Pipe Coupling Injection Outlets for Pipeline Structural Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pipe coupling methods require openings in the pipeline wall for lubricant injection, which weakens the structure and compromises stability and strength, especially under internal pressure.

Innovation Solution

Integrating injection outlets directly into the pipe coupling, eliminating the need for openings in the pipeline wall, allowing lubricant application externally to reduce friction and enhance stability and strength without compromising the pipeline's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If openings are made in the pipeline wall for lubricant injection, then lubricant can be applied to advance the pipes, but the structure of the pipeline is weakened and stability and strength problems arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelubricant injection capabilityVSAvoidpipeline structural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The injection system is segmented from the pipeline itself. Instead of making openings in the pipeline wall, separate injection outlets are provided in the pipe coupling components, allowing lubricant injection functionality to be separated from the pressure-containing pipeline structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe coupling acts as an intermediary component that provides the injection outlets. The coupling serves as a mediator between the lubricant injection system and the pipeline, enabling lubricant application without compromising the pipeline's structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If openings are made in the pipeline wall for lubricant injection, then lubricant can be applied to reduce friction, but considerable stability and strength problems can arise, especially with regard to internal pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction reductionVSAvoidpipeline stability under pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The injection outlets are segmented from the pressure-containing pipeline wall and placed in the pipe coupling instead, separating the lubrication function from the pressure containment function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The injection outlets are extracted from the pipeline wall and relocated to the pipe coupling, removing the harmful effect of wall openings while preserving the beneficial lubrication effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If the pipeline wall is opened for injection outlets, then lubricant can be injected, but the walls would need to be additionally reinforced leading to oversizing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection outlet functionalityVSAvoidpipeline weight and size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The injection functionality is segmented into separate components (pipe couplings with injection outlets) rather than being integrated into the pipeline wall, avoiding the need to reinforce and enlarge the pipeline walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe coupling serves as an intermediary that provides injection outlets without requiring modifications to the pipeline walls, thus avoiding additional reinforcement and oversizing of the pipeline.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This approach maintains the pipeline's structural integrity, enabling high-pressure resistance and reducing the required driving force while allowing for thinner walls and smaller diameters, thus improving operational stability and strength.

Implementation Method 1

the lubricant reduces the friction between the pipeline and the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

the lubricant is bentonite. The lubricant reduces the friction between the pipeline and the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBentonite lubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3011220B1System and method for advancing a pipe assembly
Publication Date: 2017.08.30 AMIBLU HLDG GMBH
  • EP3011220B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3011220B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3011220B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

Disclosed is a pipe coupling (1) for connecting two pipelines (51, 52, 91, 92), the pipe coupling (1) having at least one injection outlet (2, 3, 4) for injecting lubricant. Also disclosed are a pipeline (51, 52, 91, 92), designed for connection to another pipeline (51, 52, 91, 92) by means of a pipe coupling (1) of this type, a pipe union (50, 90), a method for injecting lubricant and a method for producing a pipe coupling (1).