Pipeline Relining with Segmented Vehicles for Long Runs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline relining methods are limited by friction between the non-everted liner portion and the pipeline wall, restricting the length of pipeline that can be repaired, due to the increasing total friction with the liner's mass and the mechanical strength limitations of the liner material.
Innovation Solution
A system using multiple pipeline vehicles with passages for the liner, where the non-everted portion is segmented and carried by separate vehicles, reducing friction and stress on the liner, allowing longer lengths to be relined without mechanical strength limitations, and incorporating UV radiation for polymerization of the liner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single delivery tube system is used to apply the liner, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the maximum repairable pipeline length is limited due to friction between the non-everted liner portion and the pipeline wall
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into multiple pipeline vehicles (first, second, and third vehicles) that can operate independently. Each vehicle has its own passage for the liner, allowing the non-everted portion to be segmented and carried by separate vehicles. This segmentation reduces the friction burden on any single vehicle and enables repair of pipelines exceeding the length limits of conventional single-vehicle systems.
2Length of stationary object
If the non-everted portion of the liner is made longer to repair longer pipelines, then the repairable pipeline length increases, but the friction force increases proportionately to the mass of the non-everted portion
Solution Approach 1:
The non-everted portion of the liner is divided into multiple sections, each carried by a separate pipeline vehicle. The first vehicle carries one portion, the second vehicle carries another portion, and so on. This segmentation distributes the friction force across multiple vehicles rather than concentrating it on a single vehicle, enabling the system to handle longer liner lengths without the friction force becoming prohibitive.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pipeline vehicles act as intermediaries between the liner and the pipeline wall. Each vehicle provides its own support and guidance for the liner portion it carries, reducing the direct friction interaction between the liner and the pipeline wall. This intermediary approach allows longer liner lengths to be managed with reduced total friction.
3Length of stationary object
If the mass of the non-everted liner portion is increased to achieve longer pipeline repair, then the friction increases, but the mechanical strength of the liner material limits the maximum force that can be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The liner application process is segmented across multiple pipeline vehicles, so that each vehicle handles a portion of the total liner mass. This segmentation means that the force required to push each vehicle is limited by the mass of the liner portion it carries, not the total liner mass. Consequently, the mechanical strength limitation of the liner material does not constrain the total repairable length, as the force requirements are distributed across multiple vehicles.
4Length of stationary object
If multiple pipeline vehicles are used to reduce friction and enable longer pipeline repair, then the repairable pipeline length increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline vehicles are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can each independently perform the complete function of liner delivery, support, and guidance. Each vehicle has a passage for the liner, clamping components to secure the liner, and drive mechanisms to propel itself through the pipeline. This universality means that while multiple vehicles are used, the system complexity is managed because each vehicle is a standardized, self-contained unit rather than a collection of specialized components.
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 the application of a liner to any length of pipeline by reducing friction and stress, saving time and money, and allowing the use of lighter, polymer-preimpregnated fibre fabric liners without pressurized liquids.
Implementation Method 1
The first or third pipeline vehicle may comprise a UV emitting component. The process may further comprise emitting UV radiation onto liner which has been applied to the inner surface of the pipeline using the UV emitting component.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and systems for relining a pipeline (16). Described herein is a process and system (10) for applying a liner (12) to an inner surface (14) of a pipeline (16). The system (10) uses the so called "inversion" technique to apply the liner (12). This involves arranging the liner (12) into everted and non-everted portions (13, 15) and driving the non-everted portion (15) through the pipeline (16) such that it everts and is applied to the inner surface (14) of the pipeline (16). In the system (10) of the present invention, at least first and second pipeline vehicles (20, 22) are used to drive the non-everted portion (15) of the liner (12) through the pipeline (16).