Dual-Cable Pipe Pulling to Prevent Tearing During 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, especially when high extraction forces are required to overcome soil friction, leaving parts of the pipe behind and necessitating excavation.
Innovation Solution
A pipe pulling 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, to prevent tearing or buckling and facilitate complete removal without trenching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
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
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe extraction system divides the extraction force application into multiple segments by using separate cables attached to different locations on the pipe (proximal end and distal end). This segmentation allows the total extraction force to be distributed across multiple attachment points, preventing concentration of stress at a single point that would cause tearing or buckling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different extraction forces at different locations along the pipe based on local conditions. The proximal cable and distal cable can be tensioned differently to account for variations in soil friction, pipe geometry, and structural weaknesses at different positions, optimizing extraction while maintaining pipe integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pipe is extracted completely from the ground, then environmental hazards are minimized, but excavation may be required
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe extraction system is designed to retrieve the entire pipe from the ground using only the pulling mechanism, without requiring auxiliary excavation equipment or processes. The pipe itself is the object being serviced, and the system accomplishes complete removal through controlled pulling forces applied at multiple points, making the extraction process self-contained and eliminating the need for additional excavation operations.
3Ease of operation
If trenchless replacement is used, then top surface structures are preserved, but the old pipe cannot be completely removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary attachment of multiple cables to the pipe before extraction begins. These cables are secured at strategic locations on the pipe to ensure complete grip and control during the pulling process. This preliminary preparation enables the subsequent complete extraction of the pipe without requiring trenches, as the multi-point attachment prevents slippage and ensures full pipe retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction system transitions from traditional single-point pulling to multi-dimensional force application by attaching cables at both the proximal and distal ends of the pipe. This dimensional expansion of force application points enables complete pipe removal through coordinated pulling forces, achieving what would be impossible with conventional single-point trenchless methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe puller system and methods of pipe extraction are shown. In one example a pipe 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 may be used prior to pulling the pipe from the ground.