Pig Handling Sled With Hydraulic Lift for Launcher Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pig-management devices face challenges in safely and efficiently handling maintenance pigs of over 1,000 lbs. due to their awkward size and the need to align them with various pig launcher/receiver designs and site conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sled-based pig-handling device with a container, pig-supporting device, front and rear wheels, and adjustable height features, including hydraulic lifting cylinders, designed to accommodate different launcher/receiver designs and site conditions, allowing secure positioning and movement along a rail system for safe and efficient pig handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional pig-management devices are used to handle maintenance pigs weighing over 1,000 lbs, then the pigs can be transported through the pipeline, but the handling becomes awkward and difficult to align with various launcher/receiver designs
Solution Approach 1:
The sled incorporates adjustable height components and movable positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic adaptation to different launcher/receiver configurations. The height adjustment feature enables the sled to accommodate various site conditions and equipment designs, making alignment easier while maintaining handling capability for heavy pigs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled is designed as a universal handling device that can work with multiple launcher and receiver designs. By incorporating adjustable features and standardized interfaces, the sled provides versatile alignment capability across different equipment configurations while maintaining ease of operation for heavy pigs.
2Productivity
If maintenance pigs weighing over 1,000 lbs are used for thorough cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the pigs become awkward to handle and require specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The sled acts as an intermediary device between the heavy maintenance pig and the operators/equipment. It provides mechanical support and movement capability for pigs weighing over 1,000 lbs, enabling safe and efficient handling while maintaining the cleaning effectiveness provided by these substantial pigs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sled incorporates hydraulic lifting cylinders to provide mechanical advantage for handling heavy pigs. The hydraulic system enables operators to lift, position, and maneuver pigs weighing over 1,000 lbs with minimal physical effort, maintaining ease of operation while preserving cleaning effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a specialized pig-handling device is developed to improve handling safety and efficiency, then operational safety is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pig-handling system is segmented into modular components including the sled, hydraulic lifting cylinders, wheel assemblies, and fastening mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easier maintenance, reduced complexity in individual components, and improved operational safety through distributed functionality rather than a single complex 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
Facilitates safe and efficient handling of pigs before and after launch/reception, accommodating various designs and conditions, enhancing operational safety and efficiency by providing secure positioning and movement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the pig-supporting device includes one or more hydraulic lifting cylinders
Data Source
AI summary
A pig-handling device is disclosed. A pig-handling device comprises a sled including: a container designed to carry one or more pigs, a pig-supporting device connected to the container, a pair of front wheels connected to the pig-supporting device, and a pair of rear wheels connected to the pig-supporting device.