Pipe Lining Radiation Unit Retrieval via Segmented Cable Drums
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for lining pipe conduits with flexible tubing face challenges such as lengthy curing times, operational disruptions, and difficulties with large diameters and lengths, particularly with uncontrollable rotation drum winding speeds and the risk of radiation units getting stuck during the curing process.
Innovation Solution
The method involves separating the retaining strap from the flexible tubing after introduction, coupling the radiation unit outside the pipe, and using a controlled cable winch to pull the radiation unit through, allowing for activation and retrieval without getting stuck, utilizing a separate cable drum for controlled speed and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flexible tubing is introduced into the pipe conduit with a rotation drum, then the tubing can be pulled through the conduit, but the uncontrollable winding speed causes the radiation unit to get stuck and cannot be retrieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the functions of pulling the flexible tubing and pulling the radiation unit by using two different cable drums. The first cable drum pulls the flexible tubing during introduction, while the second cable drum pulls the radiation unit during retrieval. This segmentation allows independent control of each operation, eliminating the risk of the radiation unit getting stuck due to uncontrollable winding speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second cable drum as an intermediary device specifically for retrieving the radiation unit. This intermediary mechanism provides controlled pulling force during retrieval, separate from the first cable drum used for introducing the flexible tubing. The intermediary cable drum ensures reliable and controlled retrieval without the risks associated with the initial introduction process.
2Loss of time
If the adhesive is cured by heating the pressure medium, then the curing time is shortened, but the pipe conduit cannot be heated above 30°C due to welding seam breakage and corrosion encasing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radiation units from the pressure medium and positions them inside the flexible tubing. This allows the radiation units to cure the adhesive directly through the tubing wall without heating the pressure medium. The harmful thermal stress is eliminated by taking out the radiation source from the pressure medium and applying radiation through the tubing material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal curing mechanism (heating pressure medium) with a radiation-based curing mechanism. Instead of using thermal energy to cure the adhesive, the patent uses radiation units that emit curing radiation through the flexible tubing material. This substitution eliminates the need for high temperatures and associated thermal stress damage to welding seams and corrosion encasings.
3Device complexity
If flexible tubings of more than 500 m length are used to minimize access points, then the number of access points is reduced, but the filling and distribution of adhesive takes more than an hour
Solution Approach 1:
The patent distributes the adhesive into the flexible tubing before introduction, so that the adhesive is already in position when the tubing is installed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming adhesive distribution after installation and allows continuous operation without stopping to fill adhesive during the lengthy introduction process of 500+ meter tubings.
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 enables faster curing, reduces operational downtime, and facilitates safe retrieval of the radiation unit, improving the efficiency and safety of the pipe lining process without requiring significant modifications to the rotation drum.
Implementation Method 1
the filled adhesive firstly has a long curing time, after introduction of the flexible tubing into the pipe conduit however is subjected to a radiation with UV-rays, IR-rays microwaves and/or ultrasound, by way of which it cures in a shorter time
Data Source
AI summary
A process for lining a pipeline, comprising the following steps: pouring in an adhesive, introducing the tube with inversion into the pipeline by applying pressure, providing the conditions for the adhesive situated on the outside of the tube by irradiation using energy-containing waves, and maintaining the internal pressure in the introduced tube until the adhesive is cured, severing the connection between the tube and a retaining strap, which extends through the entire tube in the longitudinal direction thereof, at the end which is at the front in the direction of movement of the tube after the tube has been introduced, coupling the severed end of the retaining strap outside the pipeline to a radiation unit, using the retaining strap to pull the radiation unit, in the non-activated state, through the tube as far as the end thereof which is at the rear in the direction of movement of said tube, pulling the supply cable for the radiation unit into the tube behind said unit, and then using the supply cable to pull the radiation unit, in the activated state, through the tube.