Pipe Deforming Die for Trenchless Full Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing old pipes from the ground, especially hazardous lead pipes, often require trenching, which can disturb surface structures and fail to completely extract the pipe, leaving behind hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A pipe loosening device using a solid single deforming die with a leading and trailing cylinder portion and a deforming cylinder portion is pushed or pulled through the pipe to deform the sidewall without bursting it, creating a gap that allows the pipe to be removed without fracturing, using directional drills and pulling/pushing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If pipe bursting is used to replace old pipes, then trenchless replacement is achieved avoiding surface structure disturbance, but the old pipe cannot be completely removed leaving hazardous materials in the soil
Solution Approach 1:
The deforming die segments the pipe wall deformation process into controlled stages, gradually expanding the pipe outward to create separation from surrounding soil without complete bursting, enabling both trenchless operation and complete pipe removal
Solution Approach 2:
The deforming die performs preliminary action by deforming and loosening the pipe from surrounding soil before the actual pipe removal process, creating a gap that facilitates complete extraction without requiring trenching
2Object-generated harmful factors
If traditional trenching is used to remove old pipes, then complete pipe extraction is achieved, but surface structures such as roadways are disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The deforming die acts as an intermediary device inserted through the pipe to deform and loosen it from surrounding soil, enabling complete pipe extraction through a small access point rather than requiring extensive trenching that would disturb surface structures
3Ease of operation
If pipe bursting is used, then trenchless replacement is achieved, but the pipe is damaged and cannot be completely removed
Solution Approach 1:
The deforming die changes the physical parameters of the pipe by controlled deformation, expanding the pipe wall outward to loosen it from soil while maintaining enough structural integrity to enable complete removal, unlike pipe bursting which completely damages the pipe
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 method effectively loosens the pipe from the soil, allowing for complete extraction without damaging the pipe or leaving residues, reducing environmental hazards and minimizing disruption to surface structures.
Implementation Method 1
deforming die, including a leading end cylinder portion, having a first diameter, a trailing end cylinder portion, having a diameter substantially matching the first diameter, wherein a trailing end axis is substantially aligned with a leading end axis, and a deforming cylinder portion located between the leading end cylinder portion and the trailing end cylinder portion, wherein an axis of the deforming cylinder portion is parallel to, and displaced by a distance away from the trailing end axis and the leading end axis
Implementation Method 2
loosens the pipe from the soil, allowing for complete extraction
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe loosening device and methods are shown. In one example, the pipe loosening device enables a method wherein a pipe to be replaced is deformed but not burst, and a portion of a sidewall of the pipe is forced outward into the surrounding soil to compact a local region of the surrounding soil and loosen the existing pipe. The pipe may then pulled from the ground along an axis of the pipe.