Multidirectional Pipe Runner Assembly for Low-Friction Casing Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pipe runner systems face significant frictional forces during carrier pipe installation within casing pipes, leading to increased installation difficulty, runner wear, and potential misalignment due to unidirectional rollers that can cause the pipe to spiral or tip.

Innovation Solution

A multidirectional runner assembly incorporating ball transfer assemblies that reduce frictional forces, allowing for multidirectional movement and maintaining the carrier pipe's centering, thereby reducing installation force and preventing wear and misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If conventional unidirectional rollers are used on pipe runners, then frictional forces are reduced in one direction, but the carrier pipe can spiral or tip during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrictional forceVSAvoidpipe alignment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The runner assembly is divided into multiple independent roller elements distributed around the pipe circumference, with each roller capable of independent rotation. This segmentation allows the pipe to maintain stability while reducing friction in multiple directions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The roller elements are designed to function in multiple directions rather than being restricted to unidirectional operation. Each roller can rotate freely to accommodate pipe movement in any direction, providing both friction reduction and stability maintenance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Length of moving object

If carrier pipe is pushed through casing pipe over long distances, then installation distance is covered, but excessive friction causes runner wear and installation difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation distanceVSAvoidrunner wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the sliding mechanical contact between runners and casing pipe with rolling contact through roller elements. This substitution dramatically reduces friction and wear, enabling installation over longer distances without excessive runner degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The roller elements are designed to dynamically adapt to the installation conditions, rotating freely as the pipe is pushed through the casing. This dynamic response allows the system to handle long-distance installations by continuously reducing friction rather than relying on static runner-casing contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If significant force is applied to push carrier pipe through casing pipe, then installation can proceed, but the pipe may stop advancing or corkscrew within the bore

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation forceVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the contact interface into multiple segmented roller elements around the pipe circumference, the system distributes the installation force evenly. This prevents localized stress concentrations that could cause the pipe to stop or corkscrew, allowing smooth advancement with reduced force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the friction parameter by introducing rolling contact instead of sliding contact. This parameter change reduces the force required for installation and eliminates the corkscrewing effect by allowing the pipe to rotate freely on the rollers rather than binding against the casing pipe wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 multidirectional runner assembly significantly reduces frictional forces, facilitates easier and faster pipe installation over longer distances, and prevents the carrier pipe from tipping or spiraling, while minimizing runner wear.

Implementation Method 1

ball transfer assemblies that reduce frictional forces, allowing for multidirectional movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction through rolling motion: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11774009B2Method and apparatus for multidirectional pipe runners

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 CCI PIPING SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A multidirectional runner assembly for positioning a carrier pipe within a surrounding casing pipe. Each multidirectional runner assembly has at least one ball transfer assembly at least partially protruding from the runner assembly, in order to contact an inner surface of a surrounding casing pipe. The ball transfer assemblies reduce static and/or kinetic friction forces during installation of a carrier pipe within the central bore of a casing pipe, permit multidirectional orientation of the runners within the casing pipe, and provide greater load support.