Nonmetallic Pipe Support Rods to Prevent Friction and Corrosion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable pipe supports (PPS) in the oil and gas industry pose a fire risk due to friction and leakage between metallic support rods and pipelines, and also lead to corrosion, which can diminish the lifespan of pipelines.
Innovation Solution
The use of nonmetallic support rods in portable pipe supports, which are embedded within a recess in the top portion of the support body and secured by anchors, reduces friction and prevents corrosion, thereby minimizing the risk of fire incidents and extending pipeline lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic support rods are used in portable pipe supports, then the structural strength and support capability are improved, but friction and corrosion between the metallic rod and pipeline occur, leading to fire hazards and reduced pipeline lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a nonmetallic rod as an intermediary element between the metallic pipeline and the support structure. This nonmetallic rod serves as a mediator that eliminates direct contact between the pipeline and metallic components, thereby preventing friction-induced sparks and corrosion while still providing the necessary support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable pipe support employs a composite construction combining nonmetallic materials (for the rod that contacts the pipeline) and metallic materials (for the support body and anchors). This composite approach allows the structure to maintain overall strength and support capability while the nonmetallic component prevents harmful interactions with the pipeline.
2Reliability
If nonmetallic support rods are used to reduce friction and prevent corrosion, then fire hazard risk is reduced, but the structural strength and support capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the rod that contacts the pipeline nonmetallic, while the rest of the support structure (body, anchors, mounting components) can be metallic. This localized application of nonmetallic material provides fire safety where needed without compromising the overall structural strength of the support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction combines nonmetallic rod material with metallic support structure, allowing the system to achieve both fire safety (through the nonmetallic rod) and structural strength (through the metallic components). The composite design enables each material to perform its optimal function.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable pipe support includes a body providing opposing bottom and top portions, a nonmetallic support rod arranged within a recess defined in the top portion such that a portion of the nonmetallic rod protrudes above an upper surface of the top portion, and one or more anchors embedded within the body at the top portion. Each anchor includes opposing first and second legs extending substantially parallel to each other and straddling the nonmetallic support rod, a foot extending laterally from an end of each of the first and second legs and embedded within the body, and an upper loop cooperatively formed by each leg curving toward each other above the top portion.