Horizontal Pig Launcher Using a Geared Feed Screw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated pig launchers require vertical or angled orientations, necessitating elevated platforms and complex hydraulic or pneumatic systems, which increase installation costs and operational complexity, and are limited to specific pig types and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A horizontally oriented pig launcher with a geared feed screw system and programmable logic controller allows for fully-automated, semi-automated, or manual operation, enabling the staging and individual launching of multiple pigs of varying sizes and purposes without gravity feeding, reducing the need for elevated structures and ancillary piping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If current automated pig launchers use vertical or angled design orientation with gravity feeding, then pigs can be launched automatically, but elevated platforms and lifting equipment are required, increasing installation costs and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional vertical/angled gravity-fed launcher design by implementing a horizontal orientation. Instead of using gravity to feed pigs downward through vertical channels, the horizontal design uses a geared feed screw system to mechanically advance pigs along a horizontal barrel, eliminating the need for elevated platforms and complex lifting equipment while maintaining automated launching capability
2Extent of automation
If current automated pig launchers use hydraulics or pneumatics to actuate launch mechanism, then automated launching is achieved, but supply gas is required, complicating installation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems with a purely mechanical geared feed screw mechanism. The geared feed screw translates rotational motion into linear advancement of the pig along the horizontal barrel, eliminating the need for supply gas, hydraulic fluid, or complex control systems while achieving reliable automated launching
Solution Approach 2:
The geared feed screw system is designed to be self-actuating through mechanical advantage, where the gear mechanism converts input rotation into the linear force needed to push the pig through the launcher. This self-service mechanical system eliminates dependence on external hydraulic or pneumatic infrastructure
3Ease of operation
If current automated pig launchers are designed for specific pig types, then launching is simplified, but versatility for different pig sizes and purposes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal launcher design with its geared feed screw mechanism and adjustable positioning features is engineered to accommodate multiple pig types, sizes, and purposes. The system can handle different pig configurations through mechanical adjustment capabilities, providing universal functionality without sacrificing ease of operation for any specific pig type
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 horizontal design eliminates the need for elevated platforms, simplifies installation, and allows for the use of pigs of different sizes and purposes, reducing costs and operational complexity while maintaining efficient pipeline operations.
Implementation Method 1
The launch mechanism can use a geared feed screw system that moves a paddle along the internal length of the oversized launch barrel to advance the pigs staged in the barrel
Data Source
AI summary
A pigging system has an apparatus for launching one or more pigs into a process flow. The apparatus has a housing with a chamber, an inlet, and an outlet. The inlet receives the one or more pigs into the chamber and is sealable. The outlet is in sealed communication with the process flow and passes the one or more pigs out of the chamber to the process flow. A portion of the chamber is in communication with the process flow. A guide disposed in the chamber guides the one or more pigs in the chamber, and an actuator mechanically feeds the one or more pigs guided by the guide to the outlet.