Pipeline Cleaning Apparatus With Fluid Interrupter and Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning large pipelines, such as sewers and storm drains, are inefficient in moving settled solids due to insufficient fluid flow rates, which hinders effective removal of debris.
Innovation Solution
A pipe-cleaning apparatus comprising a platform with a fluid interrupter and runners that redirects fluid flow to increase its rate, allowing solids to be moved downstream, accompanied by a gate to further enhance flow and a bypass device to manage back pressure, ensuring the apparatus remains stable and effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid flow rate is increased to move solids downstream, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but back pressure increases causing apparatus instability
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass device extracts excess back pressure from the system by providing an alternative flow path. The bypass channel allows fluid to flow around the gate structure, relieving the pressure buildup that would otherwise destabilize the apparatus while maintaining the high flow rate needed for solids transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate structure dynamically adjusts flow parameters by constricting the main channel to increase flow velocity for solids movement, while the bypass device simultaneously adjusts the pressure parameter by providing relief routing, allowing the system to operate at optimal flow rates without excessive back pressure.
2Productivity
If fluid flow is redirected beneath the platform, then flow rate is increased to move solids, but apparatus stability is reduced due to upward fluid force
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass device extracts the harmful upward force generated by redirected fluid flow by providing an alternative path for the fluid. This prevents the fluid from exerting upward pressure on the platform while still allowing the fluid to be redirected beneath the platform for the purpose of increasing flow rate and moving solids.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass device is positioned and configured to counteract the upward force before it can significantly destabilize the apparatus. By providing the bypass routing in advance, the system preemptively neutralizes the destabilizing effect of redirected fluid flow while maintaining the beneficial high flow rate.
3Productivity
If gate is used to constrict fluid volume and increase flow rate, then solids transport is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate structure is segmented into modular components that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the complex function of flow constriction and velocity increase to be achieved through simpler, adjustable elements rather than a monolithic complex structure, facilitating easier assembly and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate is designed as a dynamic structure that can be adjusted during operation to optimize flow constriction. This dynamic capability allows the system to achieve high solids transport efficiency by adapting the constriction level to varying flow conditions, rather than requiring a fixed complex structure for all operating scenarios.
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 apparatus efficiently moves solids downstream by increasing fluid flow rates, enabling effective cleaning and removal of debris from pipelines, particularly in municipal sewage and storm drain systems.
Implementation Method 1
the supported fluid interrupter, platform and runners redirect fluid flow between an underside of the platform and an inner surface of the pipeline; and a device located downstream of the fluid interrupter to constrict the volume of the redirected fluid and increase its flow rate
Implementation Method 2
constricting the fluid flow to increase rate of the fluid flow between the apparatus and the pipeline by reducing the volume through which interrupted fluid flows
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus useful for cleaning the interior of a pipeline contains: (A) a platform of a dimension sufficient to be inserted through an opening in the pipeline, the platform containing one or more portions; (B) a fluid interrupter having one or more parts to provide a surface to contact fluid flow and thereby interrupt fluid flow, the fluid interrupter constructed and arranged to be attached to the platform; a downstream side of the fluid interrupter being supported by members connected to the platform to dispose the fluid interrupter against fluid flow; (C) runners attached to the underside of the platform to contact an inner diameter of the pipeline; whereby the supported fluid interrupter, platform and runners redirect fluid flow between an underside of the platform and an inner surface of the pipeline; and (D) a device located downstream of the fluid interrupter to constrict the volume of the redirected fluid and increase its flow rate; whereby fluid flow is increased to move solid waste in the pipeline; and method for utilization of the cleaning apparatus to assist in relocation of solids in a pipeline for extraction therefrom, such as sewer lines or storm drains. The apparatus may further have opposing support members on an upper face of the platform; a rudder to orient disposition of the apparatus; one or more ballasts to correct any listing of the apparatus during use; and/or one or more seals or skirts that help the sled better form to the pipe.