Movable Microwave Antenna for Pipe Liner Curing in Curved Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for curing and checking pipe linings with fiber composite layers face challenges such as lengthy curing times, complexity in equipment, limitations in pipe diameter and curvature, and inaccurate energy input, especially when using steam or microwave technology.
Innovation Solution
A system employing a high-frequency unit with a microwave generator and movable antenna, utilizing solid-state technology to enable efficient and precise microwave energy delivery for curing and checking, suitable for various pipe geometries and diameters, including curved sections, with integrated sensors for process control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam curing process is used to harden fiber composite layer, then curing can be achieved, but curing time is excessive and equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical steam heating system with an electromagnetic microwave heating system. The microwave generator emits microwave energy that directly heats the fiber composite layer through dielectric heating, eliminating the need for steam generation equipment and significantly reducing curing time while maintaining effective curing.
Solution Approach 2:
The microwave curing process uses periodic pulsed energy delivery to the fiber composite layer. The microwave generator can be controlled to deliver energy in pulses, allowing for optimized heating cycles that achieve complete curing faster than continuous steam heating while preventing overheating.
2Reliability
If magnetron-based microwave system is used, then curing can be achieved, but system cannot be used in pipes with diameter less than 100 mm or curved sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible microwave transmitting antenna that can dynamically adapt to different pipe geometries. The antenna is designed to be flexible and movable, allowing it to conform to curved pipe sections and maintain effective coupling with the fiber composite layer regardless of pipe diameter or curvature, unlike rigid magnetron-based waveguide systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for adjustment of microwave frequency and power parameters to optimize curing effectiveness across different pipe configurations. By changing operational parameters rather than relying on fixed geometry waveguides, the system achieves versatility across various pipe diameters and curvature radii.
3Power
If complex water or air cooling system is employed for magnetron, then microwave generation is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses solid-state microwave generators with semiconductor-based amplifiers that have inherent thermal management capabilities integrated into their design. These solid-state devices replace high-power magnetrons that require complex external cooling systems, significantly simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining sufficient microwave generation capability for pipe lining curing.
4Manufacturing precision
If antenna is precisely centered for uniform energy input, then curing uniformity is achieved, but system cannot accommodate pipe bends or diameter changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible, movable antenna assembly that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to maintain optimal coupling with the fiber composite layer along the entire pipe length. The antenna is mounted on a flexible support structure that allows it to follow pipe bends and diameter changes while maintaining consistent energy delivery, eliminating the need for precise initial centering.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position and coupling conditions of the antenna with the fiber composite layer in real-time. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust microwave power delivery and antenna position, ensuring uniform energy input even when pipe geometry varies, thereby maintaining curing uniformity without requiring fixed precise centering.
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 significantly reduces curing time, allows precise energy control, and ensures reliable hardening in complex pipe configurations, while eliminating the need for complex cooling systems and waveguides, enabling efficient and accurate pipe lining treatment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one high-frequency unit (40), in particular at least one microwave unit, having at least one microwave generator unit (41) and at least one microwave transmitting antenna (42) for curing a plastic to be cured
Implementation Method 2
at least one microwave transmitting antenna (42) for curing a plastic to be cured, wherein at least one of the microwave transmitting antennas (42) is movable in the pipeline
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (10) for curing and/or inspecting a pipeline lining (30) positioned in a pipeline (20), wherein the pipeline lining (30) has an outer layer of plastic and an inner layer of a fibre composite, wherein the layer of a fibre composite comprises a plastic which can be hardened and/or has been at least partially hardened. According to the invention, the system (10) has at least one high-frequency unit (40), which has at least one microwave-generator unit (41) and at least one microwave-transmitting antenna (42) for curing plastic to be hardened, wherein at least the at least one microwave-transmitting antenna (42) can be moved in the pipeline (20) by means of a transporting device (60).