Flexible Pipe Containment Sled with Self-Propelled Reel Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for loading and unloading coils of flexible pipe require significant manual labor and additional equipment, which can be cumbersome and inefficient due to the large and heavy nature of the coils, especially in harsh environments like the oil and gas industry.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pipe containment sled with a platform and two sled portions, one on each side, featuring a passage for the pipe to pass through, which allows for easier handling and deployment by reducing the need for manual labor and extra equipment, and can be coupled to trailers or coil frames for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional methods are used to load and unload coils of flexible pipe, then the pipe can be transported, but significant manual labor and additional equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The sled is designed to be self-propelled through the use of a reel mechanism that automatically unwinds the flexible pipe as the sled moves forward. The reel is connected to the sled frame and uses the pipe's own weight and tension to drive the movement, eliminating the need for external cranes, forklifts, or manual handling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled acts as an intermediary device between the coil of pipe and the ground surface. It provides a controlled interface that allows the heavy pipe coil to be moved along the ground without requiring direct manual handling or complex lifting equipment. The sled frame distributes the weight and the reel mechanism controls the unwinding process.
2Productivity
If coils of flexible pipe are handled manually, then flexibility in positioning is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sled is pre-equipped with a reel mechanism and guide wheels positioned to immediately engage with the flexible pipe upon placement. The guide wheels are pre-positioned to contact the pipe at optimal points, and the reel is pre-configured to begin unwinding as the sled starts moving, eliminating setup time during the actual loading/unloading operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled enables continuous movement and unwinding of the flexible pipe in a single continuous operation. As the sled moves forward, the reel continuously unwinds the pipe, and the guide wheels continuously guide the pipe along the desired path. This eliminates the stop-start nature of manual handling and maintains continuous productive action throughout the loading or unloading process.
3Ease of operation
If extra equipment is used for transporting pipe coils, then the coils can be moved, but the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The sled utilizes the weight of the flexible pipe itself as the driving force for movement. As the pipe unwinds from the reel, its weight creates tension that propels the sled forward, eliminating the need for motors, engines, or external towing equipment. The system essentially uses the load's own weight to power its own movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled frame and reel mechanism are designed to counterbalance the weight of the flexible pipe coil during handling. The guide wheels and reel mounting are positioned to create leverage that reduces the effective weight that operators need to manage during positioning and direction changes, making the heavy system easier to control.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible pipe containment sled includes a platform and a first sled portion coupled to a bottom surface of the platform. The first sled portion is disposed at a first side of the platform. The sled also includes a second sled portion coupled to the bottom surface of the platform. The second sled portion is disposed at a second side of the platform opposite to the first side of the platform. The sled also includes a passage formed between the first and second sled portions. The passage is configured to allow a flexible pipe to pass through the passage while the flexible pipe containment sled is placed on a surface.