Straight-Tapered Pipe Bumpers for Multi-Borehole Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of multiple pipes through a single borehole often results in pipe clashes and coating damage, posing safety risks and environmental hazards due to traditional bumper systems that are cumbersome, require propane torches, and lead to greenhouse gas emissions.
Innovation Solution
A straight-tapered bumper element is installed around pipes to prevent contact and bouncing during installation, using an electric adhesive applicator and radial bands for secure bonding without heat-shrink, allowing pipes to pass through rollers safely and reducing coating damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bumpers with rubber rings and heat-shrink are used to prevent pipe contact, then pipe separation is achieved, but the bumpers hang up in roller stands causing dangerous bouncing and requiring additional excavator equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic heat-shrink and rubber ring components from the bumper system, replacing them with a simplified foam bumper that achieves pipe separation without the hanging-up issues that required additional excavator equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The foam bumper is designed as a simple, disposable component that performs its separation function without requiring complex attachment mechanisms or additional equipment for installation and removal
2Reliability
If traditional bumpers with rubber rings are used, then pipe separation is provided, but they cause drag and require propane torches for installation creating greenhouse gas emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical heat-shrink attachment system with adhesive-based foam bumper attachment, eliminating the need for propane torches and associated greenhouse gas emissions during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper material changes from rubber ring to foam material, and the attachment method changes from thermal shrinkage to adhesive bonding, fundamentally altering the installation process parameters to eliminate harmful emissions
3Productivity
If multiple pipes are pulled through roller stands, then installation progresses, but pipes clash and rub causing coating damage and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The foam bumper acts as an intermediary element between multiple pipes, providing continuous separation that prevents direct contact and coating damage while allowing rapid installation through the borehole
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
The solution effectively prevents pipe contact and coating damage, enhances safety, reduces environmental impact by eliminating propane use, and simplifies the installation process with increased bonding strength and reduced equipment needs.
Implementation Method 1
a bonding agent is applied to an outer surface of the pipe... the straight-tapered bumper element is bonded to the pipe with the bonding agent
Implementation Method 2
radial bands for secure bonding... means for positioning, under radial pressure, the straight-tapered bumper element around the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention addresses problems in the installation of multiple pipes through a single borehole at the same time. Attempting such an installation causes pipes to clash and rub. With multiple pipes being installed in a single borehole, in some cases, there will be multiple pipes crossing a single roller right before entering the borehole, increasing the chances of damage to the bumper/spacer and to pipe. This action causes safety issues for people, the environment, endangered species, and other wildlife, at an installation site. In at least one example, bumpers are applied to the pipes such that the chance of damage is reduced while also reducing risk to people and the environment.