Pipe Pulling Lubrication Assembly for Tight-Bend Bursting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipe bursting methods face challenges with pipe splitters fracturing during navigation through tight bends, leading to increased labor and costs due to the need for frequent replacement and the use of expensive hardened steel materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of a pipe splitting assembly with a pneumatic hammer and rotatable joint, along with a lubricant distribution system, which includes lubricant passages and conduits to reduce friction and facilitate smoother pipe replacement by distributing lubricating fluids to both the replacement pipe and the pipe splitting assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hardened steel pipe splitters are used to navigate tight bends, then the splitter can withstand higher stress, but the friction and stress during navigation increase leading to fractures and frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
A lubricant distribution system is introduced as an intermediary between the pipe splitter and the pipe interior surface. The system delivers lubricating fluid through passages in the pipe splitter body, creating a lubricating film that reduces friction and prevents direct contact between the hardened steel splitter and the pipe surface, thereby reducing stress and preventing fractures during navigation through tight bends
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant distribution system utilizes hydraulic principles by pumping lubricating fluid through conduits and passages within the pipe splitter. The pressurized fluid is distributed through multiple outlets along the splitter body, ensuring continuous lubrication during the pipe bursting operation, which reduces friction and improves reliability
2Productivity
If pipe splitters are replaced frequently due to fractures, then the operation can continue, but labor costs and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant distribution system is pre-installed within the pipe splitter before the operation begins. The lubricating fluid is prepared and the distribution passages are already in place, so that as soon as the pipe splitter enters the pipe, lubrication begins immediately. This preliminary preparation prevents fractures before they occur, eliminating the need for frequent replacements and reducing operational time
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricant distribution system ensures continuous lubrication throughout the entire pipe bursting operation. The lubricating fluid is continuously pumped and distributed through the splitter passages, maintaining constant reduction of friction and stress. This continuous protective action prevents fractures during navigation through tight bends and maintains productivity without interruption
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 solution reduces the stress and friction on pipe splitters, minimizing the likelihood of fractures and lowering operational costs by enabling easier navigation through existing pipes and surrounding soil, thus enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the pipe bursting process.
Implementation Method 1
a lubricant distribution system, which includes lubricant passages and conduits to reduce friction and facilitate smoother pipe replacement by distributing lubricating fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe pulling lubrication apparatus includes a pipe anchor having an anchor body. The anchor body includes a first coupling feature near an anchor body proximal portion and a distal pipe coupling feature near an anchor body distal portion. The distal pipe coupling feature is configured to couple and position a replacement pipe exterior surface near an anchor body exterior surface. The lubrication apparatus further includes a lubrication system including a lubricant conduit extending within the anchor body from the distal pipe coupling feature toward an anchor body intermediate portion between the first coupling feature and the distal pipe coupling feature. The lubrication system includes a lubricant distributor having one or more lubricant passages extending from the lubricant conduit toward the anchor body exterior surface, the lubricant distributor is configured to deliver a lubricant to the replacement pipe exterior surface.