Magnetic Chip Retrieval Through Lateral Pipe Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
During pipeline maintenance, such as hot tapping, metal particles created by tapping through the side wall of a pipe often fall to the lower side and interfere with pipe isolation devices, necessitating an effective method for their removal to ensure proper sealing and prevent contamination.
Innovation Solution
A pipe cleaning system with a control bar head and shroud that allows for insertion through a lateral hole, featuring magnets to attract and collect particles, which are then retrieved into the shroud for safe removal, minimizing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are used to attract particles in the pipe, then particle collection effectiveness is improved, but the risk of particles falling off and contaminating components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the magnets and the external environment. The cover contains the particles while allowing the magnets to attract them, preventing particles from falling off during device withdrawal while maintaining collection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cover acts as a thin film enclosure that conforms to the magnet shape and movement. It provides a barrier that prevents particle dislodgment during device operation and withdrawal, while allowing the magnetic field to penetrate and attract particles to the magnet surface
2Reliability
If the control bar head is positioned in the lower position to maximize particle attraction, then particle collection capability is improved, but the ability to retrieve particles safely without contamination worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cover serves as a protective intermediary that remains in place during both the particle collection phase (when control bar head is in lower position) and the retrieval phase. It allows effective particle attraction while preventing contamination during the critical withdrawal operation
3Productivity
If magnets are exposed to attract particles, then particle attraction efficiency is improved, but particle dislodgment and contamination of external components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cover provides a protective shell that allows the magnetic field to extend outward for efficient particle attraction while containing any particles that become dislodged. The flexible material conforms to the magnet geometry and maintains particle containment during device movement
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the exposed magnets and the external environment, allowing magnetic interaction while preventing direct contact between particles and external components during device withdrawal
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
Effectively removes particles from the pipe interior, preventing interference with pipe isolation devices and ensuring clean components by utilizing a magnetically assisted retrieval mechanism that guards against particle dislodgment during withdrawal.
Implementation Method 1
Magnets may be coupled with the control bar head and oriented to pick up particles in the pipe when the control bar head is located in the lower position
Data Source
AI summary
A technique which facilitates cleaning of an interior of a pipe via access through a lateral hole in the pipe. The technique utilizes a control bar head which may be coupled with a control bar via a coupling feature. A shroud is positioned around the control bar head. The shroud may have a suitable shape with an interior sized to enable linear movement of the control bar head along the interior between an extended position and a retracted position. Additionally, the shroud has an exterior sized to enable insertion through the lateral hole in the pipe. Magnets may be coupled with the control bar head and oriented to pick up particles in the pipe when the control bar head is located in the extended position. When the control bar head is shifted to the retracted position, the magnets ensure retrieval of the particles into the shroud for removal from the pipe when the system is withdrawn.