Pipeline Pig Applicator With Pre-Cleaning for Uniform Chemical Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline systems fail to apply chemical treatments uniformly to the interior surfaces of pipelines, leading to uneven application and potential issues with fluid or gas flow and untreated zones.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline pig system comprising a cleaning pig and an applicator pig, where the cleaning pig removes residue and the applicator pig mixes and applies a target application mixture uniformly to the interior surface using a rotating brush, ensuring even coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a pipeline pig system is used to apply chemical treatments to the interior surface, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the application uniformity deteriorates due to uneven distribution and untreated zones
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline pig system is divided into multiple functional segments: a cleaning pig with cleaning brushes for surface preparation, and an applicator pig with applicator brushes for chemical application. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, ensuring both complete coverage and uniform application without untreated zones
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning pig performs preliminary cleaning action before the applicator pig applies the chemical treatment. By pre-cleaning the interior surface to remove residue and contaminants, the subsequent chemical application achieves uniform distribution and complete coverage without being hindered by surface irregularities
2Manufacturing precision
If residue is present on the interior wall before application, then the chemical treatment cannot be applied uniformly, but adding a cleaning step increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function and chemical application function are merged into a single integrated pipeline pig system. The cleaning pig and applicator pig operate sequentially within the same pipeline infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate cleaning operations and reducing overall system complexity while ensuring uniform application
3Manufacturing precision
If the applicator pig rotates to uniformly apply the chemical mixture, then the application uniformity is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator pig utilizes the natural forward motion through the pipeline to drive its rotation. As the pig moves forward under pipeline flow or pushing forces, its body automatically rotates, which in turn rotates the applicator brushes to uniformly distribute the chemical mixture. This self-service mechanism achieves uniform application without requiring additional energy-consuming rotation motors
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 system effectively applies chemical treatments such as corrosion inhibitors, biocides, and surfactants uniformly to the pipeline interior, preventing flow issues and ensuring all surfaces are treated.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning brush coupled to the cleaning pig body and arranged to extend circumferentially around the cleaning pig body relative to the axis, wherein the cleaning brush removes residue from the interior wall of the pipe as the cleaning pig moves in a lateral direction through the pipe
Implementation Method 2
the applicator pig body includes a mixer in fluid communication with the application storage space between the cleaning pig and the applicator pig, wherein the applicator pig body mixes one or more chemical applications that flow from the application storage space to the mixer
Implementation Method 3
an applicator brush coupled to the applicator pig body for movement therewith and arranged to extend circumferentially around the applicator pig body relative to the axis, wherein the applicator brush applies the target application mixture from the mixer to the interior wall of the pipe as the applicator pig moves in the lateral direction through the pipe
Implementation Method 4
drive means for rotating the applicator pig body as it travels through the pipe, thereby causing the applicator brush to rotate and uniformly apply the target application mixture to the interior wall of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline pig system is adapted to clean a pipe before applying a chemical to an interior wall of the pipe. The pipeline pig system includes a cleaning pig and an applicator pig. The applicator pig is configured to follow behind the cleaning pig as the cleaning pig and applicator pig move in a lateral direction through the pipe. Examples of chemicals include one or more of a corrosion inhibitor, a biocide, a paraffin inhibitor, an asphaltene inhibitor, a surface wetting agent, a cleaning compound, an iron chelator, a solvent, a dispersant, a surfactant, an internal film forming material, and a drag reducer.