Pipeline Plug Structure for Smooth Pig Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipeline fittings with holes or apertures interfere with the passage of 'pigs' used for inspection or cleaning, leading to potential damage, costly repairs, and operational disruptions due to lodging issues.
Innovation Solution
A plug design for pipeline fittings comprising a top portion, bottom portion, and web portion, forming a main bore with a longitudinal axis, allowing the pig to pass through while maintaining fluid flow, and reinforced with stiffeners for structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hole or aperture is drilled through the pipe wall for pipeline fitting, then the fitting can be assembled and fluid flow can be controlled, but the hole interferes with the travel of a pig through the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into multiple segments: a body portion with an outer surface, a first flange portion extending from the body, and a second flange portion extending from the body. These segmented components allow the plug to fit within the pipeline fitting while maintaining a smooth outer surface that does not interfere with pig passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the fitting interface from the pipeline outer wall (where it would create protrusions) to the inner volume of the pipeline. By positioning the plug and its flanges inside the pipeline, the fitting function is achieved without adding external obstacles to pig travel.
2Strength
If the plug structure is made robust to prevent damage, then structural integrity is improved, but the complexity of the plug increases
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement features are applied locally at critical stress points rather than throughout the entire plug structure. The first and second flange portions are specifically designed with increased thickness and structural support at their attachment points to the body, providing strength where needed while keeping the overall design simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug may incorporate reinforcement elements such as ribs, gussets, or composite material constructions at the flange portions and body junctions. These composite or reinforced sections provide enhanced structural integrity at critical locations without requiring the entire plug to be overly complex or heavy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a plug for a pipe system includes cutting a plug from a length of pipe, the length of pipe defining a pipe bore, the pipe bore defining an inner diameter equal to an inner diameter of a main bore of the plug, the plug including a top portion defining a top diameter, a bottom portion defining a bottom diameter, and a web portion joining the top portion and the bottom portion.