Inflatable Pipe Plug Anchor for High-Flow Restriction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow restriction systems for pipelines lack the capability to effectively block high flow rates due to inadequate engagement with the pipe, leading to uncontrolled fluid release during breaks or maintenance, especially in varying diameter pipelines.
Innovation Solution
A flow restriction system comprising an anchor with a rigid elongate inflation conduit, a circular head, and a foot, which engages diametrically opposed sections of the pipe, coupled with an inflatable plug and plate assemblies for secure inflation, allowing for higher flow rate blocking by stabilizing the system at multiple points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable plug is used to block fluid flow, then the system can be installed in pipelines, but it lacks adequate engagement with the pipe leading to uncontrolled fluid release during high flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is divided into two separate engagement points: a head portion that engages the upper interior surface of the pipe and a foot portion that engages the lower interior surface. This segmentation allows the inflatable plug to be stabilized at multiple locations, preventing uncontrolled fluid release during high flow rates by distributing the engagement forces across different sections of the pipe.
2Reliability
If the inflatable plug engages the pipe at a single location, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot effectively block high flow rates due to inadequate stability
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor structure extends in the vertical dimension by incorporating both a head portion for upper engagement and a foot portion for lower engagement. This dimensional extension transforms the single-point engagement into a multi-point engagement system, providing the stability necessary to block high flow rates without requiring excessive horizontal complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the head and foot are made to engage diametrically opposed sections of the pipe, then stability is enhanced, but the device becomes more complex to install
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is designed with flexible positioning capabilities that allow the head and foot portions to adapt to the pipe's interior geometry. The inflatable plug can be inserted and positioned dynamically, with the head and foot automatically finding their engagement points on diametrically opposed sections of the pipe, reducing the complexity of precise manual positioning during installation.
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 system effectively restricts fluid flow by engaging the pipe at two locations, providing enhanced stability and allowing for higher flow rates to be blocked compared to previous technologies, ensuring secure containment during pipeline maintenance or repairs.
Implementation Method 1
The interior chamber is in fluid communication with the passage through the at least one fluid delivery port. The head and the foot are made to engage diametrically opposed sections of the pipe.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow restriction system is provided for restricting fluid flow through a pipe. The flow restriction system includes an anchor and an inflatable plug. The anchor includes an inflation conduit, a head, and a foot. The inflation conduit has a first end, a second end, and a passage. The second end is opposite the first end. The passage extends from the first end toward the second end. The head is coupled to the first end of the inflation conduit. The head includes an opening in fluid communication with the passage. The foot is coupled to the second end of the inflation conduit. The inflatable plug is coupled to the anchor. The inflatable plug includes an interior chamber. The interior chamber is in fluid communication with the passage. The head and the foot are configured to engage diametrically opposed sections of the pipe.