Pig Pumping Unit Dynamic Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intelligent pigs used for pipe inspection in oil refineries often slow down when encountering obstacles, causing operational challenges for the operator due to inconsistent fluid pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pumping unit and method that control fluid pressure in pipes by using variable flow control valves to maintain a constant speed for the pig by increasing pressure in constricted areas, detected through pressure sensors and recorded pressure spikes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pig is run through pipes under hydraulic pressure for cleaning and inspection, then the pipe cleaning function is achieved, but the pig speed becomes non-uniform when encountering obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid pressure in response to detected obstacles. Pressure sensors monitor resistance encountered by the pig, and the control system varies pump output to maintain constant pig speed despite changes in pipeline conditions such as bends, restrictions, or buildup
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure sensors to detect obstacles and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of fluid pressure to compensate for resistance variations, ensuring uniform pig speed throughout the inspection process
2Speed
If fluid pressure is increased to help the pig traverse constricted areas, then pig speed uniformity is improved, but fluid pressure control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the pig itself as the sensor - the pig's own movement resistance through the pipeline provides the measurement signal. Pressure sensors detect the force required to move the pig, which directly indicates obstacles or contamination, eliminating the need for separate sensing mechanisms on the pig
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 intelligent pigs to traverse pipes at a more uniform speed, improving operational efficiency and reducing operator challenges by maintaining consistent speed through dynamic pressure adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
detected through pressure sensors and recorded pressure spikes
Implementation Method 2
Increasing fluid pressure in constricted areas enables an intelligent pig to traverse the pipe with a more uniform speed
Data Source
AI summary
A pumping unit is provided that controls fluid pressure in a pipe being traversed according to the degree of resistance encountered by a pig traversing the pipe under fluid pressure. Increasing fluid pressure in constricted areas enables an intelligent pig to traverse the pipe with a more uniform speed by controlling the fluid velocity.