Movable Microwave Antennas for Pipeline Lining Curing and Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline lining curing systems using steam or microwave technology face inefficiencies such as long curing times, complex apparatus requirements, and difficulty in handling and controlling energy application, especially in bent or differently sized pipes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a high-frequency unit with movable microwave-transmitting antennas and solid-state microwave generators, allowing for precise energy control and inspection, suitable for pipes of various sizes and bends, and enabling simultaneous curing and inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam curing method is used, then pipeline lining can be cured, but curing times are not satisfactory and complex apparatus set-ups are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical steam generation and delivery system with an electromagnetic microwave system. Solid-state microwave generators produce microwaves that directly heat the fiber composite layer through dielectric heating, eliminating the need for complex steam boilers, pipes, and delivery mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical thermal processing with electromagnetic field-based heating achieves faster curing times while significantly reducing apparatus complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental heating parameter from external thermal conduction (steam) to internal electromagnetic heating (microwaves). By operating at specific microwave frequencies (2.45 GHz or 5.8 GHz) and controlling power levels, the system achieves rapid and uniform curing throughout the fiber composite layer, improving productivity without requiring complex apparatus.
2Productivity
If magnetron-based microwave system is used, then curing can be achieved, but waveguide elements are too large for pipes with diameter smaller than 100 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetron-based microwave generation system with solid-state microwave generators. This substitution enables the use of compact antenna designs that can be easily inserted into and moved through pipes of various diameters, including those smaller than 100 mm. The solid-state generators produce microwaves that can be transmitted through flexible or small rigid antennas, eliminating the size constraints imposed by traditional magnetron waveguide systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable antennas that can be dynamically positioned and repositioned within the pipe. The antenna system is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing it to navigate bent pipe portions and adjust to different pipe diameters. This dynamic positioning capability enables effective curing in pipes with diameter smaller than 100 mm and in bent pipe portions with small bend radii.
3Productivity
If magnetron-based microwave system is used, then curing can be achieved, but complex water- or air-cooling systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetron cooling system with solid-state microwave generators that produce significantly less heat. Solid-state devices operate at lower temperatures and do not require complex water-cooling circuits or air-cooling systems. This eliminates the need for pumps, heat exchangers, and extensive cooling infrastructure, thereby reducing apparatus complexity while maintaining effective curing capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If antennas are guided in exactly centred manner, then uniform energy application is achieved, but this is difficult with bend profiles and diameter changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable antennas that can be dynamically adjusted and repositioned along the pipe length. The antenna system is designed to accommodate bend profiles and diameter changes through flexible mounting mechanisms. This dynamic adaptability allows the antennas to maintain optimal positioning and achieve uniform energy application even in pipes with varying geometries, while significantly improving ease of operation compared to fixed centred antenna systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses solid-state microwave generators that allow precise control of microwave power and frequency parameters. By adjusting these parameters in real-time based on pipe geometry variations, the system maintains uniform energy application to the fiber composite layer despite challenges with pipe bends and diameter changes. This parametric control improves both manufacturing precision and ease of operation.
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 faster curing times, precise energy application, and reliable inspection of pipeline linings, even in complex pipe geometries, without the need for large waveguides or complex cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one high-frequency unit (40), in particular at least one solid-state high-frequency unit, which has at least one microwave-generator unit (41) and at least one microwave-transmitting antenna (42) for curing a plastics material to be cured
Implementation Method 2
The plastics material to be cured is acted on by such a microwave radiation energy that the plastics material to be cured reaches a temperature of 90° C.-110° C.
Implementation Method 3
The degree of cross-linking of the at least partially cured plastics material can be sensed by means of an infrared sensor and the detection of the temperature change of the plastics material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (10) for curing and/or inspecting a pipeline lining (30) positioned in a pipeline (20), the pipeline lining (30) comprising an outer plastics material layer and an inner fiber composite layer, the fiber composite layer comprising a plastics material which is to be cured and/or which is at least partially cured. In accordance with the invention, the system (10) comprises at least one high-frequency unit (40) which comprises at least one microwave-generator unit (41) and at least one microwave-transmitting antenna (42) for curing a plastics material which is to be cured, at least the at least one microwave-transmitting antenna (42) being movable in the pipeline (20) by means of a transporting device (60).