Wedge-Cone Pipe Gripping Plug for Sand-Resistant Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe plugging systems face challenges in securely gripping and holding pipes in various industrial settings, such as refineries and petro-chemical plants, especially during hydro testing, subsea anchoring, and maintenance, where sand and saltwater accumulation can damage the gripping apparatus over time.
Innovation Solution
A gripping apparatus with a wedge cone and discrete gripping devices, including balls or rollers, that are spring-actuated to securely engage the pipe's inner diameter, preventing sand accumulation and ensuring reliable sealing and anchoring, while allowing for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If discrete gripping devices are used to grip the pipe, then the gripping force and holding capability are improved, but the complexity of the apparatus increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping apparatus is divided into multiple discrete gripping devices (balls or rollers) that are independently positioned around the pipe circumference. Each gripping device can be actuated separately or collectively, allowing distributed gripping force while maintaining modular complexity. The wedge cone is segmented into multiple facets corresponding to each gripping device, enabling independent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The discrete gripping devices are nested within the apparatus body, with balls or rollers positioned in recesses that allow them to protrude when actuated. The gripping devices are contained within the apparatus structure when not in use, reducing overall complexity while maintaining gripping capability when needed.
2Reliability
If the gripping apparatus is designed for secure anchoring, then the holding reliability is improved, but the ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping apparatus transitions from a static to a dynamic state through actuation. When not in use, the gripping devices are retracted or disengaged, allowing easy installation and removal. When actuated, the gripping devices engage the pipe with sufficient force to provide reliable holding. The wedge cone mechanism dynamically transforms axial insertion force into radial gripping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to be inserted into the pipe first, with the gripping devices initially in a retracted or non-engaging position. Once positioned, the actuation mechanism is activated to engage the gripping devices with the pipe wall. This preliminary positioning followed by engagement allows easy installation while ensuring reliable holding during operation.
3Reliability
If the gripping devices are actuated to grip the pipe tightly, then the sealing capability is improved, but the risk of damaging the pipe surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping devices use different material properties or surface characteristics at different locations. The contact surface of the balls or rollers is designed with specific hardness, friction coefficients, or protective coatings that enable tight gripping while minimizing surface damage. The wedge cone facets are also designed with appropriate surface properties to facilitate smooth engagement and disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Spherical balls or cylindrical rollers are used as gripping devices instead of flat or sharp-edged components. The curved surfaces of these devices distribute contact pressure over a larger area, reducing stress concentration and minimizing damage to the pipe surface while maintaining effective sealing capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete gripping devices are used, then the adaptability to different pipe conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete gripping devices are designed as identical or similar units that can function independently or collectively, providing universal adaptability to different pipe conditions. The same basic gripping device design can handle variations in pipe surface condition, diameter, or material by adjusting the number of devices engaged or the actuation force, rather than requiring different device types for different conditions.
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 solution provides a secure, sand-resistant grip for pipes in challenging environments, ensuring effective hydro testing, subsea anchoring, and maintenance without damaging the pipe surface, and allows for easy operation and retraction.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge cone; a first plurality of discrete gripping devices slidably engaged with the wedge cone; a second plurality of discrete gripping devices slidably engaged with the wedge cone
Implementation Method 2
spring-actuated to securely engage the pipe's inner diameter
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a gripping plug for use in a pipe wherein the pipe defines an inside radius, having: a wedge cone; a first plurality of discrete gripping devices slidably engaged with the wedge cone; a second plurality of discrete gripping devices slidably engaged with the wedge cone; a first plurality of studs connected to each of the first plurality of discrete gripping devices, where each of the first plurality of studs define a first stud length; and a second plurality of studs connected to each of the second plurality of discrete gripping devices, wherein each of the second plurality of studs define a second stud length.