Pipeline Junction Light Curing for Leak-Proof Liner Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline relining technologies face challenges in ensuring a tight fit at junctions between main and branch pipelines, safety risks from UV radiation, complex cable management, and inefficiencies in cooling and cable wear, particularly when relining branch pipelines simultaneously with main pipelines.
Innovation Solution
A seal installation device with a curable seal and integrated light curing device that uses a flexible bladder to position and cure seals within the pipelines, minimizing voids and leveraging a single cable for both power and communication, while employing a cooling system that optimizes compressed air usage and reduces cable wear through a polymeric sheathing tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate hat-shaped seal is installed at the junction between main pipeline and branch pipeline, then the fluid-tight properties at the junction are improved, but the device complexity and number of installation steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal function and the liner function into a single integrated liner structure that includes both the main pipeline liner and a seal portion positioned at the junction. This eliminates the need for separate hat-shaped seal installation, reducing device complexity while maintaining fluid-tight properties at the junction.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement for the main pipeline, seals the junction between main and branch pipelines, and prevents leakage. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sealing components and installation steps.
2Productivity
If UV light is used for curing the liner, then the curing speed and effectiveness are improved, but safety risks from UV radiation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the curing light from UV range to visible light range (specifically blue light around 450-480 nm). This parameter change maintains the photopolymerization curing effectiveness while eliminating the harmful UV radiation safety risks, allowing operators to work without special UV protective equipment.
3Ease of operation
If compressed air is used to propel the light curing device, then the ease of operation is improved, but cable wear and management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the propelling function from the light curing device by using the existing water flow in the pipeline to push the device forward, rather than using compressed air. This eliminates the need for compressed air supply cables and reduces cable management complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The light curing device utilizes the natural water flow in the pipeline as its propulsion force, allowing the pipeline's own fluid to serve the dual purpose of transporting the device and providing the driving force. This self-service approach eliminates external propelling systems and associated cable complexity.
4Productivity
If the liner blocks access to the branch pipe during main pipeline relining, then the main pipeline can be efficiently relined, but access to the branch pipe is lost requiring additional cutting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pre-positioned seal portion in the liner that is designed to seal the junction between the main pipeline and branch pipeline. This preliminary sealing action prevents fluid leakage when the liner blocks branch pipe access, eliminating the need for subsequent cutting operations to restore access while maintaining main pipeline relining efficiency.
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 solution ensures a tight, leak-proof seal at pipeline junctions, reduces safety risks, simplifies cable management, and enhances cooling efficiency, allowing for simultaneous relining of branch and main pipelines with improved durability and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The liner is made of a flexible and resin-impregnated fiber material... UV light, visual light or hot water/steam is typically used to perform the subsequent curing of the liner
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of LED's being connected through an electronic circuit to the pair of power supply wires, and the plurality of LED's being connected in thermal conductive relationship to heat dissipating elements freely exposed at the inner wall of the housing in the through-going passage of the housing for allowing a stream of cooling fluid to pass through the passage for dissipating heat from the heat dissipating elements and cooling the LED's
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for relining a junction between a branch pipeline and a main pipeline comprises a seal installation device capable of moving within the main pipeline to the junction. The seal installation device includes a curable seal for being placed and pressed onto the junction and optionally for extending into the branch pipeline. The assembly further comprises a light curing device for being introduced into the seal installation device within the main pipeline and the branch pipeline for curing the seal.