Inflatable Carrier Plug Indicators for Pipeline Sealant Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for repairing corroded pipeline sections using inflatable carrier plugs are imprecise, leading to longer repair times and excessive sealant usage due to the inability to accurately determine the length of contact between the plug and the pipe.
Innovation Solution
The inflatable carrier plug features indicators on its outer surface that indicate the contact length between the plug and the pipeline, allowing for precise determination of the contact length when inflated, thereby reducing repair time and sealant usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current approximation methods are used to determine contact length, then the repair process can proceed, but the measurement precision is poor resulting in excessive sealant usage and longer repair times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking the tubular member with indicators at specific intervals corresponding to different contact lengths. These indicators are prepared in advance during manufacturing, allowing the operator to quickly identify the appropriate contact length without performing complex measurements or calculations during the repair process. This eliminates time-consuming approximation steps while ensuring precise sealant application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators (marks or color codes) on the tubular member that represent different contact length scenarios. These indicators serve as simplified copies or representations of the actual contact length requirements, allowing operators to quickly select the correct sealant amount based on visual cues rather than performing precise measurements during field repairs.
2Measurement precision
If current approximation methods are used to determine contact length, then the repair process can proceed, but the measurement precision is poor resulting in excessive sealant usage
Solution Approach 1:
The indicators are pre-positioned on the tubular member during manufacturing to correspond with specific contact lengths. This preliminary preparation allows the operator to directly read the required contact length from the indicators and apply the exact amount of sealant needed, eliminating the waste associated with over-application that occurs with approximation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicators on the tubular member serve as reference copies of the actual contact length requirements. By matching the observed indicator position with the corresponding contact length table, operators can determine the precise sealant quantity needed, preventing both over-application (waste) and under-application (failed repair).
3Measurement precision
If indicators are added to the tubular member to improve contact length determination, then measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tubular member's surface into distinct segments or zones marked by indicators at specific intervals. Each indicator represents a discrete contact length category, breaking down the continuous measurement problem into discrete, easily identifiable segments. This segmentation simplifies the complexity by providing clear visual boundaries rather than requiring continuous measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color-coded indicators or marks on the tubular member to represent different contact length ranges. This use of color and visual differentiation provides an intuitive, low-complexity method for operators to quickly identify the correct contact length without adding mechanical measurement devices or complex control systems.
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 accurate prediction of the contact length, allowing for efficient use of sealant and improved alignment during repairs, simplifying the manufacturing process, reducing skilled labor requirements, and making the design scalable for various pipeline sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The central chamber is configured to inflate to a predetermined pressure so that the outer surface of the tubular member expands to contact an inner surface of the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable plug for sealing a pipeline includes a tubular member, a first indicator, and a second indicator. The tubular member has an inner surface and an outer surface that extends in an axial direction from a first end to a second end. The tubular member defines a central chamber configured to inflate to a predetermined pressure so that the outer surface of the tubular member expands to contact an inner surface of the pipeline. The contact between the outer surface of the tubular member and the inner surface of the pipeline define a contact length that extends in the axial direction. The first indicator and the second indicator are positioned on the outer surface of the tubular member. The first indicator is spaced from the second indicator in the axial direction by a predetermined length. The predetermined length is substantially equal to the contact length.