Pipe Joint Expansion Elements for Force Eccentricity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for laying pipelines in challenging terrains face issues in evenly distributing high propulsion forces and controlling eccentricity and advance direction, leading to uneven pressure stresses and potential pipe damage due to friction and secondary bending forces.
Innovation Solution
The method involves measuring fluid pressure and deformation in expansion elements distributed along the pipeline to calculate and control propulsion force and eccentricity, using these parameters to adjust fluid supply and actuator commands for precise process control, and employing resilient expansion elements with adaptable geometric forms to minimize stress concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high propulsion forces are applied to advance pipe elements in the ground, then the pipeline can be pushed forward through friction and resistance, but the forces become unevenly distributed causing local stress concentration and potential pipe damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline is divided into multiple pipe elements with joints between them. Expansion elements are placed at these joints to segment the force transmission, allowing each joint to independently manage local stress distribution while contributing to overall propulsion.
Solution Approach 2:
Expansion elements are installed at specific locations (joints between pipe elements) to provide localized force distribution. These elements have different functional properties than the pipe elements themselves, creating local quality variations that optimize both propulsion and stress distribution at critical interfaces.
2Productivity
If propulsion forces are increased to overcome friction and advance the pipeline, then the pipeline can reach longer distances, but eccentricity and uneven pressure stresses increase leading to pipe damage
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are installed in the expansion elements to monitor fluid pressure, joint deformation, and pipe position in real-time. This feedback is processed to calculate actual propulsion force and eccentricity, which then feeds back to the control system to adjust actuator commands and maintain optimal alignment during advancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts propulsion parameters during pipeline advancement. Control commands are continuously updated based on real-time sensor data, allowing the system to adapt to changing ground conditions, friction variations, and alignment deviations throughout the installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If direction corrections and increased propulsion forces are applied, then the pipeline can navigate obstacles and maintain its route, but uneven pressure distribution and secondary bending forces increase causing pipe damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control system calculates optimal propulsion force distribution and direction corrections in advance based on planned route geometry and real-time sensor feedback. This preliminary calculation allows the system to prepare appropriate actuator commands before executing direction changes, minimizing sudden lateral loads on pipe elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (fluid pressure in expansion elements, actuator force magnitude and direction) to achieve direction corrections. By carefully controlling these parameter changes and coordinating them across multiple expansion elements, the system can redirect the pipeline while maintaining force distribution that protects pipe elements from excessive bending stresses.
4Device complexity
If conventional pressing methods are used without real-time monitoring, then the installation process is simpler, but the ability to detect and correct alignment deviations and stress concentrations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion elements serve multiple functions: they transmit propulsion forces between pipe elements, distribute stresses locally, enable direction corrections, and simultaneously serve as sensor housings for monitoring pressure and deformation. This multi-functionality integrates measurement capabilities into existing structural components rather than adding separate monitoring 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
This approach ensures optimal determination and control of propulsion force, eccentricity, and advance direction, reducing the risk of pipe damage by evenly distributing forces and allowing for real-time monitoring and correction, thus maintaining pipeline alignment and quality.
Implementation Method 1
This can be expanded with pressurized filling medium so that the faces of the adjacent construction elements are pushed apart
Implementation Method 2
Resilient expansion elements with adaptable geometric forms to minimize stress concentration
Data Source
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to advance pipe elements (18) for constructing an elongate structure in a soft, stony, rocky, and/or monolithic ground. Said aim is achieved by determining the force of advancement (40), the eccentricity (52) thereof in relation to the neutral axis (N), and/or the direction of advancement (28) with the aid of a pressing device (24) and extension elements (44) which are filled with fluid and are disposed on the face of the joints (70) of the tubing (14). The fluid pressure (p) is measured in at least one portion of the extension elements (44) which extends along the entire length of the tubing (14), and/or the deformation is measured in some of the joints (70). The force of advancement (40) and the eccentricity (52) are calculated from said parameters, and the values are stored and/or are compared to stored standard values. According to a variant, the eccentricity (52) is calculated, and the values are converted into control commands for the pressing device (24) and/or the individual fluid supply to or the individual fluid discharge from the extension elements (44).