Pipeline Interior Epoxy Coating With In-Line Condition Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for repairing underground pipelines are costly and inefficient, as they often require digging and replacing damaged sections, and do not effectively address the deterioration of pipeline joints or provide real-time evaluation of the pipeline's condition, leading to potential leaks and contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that evaluates the interior surface and structural condition of pipelines while applying a dynamic repair coating, using a towable inspection and coating system with scanning equipment and a spin cast machine to apply epoxy resin to the appropriate thickness based on real-time data, allowing for interactive control of the coating application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional digging and replacement methods are used to repair pipelines, then damaged sections can be replaced, but repair costs and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the inspection and coating application functions from the traditional replacement process. A towable system with scanning equipment and spin cast coating machine is pulled through the existing pipeline, applying repair coating internally without removing the pipeline from the ground, thus eliminating digging and replacement time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary repair coating system that acts as a mediator between the damaged pipeline and the fluid it carries. The spin cast coating machine applies a protective coating layer that seals cracks and defects, allowing the pipeline to be repaired in-place while maintaining its structural function
2Reliability
If traditional digging and replacement methods are used to repair pipelines, then damaged sections can be replaced, but repair costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the expensive excavation and replacement operations from the repair process. By pulling a compact inspection and coating system through the existing pipeline, the method eliminates the need for costly digging, road repaving, and pipeline replacement, reducing overall repair costs while maintaining pipeline integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a disposable or single-use repair coating applied by the spin cast machine. The coating system itself can be relatively simple and economical compared to full pipeline replacement, providing effective repair at lower cost
3Manufacturing precision
If coating is applied without real-time evaluation, then coating can be applied uniformly, but material waste occurs and necessary repairs may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary inspection of the pipeline interior using scanning equipment before applying the repair coating. This advance evaluation identifies specific areas requiring repair, allowing the coating to be applied selectively rather than uniformly throughout the entire pipeline, thus reducing material waste
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback loop where inspection data from the scanning equipment is used to control the coating application process in real-time. The system adjusts coating thickness and application location based on detected pipeline conditions, ensuring precise material application only where needed
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive inspection is performed before repair, then accurate repair decisions can be made, but inspection complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the inspection and repair functions into a single integrated towable system. The scanning equipment and spin cast coating machine are combined in one unit that can be pulled through the pipeline and perform both evaluation and treatment, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate inspection and repair operations
Solution Approach 2:
The towable inspection and coating system is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple tasks: inspecting pipeline interior, evaluating structural conditions, and applying repair coating. This universal system eliminates the need for separate specialized equipment for each function
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 approach reduces repair time, ensures only the necessary material is applied, effectively seals cracks, and is more cost-effective than traditional methods, maintaining pipeline integrity and preventing leaks and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a spin cast machine that coats the walls of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
apply a curable resin system to coat the interior of the pipeline
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method and system for evaluating the interior surface and exterior wall conditions of a pipeline while also dynamically installing a repair coating in a pipeline, such as an underground water pipeline. The system is towed into the pipeline and drawn back therethrough. As the system is drawn back, one module (12) in the system evaluates the surface condition of the interior of the pipe (6) and another module (14) evaluates the structural condition of the wall of the pipe. Based on the evaluation data obtained from the two modules (12, 14) an epoxy material is applied to the interior surface of the pipe using a spin cast machine (16) that is drawn behind the two modules. Preferably, a layer of epoxy (10) is applied to the interior surface of the host pipe to the appropriate thickness based on the pipe condition as determined by the two modules.