Pipeline Pig Loader Breech Assembly for Safer High-Pressure Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for introducing a pig into a pipeline for cleaning and unclogging are hazardous due to the high pressures and forces involved, exposing operators to potential pinch points and projectiles.
Innovation Solution
A breech assembly with a ramrod compartment and breech shield that allows for safe and efficient loading and seating of a pig into a pipeline, using a ramrod to align and push the pig through the device, while the breech shield prevents ingress and egress, creating a contained work area to protect operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators manually handle the pig at the entrance using a funnel and rod, then the pig can be introduced into the pipeline, but operators are exposed to pinch points and projectile hazards due to high pressures and forces
Solution Approach 1:
A breech assembly with breech shield acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the pig. The assembly includes a breech opening for pig insertion, a breech shield that covers the breech, and a contained work area that isolates the high-pressure pig launching zone from the operator, thereby mediating the hazardous interaction while enabling safe pig introduction
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the pig introduction process into distinct zones: a loading zone where the pig is placed in the breech, a contained work area separated by the breech shield where the ramrod propels the pig, and a safe operator zone. This spatial segmentation allows manual handling in the safe zone while isolating the hazardous high-force propulsion zone
2Force
If high pressures and forces are used to force the pig through the pipeline, then the pig can be effectively pushed to clear obstructions, but operators are exposed to potential pinch points and projectile hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The contained work area and breech shield provide beforehand protection by creating a physical barrier that cushions operators from the harmful effects of high forces. The shield is positioned to intercept any potential projectile (pig or ramrod) before it can reach the operator, and the contained work area design ensures that high-pressure propulsion forces are directed only toward the pig and pipeline, not toward personnel
3Productivity
If the ramrod is used to push the pig through the neck into the pipeline, then the pig can be properly seated and forced through the line, but the high forces involved create safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the hazardous high-force propulsion function from the manual handling zone and relocates it to the contained work area. The ramrod and breech shield together create an isolated propulsion zone where high forces are applied only to the pig through the neck, while the breech shield extracts the safety risk from the operator's environment by containing any potential failures within the shielded area
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 device enables safe, efficient, and controlled pigging operations, reducing the risk of operator injury and allowing for safe handling of the pig during introduction, while also facilitating pipeline preparation for various industrial processes.
Implementation Method 1
The ramrod may then be forced forward to an extended position, thereby urging the pig through the neck and into the ancillary pipe
Implementation Method 2
a breech shield configured to selectively cover the breech, which may prevent ingress and egress of objects through the breech
Data Source
AI summary
A pig loader device can include a breech assembly having a chamber body, a ramrod compartment, a breech, and a neck. A ramrod having a push plate, a rod, and a breech plate may be disposed within the ramrod compartment and configured to slideably traverse the ramrod compartment and the breech. In use, the device can be connected to an ancillary pipe via the neck, and a pig may be placed within the breech and aligned be to be slid within the breech and neck upon engagement with the ramrod to facilitate pigging operations of a pipeline. The ramrod may then be forced forward to an extended position, thereby urging the pig through the neck to be seated within the pipe. The device may then be detached from the pipe to enable continued pigging operations.