Pipe Lining Distributive Body for Homogeneous Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for applying polymer lining to pipes are inefficient, particularly around bends and service connections, leading to non-uniform coatings due to pooling and wall contact issues, and inability to navigate complex pipe geometries.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a unidirectional gas stream to propel and distribute a liquid liner within the pipe, aided by a distributive body that displaces and distributes the liner uniformly along the pipe wall, ensuring a complete and uniform 360-degree coat, even at service connections and pipe joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If liquid liner is blown through pipe using compressed air, then liner is propelled through the pipe, but liner quickly pools at pipe bottom and forms non-uniform coating with shadows
Solution Approach 1:
A distributive body is introduced as an intermediary element between the compressed air stream and the liquid liner. This distributive body receives the high-velocity air stream and uses it to atomize and distribute the liner material uniformly across the pipe wall, preventing pooling while maintaining propulsion speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses compressed air (pneumatics) to both propel the liner through the pipe and to distribute it uniformly via the distributive body. The air stream serves dual functions: transportation and uniform application, resolving the contradiction between speed and coating precision
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional pushing methods are used to apply polymer lining, then liner is applied to pipe wall, but method is not navigable around bends and unable to account for service connections
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional mechanical pushing method is replaced with a pneumatic delivery system. The compressed air stream can flow through complex pipe geometries including bends and service connections, carrying the liner material to any location in the pipe network, thereby achieving both simplicity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the delivery parameter from mechanical contact (pushing) to pneumatic flow. This parameter change allows the liner to be delivered through complex geometries where mechanical pushing would fail, while maintaining ease of operation through simple air pressure control
3Manufacturing precision
If distributive body is introduced to distribute liner uniformly, then homogeneous coating is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributive body is designed to perform multiple functions: it distributes the liner uniformly, propels it forward via the air stream, and can be retrieved for reuse. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by eliminating the need for separate distribution and propulsion mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The distributive body is designed to be recoverable after use. After distributing the liner through the pipe, the distributive body can be retrieved and reused in subsequent lining operations, reducing overall system complexity and cost over time
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 achieves a homogeneous and uniform polymer lining without the need for scraping or pressure-based systems, ensuring effective coverage and extended pipe lifespan by preventing pooling and ensuring consistent thickness.
Implementation Method 1
A method utilizing a unidirectional gas stream to propel and distribute a liquid liner within the pipe
Implementation Method 2
The solution achieves a homogeneous and uniform polymer lining without the need for scraping or pressure-based systems, ensuring effective coverage and extended pipe lifespan by preventing pooling
Data Source
AI summary
The method to radially displace liquid liner inside a pipe includes the step of flowing the liner around a distributive body placed within a pipe gas stream. As the gas streams past the distributive body, the liner coats the pipe homogeneously from top to bottom.