Multi-Point Pipe Pulling for Tear-Free Underground Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing old pipes from the ground, such as pipe bursting, often result in tearing or buckling, leaving parts of the pipe behind, and require high forces that can damage the pipe or require excavation, making it difficult to remove pipes like lead, copper, or steel without environmental hazards.
Innovation Solution
A pipe puller system that applies extraction force to both the proximal and distal ends of the pipe using a dual cable system with adjustable force differentials and attachment mechanisms like wire mesh grippers, allowing for controlled removal without tearing or buckling, and optional use of pipe loosening devices to reduce soil friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high extraction forces are applied to remove the pipe from the ground, then the pipe can be extracted from the ground, but the pipe may tear or buckle and leave parts behind
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction force is segmented and applied at multiple locations along the pipe length (both ends and intermediate points) rather than concentrated at a single point. This distributes the mechanical stress and prevents localized failure that would cause tearing or buckling.
Solution Approach 2:
A loosening device is advanced through the pipe beforehand to loosen the surrounding soil and reduce frictional resistance. This preliminary action reduces the extraction force needed, preventing pipe damage during removal.
2Productivity
If the pipe is accessed from the middle to apply extraction force, then complete removal is possible, but excavation is required which disturbs surface structures
Solution Approach 1:
The approach transitions from vertical/digging access to horizontal/lateral access. Cables are routed through the pipe interior or along its length from accessible endpoints, eliminating the need for vertical excavation and allowing force application at multiple points without disturbing surface structures.
3Strength
If force is applied at both ends of the pipe, then extraction force can be distributed, but the pipe material strength varies and requires adjustable force differentials
Solution Approach 1:
The force application system is made dynamic and adjustable. Different cable tensions can be applied at different locations based on the pipe material's strength characteristics at each point, allowing optimization of extraction force distribution to match the varying structural properties of the pipe.
4Force
If pipe loosening devices are used to reduce soil friction, then extraction force required is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A loosening device acts as an intermediary element that is temporarily introduced into the pipe system. This intermediary performs the function of reducing soil friction by loosening the surrounding ground, thereby reducing the extraction force needed, and can be removed or left in the ground after serving its purpose.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A pipe puller system and methods of pipe extraction are shown. In one example a pipe (102) to be replaced is pulled by attaching a pulling force to multiple locations along a length of the pipe. In one example pulling forces can be varied between different attachment locations to better control or eliminate tearing of the pipe. In one example, a pipe loosening device (400) may be used prior to pulling the pipe from the ground.