Hot-Tap Tie-In for Large Diameter Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for 'hot-tapping' large diameter pipes require diverting or stopping the flow of fluid, which disrupts operations and is costly due to the volume and pressure of fluids carried, and are not readily applicable for large diameter pipes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving abutting a first pipe with an open end against the wall of a second pipe containing fluid, forming a fluid-tight seal using laminate layers, filling the first pipe with fluid at the same pressure as the second pipe, and cutting an opening in the second pipe wall to join the pipes without disrupting the fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection methods are used for large diameter pipes, then the connection can be established, but the fluid flow must be stopped or diverted which disrupts operations and increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary actions by abutting the first pipe against the second pipe wall and forming a fluid-tight seal before cutting the opening. This preliminary sealing action allows the subsequent cutting operation to be performed without fluid loss, enabling connection without stopping fluid flow in the existing large diameter pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The first pipe acts as an intermediary element that is temporarily abutted against the second pipe wall to create a sealed chamber. This intermediary structure allows the cutting operation to be performed isolated from the main fluid flow, enabling hot-tap connection for large diameter pipes without disrupting operational fluid flow
2Ease of manufacture
If temporary piping is installed to divert fluid flow for large diameter pipes, then the connection can be made, but the cost and complexity significantly increase due to volume and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The method extracts the cutting operation from the main fluid flow system by creating an isolated sealed chamber using the abutted first pipe. This extraction eliminates the need for complex temporary piping systems that would otherwise be required to divert high-volume, high-pressure fluid flow in large diameter pipes
Solution Approach 2:
The method uses a flexible seal formed at the abutment between the first pipe and second pipe wall to create a fluid-tight barrier. This flexible sealing approach is simpler and more adaptable than rigid temporary piping systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture for large diameter pipe connections
3Ease of operation
If existing hot-tapping methods are applied to large diameter pipes, then the connection process can be simplified, but the methods are not readily applicable due to scale and fluid characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The method adapts hot-tapping for large diameter pipes by changing the operational parameters: using abutment-based sealing instead of traditional sealing methods, and performing the cutting operation within the sealed chamber created by the abutted pipe. These parameter changes make the hot-tapping process adaptable to large diameter pipes with high-volume, high-pressure fluid flow
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
Enables the connection of a connecting pipe to an existing pipe without stopping the fluid flow, maintaining operational continuity and reducing installation costs by using laminate layers for sealing and equalizing fluid pressures.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid-tight seal is formed around the abutment
Implementation Method 2
The first pipe is filled with a second fluid. The second fluid may have the same pressure as the first fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A method is presented for joining a first pipe to the wall of a second pipe. The second pipe contains a first fluid. The first pipe has an open end and a closed end. The method includes abutting the open end of the first pipe against the wall of the second pipe to create an abutment, forming a fluid-tight seal around the abutment, filling the first pipe with a second fluid, and creating an opening in the wall of the second pipe by cutting a section of the wall of the second pipe enclosed by the abutment. The second fluid may have the same pressure as the first fluid.