Pipeline Plug Actuation via Pressure Fluctuations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for plugs within pipelines face challenges in transmitting control signals safely and securely, often requiring high pressures that can damage equipment and necessitate additional pump systems, which are costly and not applicable to all pipelines, and may inadvertently activate systems.
Innovation Solution
A control system that utilizes repetitive fluctuations in external fluid pressure to actuate devices within the plug, such as dump valves or transponders, without the need for stored energy, using mechanical, electrical, or electromagnetic means, ensuring activation only when intended and within safe pressure ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure is used to activate the plug control system, then the system can be activated reliably, but it may cause damages to the pipeline and plug elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pressure fluctuations instead of continuous high pressure to activate the control system. The dump valve responds to repeated pressure cycles that accumulate mechanical displacement through a ratchet mechanism, enabling reliable activation while keeping individual pressure peaks within safe limits for the pipeline and plug elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ratchet mechanism as an intermediary between the pressure fluctuations and the dump valve actuation. This mechanical intermediary accumulates small displacements from periodic pressure changes and converts them into sufficient total displacement to trigger the dump valve, eliminating the need for high pressure directly on the valve.
2Ease of operation
If high pressure is built in the pipeline to activate the control system, then the plug elements can be operated, but additional pump systems are required which are costly and not applicable to all pipelines
Solution Approach 1:
The control system utilizes the existing fluid flow through the pipeline to generate the necessary pressure fluctuations. The system is designed to be activated by normal operational pressure variations already present in the pipeline, eliminating the need for dedicated pump systems or additional energy input devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the control system to respond to periodic pressure fluctuations that occur during normal pipeline operation. By using a ratchet mechanism that accumulates displacement over multiple cycles, the system achieves reliable activation using only the periodic pressure variations already present in the pipeline flow, without requiring additional pumping equipment.
3Reliability
If the activation pressure is set high to prevent inadvertent activation, then system security is improved, but the pressure required may exceed pipeline and element limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pressure fluctuations where the dump valve requires a certain number of pressure cycles to accumulate sufficient mechanical displacement for activation. This multi-cycle requirement provides inherent security against inadvertent activation from single pressure spikes, while each individual pressure cycle remains within safe limits for the pipeline and elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism serves as a mechanical intermediary that counts and accumulates displacement from multiple pressure cycles. It provides a threshold-based activation mechanism where a specific number of valid pressure fluctuations are required to trigger the dump valve, preventing activation from single inadvertent pressure events while maintaining activation pressure within safe limits.
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 reliable and secure operation of plug elements within pipelines using existing pump systems, avoiding inadvertent activation and equipment damage, while maintaining operability within allowable pressures, thus reducing costs and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
the means for actuation of the device is responding to a repetitive fluctuation in the pressure of an external fluid around the plug
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
The present invention regards a control system and method for operation of a plug (2) or devices within a plug within a pipeline (1) which system comprises at least one device and means for actuation of the device, wherein the means for actuation of the device is responding to a repetitive fluctuation in the pressure of a external fluid around the plug.