Packer Bladder Pocket for Twist-Free Junction Liner Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for forming junctions in cured-in-place pipelines face challenges in properly orienting the packer tool assembly along branch lines due to curling or twisting of the bladder and connection liner, especially when the junction is more accessible from the branch line, leading to incorrect positioning and inflation issues.
Innovation Solution
A bladder with a pocket for rotational engagement with the packer tool at two distinct positions, allowing precise orientation and minimizing curling, combined with a packer tool assembly that includes an intermediate bar for transmitting rotational and translational manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the packer tool assembly is introduced along the branch line with the end piece abutting against the internal wall surface of the bladder, then the bladder can be positioned longitudinally, but the bladder and connection liner may curl or twist during rotation, leading to incorrect positioning
Solution Approach 1:
A pocket is introduced as an intermediary structure between the packer tool and the bladder body. This pocket receives the end piece and provides a controlled interface that prevents curling or twisting of the bladder and connection liner during rotation, while still allowing proper longitudinal positioning and orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket is pre-formed in the bladder body at a specific location and orientation. By preparing this reception structure in advance, the system ensures that when the packer tool is introduced and rotated, the bladder and connection liner are already constrained in a configuration that prevents undesired curling or twisting
2Reliability
If the bladder is inflated after introduction along the branch line, then the connection liner is pushed into position, but the bladder may not have sufficient room to uncurl if it curled during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The pocket acts as a mediator that maintains the bladder's proper configuration during insertion and rotation. By constraining the bladder and connection liner within the pocket structure, it prevents curling that would otherwise occur, ensuring the bladder is ready for successful inflation
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket provides a localized constrained environment within the bladder structure. This local quality control ensures that specific portions of the bladder and connection liner maintain their proper configuration during the critical insertion and rotation phases, while allowing the rest of the system to function normally
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
Ensures proper orientation and inflation of the bladder and connection liner, ensuring correct positioning and curing against the pipeline walls, even when introduced along a branch line.
Implementation Method 1
the pocket defines a pocket volume configured for receiving an end piece of a packer tool, so as to rotationally engage therewith
Implementation Method 2
the intermediate bar is attached between the bladder end side of the packer head and the end piece, so as to transmit rotation therebetween
Implementation Method 3
introducing a pressurized fluid into the bladder through the packer head so as to inflate the bladder and press the connection liner against the internal wall of the pre-existing pipeline
Implementation Method 4
The liner is inflated against the internal wall of the pre-existing pipeline and cured, for example, by introducing a steam flow into the liner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a bladder (1) for positioning a connection liner when forming a junction of a cured-in-place-pipeline. The bladder (1) comprising a body (1a) defining a tubular main section (2) and a tubular branch section (3) extending outwardly from the main section (2), between opposing ends (2a, 2b) of the main section (2). A distal end (3a) of the branch section (3) is open and an inside of the body (1a) is open between the main section (2) and the branch section (3). The bladder (1) comprises a pocket (4) arranged on the inside of the body (1a), on the tubular main section (2), the pocket (4) defining a pocket volume (4a) configured for receiving an end piece (7) of a packer tool, so as to rotationally engage therewith.