Motorized Roller Pipe Tool for In-Service Wall Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing and welding pipelines under pressure are complex, costly, and often require interrupting fluid circulation, which can lead to economic losses and quality issues due to excessive cooling, and existing tools leave the pipe partially blocked or require external bypass systems.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a pipe segment that allows fluid flow, motorized rollers for precise positioning, and sealing modules to create a sealed peripheral zone within the pipe, enabling interventions without interrupting fluid flow and allowing for decompression or emptying, while being autonomous and easy to use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex systems for depressurizing and evacuating fluid are used, then repair and welding can be performed, but the systems are expensive and require interrupting fluid circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The tool segments the pipeline into three distinct zones: a pressurized zone where fluid continues to flow through the pipe segment, a sealed peripheral zone isolated by first and second sealing modules where repair work is performed, and another pressurized zone beyond the tool. This segmentation allows simultaneous fluid circulation and repair operations without requiring complete system shutdown or complex external bypass systems.
2Reliability
If fluid circulation is interrupted for repair and welding, then quality issues due to excessive cooling are avoided, but economic losses occur due to network interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing modules create a localized sealed peripheral zone that isolates the repair area from the main fluid flow. This allows the weld area to be protected from excessive cooling while the rest of the pipeline continues to operate normally, maintaining network availability during repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe segment acts as an intermediary element that allows fluid to pass through it while the sealing modules create an isolated zone for repair work. This intermediary structure enables simultaneous fluid circulation and welding operations without direct interference between the two processes.
3Reliability
If existing intervention tools are used, then wall repairs can be performed, but the pipe remains partially blocked after intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed as a removable pipe segment with integrated sealing modules, allowing it to perform repair functions while maintaining full pipe diameter for fluid flow. After the repair is completed, the entire tool can be removed from the pipeline, restoring 100% flow capacity without leaving any blocking elements in place.
4Productivity
If temporary ramp systems are used for maintaining transit, then fluid circulation can be maintained, but the systems are complex in structure and require safety interventions that complicate handling
Solution Approach 1:
The tool merges the functions of maintaining fluid transit and enabling repair operations into a single integrated device. The pipe segment maintains transit while the sealing modules enable repair work, eliminating the need for separate temporary ramp systems and associated safety equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is self-contained with integrated sealing modules and propulsion systems, requiring no external bypass systems or complex support infrastructure. The tool serves itself by maintaining its own position and creating its own sealed zone, simplifying both the system structure and handling requirements.
Data Source
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Figure 6A~6B
AI summary
Disclosed is a tool for intervention on the wall of a fluid pipe, comprising a duct segment (100) through which the fluid is intended to flow when the tool is in the pipe, and at least first and second modules (120, 125, 130, 135) for creating a seal between the wall of the pipe and the duct segment, in order to isolate the fluid flowing in an outer part (320) of a section of the pipe, between the first and second sealing modules. The tool comprises motorized rollers (110) for moving the tool in the pipe and a module (150) for determining the location of the tool in the pipe.