Pipe Float with Concave Fit for Stable Slurry Pipe Buoyancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Slurry pipes in deep liquid bodies require additional buoyancy to maintain the upper end near or above the surface, but existing solutions are complex to install and do not effectively complement the outer radius of the pipe.
Innovation Solution
A buoyant device with a concaved section that complements the outer radius of the slurry pipe, attached via straps to prevent rotation and longitudinal movement, ensuring easy installation and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing buoyant devices are used to provide buoyancy for slurry pipes, then the upper end of the pipe can be kept near or above the surface, but the installation becomes complex and the devices do not effectively complement the outer radius of the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyant device incorporates a concaved section with a curvature that complements the outer radius of the slurry pipe. This curved surface design allows the buoyant device to conform to the cylindrical shape of the pipe, creating a stable fit that simplifies installation while maintaining effective buoyancy support.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoyant device is designed to attach to the exterior of the slurry pipe, with the concaved section nesting against the pipe's outer surface. This nested configuration allows the buoyant device to wrap around and secure to the pipe without requiring complex internal modifications or additional support structures.
2Reliability
If existing buoyant devices are used to provide buoyancy, then the pipe can be supported, but the devices rotate or move longitudinally during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The concaved section's curvature matches the pipe's outer radius, creating a snug fit that prevents rotation and longitudinal movement. This geometric complementarity ensures the buoyant device remains stationary relative to the pipe while providing continuous buoyancy support.
3Reliability
If complex installation methods are used to secure buoyant devices, then the devices can be attached to the pipe, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The concaved section is designed to naturally conform to the pipe's outer surface geometry, allowing the buoyant device to be easily positioned and secured without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized installation equipment, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment.
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 buoyant device effectively keeps the upper end of the slurry pipe near the surface, simplifying installation and ensuring stability and buoyancy without rotating or moving longitudinally, addressing the complexity of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the pipe or riser requires added buoyancy to keep an upper end of the slurry pipe near or above the surface of the body of liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
A float apparatus includes a buoyant device that has an outer surface with a first end portion, a second end portion and an elongated portion. The elongated portion extends from the first end portion to the second end portion. The buoyant device is shaped and configured to attach to a conduit. The elongated portion of the outer surface has a concaved section that extends from the first end portion to the second end portion. The concaved section has a shape that complements an outer radius of the conduit with the buoyant device attached to the conduit.