Pig Launch and Recovery Tube for Pressurized Water Main Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for maintaining and inspecting water mains require depressurization, leading to water wastage and increased susceptibility to leaks, while also posing challenges in reducing residual chlorine levels in potable water discharges to protect aquatic life.
Innovation Solution
A pig launch and recovery apparatus and high pressure jetting system that operate under recirculating fluid circuit conditions, allowing for inspection and cleaning of water mains without depressurization, using a closed conduit system with a recirculating unit, filters, and a jetting unit that emits water jets to remove material from pipe surfaces while maintaining system pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional water main flushing methods are used, then water quality is maintained, but large amounts of water are wasted and environmental damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the harmful elements (sediment, debris, contaminants) from the water main through targeted high-pressure jetting at specific locations, rather than flushing the entire system. This allows cleaning to occur without wasting large volumes of water or causing widespread environmental damage from discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies cleaning action locally at specific problem areas within the water main using remotely operated jetting devices, rather than treating the entire system uniformly. This localized approach reduces water consumption and minimizes environmental impact by concentrating treatment only where needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If water mains are depressurized for inspection and cleaning, then maintenance operations can be performed, but the system becomes more susceptible to leaks and requires water wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses hydraulic pressure to perform maintenance operations while the system remains pressurized. High-pressure water jets are injected through.launch devices into the water main, allowing cleaning and inspection without depressurization, thereby maintaining system integrity and preventing leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for maintenance by introducing cleaning devices and inspection equipment while the water main is still under pressure. This preliminary positioning allows operations to proceed without needing to depressurize, as the equipment is already in place to handle the pressurized environment.
3Productivity
If high velocity flushing streams are used, then water flow availability is tested, but excessive residual chlorine levels harm aquatic life
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes contaminants including chlorinated water from targeted sections of the system through controlled discharge at specific locations, rather than allowing widespread discharge. This enables flow testing while minimizing harmful chlorine discharge to the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediate containment and treatment measures at the discharge point to neutralize or reduce residual chlorine levels before water is released into the environment, allowing flow testing to proceed without harming aquatic life.
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 approach reduces water wastage, minimizes environmental impact, and effectively maintains water quality by allowing for efficient inspection and cleaning of water mains without depressurization, while also addressing residual chlorine levels to protect aquatic life.
Implementation Method 1
A jetting unit including a jetting head coupled to a jetting hose is configured to enter the closed circuit through the second pig launch and recovery apparatus and travel within the isolated section. The jetting head is configured to emit a plurality of water jets to assist removal of material from an inner surface of the water mains and pipes
Implementation Method 2
A recirculating unit including at least one pump is configured to generate a circulating flow of water
Implementation Method 3
The removed material is carried to the filter by the circulating flow
Implementation Method 4
The recirculating unit may include a filter configured to separate the removed material from the circulating flow
Data Source
AI summary
A pig launch and recovery apparatus independently mountable to and removable from a water supply system including at least one water main and valve. The pig launch and recovery apparatus comprises a flow tube and a launch and recovery tube. The flow tube includes first and second flow ends and a main flow valve located between the first and second flow ends. The first flow end is removably mounted to a recirculating unit including a pump. The second flow end is removably mounted to a first point in the system. A launch and recovery tube further includes first and second launch ends, wherein the first launch end is fluidly connected to the flow tube between the first flow end and the main flow valve, and wherein the second launch end is fluidly connected to the flow tube between the main flow valve and the second flow end.