Pipe Flow Blockage Housing for Hot Pressurized Repair Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for temporarily blocking or repairing pressurized pipes, such as using ice plugs, are not suitable for hot or cold pipes conveying fluids like oil, gas, or refrigerants, and often result in costly and oversized valve solutions.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus with a sealed housing and an advanceable device that can puncture pipes while maintaining a fluid seal, allowing for the insertion and removal of tools like pipe cutters or flow blockage devices, enabling repair or upgrading of pipes without leaving a large valve in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pipe cutting tool and valve are combined in one solution, then the valve can be installed in the pipe, but the device becomes larger and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate functional components: a pipe cutting tool and a valve. The cutting tool is used to create an opening in the pipe, while the valve is installed in the created opening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, resulting in a smaller, more cost-effective valve while maintaining the capability to install valves in pipes.
2Reliability
If ice plugs are used to block pipe flow, then temporary blockage is achieved, but the method is not suitable for hot pipes and the ice plug melts after limited time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from ice (which melts at 0°C) to a thermally stable material that can maintain blockage at various temperatures. This parameter change allows the blockage device to function reliably in hot pipes where ice plugs would fail, and maintains the blockage indefinitely rather than for a limited time.
3Reliability
If the pipe is cooled to form an ice plug, then blockage can be achieved, but the pipe must be cooled first which adds time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal parameter requirement by using a material that does not require cooling to form a blockage. The thermally stable blockage material can be installed in pipes at any temperature, eliminating the time-consuming cooling step and simplifying the overall process.
4Reliability
If traditional pipe repair methods are used, then pipe repair is achieved, but large valves must be left in place which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The repair process is segmented into distinct steps: creating a precise opening in the pipe, installing a appropriately-sized valve in the opening, and sealing the area. This segmentation allows for the installation of smaller, more cost-effective valves compared to traditional methods where large valves had to be left in place.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for temporarily blocking fluid flow through a pipe comprises a housing configured to enclose a portion of a pipe and a flow blockage device. The housing includes a first part defining a housing chamber for receiving the pipe, and a second part defining a stowage space adjacent the housing chamber. The flow blockage device is movable through an aperture formed in one side of the pipe to an installed position in the housing chamber. The flow blockage device includes an outer sealing part that is configurable between an unexpanded configuration allowing the flow blockage device to pass through the aperture and allowing fluid flow through the pipe and an expanded configuration configured to block fluid flow through pipe by substantially preventing passage of fluid between outer side surfaces of the flow blockage device and inner surfaces of the pipe.