Magnetic Pipeline Patch for Remote Breach Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional repair methods for corroded or breached metallic structures, such as pipelines, are often time-consuming and expensive, especially when access is difficult, and there is a need for a more efficient and effective mechanism to seal breaches without requiring extensive excavation.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic patch system comprising a sealing member attached to a metal structure using a housing arrangement with magnets that generate a force to attach the housing to the structure, capturing the sealing member between the housing and the structure's wall, and a biasing member to ensure a secure seal, allowing for rapid and remote installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional repair methods are used for breached metallic structures, then the repair can be effective, but the repair process is time-consuming and expensive requiring extensive excavation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical excavation and welding systems with a magnetic attachment system. Magnets are used to hold the patch against the pipeline, eliminating the need for complex mechanical excavation equipment and welding operations, thereby significantly reducing repair time and enabling rapid response to breaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary force to attach the patch to the pipeline. This magnetic intermediary allows the patch to be securely held without direct mechanical fastening or welding, enabling quick installation and removal while minimizing downtime and avoiding extensive excavation
2Ease of operation
If conventional repair methods are used for hard-to-reach areas, then the repair can be effective, but access difficulty increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical excavation systems with a simple magnetic attachment system. The magnets provide secure attachment without requiring heavy machinery or complex access equipment, making repairs in hard-to-reach areas such as underwater or under roadways significantly easier and less complex
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from mechanical (screws, welds, clamps) to magnetic field-based. This parameter change in the attachment method allows for easy installation and removal without complex equipment, greatly improving accessibility to difficult locations while reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If a secure seal is achieved in pressurized environments, then the seal reliability improves, but the force required to maintain the seal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic force as a counteracting force to balance the pressure differential across the patch. The magnets generate sufficient attractive force to hold the patch against the pipeline wall, counterbalancing the outward pressure force and maintaining a reliable seal in pressurized environments without requiring additional mechanical fastening forces
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 magnetic patch system provides a rapid, effective, and cost-efficient means to seal breaches in metallic structures, reducing downtime and enabling repairs in hard-to-reach areas by using magnetic forces to attach and secure the sealing member, even in pressurized environments, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional repair methods.
Implementation Method 1
The magnet or magnets may be oriented to generate a force toward a wall of the metal structure to attach the housing arrangement to the wall and capture the sealing member between the housing arrangement and the wall of the metal structure
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic patch system includes a sealing member configured for attachment to a pipeline proximate to a breach in a wall of the pipeline. A magnet is positioned at least partially within a housing arrangement. The magnet may be oriented to generate a force toward the wall of the pipeline to attach the housing arrangement to the wall of the pipeline and capture the sealing member between the housing arrangement and the wall of the pipeline. The system may be installed inside a pipeline using a remotely controlled robotic system.