Pipe Joint Internal Coating With Independent Applicator Carts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for field internally coating pipe joints during pipe laying operations on a water bed are inefficient, as they require multiple equipment movements and lack precise control over polymer application, leading to energy wastage and suboptimal coating thickness.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a polymer application unit with a first cart for advancing inside the pipe, tanks for storing polymer components, a mixer for optimal component mixing, and an applicator with a rotating disc for homogeneous polymer application, along with a second cart for independent movement of the mixer and applicator, allowing for precise coating and energy savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cart system is used for field internal coating, then the equipment structure is simple, but the coating thickness control is poor and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the coating equipment into two independent carts: a first cart for transporting the polymer mixture and a second cart for applying the coating. This segmentation allows each cart to perform its specific function optimally, with the second cart's applicator being able to precisely control coating thickness while the first cart handles material supply, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and coating precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cart is designed to move independently relative to the first cart along the pipe axis, enabling dynamic adjustment of the applicator's position and movement speed. This independence allows precise control over coating application parameters, achieving elevated and uniform coating thicknesses while reducing energy consumption through optimized motion control.
2Device complexity
If the applicator and mixer are fixed together, then the equipment structure is simple, but the polymer mixing and application precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the mixing function (on the first cart) from the application function (on the second cart). This allows the mixer to be optimally positioned and operated for thorough polymer component mixing, while the applicator on the independent second cart can be precisely controlled for accurate coating application, thereby achieving high precision in both mixing and application without excessive structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple equipment movements are required for coating, then the coating can be applied to different sections, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the polymer supply function and coating application function into a single integrated second cart that moves independently. This allows the applicator to reciprocate and apply multiple coats to the same pipe section without requiring the entire equipment assembly to move, thereby achieving comprehensive coating coverage while minimizing energy consumption through localized, targeted movements.
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 system enables effective internal coating of pipe joints with elevated thicknesses, reduces energy consumption by minimizing equipment movement, and ensures precise polymer application through independent movement of the applicator and mixer.
Implementation Method 1
a mixer to mix the first and the second component
Implementation Method 2
an applicator to apply the polymer to the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A system for field internally coating a pipe joint comprising a polymer application unit (5), which has: - a first cart (14) configured to selectively advance inside a pipe (3); - a first and a second tank (15, 16) configured to contain a first and a second polymer component respectively; - a mixer (17) to mix the first and the second component; - a first and a second pump (18, 19) to feed the first and the second component respectively from the first and the second tank (15, 16) to the mixer (17); - an applicator (20) to apply the polymer to the pipe (3); and - a conduit (21) comprising a free end configured to be placed near the applicator (20) to feed the polymer from the mixer (17) to the applicator (20).