Light Train Centering Assembly for Uniform Pipeline Liner Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repairing pipelines using light-activated resins face issues with uneven curing due to the light train not being centered within the liner, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, as well as the need for timely placement to avoid premature curing.
Innovation Solution
A bladder assembly with light-permeable support members that secure a light train near the axial center, ensuring even light distribution and curing, and a method involving inflation to position the light train away from the bladder floor, allowing for uniform resin curing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the light train rests on the lower portion of the liner/bladder assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of resin curing is compromised due to uneven light distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to light train positioning by using an inflatable bladder to lift the light train from the bottom surface to the axial center of the lumen. This dimensional change transforms the light distribution pattern from concentrated (at bottom) to uniform (radially distributed), resolving the curing uniformity issue without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable bladder acts as an intermediary mechanism between the light train and the liner wall. By inflating the bladder, it mechanically lifts and centers the light train within the lumen, creating optimal light distribution. This intermediary solves the positioning problem more effectively than direct mechanical mounting structures
2Ease of operation
If the light train is not centered within the lumen, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases due to higher power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the inflation of the bladder to automatically center the light train through mechanical lift. This self-centering mechanism eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or manual positioning, maintaining ease of operation while achieving optimal energy efficiency through centered light distribution
3Productivity
If the resin begins curing before the liner tube is positioned, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of the repair process deteriorates due to potential premature hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The resin is mixed with the catalyst in advance and impregnated into the liner tube before installation, preparing the system for immediate curing once positioned. The light-activated resin remains dormant until UV exposure, allowing preliminary preparation without premature curing, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability
4Reliability
If a resin mix with longer cure time is used, then the reliability of positioning is improved, but the productivity decreases due to waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light-activated resin whose curing parameters can be precisely controlled through UV light exposure timing and intensity. This allows the resin to remain workable during liner positioning, then cure rapidly once positioned and illuminated, achieving both high positioning reliability and fast repair cycle times
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 ensures even curing of the resin lining within the pipeline, improving efficiency and reducing costs by maintaining the light train at the axial center, thus preventing premature curing and enhancing the repair process.
Implementation Method 1
a bladder made from a light-permeable material which allows one or more wavelengths of light to pass through
Implementation Method 2
shining ultra violet (UV) light toward the liner to begin the curing process
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and method is provided for repairing a pipeline. The assembly includes a liner, a bladder positioned within the liner, and a light train positioned within the bladder. One or more light train supports, which may be support members or support layers, are configured to move the light train toward the axial center of the bladder when the bladder is inflated.