Internal Pipe Grinder Using Centrifugal Tool Deployment for Weld Intrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weld intrusion and splatter in small diameter pipelines pose challenges during girth welding, as traditional methods are difficult to implement and often require rewelding, leading to delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hub and rotatable grinding mechanism, utilizing centrifugal force to deploy surface modifying tools radially for effective weld grinding within small diameter pipes, eliminating the need for complex deployment systems and allowing for smooth interior weld joint treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional welding methods are used in small diameter pipelines, then weld intrusion and splatter occur, but complex deployment systems and rewelding are required to address them
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding tool automatically deploys itself using centrifugal force generated during rotation, eliminating the need for complex external deployment systems. The tool grinds the weld joint and then retracts automatically, providing self-service functionality that simplifies the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by using centrifugal force (a dynamic parameter) to control tool deployment and retraction. This replaces static mechanical deployment systems with a dynamic force-based system that activates only during rotation, simplifying the deployment mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If weld intrusion is not addressed, then coating quality deteriorates, but cutting and rewelding causes significant delays and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding tool is deployed to pre-treat the weld joint before coating application. By removing excess weld material and smoothing the surface in advance, the tool prevents coating defects and eliminates the need for time-consuming rewelding operations later.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical process of cutting and rewelding with a grinding process. Instead of removing the entire weld and re-welding, the grinding tool selectively removes only the excess material, significantly reducing processing time and resource consumption.
3Ease of operation
If grinding tools are deployed in small diameter pipes, then accessibility is improved, but tool deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grinding tool deploys itself automatically when rotated at sufficient speed, using the centrifugal force generated during operation. This self-deployment mechanism eliminates the need for complex external deployment systems, making the tool suitable for small diameter pipes while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses dynamic centrifugal force to control tool deployment and retraction. The tool transitions from a retracted state during transport to an extended grinding state during rotation, and automatically retracts when rotation stops. This dynamic approach simplifies the deployment mechanism compared to static mechanical systems.
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 device efficiently reduces or eliminates weld intrusion and splatter in small diameter pipelines, enabling precise weld grinding without the need for complex deployment systems, thus reducing costs and time associated with rewelding.
Implementation Method 1
The first biasing member is tuned such that centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the first surface modifying tool that is contained in the hollow housing overcomes the spring force and causes the first surface modifying tool to move from the at rest retracted position to the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
a first surface modifying tool, such as a first grinding and/or cutting implement, that is disposed within the hollow housing and is coupled thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating an interior weld joint located along an inner surface of a pipe includes the steps of: (a) advancing an internal grinder device within the pipe to the interior weld joint, wherein the internal grinder device includes a hollow housing that has a first open end and a first grinding implement that is disposed within the hollow housing and coupled thereto with a first biasing member; and (b) controllably rotating the hollow housing to at least a threshold speed at which time and under centrifugal force, the first grinding implement moves from an at rest retracted position to a deployed position in which the first grinding implement extends radially beyond the first open end for contacting and grinding the interior weld joint as the hollow housing and the first grinding implement are rotated.