Pipeline Plug Seal and Gripper Assembly for Variable Pipe Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline isolation methods are inadequate for efficiently isolating sections of pipelines during maintenance, repairs, or pressure testing, as they often fail to provide reliable fluid isolation and may not accommodate varying pipeline diameters effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline plug system comprising a pressure head, seal assembly, gripper assembly, and actuator, which includes a seal expansion ring and gripper bodies that radially expand to securely engage and isolate sections of the pipeline, using a two-stage gripper assembly and actuator mechanism to ensure effective sealing and positioning within the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipeline isolation methods are used, then the isolation process can be performed, but reliable fluid isolation cannot be achieved and varying pipeline diameters cannot be accommodated effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly incorporates a radially expandable seal element that can dynamically adjust its outer diameter to match different pipeline inner diameters. The seal element expands from a compact configuration during insertion to a expanded sealing configuration against the pipeline wall, enabling both reliable sealing and adaptability to varying diameters
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper assembly features nested gripper bodies that can slide relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. The first gripper body and second gripper body are arranged concentrically with the seal assembly, allowing compact nesting during insertion and sequential deployment to engage the pipeline wall for stable positioning
2Reliability
If a pipeline plug system with expandable seal and gripper assemblies is used, then reliable fluid isolation and secure positioning are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly and gripper assembly are merged into a single integrated pipeline plug system. The seal element, gripper bodies, and actuator mechanism are combined in a compact arrangement that allows simultaneous deployment of sealing and gripping functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline plug system performs multiple functions through a single device: it provides fluid sealing against the pipeline wall, mechanically engages the pipeline for stable positioning, and can be actuated by a single mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate isolation devices and simplifies the overall system
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 pipeline plug system provides reliable fluid isolation, accommodates varying pipeline diameters, and ensures secure positioning, enabling efficient maintenance, repairs, and pressure testing by effectively sealing the pipeline sections using a combination of radial expansion and actuation mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a seal assembly; a seal expansion ring
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of gripper bodies, each gripper body coupled to the seal expansion ring
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline plug includes a pressure head; a seal assembly; a seal expansion ring; a plurality of gripper bodies, a sliding gripper, and an actuator. Each gripper body is coupled to the seal expansion ring. Radial expansion of the gripper bodies supports radial expansion of the seal expansion ring. Additionally, radial expansion of the seal expansion ring supports radial expansion of the gripper bodies. The sliding gripper is slidingly coupled to a radially outer surface of the gripper body.