Pipeline Plug Seal Assembly for Self-Actuating Fluid Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline isolation methods are inadequate for effectively isolating sections of pipelines during maintenance, repairs, or pressure testing, as they often fail to provide reliable fluid isolation and can be complex to operate.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly comprising a pressure head, primary and secondary tapered rings, a primary seal ring, and a squeezer assembly, which includes a bowl and wedge faces, is integrated into a pipeline plug to ensure fluid isolation by radially expanding and compressing the seal components, allowing for efficient isolation and potential self-actuation based on differential pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipeline isolation methods are used, then pipeline sections can be isolated, but the isolation reliability is insufficient and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a primary seal ring for initial sealing, a secondary seal ring for backup sealing, and a squeezer assembly for compression. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability despite the multiple parts involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly components are nested within the pipeline plug body, with the primary seal ring, secondary seal ring, and squeezer assembly arranged concentrically. This nested configuration maximizes the use of available space within the plug while ensuring that all sealing components are contained within a single integrated device, reducing operational complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual actuation mechanisms are used, then the seal assembly can be actuated, but the operational complexity and continuous actuation requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly incorporates a self-actuating mechanism where differential pressure across the pipeline plug automatically activates the sealing function. When pressure differential exceeds a threshold, it directly compresses the squeezer assembly, which in turn compresses the seal rings against the pipeline wall, eliminating the need for continuous manual or powered actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces complex powered actuation systems with a purely mechanical self-actuating mechanism that utilizes the existing pressure differential in the pipeline. This substitution eliminates motors, sensors, and control systems, reducing operational complexity and maintenance requirements while ensuring reliable sealing.
3Device complexity
If simple seal designs are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing effectiveness and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly uses different materials and design characteristics for different components: the primary seal ring uses a softer material for initial sealing, the secondary seal ring uses a harder material for backup sealing, and the squeezer assembly uses a friction-enhanced surface. This local differentiation of material properties and design features optimizes sealing effectiveness at each interface while maintaining overall system 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 solution provides reliable fluid isolation with reduced complexity, allowing for effective pipeline section isolation during maintenance and testing, and can self-actuate under differential pressure conditions, reducing the need for continuous actuation.
Implementation Method 1
a first tapered ring (141) positioned about the plug body between the pressure head and the seal ring, and a second tapered ring (201) positioned about the plug body between the seal ring and the bowl
Implementation Method 2
a squeezer assembly (181) positioned about the plug body between the first tapered ring and the second tapered ring
Data Source
AI summary
A seal assembly for a pipeline plug may include a pressure head including a forcing face. The seal assembly may include a primary tapered ring including an expansion face. The expansion face may abut the forcing face. The seal assembly may include primary seal ring. The seal assembly may include a squeezer assembly, the squeezer assembly including at least one seal face, the seal face abutting the primary seal ring. The seal assembly may include a secondary tapered ring, the secondary tapered ring including a wedge squeezer face, the wedge squeezer face abutting a wedge face of the squeezer assembly. The seal assembly may include a bowl, the bowl including a wedge face, the wedge face in abutment with an expansion face of the secondary tapered ring.