Jointed Pipe Splitting Cutter for Curved Gas Line Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trenchless pipe replacement, particularly in curved polymeric gas lines, faces challenges due to increased friction and the need for large pulling forces, which complicates the operation of cutting tools in small entry and exit pits.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pipe replacement device equipped with a reciprocating hammer, a towing cable, jointed cutters, and a floating cutter, which allows for the splitting of pipes and the advancement of new pipes by combining pushing forces from behind and pulling forces from the towing cable, while the floating cutter navigates curves with greater flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If trenchless pipe replacement is performed in curved polymeric gas lines, then the pipe can be replaced without excavation, but increased friction and large pulling forces are required
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe replacement device is divided into multiple functional segments including a cutting head, expander, and puller components that can operate independently. The cutting head is separated from the main body and can be advanced through the pipe, allowing the replacement process to be broken into manageable stages that reduce overall pulling force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting head performs preliminary cutting and expansion actions before the main puller component engages. By pre-cutting the pipe and creating expansion space ahead of time, the device reduces the force required during the actual pipe pulling stage, as the path is already prepared and resistance is minimized.
2Ease of manufacture
If cutting tools are operated in small entry and exit pits, then trenchless replacement is achieved, but the available space to operate cutting tooling is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting head is designed with movable and adjustable components that can adapt to the confined space of small entry pits. The cutting blades and expander elements can be repositioned and adjusted during operation, allowing the tool to function effectively in limited space while maintaining cutting effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions the cutting operation from a stationary tool requiring lateral maneuvering to a linearly advancing tool that moves through the pipe. By orienting the cutting action along the longitudinal axis of the pipe rather than requiring lateral access, the system enables effective cutting in the constrained dimensional space of small entry pits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a floating cutter is used to navigate curves, then flexibility in curved pipes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The floating cutter incorporates flexible cutting elements and a compliant structure that can bend and conform to the curvature of the pipe. This flexibility allows the cutter to navigate curved sections without requiring complex mechanical steering mechanisms, achieving adaptability through material properties rather than mechanical complexity.
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
This solution effectively splits and replaces polymeric gas pipes, including those with curves, by reducing friction and the required pulling forces, thus facilitating trenchless replacement operations with improved efficiency and reduced operational challenges.
Implementation Method 1
driving an expander through a pipe with a reciprocating hammer
Implementation Method 2
pulling the reciprocating hammer through the pipe with a cable while concurrently driving the expander with the reciprocating hammer
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe replacement devices, and systems are shown. Devices and systems may include jointed cutters and floating cutters to navigate difficult pipe replacement conditions. Devices and systems may also include replacement pipe with pre-installed supply hoses, such as lubricant supply and/or pneumatic supply hoses. Methods of pipe replacement are also described, including splitting old pipe and pulling in new pipe behind the equipment as splitting progresses.