Pipeline Riser Locking Structure for Surface Valve Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subterranean and overland valves require frequent maintenance and monitoring, which is time-consuming and costly due to the need for excavation and access challenges, especially when servicing or replacing components like bonnets and seals.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline apparatus with a housing and riser system that allows for the extraction and servicing of valve components from ground level, utilizing a locking mechanism with L-shaped slots and a tool for easy removal and replacement of valve seats and seals without excavating the surrounding area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If valves are installed subterranean or deep underground, then they can control fluid flow in pipelines without disrupting surface activities, but maintenance and monitoring require excavation and are time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is nested within a valve housing that can be accessed through a small access chamber. The bonnet and valve components are contained within the housing, allowing maintenance without excavation. The entire valve assembly can be removed and replaced through the access chamber from ground level.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate access chamber is introduced between the valve and the ground surface. This chamber allows service engineers to access the valve for maintenance without excavating the ground. The chamber acts as a mediator that provides access while maintaining the subterranean installation benefits.
2Ease of repair
If conventional valves with removable bonnets are used, then maintenance is possible, but excavation is required to access the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into distinct components: the valve body, bonnet, and housing. The bonnet can be removed from the valve body through the access chamber, allowing maintenance of internal components without removing the entire valve assembly or excavating the ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The bonnet is extracted as a separate removable component from the valve body. This allows the bonnet to be removed and replaced through the access chamber without disturbing the valve body's position in the ground, enabling maintenance without excavation.
3Productivity
If the valve is accessed from ground level through a small cover plate, then traffic disruption is minimized, but maintenance operations are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The access chamber provides a vertical dimension for maintenance operations. Engineers can lower tools and components vertically through the access chamber to reach the valve, enabling maintenance operations through a small surface opening without requiring horizontal excavation or removal of large cover plates.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
Pipeline apparatus comprising a housing (2) including a riser (2a) and a pipeline connector (2b) and a device (3) configured to interact with fluid flowing through the pipeline connector, a mounting means (25) for releasably mounting the device in the riser and seal means (50) situated between an inner surface of the riser and an outer surface of the mounting means, the seal means configured to seal against egress of fluid from the apparatus, the mounting means and the riser each including a part of a locking means (27, 28) for releasably locking the device in the riser, the device situated in the pipeline connector.