Pipeline Cleaning Machine Cage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe cleaning machines struggle to accurately follow the surface contours of pipes, leading to uneven abrasive cleaning and requiring significant overhead clearance, which is problematic in confined spaces like lay barges.
Innovation Solution
A pipe cleaning machine with a cage member formed from pivotally coupled parts that enclose the pipe, featuring motion imparters in direct contact with the pipe for rotation and adjustable nozzles to maintain a constant distance from the surface, ensuring accurate and controlled cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional pipe cleaning machine is used, then overhead clearance is reduced, but the machine cannot accurately follow pipe surface contours
Solution Approach 1:
The cage member is divided into multiple articulated segments that can pivot relative to each other, allowing the structure to conform to the pipe's surface contours while maintaining overall enclosure. This segmentation enables the machine to adapt to varying pipe geometries without requiring a completely redesign of the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage member incorporates articulated joints that allow dynamic adjustment of the cage segments' positions and angles. This dynamic capability enables the cage to actively follow the pipe's surface contours during rotation, transforming a rigid structure into an adaptive one that maintains precise surface following accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cage member is rigid, then structural stability is improved, but the machine cannot adapt to varying pipe diameters and contours
Solution Approach 1:
The cage member is divided into multiple articulated segments that can pivot relative to each other, allowing the structure to conform to the pipe's surface contours while maintaining overall enclosure. This segmentation enables the machine to adapt to varying pipe geometries without requiring a completely redesign of the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated joints in the cage member allow for continuous adjustment of segment angles and positions, enabling the cage to adapt to various pipe diameters and contour configurations. This parameter variability provides versatility while the constrained motion paths maintain structural stability during operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If abrasive blast means are positioned far from the pipe surface, then uniform cleaning is achieved, but cleaning precision and control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cage member incorporates articulated joints that allow dynamic adjustment of the cage segments' positions and angles. This dynamic capability enables the cage to actively follow the pipe's surface contours during rotation, transforming a rigid structure into an adaptive one that maintains precise surface following accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion imparters are in direct contact with the pipe surface, providing continuous feedback about surface contours and position. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust the abrasive blast means' position to maintain optimal distance from the surface, ensuring both cleaning uniformity and precise contour following.
4Length of moving object
If motion imparters are in direct contact with the pipe, then overhead clearance is reduced, but the machine requires precise positioning control
Solution Approach 1:
The motion imparters use the pipe's own surface as a guide and support, eliminating the need for external positioning structures that would require overhead clearance. The direct contact with the pipe provides self-alignment and self-positioning, reducing the complexity of external control systems while enabling operation in confined spaces.
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 machine provides precise and repeatable cleaning by accurately following the pipe's surface contours, reducing the need for overhead clearance and enhancing cleaning efficiency in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a machine for cleaning a section of pipeline (50) by blasting a region of a pipe presented to the machine for cleaning with abrasive to remove dirt or contaminants from the surface of the pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipeline (4) field joint (2) abrasive blast cleaning machine (24) is disclosed in which direct contact between the pipe (50) to be cleaned and drive rollers (44) of the machine (24) ensure a constant, known distance exists between the blast nozzles (40) of the machine and the pipe surface. This ensures uniform application of abrasive matter to ensure uniform cleaning of the pipe (50) surface.