Flexible Pipeline Reinforcement Assembly with Self-Hardening Medium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline reinforcement methods are not economically viable, labor-intensive, or adaptable for large diameter pipes with irregular dimensions, as they require rigid structures and are not effective for pipelines with mortar or concrete coatings, limiting their ability to maintain structural integrity and increase pressure capacity.
Innovation Solution
A flexible reinforcement pipe system with arcuate enclosure plates and self-hardening medium injection to create a true cylindrical shape, allowing for continuous reinforcement of pipelines with irregular surfaces and increased pressure capacity, while minimizing workspace requirements and accommodating multiple segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid enclosures are used to maintain seal integrity, then sealing reliability is improved, but adaptability to irregular pipeline surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible gasket seal system that can conform to irregular pipeline surfaces while maintaining seal integrity. The gasket is designed to flex and adapt to surface variations, eliminating the need for rigid enclosures and allowing effective sealing on pipelines with mortar or concrete coatings.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure system incorporates dynamic elements that allow the structure to adjust and adapt to irregular surfaces. The system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic configuration that can accommodate surface variations while maintaining structural integrity and sealing effectiveness.
2Strength
If replacement of existing pipeline is implemented, then structural integrity is improved, but economic cost and operational disruption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sleeve or enclosure that is placed inside or around the existing pipeline, creating a nested structure. This allows the pipeline to remain in service while the reinforcement structure provides additional structural integrity and pressure capacity, eliminating the need for complete replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement structure is installed while the pipeline remains in service, allowing preliminary strengthening before any operational disruptions. The system enables the pipeline to continue operating during installation and after reinforcement, maintaining productivity while improving structural integrity.
3Strength
If rigid enclosures are used for pipeline reinforcement, then structural support is improved, but flexibility and adaptability to different pipe sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flexible enclosure structures that can adapt to different pipeline diameters and shapes. The flexible material provides sufficient structural support while conforming to various pipe sizes, eliminating the need for custom rigid enclosures for each pipeline configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement system incorporates adjustable parameters that allow adaptation to different pipeline configurations. The structure can be modified or adjusted to accommodate varying diameters, shapes, and surface conditions, providing universal applicability across different pipe sizes while maintaining structural support.
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 system provides a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable method for reinforcing large diameter pipelines with irregular surfaces, maintaining structural integrity and increasing pressure capacity, allowing for continuous operation without the need for extensive modifications or replacement.
Implementation Method 1
injection of self-hardening medium, into the annular space between the existing pipe and the reinforcement pipe
Implementation Method 2
The injection of self-hardening medium into the annular space... is accomplished at a pressure that is sufficient... to force the reinforcement pipe to a true circular cross-section
Implementation Method 3
The injection of self-hardening medium into the annular space between the existing pipe and the reinforcement pipe is accomplished at a pressure that is sufficient... to force the reinforcement pipe to a true circular cross-section and a true cylindrical shape
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and a method for reinforcing or repairing one or more segments of an existing pipeline, without taking the pipeline out of service and without the need for disassembling the existing pipeline segments that are to be repaired. The assembly incorporates a metallic reinforcement pipe, a front seal ring, a rear seal ring, a front seal ring retention assembly, a rear seal ring retention assembly, and a self-hardening medium receiver. The reinforcement pipe and the seal rings create an annular space between the respective ends of the reinforcement pipe and the external surface of the existing pipeline. The seal rings, seal ring retention assemblies, and the flexible reinforcement pipe, accommodate out-of-round and joint angular displacement conditions of the existing pipeline. A self-hardening medium is injected into the annular space and pressure is maintained on the medium until the medium has set.