Pipe Repair Sleeves Using Induction Heating and Backing Strips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipeline repair methods face challenges in accessing and repairing damaged pipelines due to remote locations and environmental conditions, and existing methods that use sleeve segments often require cutting or welding, which can be damaging and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A process involving sleeve segments with beveled edges and recessed slots for backing strips, heated using induction coils to expand and then weld, providing a fluid-tight repair without cutting or replacing pipeline sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional pipeline repair methods are used (cutting and replacing sections), then the damaged pipeline can be replaced, but the pipeline must be cut and sections replaced which is damaging and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline integrityVSAvoidrepair efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The repair system is divided into multiple sleeve segments that can be applied separately to the damaged pipeline section. Each sleeve segment can be independently positioned and secured, allowing for localized repair without affecting the entire pipeline. This segmentation enables efficient repair while maintaining pipeline integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve segments are designed to nest over the damaged pipeline section, with each sleeve containing internal components (backing strips, fillers) that are inserted into the sleeve structure. This nested configuration allows the repair system to be applied externally without cutting the pipeline, thereby maintaining pipeline integrity while enabling efficient repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Force

If sleeve segments are heated to expand and then welded, then the radial clamping force is enhanced, but the heating process must be controlled to avoid damage to the pipeline

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial clamping forceVSAvoidpipeline damage from heating

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating process is applied locally to specific sleeve segments rather than the entire pipeline. Induction heating coils are positioned to heat only the sleeve segments that require expansion, allowing controlled enhancement of radial clamping force while avoiding damage to the pipeline through localized, controlled thermal application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical heating methods are replaced with induction heating technology, which uses electromagnetic fields to generate heat directly within the sleeve material. This substitution provides precise control over the heating process, enabling the sleeve to expand to the desired degree without overheating or damaging the underlying pipeline.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the pipeline is located in remote areas with severe environmental conditions, then the pipeline may be damaged, but accessing the pipeline for repair becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline protectionVSAvoidaccessibility for repair

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The repair system is designed to be self-contained and self-securing. The sleeve segments include integrated features for attachment and stabilization that allow the repair to be completed without extensive external support structures or complex installation equipment. This self-service capability enables repairs to be performed in remote locations with severe environmental conditions while maintaining pipeline protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This method allows for efficient and non-damaging repair of pipelines by expanding and welding sleeve segments around the pipe, enhancing the radial clamping force and seal, while maintaining the pipeline's integrity and accessibility.

Implementation Method 1

An induction heating coil is installed on each of the sleeve segments and held in place. Thereafter, the induction heating coils are started in order to cause the sleeve segments to expand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

the induction heating coils are started in order to cause the sleeve segments to expand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

As the sleeve segments cool, they will tighten around the pipe and enhance the fit and seal around the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS12066139B1Pipe repair process

Publication Date: 2024.08.20 ALLAN EDWARDS

AI summary

A process to repair a pipe including the steps of preparing a pair of sleeve halves which together extend around a circumference of the pipe. Each of the pair of sleeve halves has a pair of opposed beveled edges and each of the pair of sleeve halves has a pair of opposed recessed grooves on an inner side of the sleeve halves. One of the pair of sleeve halves is installed around the pipe. A backing strip is inserted at each of the opposed recessed grooves of the one sleeve halve. Another of the sleeve halves is installed around the pipe so that the recessed grooves receive and retain the backing strips. The pair of sleeve halves are heated with at least one induction heating coil and then the pair of sleeve halves and the backing strips are welded together.