Pipeline Pig Speed and Position Control Using Motorized Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline inspection and cleaning pigs rely on fluid flow velocity, limiting their control over speed and position within the pipeline, which restricts inspection reliability and repair capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A pig equipped with a generator unit that operates as a motor to rotate a drive element, allowing for speed control independent of fluid flow velocity, and a locking mechanism to fix the pig's position, enabling precise movement and prolonged stationarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the pig is moved through the pipeline by fluid flow velocity, then the pig can be transported through the pipeline, but the movement velocity of the pig is dependent on the flow velocity of the fluid, limiting speed control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely passive fluid-driven mechanical movement with an electromechanical system. A drive element (propeller or impeller) is driven by a motor unit that can be controlled independently of fluid flow velocity, allowing active speed control. The motor unit converts electrical energy to mechanical rotation, substituting the direct fluid-mechanical coupling with an controllable electromechanical interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the pig by introducing a motor unit that can vary its rotational speed independently. This allows the pig's movement velocity to be decoupled from the fluid flow velocity parameter, enabling speed control through electrical parameter adjustment rather than being constrained by hydraulic parameters.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the pig needs to remain stationary for inspections or repairs, then the pig can perform prolonged measurements, but the pig cannot maintain a fixed position without active control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical positioning with an active electromechanical control system. The motor unit, controlled by a control unit, can precisely regulate the pig's position by adjusting the drive element's rotation. This substitution of passive mechanical drift with active electromechanical control enables prolonged stationarity despite the increased system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a control unit monitors the pig's position and speed, and adjusts the motor unit's operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the pig to maintain a fixed position for prolonged periods by continuously correcting any deviations, enabling long-duration inspections and repairs.
3Speed
If the pig is slowed down using traditional braking or locking means, then the pig can be stopped, but additional wear is caused to the pipeline wall and/or the braking means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical friction-based braking with an electromechanical deceleration system. The motor unit can be controlled to reduce rotational speed smoothly, and the drive element's interaction with the fluid flow provides natural drag-based deceleration. This substitution of direct mechanical contact braking with controlled electromechanical and fluid-dynamic deceleration eliminates the wear problem while achieving the desired speed reduction.
4Productivity
If the pig travels rapidly through the pipeline, then inspection time is reduced, but the pig cannot remain stationary for detailed inspections or repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic controllability to the pig system through the motor unit and control unit. The system can dynamically switch between high-speed transit mode (for productivity) and stationary mode (for reliable inspections). This dynamic capability allows the pig to optimize its speed profile, traveling rapidly between inspection points and stopping precisely when detailed examination or repair work is required, thereby achieving both high productivity and high reliability.
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 pig can be rapidly transported through the pipeline, slowed down or stopped without causing wear, and remain stationary for extended periods to perform inspections or repairs, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of pipeline maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a generator unit that is connected to the drive element, by means of which it is possible to convert a movement of the drive element into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
a drive element, preferably a propeller, disposed on the pig body that may be made to rotate by the flowing fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A pig is provided for use in pipelines filled with a flowing fluid. The pig includes a pig body, a drive element which may be a propeller disposed on said pig body which can be rotated by the flowing fluid. The pig also includes a generator unit connected to the drive element through which a movement of the drive element may be converted into electrical energy, and a locking means through which the position and/or the speed of the pig inside the pipeline may be fixed. The generator unit is designed to operate as a motor through which the drive element may be made to rotate and which is designed to set a speed for the pig that is different from the flow velocity of the flowing fluid inside the pipeline and that the pig is provided with an energy storage unit for electrical energy, which is connected to the generator unit.