Inflatable Airlock for Sealed Gas Pipe Tapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for eliminating direct tappings from gas pipes are inefficient, requiring multiple operators, lengthy procedures, high costs, significant environmental impact, and temporary gas distribution interruptions, while also being unsuitable for low-pressure pipes and operating temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing an inflatable airlock with a removable flange and pressurized air insertion to create a sealed environment for intervention, allowing a single operator to perform the task with reduced environmental impact and operational time, suitable for low-pressure pipes and varying temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bypass intervention methods are used, then the tapping can be eliminated, but multiple operators with specialized qualifications are required and intervention time extends over several hours
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the intervention process into distinct functional modules: the airlock system for isolation, the flange assembly for sealing, and the ball valve for flow control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall intervention procedure, enabling single-operator execution while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The airlock acts as an intermediary element between the upstream and downstream pipe sections, providing a sealed isolation zone that allows intervention without interrupting gas flow in the main line. This intermediary structure enables the tapping elimination to proceed without requiring multiple operators for continuous monitoring and control
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple earthworks holes are dug to access pipe segments, then the bypass can be revealed and intervened upon, but the environmental impact increases due to road disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a horizontal excavation approach (multiple holes along the road) to a vertical intervention approach (single trench with upward-directed tools). The airlock and flange assembly are positioned vertically above the pipe, allowing intervention through a single access point and eliminating the need for multiple road holes
Solution Approach 2:
The intervention device extracts the necessary functional elements (sealing, isolation, flow control) from the traditional multi-hole excavation process and consolidates them into a single integrated system accessible through one trench, thereby reducing environmental disruption
3Reliability
If resin molding is used to crush and caulk the tapping, then the tapping can be eliminated, but the preparation time increases due to necessary cleaning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The airlock is inflated and the flange is positioned around the tapping before any crushing or sealing operations begin. This preliminary isolation eliminates the need for extensive cleaning operations, as the airlock contains any debris or fluids generated during the tapping elimination process
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the chemical resin molding process with a mechanical airlock system that uses pressurized air for isolation and a ball valve for flow control. This substitution eliminates the lengthy resin preparation and curing times while achieving equivalent or superior sealing effectiveness
4Ease of operation
If the bypass line is opened before positioning the airlock, then the airlock can be installed, but gas escapes from the open bypass line
Solution Approach 1:
The airlock is inflated and positioned around the bypass line before the line is opened for intervention. This preliminary isolation creates a sealed environment that prevents gas escape during the entire intervention process, while still allowing easy access for operator manipulation through the airlock's opening mechanisms
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 enables efficient and cost-effective elimination of gas pipe tappings with reduced environmental impact, minimizing operator time and gas distribution interruptions, and is applicable across a range of temperatures and pressures.
Implementation Method 1
a means for inserting pressurised air into the airlock at a pressure less than or equal to the pressure of the fluid in the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device (130) and method for intervening on a branch of a fluid conduit (20), the device comprising: • - a removable flange (105) comprising: • - two portions (110, 115) linked by a removable junction (120) having, when the two portions are linked, an opening surrounding the branch and • - a locking means (130) for locking the flange around the branch such that the opening sealingly surrounds the branch, • - an inflatable airlock (135) comprising: • - an inflatable body (140) having at least one inflatable protuberance (145) and • - a means (150) for sealed attachment to the flange.