Pipe Loosening Die for Trenchless Intact Pipe Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for replacing underground pipes, such as pipe bursting, may not adequately address the need to remove old pipes, especially hazardous materials like lead, without disturbing the top surface structures and causing pipe damage during extraction.
Innovation Solution
The use of a solid single deforming die with a directional drill to push or pull through the pipe, applying a controlled deformation force that loosens the pipe within the soil without bursting it, allowing for easy extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pipe bursting is used to replace old pipes, then trenchless replacement is achieved, but the old pipe cannot be completely removed from the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the pipe wall through controlled deformation, creating multiple separated sections along the pipe length. This segmentation allows the pipe to be loosened from surrounding soil while maintaining enough integrity for complete extraction, resolving the contradiction between trenchless replacement and complete pipe removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary deformation action on the pipe wall before extraction. By pre-deforming and loosening the pipe within the soil using a deforming die passed through the pipe, the device prepares the pipe for complete removal without requiring traditional trenching, thus achieving both trenchless operation and complete pipe removal.
2Loss of substance
If traditional pipe extraction methods are used, then old pipes can be removed, but top surface structures such as roadways are disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary loosening action within the existing pipe before extraction. By passing a deforming die through the pipe to deform and loosen the pipe wall from surrounding soil, the pipe is prepared for extraction without disturbing surface structures. This eliminates the need for open trenching while enabling complete pipe removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The deforming die acts as an intermediary tool that performs the loosening function from within the pipe. This intermediary device allows the pipe to be loosened and extracted through the existing access points without requiring surface disturbance, mediating between the need for complete removal and surface protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If pipe bursting is used, then trenchless replacement is achieved, but the pipe may be damaged during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies localized deformation to specific sections of the pipe wall rather than bursting the entire pipe. By using a deforming die that progressively deforms the pipe wall in controlled segments, the pipe maintains overall structural integrity while being loosened from the soil, enabling complete extraction without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies partial deformation action - enough to loosen the pipe from soil but not excessive force that would burst or damage the pipe. This controlled partial action allows the pipe to be freed from surrounding material while maintaining the strength needed for intact extraction.
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 method effectively loosens the pipe from the soil, minimizing damage and enabling safe removal of hazardous materials like lead without fracturing the pipe, thus facilitating trenchless replacement.
Implementation Method 1
deforming but not bursting at least a portion of a sidewall of the existing pipe outward into the surrounding soil
Implementation Method 2
loosen the existing pipe from the ground
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe loosening device and methods are shown. In one example, the pipe loosening device enables a method wherein a pipe to be replaced is deformed but not burst, and a portion of a sidewall of the pipe is forced outward into the surrounding soil to compact a local region of the surrounding soil and loosen the existing pipe. The pipe may then pulled from the ground along an axis of the pipe.