Fluidic Pig Launcher Distribution Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline pig launchers face challenges in efficiently launching pigs without interrupting fluid flow, experiencing friction-related issues, and potential ice formation, which can lead to failed launches and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic pig launcher employs a distribution grid with angled ports to create fluid jets that lift and move pigs, reducing friction and ice formation, and allows for bi-directional operation by using differential pressure to launch and receive pigs without mechanical assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fluid flows unabated into the barrel behind the pig, then the fluid enters the barrel continuously, but the fluid loses momentum and drops in pressure without doing immediate work towards launching the pig
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution grid segments the continuous fluid flow into multiple directed jets through numerous ports, transforming the unidirectional flow into a distributed pattern that applies force across the pig's surface area, thereby converting lost momentum into effective launch force
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses hydraulic principles by directing fluid jets through the distribution grid to apply pressure differential forces on the pig, utilizing the fluid's kinetic energy to lift and propel the pig without mechanical contact, thus recovering energy that would otherwise be lost
2Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical systems are used to move the pig into the barrel, then mechanical assistance can be provided, but friction and ice formation can lead to failed launches
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical systems (screws, gravity feeds, mechanical pushers) with a fluidic system that uses directed fluid jets to lift and propel the pig, eliminating mechanical contact points where friction and ice accumulation would occur, thereby ensuring reliable operation in cold environments
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution grid acts as an intermediary between the fluid source and the pig, using fluid jets as a mediating force to transfer momentum to the pig without direct mechanical contact, thus avoiding friction-related failures and ice formation issues
3Loss of information
If the closure door is opened to determine whether pigs have been launched, then visual confirmation can be obtained, but safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pressure differential feedback from the distribution grid to provide real-time information about pig presence and launch status, allowing operators to monitor the system state without opening the closure door, thus maintaining safety while preventing information loss
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure measurements serve as an intermediary indicator of pig launch status, allowing operators to obtain information about the system state without direct visual inspection, thereby maintaining the safety of the closed system while preventing information loss
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 fluidic launcher effectively reduces friction and ice formation, ensures successful pig launches, minimizes equipment damage, and provides accountability and safety by using pressure variations to track pigs and prevent hydrate accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
The distribution grid preferably is a perforated sheet having a plurality of ports, some of which are angled in the launch direction, that create fluid jets (and therefore a differential pressure) which lift the pig vertically away from the floor and axially moves the pig into the launch direction
Implementation Method 2
create fluid jets (and therefore a differential pressure) which lift the pig vertically away from the floor
Implementation Method 3
Reducing friction significantly increases the ease at which a pig can be launched; it also eliminates the chances of miss-launched pigs due to drag on the pig
Implementation Method 4
The velocity and distribution of jets serve to break-up ice as the ice begins to form on the distribution matrix floor, alleviating the potential for large accumulations of hydrates or ice to become an impediment
Implementation Method 5
Jets directed axially in the direction of the pig as it enters the receiver apply a force against the incoming pig that slow the pig and cushion the pig as it hits the closure door at the end of the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
A pig launcher/receiver includes a fluid distribution grid arranged above a floor of the pig launcher/receiver's barrel to define a fluid chamber between the floor and the fluid distribution grid. The distribution grid has a plurality of ports arranged to form jets that discharge at least a portion of the fluid which enters the fluid chamber. A predetermined number of the ports are inclined relative to vertical and in a direction opposite a closure door of the barrel. The fluid distribution grid, which is preferably semi-circular shaped, can be a permanent weldment, bolted on, or removable. When used in launching a pig, the ports provide a differential pressure that lifts the pig and overcomes friction as the pig moves forward. Because a number of the ports are blocked by the sealing elements (cup or disc) of the pipeline pig, the number of pigs residing in the launcher/receiver can be determined.