Multi-Pump Pig Pumping Layout for Eight Simultaneous Passes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pig pumping units require multiple engines and personnel to operate multiple pumps simultaneously, which is inefficient due to space constraints on trailers, especially when trying to achieve multiple passes through pipes with limited space and positioning for water pumps.
Innovation Solution
A pig pumping unit design featuring a single engine with multiple gearboxes to drive multiple pumps, allowing for multiple passes through pipes with reduced equipment and personnel, including the use of clean and dirty water tanks connected to each pumping circuit, and optional additional engines and gearboxes to increase pump capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple engines and pumps are used to achieve multiple passes simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump functions into a single engine system. One engine drives multiple gearboxes, each gearbox controlling a pump for different passes. This merging reduces the number of engines from multiple (conventional) to one (invention), while maintaining the capability to perform multiple passes simultaneously through coordinated pump operation
Solution Approach 2:
The single engine is designed with universal functionality to drive multiple gearboxes and pumps simultaneously. The engine serves multiple purposes by powering different pumps for different passes through a shared drive system, making the equipment more versatile and space-efficient
2Reliability
If water pumps are positioned low for adequate suction head, then pump performance improves, but available space on trailer is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical space arrangement on the trailer by positioning the single engine at one end and distributing gearboxes and pumps along the length of the trailer. This dimensional arrangement allows pumps to be positioned low for adequate suction head while maintaining efficient use of trailer space through optimized spatial distribution
3Power
If multiple trailers are used to accommodate multiple engines, then pumping capacity increases, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pumping functions that would traditionally require separate trailers into a single integrated trailer system. One engine with multiple gearboxes and pumps provides the pumping capacity of multiple trailers while reducing personnel requirements from three workers (conventional) to fewer operators managing a single coordinated system
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
Enables efficient cleaning of multiple pipes with reduced equipment and personnel, allowing up to eight passes simultaneously while maintaining a compact trailer setup, reducing the need for multiple engines and trailers.
Implementation Method 1
a first gearbox connected to the first engine, the second gearbox connected to and driven by the first gearbox; at least a first pump, a second pump and a third pump, the first gearbox connected to the first pump and the second gearbox connected to drive the second pump and third pump
Data Source
AI summary
A pig pumping unit is provided that allows eight passes to be made simultaneously with a single pumping unit. A single engine is used to drive three or four pumps, each connected into separate pumping units. Two engines may thus be used to drive up to eight pumps in a single trailer.