Flowline Leak Plugging Assembly With Remote Chain Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pinhole leaks in flowlines, caused by mechanical or chemical factors, lead to fluid loss and pressure drops, and existing methods are inefficient and expose operators to hazardous fluids during plugging.
Innovation Solution
A tool assembly comprising a chain-operated rotational positioning subassembly, axial positioning subassembly, and plug insertion subassembly allows for precise alignment and insertion of a plug into the leak from a safe distance, using a chain-operated mechanism to move the plug along the flowline's circumference and axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual plugging methods are used, then operators can directly insert plugs into leaks, but operators are exposed to hazardous fluids and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a robotic manipulator as an intermediary between the operator and the hazardous leak. The manipulator remotely inserts plugs into pinhole leaks, eliminating direct operator exposure to hazardous fluids while maintaining efficient plugging operations. The manipulator system includes a robotic arm with positioning mechanisms that can precisely place plugs into leaks without human operators needing to be in close proximity to the hazard.
2Manufacturing precision
If simple plugging methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the plugging precision and alignment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow the robotic manipulator to adjust its position and orientation in real-time to achieve precise plug alignment. The system includes adjustable arms with multiple degrees of freedom, positioning sensors, and control mechanisms that enable dynamic adjustment of the plug insertion angle and location. This dynamic capability ensures precise alignment even on complex pipeline geometries without requiring overly complex fixed positioning structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with automated positioning systems that use sensors, actuators, and control algorithms to achieve precise plug alignment. The system incorporates feedback mechanisms and automated control that substitute for complex manual mechanical adjustment procedures, improving precision while managing overall system complexity through automation.
3Reliability
If plugging is performed at higher pressures, then the leak sealing effectiveness improves, but the risk to operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic manipulator serves as a protective intermediary that enables safe operation at higher pressures. By remotely positioning and inserting plugs into leaks under pressure, the system maintains effective leak sealing while keeping operators at a safe distance from hazardous high-pressure fluids. The manipulator's positioning system and plug insertion mechanism are designed to operate safely in high-pressure environments without requiring operator proximity.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly to plug a leak in a flowline includes a plug configured to plug the leak in the flowline, which includes a circumferential surface and a longitudinal axis. A plug insertion subassembly supports the plug. The plug insertion subassembly can move the plug between the circumferential surface and the longitudinal axis of the flowline. An axial positioning subassembly supports the plug insertion subassembly. The axial positioning subassembly can move the plug insertion subassembly along the longitudinal axis of the flowline. A chain-operated rotational positioning subassembly supports the axial positioning subassembly. The rotational positioning subassembly can be attached to the flowline with the leak. The rotational positioning subassembly is movable and can move the axial positioning subassembly on the circumferential surface of the flowline.