Internal Pipeline Cable Installation With Surface Cleaning and Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing and embedding cables, such as fiber optic sensors, in pipelines are expensive, disruptive, and limited in their ability to provide valuable monitoring data due to external installation, which is destructive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled apparatus with a drive assembly and cable assembly that moves along the pipeline, dispenses and secures cables to the inner surface using a securing material like adhesive tape, while also cleaning the surface for optimal adhesion, enabling internal installation and enhanced data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If external installation methods are used for pipeline sensors, then installation is simpler and less complex, but the quality of monitoring data deteriorates and environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional external installation approach by moving the cable installation to the internal surface of the pipeline. The self-propelled apparatus travels inside the pipeline and deposits adhesive tape with embedded cables on the internal surface, transforming the installation location from external to internal while maintaining installation feasibility through automated deployment mechanisms
2Reliability
If pipeline rehabilitation with liner systems is performed, then sensing wires can be embedded, but cost increases significantly and operational disruption worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing cable installation function from the comprehensive pipeline rehabilitation process. Instead of requiring full liner system installation to embed sensors, the invention separately deploys adhesive tape with embedded cables inside the existing pipeline, eliminating the need for expensive structural remediation while still achieving sensor embedding capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The self-propelled apparatus autonomously navigates the pipeline, deposits adhesive tape with embedded cables, and secures the installation without requiring external support infrastructure. The system serves itself by using the pipeline's own internal surface as the mounting substrate, eliminating the need for external scaffolding or complex support structures
3Ease of operation
If pipelines are excavated to install external sensors, then sensor installation is possible, but time consumption increases and environmental disruption worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the installation location from external excavation to internal deployment. By sending the self-propelled apparatus inside the existing pipeline, the system eliminates the need for excavating, exposing, and then reinstalling pipeline sections, dramatically reducing installation time and environmental disruption while maintaining sensor installation capability
4Reliability
If adhesive tape is dispensed to secure cables, then cable attachment to pipeline surface is achieved, but material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive tape selectively only at locations where cable securing is needed, rather than coating the entire pipeline surface. The self-propelled apparatus dispenses adhesive tape in targeted segments as it moves along the pipeline, using material efficiently while maintaining adequate attachment strength at critical points
Data Source
AI summary
A cable installation apparatus includes a drive assembly and a cable assembly, wherein the apparatus dispenses the cable onto and/or into and along the inner surface of a tubular structure while being moved. The apparatus also includes a securing assembly for holding and dispensing a securing material component while the apparatus is being moved along the length of the tubular structure, wherein the securing material component secures the cable to the inner surface of the tubular structure after being dispensed from the apparatus. A cleaning assembly may also be included for cleaning portions of the inner surface of the tubular structure while the apparatus is being moved along the length of the tubular structure and before the cable is dispensed onto and/or into the portions of the inner surface of the tubular structure.