Inflatable Pipeline Sphere With Tracker Support and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spherical pipeline pigs lack the capability to incorporate and support tracking devices while maintaining effective sealing, limiting their ability to traverse pipelines with tracking instruments.
Innovation Solution
A hollow elastomeric sphere with a carrier tube and valve plates allows for the integration of a tracking device, using a Schrader-type inflation valve to adjust diameter and maintain sealing, enabling the sphere to accommodate various pipeline sizes and support electronic instruments like sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a tracking device is installed in a spherical pig, then the capability for pipeline inspection and monitoring is improved, but the sealing integrity and ability to traverse pipelines deteriorates due to design limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is nested within a carrier tube that is embedded in the sphere wall, creating a hierarchical structure where the tracker is contained within the tube which is integrated into the sphere. This nesting approach allows the tracking device to be housed without compromising the sphere's sealing integrity, as the carrier tube provides a dedicated sealed compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier tube acts as an intermediary structure between the tracking device and the sphere interior. It provides a sealed housing for the electronic components while maintaining the overall sealing capability of the sphere, effectively mediating between the need for tracking functionality and the requirement for reliable sealing.
2Ease of manufacture
If a large valve opening is provided for tracking device installation, then ease of installation is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve opening is segmented into a standard inflation valve integrated into the sphere wall, while the carrier tube provides a separate, pre-formed access pathway for the tracking device. This segmentation allows both functions (inflation and tracker installation) to be achieved without requiring a large compromise opening in the sealing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier tube is pre-formed and embedded in the sphere wall during manufacturing, creating a ready-made sealed access point for the tracking device. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for large post-manufacturing openings that would compromise sealing, as the access pathway is established before final assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sphere diameter is adjusted to fit different pipelines, then adaptability is improved, but the stability of tracking device support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier tube is positioned at a specific location (mid-section) of the sphere where structural support is optimal. This localized placement ensures that the tracking device is supported at the most stable point regardless of sphere expansion or contraction, maintaining stability while allowing overall diameter adjustment for different pipeline sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sphere is designed with dynamic diameter adjustment capability through inflatable/deflatable sections, while the carrier tube maintains a fixed, stable position for tracking device support. This dynamic-static combination allows the sphere to adapt to different pipeline sizes while preserving stable tracking device mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline sphere is shown which houses an electronics package. The sphere is formed as a hollow elastomeric body having a predetermined wall thickness and an initially void interior. A carrier tube is positioned within the initially void interior of the sphere and is supported by oppositely arranged carrier plates which are themselves embedded within oppositely arranged end openings of the sphere. A removable inflation valve is contained in one of the valve plates at a first end of the carrier tube. The carrier tube has a plurality of apertures formed through its wall to enable inflating or deflating the sphere. One electronics package that can be used is an electrical tracking device.