Contaminated Pipe Dismantling with Segmented Bell Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dismantling potentially contaminated piping, such as those in industrial sites like nuclear power stations, are cumbersome and expensive due to the need for elaborate containment systems and pose risks to operators, with existing solutions either requiring complex airlocks or being impractical for pipes in difficult locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a rigid containment box with gaskets to confine the pipe cutting operation, combined with a flexible sleeve for dust containment, allowing for safer and more efficient cutting and post-processing of contaminated piping without the need for large airlocks or scaffolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional airlock containment systems are used for dismantling contaminated piping, then operator safety and contamination confinement are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is segmented into a modular bell-shaped structure that can be assembled around the pipe in sections, rather than requiring a single large complex airlock. The bell is divided into multiple components that can be easily assembled and disassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting operation is extracted from the traditional airlock environment and relocated to a simpler bell-shaped containment structure. This separates the containment function from the complex airlock system, allowing the airlock to be used only for tool transfer and pipe removal.
2Reliability
If traditional airlock systems with scaffolding are used, then containment effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation and installation time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The bell-shaped containment structure is designed to be dynamically assembled and disassembled around the pipe, rather than requiring static scaffolding structures. This allows rapid deployment and removal without complex installation procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible airtight sleeves are used for containment, then adaptability to difficult pipe locations is improved, but reliability decreases due to perforation risks
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible plastic bag or sleeve is used as the containment barrier, which can be easily adapted to surround pipes in difficult-to-reach locations. The flexible nature allows it to conform to various pipe configurations while maintaining airtight sealing.
4Reliability
If expandable materials are used to close off pipes, then containment effectiveness is improved, but post-treatment complexity increases due to decontamination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic bag or flexible sleeve used for containment is designed as a disposable component that is easily removed and disposed of after the cutting operation, eliminating complex decontamination procedures. The low cost of the disposable barrier makes this economically viable.
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 reduces the complexity and cost of containment, enhances operator safety, and facilitates easier handling of contaminated piping by eliminating the need for large airlocks and scaffolding, while ensuring effective containment and post-processing of residues.
Implementation Method 1
a dynamic confinement of the free volume delimited by this casing can be provided, by connecting this free volume to an air suction means, the flow of air thus inspired making it possible to capture, in the immediate vicinity of the area of the cut pipe, the rejects and dust generated by the cutting of the pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves fixing a case (10) whose free volume (V) is confined around a longitudinal part (2A) of a pipe (2). Another longitudinal part (2B) of the pipe is arranged adjacent to the former longitudinal part of the pipe. A cuff (20) is made of watertight material and arranged with an end (21) that is fixed in a hermetic manner on the case. The latter longitudinal part of the pipe is confined inside remainder of the case. A final part of the cuff is separated and jointly evacuated with a section (2.1) attached to the case. An independent claim is also included for a device for dismantling a potentially-contaminated pipe.