Hinged Pipeline Flow Stopper for Angled Balloon Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow stopping tools for pipelines face issues with hose-balloon connection reliability, particularly under high kinetic forces from pipeline flow, leading to potential damage and leakage, and are not compatible with balloon-like elements having reinforcement wires or varying insertion angles.
Innovation Solution
A flow stopping tool featuring a hinged coupling with a pressure rod and a balloon-like element made of reinforced rubber, which includes a device for measuring inflation pressure and pipeline pressure, and a shock absorber, allowing secure insertion and inflation of the balloon-like element at various angles without a hose, thereby enhancing resistance to kinetic forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hose is used to inflate and secure the balloon-like element, then the balloon can be aligned and secured in the pipeline, but the hose may get damaged or ruptured from kinetic forces resulting from high flow speed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the hose from the system entirely. Instead of using a hose to both inflate and secure the balloon-like element, the system uses a separate inflatable cuff that is directly attached to the pressure rod, eliminating the weak connection point that was susceptible to kinetic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the inflation function from the securing function. The pressure rod with inflatable cuff handles positioning and securing, while inflation is achieved through a separate mechanism (inflation device connected to the pressure rod), allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
2Strength
If the balloon-like element is secured to the pressure rod with a rigid connection, then the connection is strong, but the tool cannot accommodate varying insertion angles (90° to 150°)
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure rod is designed with dynamic capabilities - it can extend and retract, and is equipped with an inflatable cuff that can expand and contract. This dynamic structure allows the rod to maintain strong connection while adapting to different insertion angles and pipeline conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters to accommodate different insertion angles. The inflatable cuff can expand radially to maintain connection strength regardless of insertion angle, and the pressure rod can change its length and orientation to match the required insertion angle between 90° and 150°.
3Productivity
If the balloon-like element is inflated quickly to stop flow, then productivity is improved, but the kinetic forces from high flow speed may damage the balloon-hose connection
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the hose from the system, the invention eliminates the vulnerable connection point that would be damaged by kinetic forces during rapid inflation. The balloon-like element is directly connected to the pressure rod, which provides a robust anchor point that can withstand rapid inflation forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable cuff on the pressure rod serves as a cushioning element that can expand to absorb and distribute kinetic forces before they reach the connection point. This pre-positioned cushioning protects the connection during rapid inflation operations.
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 effectively secures the balloon-like element during inflation, preventing damage and leakage, and allows for insertion at angles from 90° to 150°, effectively stopping high-speed flows and pressures up to 4 bar, improving the tool's compatibility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The balloon-like element is inflated until it reaches a final inflation stage in which the balloon-like element exerts sufficient pressure on the inner wall of the pipeline such that a flow in the pipeline can be stopped
Implementation Method 2
The pressure rod is provided with a hinged coupling for securing the balloon-like element to the pressure rod. The hinged coupling comprises a first element that is in connection to the pressure rod, a second element that is in connection to the balloon-like element, and a buckling member that connects the first element to the second element, wherein the buckling member allows hinging of the second element with respect to the first element
Implementation Method 3
the buckling member comprises a cylinder that is configured to rotate around its longitudinal axis such that the second element can hinge with respect to the first element, wherein the cylinder comprises at least one opening that facilitates measurement of the pressure in front of the balloon-like element in the pipeline, and wherein the cylinder comprises at least one further opening that facilitates inflation of the balloon-like element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A flow stopping tool (1) for pipelines is disclosed, wherein the flow stopping tool comprises an inflatable balloon-like element (6) that is in connection to a pressure rod (5), and a hinged coupling (13) for securing the balloon-like element (6) upon introduction into the pipeline (7), the hinged coupling (13) comprising: a first element comprising a housing (33), a second element (28) that is in connection to the balloon-like element (6); a buckling member (38) connecting the first element (33) to the second element (28), the buckling member being received in the housing (33) of the first element. The buckling member comprises a cylinder (38) that is configured to rotate around its longitudinal axis such that the second element (28) can hinge with respect to the first element (33). The cylinder (38) comprises at least one opening (41b) that facilitates measurement of the pressure of the flow in the pipeline, and the cylinder (38) comprises at least one further opening (41a, 41c) that facilitates inflation of the balloon-like element (6).