Pipeline Flow Control Device Anchoring via Membrane Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control devices in pipelines face challenges in maintaining a sufficient blocking force to resist fluid pressure without migrating, especially under difficult conditions.
Innovation Solution
The flow control device features a deformable tubular membrane attached to flaps with a linked edge connected to the valve body and a free edge that expands to press against the pipeline wall, increasing the pressure of the flaps against the internal wall, enhancing the device's anchoring force with the fluid pressure acting to maintain its position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If flaps are pressed against the internal wall of the pipeline by means of their own elasticity, then the device can be inserted into the pipeline, but the blocking force is insufficient to resist the fluid pressure without risk of migration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful fluid pressure that causes migration into a beneficial force that enhances anchoring. The membrane transmits the fluid pressure to the flaps, causing their free ends to press more firmly against the pipeline wall. This transforms the migration risk into an anchoring advantage, where higher fluid pressure results in stronger blocking force.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable tubular membrane acts as an intermediary between the fluid pressure and the flaps. It receives the fluid pressure and transmits it to the flaps' free ends, enabling the conversion of fluid pressure into enhanced anchoring force. The membrane serves as the mediating element that connects the fluid stream to the anchoring mechanism.
2Force
If the membrane deploys by expansion to press against the pipeline wall, then the anchoring force is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a deformable tubular membrane as a flexible element that deploys by expansion under fluid pressure. This thin film structure provides the necessary anchoring enhancement without requiring complex rigid mechanisms. The membrane's flexibility allows it to adapt to the pipeline geometry while transmitting forces effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state during operation. This dynamic deployment allows the device to maintain low complexity during installation while achieving high anchoring force during operation. The membrane's ability to change its configuration in response to fluid pressure provides adaptive anchoring.
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 configuration ensures the device remains securely in place within the pipeline, even under challenging conditions, by increasing the friction force of the flaps against the internal wall, effectively resisting fluid pressure without migration.
Implementation Method 1
these flaps deploying radially like umbrella spokes under the action of an elastic stress until their free ends press against the internal wall of the pipeline
Implementation Method 2
the fluid exerting on the deployed membrane a pressure which increases the pressure of the free ends of the flaps against the internal wall of the pipeline
Implementation Method 3
To increase the friction force of the flaps in the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flow control device which is insertable into a fluid pipeline (K) and comprising a valve (1), an obturator with membrane (2), and anchoring flaps (3) that can deploy like umbrella spokes under the action of an elastic stress until it presses against the wall (P) of the pipeline (K). According to the invention, the membrane (2) and the flaps (3) are mutually attached to and disposed on a same side of the valve body (10), so that as the flaps (3) deploy the membrane (2) deploys at the same time until the membrane presses against the internal wall of the pipeline (K) and the fluid exerts on the deployed membrane a pressure which increases the pressure of the flaps (3) against this wall (P).