Pipeline Repair Casing With Resin Injection for Weld-Free Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipeline repair systems require direct contact and welding of a metallic casing to the pipeline, which is risky, limits adjustment due to mechanical damage, necessitates reducing pipeline pressure, and requires hyperbaric welding for submerged pipelines, leading to economic and technical disadvantages.

Innovation Solution

A casing system with an annular gap between the pipeline and the casing, using polymer resin injection for integration, and screw-based mechanical heads for sealing, allowing for flexible installation and operation without direct welding, suitable for various pipeline geometries and environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If direct welding of casing to pipeline is used, then structural integrity is improved, but safety risk increases due to welding over pressurized pipeline

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (resin or adhesive) between the casing and pipeline, replacing direct welding. The resin fills the annular gap and bonds the casing to the pipeline without requiring welding operations on pressurized pipes, thus maintaining structural integrity while eliminating safety risks associated with welding over pressurized pipelines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical welding system with a chemical bonding system using resin injection. Instead of using heat and pressure to fuse metal components, the system uses chemically-cured resin to create a strong bond between the casing and pipeline, substituting a dangerous mechanical process with a safer chemical process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If casing is welded directly to pipeline, then reinforcement is achieved, but pipeline operation must be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereinforcementVSAvoidpipeline shutdown time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous operation of the pipeline during the repair process. The casing can be installed and the resin injected while the pipeline remains pressurized and operational, eliminating the need for shutdowns. The reinforcement process continues alongside pipeline operation, maintaining productivity while providing structural reinforcement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Stability of the object's composition

If casing is made to fit pipeline exactly, then contact is improved, but adaptability to damaged pipelines decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact qualityVSAvoidadjustment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of the annular gap from zero (direct contact) to a controlled non-zero value. This gap allows the casing to be installed on pipelines with various degrees of deformation, corrosion, or dimensional variations. The resin injected into the gap compensates for the space, ensuring full contact and reinforcement while maintaining adaptability to different pipeline conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If welding is used for submerged pipeline repair, then structural integrity is improved, but complexity of operation increases due to hyperbaric welding requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidhyperbaric welding equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hyperbaric welding equipment with a simple resin injection system. Instead of requiring specialized welding apparatus capable of operating under water pressure, the system uses straightforward penetrators to inject resin into the annular gap, curing the bond in place. This substitution dramatically reduces equipment complexity while maintaining structural integrity for submerged pipeline repairs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables 100% contact and reinforcement of pipelines without shutting them down, reducing welding risks, allowing operation during repairs, and facilitating underwater installations, while enhancing structural integrity and reducing corrosion.

Implementation Method 1

The present system and method includes a casing, connecting elements between the casing and the conducting pipeline, thereby forming an annular gap between the pipeline and the casing, penetrators or couplings in the body of the casing for the injection of a resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymer resin injection: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11585478B2Casing system and method for pipeline reinforcement and repair

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 CAJIGA JOSE A

AI summary

A system for the repair or reinforcement of a pipeline includes a casing having a dimension to envelope a damaged portion of the pipeline, such that a space is defined between an inner surface of the casing and an outer periphery of the pipeline. An injection port is positioned along the casing and is in selective communication with the space. A cap assembly is frictionally attached to the casing and the pipeline, after which time an injectable material is selectively injected through the injection port until filling a substantial entirety of the space.