Automated Laser Measurement and CNC Machining for Tubular Pipe Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring and machining tubular elements, particularly in the oil and gas industry, face challenges in achieving precise wall thickness tolerances and reducing eccentricities, leading to issues like decreased fatigue strength and increased logistics complexity due to manual processes and limited automation.
Innovation Solution
An automated system integrating measuring equipment with internal and external laser sensors and a CNC lathe, using dedicated software to calculate machining coordinates and control machining tools independently for inner and outer diameters, ensuring alignment and adjustment to meet critical tolerance values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual measuring and mapping of pipes is performed, then logistics complexity is reduced, but productivity is lowered and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measuring and mapping processes with an automated system comprising laser sensors, robotic positioning mechanisms, and computer-controlled machining equipment. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention while significantly increasing productivity and reducing logistics complexity through automated data processing and coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables pipes to be automatically measured, mapped, and machined without human intervention. The automated system self-coordinates the measuring equipment, data processing, and machining operations, allowing the production process to serve itself efficiently and continuously.
2Ease of manufacture
If wall thickness tolerances at pipe ends are not controlled, then manufacturing is easier, but fatigue strength decreases and soldering quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs automated laser measuring equipment and computer-controlled machining systems to precisely control wall thickness tolerances at pipe ends. This automated mechanical system replaces manual methods, ensuring consistent tolerance control that maintains fatigue strength while simplifying the manufacturing process through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts machining parameters based on real-time measurements of wall thickness variations. By changing machining depth, speed, and tool positioning according to measured parameters, the system maintains optimal wall thickness tolerances throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring both ease of manufacture and high fatigue strength.
3Productivity
If automated measuring and machining systems are implemented, then productivity and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated system that performs measuring, data processing, mapping, and machining operations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate equipment and processes, improving productivity while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the measuring equipment, positioning systems, data processing units, and machining tools into a coordinated automated workflow. By combining these previously separate functions into an integrated system, the patent achieves high productivity while the centralized control reduces overall operational complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If Hi-Lo differences in soldered pipes are not controlled, then manufacturing is simpler, but soldering quality and fatigue strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses automated laser measuring systems and computer-controlled machining to precisely control Hi-Lo differences at soldered pipe joints. This automated mechanical control replaces manual methods, ensuring consistent soldering quality and reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts machining parameters based on real-time measurements of diameter and wall thickness variations at pipe ends. By changing machining depth and tool positioning according to measured Hi-Lo variations, the system ensures optimal matching between soldered pipes, guaranteeing high soldering quality and fatigue strength.
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 achieves precise alignment and adjustment of tubular elements, reducing differences in wall thickness and eccentricity, thereby enhancing fatigue strength and productivity while minimizing material waste and logistical complexities.
Implementation Method 1
measuring equipment that has an internal laser sensor to measure the inner diameter of the pipe end and an external laser sensor to measure the outer diameter of the pipe end
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an automatic system for measuring and machining pipe ends having measuring equipment that has an internal laser sensor and an external laser sensor. The system can also have a machining station that has at least one machining tool for machining the inner diameter of the pipe and at least one machining tool for machining the outer diameter of the pipe, which are centralized and operated independently of each other. In some embodiments, the system has an electronic interface central between the measuring equipment and the machining tools, having records of critical values of outer diameter and inner diameter for the pipe end, the electronic interface central receiving measured values of outer and inner diameters from the measuring equipment, comparing them with the critical values, and controlling the operation of the machining tools as a function of the result of the comparison.