for bypass flow to carry away debris removed by the peeling edge. Spaced-apart narrow stripper teeth may be added to help in removing harder deposits of debris. The peeling edge may be arranged substantially perpendicular the central longitudinal axis of the pipeline pig or arranged oblique to it. Further, the peeling edge may spiral about at least a portion of the pipeline pig.