Hydraulic Pipe Lifting System for Corrosion Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for lifting pipes in chemical processing and oil refineries for inspection and repair are costly and pose safety risks due to the need for cranes and heavy equipment, and they do not effectively prevent corrosion at pipe-to-beam interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising support arms, a lifting cradle/riser assembly, and hydraulic jacks that allows for safe and efficient lifting of pipes by positioning support arms across the pipe rack support beams, using shims and adapters for different beam thicknesses, and employing a fail-safe mechanism with shear pins to ensure secure lifting without the need for cranes or heavy equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional methods using cranes and heavy equipment are used to lift pipes, then lifting capability is achieved, but cost and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical lifting systems (cranes, chain falls, rigging equipment) with a custom-designed hydraulic jack system. The hydraulic jacks provide controlled lifting force through fluid pressure, eliminating the need for heavy equipment and associated safety risks while maintaining adequate lifting capability for pipe inspection and repair tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting system is divided into modular components: multiple hydraulic jacks distributed at different locations along the pipe, individual support arms, and separate lifting points. This segmentation allows the pipe to be lifted in a controlled manner with multiple support points, improving safety and eliminating the need for a single large crane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Force

If conventional methods using cranes and heavy equipment are used to lift pipes, then lifting capability is achieved, but equipment cost and manpower cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs relatively simple, inexpensive hydraulic jacks and support arms that can be manufactured or acquired at lower cost compared to expensive cranes and heavy equipment. These components are designed for specific inspection and repair tasks rather than heavy-duty continuous operation, reducing overall equipment cost while maintaining adequate lifting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic jack system and support arms are designed to be multi-functional, capable of lifting pipes at various locations and heights for different inspection and repair tasks. This universal applicability eliminates the need for multiple specialized heavy equipment pieces, reducing both equipment cost and manpower requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If pipe is lifted for inspection and repair, then corrosion damage can be detected and repaired, but lifting time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion preventionVSAvoidlifting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic jacks and support arms are positioned and prepared in advance before lifting is needed. The system is pre-configured with multiple lifting points and support locations, allowing rapid deployment when inspection or repair is required, thereby reducing the actual lifting time while maintaining effective corrosion prevention capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The lifting system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, with hydraulic jacks that can be quickly positioned and adjusted to different heights and locations. This dynamic capability allows the pipe to be lifted only when and where needed for specific inspection or repair tasks, minimizing overall lifting time while maintaining effective corrosion prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system reduces manpower costs and enhances safety by allowing for efficient and controlled lifting of pipes, enabling effective inspection and maintenance while minimizing the risk of corrosion and damage.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic jacks that allows for safe and efficient lifting of pipes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

employing a fail-safe mechanism with shear pins to ensure secure lifting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentUS20130334482A1The bobbyjack

Publication Date: 2013.12.19 GREEN BOB J

AI summary

An apparatus for lifting pipes in a pipe rack for the purpose of inspecting the point of contact with the supporting beam, and to remedy any damage caused by corrosion and wear and tear.