Pipeline Pig Launch Pin and Modulating Bypass Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline pig launch systems face challenges in controlling pressure differential and bypass flow, particularly during initial launch when minimal flow is available, leading to inadequate acceleration and speed control of the pig through the pipeline.
Innovation Solution
A system with a modulating bypass valve and a locking mechanism, including a retractable lead and launch pin, is used to control bypass flow by compressing the valve and maintaining it in a compressed position until the pig has traveled past the first mainline valve and bypass tee, then releasing to allow normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the bypass valve is kept open during initial launch, then the pig can maintain speed through the pipeline, but the pig cannot achieve adequate acceleration out of the launcher
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve is pre-set to a closed position before launch, preventing bypass flow during the critical acceleration phase. This preliminary configuration ensures maximum pressure differential across the pig body during initial launch, enabling adequate acceleration out of the launcher and into the pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass valve transitions from a static closed position during launch to a dynamic open position after the pig passes the first mainline valve and bypass tee. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing flow conditions, enabling speed control through the pipeline while maintaining adequate acceleration during launch.
2Stress or pressure
If bypass flow is allowed during initial launch, then the pig can control its speed, but the pressure differential across the pig is insufficient for proper launch
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve is pre-configured in the closed position before launch, establishing the necessary pressure differential across the pig body. This preliminary action ensures sufficient force is available to propel the pig out of the launcher and into the pipeline, preventing launch failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass valve remains closed continuously during the critical launch phase, maintaining maximum pressure differential across the pig body. This continuous restriction of bypass flow ensures uninterrupted acceleration and proper launch through the pipeline entrance.
3Productivity
If the bypass valve is compressed to minimize bypass flow, then the pig achieves adequate acceleration, but the valve requires a locking mechanism to maintain position
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve is pre-compressed to the closed position before launch, minimizing bypass flow and maximizing acceleration efficiency. This preliminary compression eliminates the need for complex active control systems during the critical launch phase, simplifying the overall system while improving launch productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking means acts as an intermediary mechanism to maintain the bypass valve in the compressed position during launch. This simple locking component enables the valve to remain closed without requiring complex active control systems, achieving both high launch efficiency and system simplicity.
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
This solution ensures adequate acceleration and speed control of the pipeline pig by minimizing initial bypass flow, preventing stalling, and allowing the pig to maintain a desirable speed through the pipeline, reducing pressure drop and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A gas spring controls the response of the valve and the valve has sufficient mass and aerodynamic drag to overcome the force of the gas spring
Implementation Method 2
A modulating bypass valve effective for controlling bypass flow through the pipeline pig and a locking means for temporarily securing the modulating valve in a compressed position
Implementation Method 3
Once the pig is placed inside the launcher, the closure door of the launcher is closed and pipeline flow is used to push the pig into and through the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for launching a pipeline pig includes the steps of compressing a modulating bypass valve of a pipeline pig and installing a locking means to temporally maintain the bypass valve in the compressed state. Once the pig has travelled a predetermined distance through the pipeline, the locking means is released and retrieved through the launch trap door. The locking means is preferably a launching pin having a clip attachment that receives the clips of a retractable lead. The lead is housed by a retraction device that is detachably secured to the launch trap door. The modulating valve has sufficient mass and aerodynamic drag to overcome the force of a gas spring. The valve moves between a retracted and compressed position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig stalling and between the compressed and retracted position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig accelerating.