Pipe Lining Spray Head With Agitator for Uniform Geopolymer Coating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray rigs are inadequate for effectively lining the interior surfaces of pipes, particularly in repairing fractures and cracks, and do not efficiently apply materials like geopolymer to enhance strength and durability.
Innovation Solution
A spray rig with a base, motor, and spray head that includes a mixing chamber, agitator, and spray deflector, capable of mixing and applying a geopolymer material by rotating the agitator to distribute the material uniformly onto the pipe interior surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing spray rigs are used to line pipe interiors, then the piping system can be repaired, but the application is inadequate for effectively lining interior surfaces and repairing fractures and cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The spray rig is divided into distinct functional modules: a base for navigation, a motor for power, a spray head for material delivery, an agitator for mixing, and a deflector for directional control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving overall reliability of the lining application process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray head incorporates a rotating agitator that dynamically mixes the geopolymer material during application, ensuring consistent viscosity and sprayability. The deflector also rotates to dynamically redirect material flow, adapting to different application needs and improving effectiveness.
2Manufacturing precision
If material is sprayed onto the pipe interior surface, then the pipe can be lined, but achieving uniform distribution and consistent thickness is difficult with existing rigs
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head is designed with a circular arrangement of nozzles around the central agitator, creating a radially symmetric spray pattern. This geometric configuration naturally distributes material uniformly across the pipe interior surface, improving manufacturing precision without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating agitator provides continuous mixing feedback to the material, maintaining consistent viscosity and flow characteristics during spraying. This self-regulating mechanism ensures uniform material distribution and consistent coating thickness.
3Strength
If the spray rig applies geopolymer material, then pipe strength and durability are enhanced, but the rig cannot efficiently apply the material in sufficient thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The spray rig operates continuously as the base moves through the pipe, with the agitator constantly mixing material and the deflector continuously redirecting spray. This uninterrupted application process efficiently deposits material in sufficient thickness (up to 2 inches) while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls material application by adjusting parameters such as spray pressure, agitator speed, and deflector angle. These parameter changes enable efficient application of geopolymer material in the required thickness range, enhancing pipe strength while maintaining productivity.
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
Enables the application of a geopolymer material to line the pipe interior, enhancing its strength and durability by spraying a consistent 2 inches of material at a time, surpassing the capabilities of previous rigs.
Implementation Method 1
The agitator is coupled to the motor such that the motor is operable to rotate the agitator about an agitator axis to mix the material in the mixing chamber
Implementation Method 2
The spray deflector is configured to redirect the material from the mixing chamber and onto the interior surface of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A spray rig for lining an interior surface of a pipe with a material. The spray rig includes a base, a motor, and a spray head. The spray head includes a mating component, a mixing chamber, a feed tube, an agitator, and a spray deflector. The mating component removably couples the spray head to the motor. The mixing chamber extends from the mating component and includes a plurality of slots. The feed tube extends from the mixing chamber and is configured to deliver the material to the mixing chamber. The motor is operable to rotate the agitator about an agitator axis to mix the material and to direct the material through the plurality of slots. The spray deflector is coupled to the agitator for rotation with the agitator and is configured to redirect the material from the mixing chamber and onto the interior surface of the pipe.