Pipeline Plug Gripper Assembly for Secure Isolation Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline isolation technologies face challenges in effectively isolating sections of pipelines during maintenance, repairs, or pressure testing, as current methods may not securely hold the isolation position or ensure fluid isolation.
Innovation Solution
A gripper assembly with actuator and bowl wedges, and circumferential wedge sets that engage to compress and radially expand, securing the pipeline plug in place through a combination of actuator and bowl components, ensuring fluid isolation and maintaining position within the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gripper assembly uses multiple wedge components to secure positioning, then position holding improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper assembly merges multiple functions into integrated components. The actuator plate simultaneously drives multiple actuator wedges that interact with corresponding bowl wedges, while the circumferential wedges serve dual purposes in both positioning and gripping. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable position holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules: the actuator plate with actuator wedges, the bowl with bowl wedges, and the circumferential wedges. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and assembly process.
2Reliability
If the gripper body expands radially to engage pipeline walls, then position security improves, but the force required to actuate the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge mechanisms replace direct radial forcing with a mechanical force transformation system. The actuator wedges and bowl wedges convert axial compression into radial expansion through geometric mechanical advantage, significantly reducing the actuation force required to achieve secure pipeline wall engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge geometry transforms the actuation force from a unidirectional axial load into multidirectional forces including radial expansion and circumferential gripping. This dimensional transformation of force allows efficient engagement with the pipeline wall while minimizing the required actuation force.
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 gripper assembly effectively isolates pipeline sections by securely holding the pipeline plug in place, ensuring fluid isolation and maintaining position through radial expansion and engagement with the pipeline walls, enhancing maintenance and testing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The circumferential wedge sets may be positioned between the actuator plate and the bowl such that an actuator wedge and a bowl wedge engage between the first and second circumferential wedges
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper assembly for a pipeline plug includes an actuator plate that includes at least two actuator wedges, a bowl that includes at least two bowl wedges, circumferential wedge sets, and gripper units. Each circumferential wedge set and gripper unit is positioned between the actuator plate and the bowl. Each circumferential wedge set includes a first circumferential wedge and a second circumferential wedge. Each circumferential wedge set is positioned such that an actuator wedge and a bowl wedge engage between the first and second circumferential wedges. Each gripper unit includes a gripper body positioned between and abutting a first circumferential wedge of a first circumferential wedge set and a second circumferential wedge of a second circumferential wedge set. Linear compression between the actuator plate and bowl causes circumferential movement of the circumferential wedges, which in turn causes radial expansion of the gripper units.