Pipe Section Localization via Pneumatic Plug Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating pipe systems behind surfaces are inefficient, especially in systems with multiple bends or branches, as they struggle to introduce and transport objects for localization, leading to potential damage during construction or repair.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a plug with a flexible traction means and a pressure gradient, using pressurization or negative pressure to transport a flexible electrical conductor through the pipe system for electromagnetic interaction-based localization, allowing for precise detection of pipe sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a probe is inserted into the pipe system for localization, then electromagnetic signals can be transmitted for detection, but controlled transport of the probe becomes difficult when the pipe system has multiple bends or branches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure to transport the plug and attached flexible electrical conductor through the pipe system. A pressure gradient is created by pressurizing the area between the inlet and plug with a gaseous medium, causing the plug to be transported automatically through bends and branches without requiring manual control, thus resolving the transport control difficulty while maintaining localization precision through electromagnetic field detection.
2Ease of manufacture
If metal detectors are used to locate pipe systems, then metallic pipes can be detected, but metal-free or low-metal pipe systems cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible electrical conductor as an intermediary element that is attached to the plug and transported into the pipe system. This conductor generates or absorbs electromagnetic fields, enabling detection of the pipe system regardless of the pipe material itself. The intermediary conductor makes the detection method universally applicable to all pipe materials including metal-free systems.
3Ease of operation
If acoustic tapping methods are used to locate pipe systems, then the method is simple to perform, but the localization precision is insufficient for complex pipe routes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical acoustic tapping method with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The flexible electrical conductor generates or absorbs electromagnetic fields that can be detected along the pipe route, providing much higher localization precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automated pressure-driven transport and electromagnetic detection.
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 efficient and precise localization of pipe sections, reducing the risk of damage during construction or repair by effectively navigating complex pipe systems with bends and branches.
Implementation Method 1
generating a pressure gradient by pressurizing the area of the pipe system located between the inlet and the plug with a gaseous medium and/or by generating a negative pressure in the area of the pipe system located between the plug and an outlet, whereby the plug is transported to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
detecting the test section of the pipe system over a large area by means of electromagnetic interaction of the flexible electrical conductor running therein
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to methods for locating a test section of a pipe system (10) comprising at least one pipe (12), wherein a plug (18) or a probe movable within the pipe system (10) with a flexible traction element (20) or flexible electrical conductor (30) attached thereto is inserted into an inlet (14) of the pipe system (10), a pressure gradient is created by pressurizing the area of the pipe system (10) located between the inlet (14) and the plug (18) with a gaseous medium, and/or by creating a vacuum in the area of the pipe system located between the plug (18) and an outlet (16), for example by means of a pressurizing device (28), and the plug (18) or the probe is transported towards an outlet (16). Subsequently, if the plug (18) or the probe is located in the pipe system (10), a pressure gradient is created by pressurizing the area of the pipe system (10) located between the inlet (14) and the plug (18) with a gaseous medium, and/or by creating a vacuum in the area of the pipe system located between the plug (18) and an outlet (16), for example by means of a pressurizing device (28), and the plug (18) or the probe is transported towards an outlet (16).If the probe is not already connected to a flexible electrical conductor (30), an electrical conductor (30) is pulled through the pipe system (10) by means of the flexible pulling element (20). Area detection of the test section is achieved by means of electromagnetic interaction. The pipe system has, for example, several 90° bends (22a, b, c, d), T-pieces (24a, b, c) and/or openings (26a, b, c, d, e), wherein preferably exactly one opening (26e) is designated as the outlet by closing the other openings (26a, b, c, d).