Inflatable Pipeline Plug Anchoring for Pressurized Flow Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow restriction systems for pipelines are inadequate in sealing fluid flow without requiring upstream valve closure, especially in pressurized pipelines, and lack efficient methods for maintaining plug position during maintenance or repairs.
Innovation Solution
A flow restriction system comprising an anchor with a shield body and an inflatable plug, where the shield body is inserted into the pipe to create a pressure differential, and the inflatable plug is inflated downstream to seal the pipe, using a combination of fluid passages and ports for inflation and pressure management, and strategically designed materials and structures to enhance sealing and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable plug is used to seal a pipeline, then fluid flow restriction is achieved, but the plug may become dislodged or unstable during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anchor as an intermediary device between the inflatable plug and the pipeline wall. The anchor features a shield body with upstream and downstream faces that engage with the pipeline wall, while the inflatable plug couples to the downstream face. This intermediary anchor structure provides stable positioning and prevents plug dislodgement during operation, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and position stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a shield body is inserted to create pressure differential, then plug positioning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow restriction system into distinct functional components: an anchor with shield body for positioning and pressure differential creation, and a separate inflatable plug for sealing. The anchor itself is segmented into an alignment body and a shield body with upstream and downstream faces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability, addressing the contradiction between improved positioning and device complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple fluid passages are defined for inflation and pressure management, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional fluid passage system where passages serve multiple purposes: inflating the plug, monitoring pressure, and enabling communication between different components. The alignment body and shield body incorporate fluid passages that facilitate inflation and pressure management simultaneously. This multi-functionality approach improves sealing effectiveness while avoiding the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing manufacturing complexity.
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 effective sealing of fluid flow in pipelines without upstream valve closure, allowing for maintenance and repairs in pressurized systems, with improved plug stability and sealing capabilities through strategic design and material usage.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable plug is inflated within the pipe downstream from the shield body
Implementation Method 2
inserting a shield body of an anchor into the pipe, thereby producing a pressure differential in the fluid flow through the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A flow restriction system for restricting fluid flow through a pipe includes an anchor and an inflatable plug. The anchor includes an alignment body, a shield body, and a first fluid passage defined in the alignment body and the shield body. The shield body extends from the alignment body and has an upstream face and a downstream face. The downstream face is opposite the upstream face. The shield body is configured to block at least a portion of the fluid flow through the pipe. The inflatable plug is coupled to the downstream face of the shield body. The inflatable plug includes an interior chamber that is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage.