Pipe Coating Cutting Assembly for Accurate Chamfer and FBE Exposure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for cutting external coatings of pipes fail to precisely and efficiently remove the pipe preservation system (PPS) while ensuring the required collar chamfer angle and FBE exposure band, leading to coating detachment and corrosion issues due to aggressive manufacturing processes and non-uniform surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A cutting device comprising a body, fitting guide, cutting lever, cutting blade, and support structure that allows for precise cutting of the external coating and PPS, with a cutting blade that can adjust to maintain a chamfer angle less than 30° and accommodate varying FBE exposure band widths, ensuring a smooth and stress-free surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the collar is manufactured by the brushing method, then the chamfer can be created, but the coating becomes frayed and stressed, leading to detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollar manufacturing processVSAvoidcoating surface uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical brushing method with a thermal process using a heating element that melts and smooths the collar surface. This substitution eliminates the fraying and stress issues caused by mechanical brushing while achieving the required chamfer geometry and surface uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the coating material from solid to molten and back to solid through controlled heating and cooling. By adjusting temperature parameters, the process achieves smooth surface finish and proper chamfer angle without the detrimental effects of mechanical brushing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the collar is manufactured by brushing, then chamfer can be formed, but the surface is non-uniform, preventing correct field joint accommodation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechamfer formationVSAvoidsurface uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If pipes are stored in open-air locations, then storage is simplified, but temperature and humidity variations cause coating detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoidcoating adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary action by creating a proper collar finish and FBE exposure band before field joint assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures that when pipes are stored in open-air conditions, the coating is already in a stable state with reduced susceptibility to temperature and humidity-induced detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by creating a smooth, stress-free collar surface and proper FBE exposure band that prevents the initiation of coating detachment. This preliminary protective measure counteracts the harmful effects of subsequent open-air storage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Productivity

If the FBE exposure band is machined right after coating, then the exposure band can be created, but residual stresses cause layer movement over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure band creation timingVSAvoidcoating layer stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical machining with a thermal process that melts and smooths the FBE exposure band. This substitution eliminates the stress induction associated with mechanical machining while maintaining productivity by performing the operation immediately after coating without requiring additional stabilization time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20230364819A1Cutting device of pipe preservation system

Publication Date: 2023.11.16 PETROLEO BRASILEIRO SA PETROBRAS

AI summary

The present invention describes a cutting device (100) of pipe preservation system (PPS) comprising a body (3.1), a fitting guide (3.2), at least one cutting lever (3.4), at least one cutting blade (3.5), at least one receptacle (3.6) of the cutting blade (3.5), and at least one support structure (300).