Pipeline Pig Internal Flow Cavity Gate Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pipeline pigs can become stuck, causing pipeline flow restrictions and requiring costly contingency plans for removal, and by-pass pigs with holes are more likely to get stuck due to reduced driving force.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline pig with an internal flow cavity and a swingable gate equipped with a hydraulic accumulator, solenoid valve, and hydraulic cutter, which opens the gate when increased pressure is detected, allowing continued fluid flow and enabling retrieval, along with a pinger for location tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional pipeline pig with a complete seal is used, then the pig can be driven effectively by pipeline fluid flow, but the pig may become stuck in the pipeline requiring costly contingency plans
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline pig is segmented into multiple functional components: a body, a swingable gate, and an internal flow cavity. This segmentation allows the pig to maintain sealing effectiveness while providing an escape mechanism through the swingable gate that can open to relieve obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The swingable gate is pre-positioned in a closed state during normal operation, and the internal flow cavity is prepared in advance. When the pig becomes stuck, the increased pressure automatically triggers the gate to swing open, providing a pre-planned escape route without requiring external intervention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a by-pass pig with holes is used to prevent sticking, then flow can continue through the pipeline, but the maximum fluid force applied to drive the pig is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pig features a dynamic swingable gate that transitions from a closed position (maintaining full driving force) to an open position (allowing flow through) based on operating conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between driving effectiveness and obstruction prevention as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic feature (the gate blocking flow) is extracted or removed from the system when needed by swinging the gate open. This allows the pig to maintain its sealing and driving capabilities during normal operation while providing an escape mechanism when stuck, without permanently compromising driving force.
3Reliability
If the swingable gate remains closed to maintain sealing, then the pig can be driven effectively, but the pig cannot be retrieved easily when stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The pig incorporates an automatic pressure-activated mechanism where increased downstream pressure automatically triggers the swingable gate to open and the locking mechanism to release. This self-service feature eliminates the need for external intervention or complex manual retrieval operations when the pig becomes stuck.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual or mechanical retrieval process is replaced with an automatic pressure-activated system. The hydraulic accumulator and pressure-sensitive locking mechanism automatically respond to pressure changes, substituting complex manual retrieval operations with a simpler pressure-driven automatic release system.
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
Enables continued pipeline operation and extended time for retrieval by automatically opening the internal flow cavity when stuck, reducing downtime and the likelihood of further obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The pig also includes a hydraulic accumulator that stores hydraulic oil
Implementation Method 2
If the pig becomes stuck within the pipeline, the pressure is increased within the pipeline. As the pressure is increased, the pressure switch located in the pig triggers the solenoid valve
Implementation Method 3
The solenoid valve opens, allowing the hydraulic oil to flow to the hydraulic cutter
Implementation Method 4
The hydraulic cutter cuts the gate locking device, allowing the gate to rotate
Implementation Method 5
a pinger can be located within the body of the pig, allowing the location of the pig in the pipeline to be monitored and determined
Data Source
AI summary
A pig for movement within a pipeline comprising a cylindrical housing with annular seals circumferentially mounted to the housing and extending outwards for sealing engagement between the pipeline and the housing. An internal flow cavity passes through the housing, with a gate positioned within the internal flow cavity, initially obstructing flow through the cavity. A locking device, connected to the gate, prevents the gate opening. A sensing device is capable of receiving a signal and is connected to an unlocking device. The sensing device receives a signal activating the unlocking device, thereby removing the locking device, permitting the gate to open and flow to pass through the cavity.