Bi-directional Pipeline Tool Seal Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline tools face challenges in bi-directional operation, particularly with pre-formed cup disc seals snagging on non-uniform pipe surfaces and planar disc seals requiring significant force for insertion and being less compliant to pipe diameter variations, leading to reduced operational life and potential stalling.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional pipeline tool with a seal element that inflates by upstream fluid pressure, using a dual-acting check valve to maintain sealing engagement regardless of flow direction, and a toroidal seal shape to prevent snagging, allowing for operation with high pipe pressures and reduced force requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a pre-formed cup disc seal arrangement is used, then the tool can operate under higher pressure pipe flow conditions, but the lip of the seal is susceptible to snagging in the pipe which prevents reverse direction operation
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is divided into two distinct seal portions (first seal portion and second seal portion) that can independently engage with the pipe wall. This segmentation allows each seal portion to be optimized for specific flow directions, enabling bi-directional operation while maintaining high pressure capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element is designed to invert or flip its orientation in response to reversed flow direction. The cup-shaped structure can be deformed and re-oriented by the flow to present the appropriate seal portion for engagement, allowing the tool to operate effectively in both forward and reverse directions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If planar disc seals are used, then the tool can operate in more than one direction, but substantial force is required to insert the tool into a pipe and the discs experience wear resulting in reduced operational life
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is constructed as a flexible, compliant structure that can deform and adapt to pipe wall irregularities. This flexibility reduces the insertion force required while maintaining sealing effectiveness, and the compliant nature distributes wear more evenly, extending operational life.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element employs a cup-shaped or toroidal geometry rather than flat planar discs. This curved configuration reduces stress concentration at edges, minimizes snagging on pipe irregularities, and allows for more gradual deformation during insertion and operation, reducing wear.
3Stress or pressure
If a pre-formed cup disc seal arrangement is used, then the tool can operate under higher pressure, but reversal of pressure pushes the cup away from the pipe inner wall causing bypass of the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is divided into two seal portions that can independently engage the pipe wall. This segmentation ensures that when pressure reverses, one seal portion remains engaged while the other can adapt, preventing complete seal bypass and maintaining reliability under high pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element is designed to invert its orientation in response to pressure reversal. This inversion allows the seal to maintain engagement with the pipe wall by presenting the appropriate seal portion for the current flow direction, preventing bypass even under reversed high pressure conditions.
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 efficient bi-directional operation with reduced wear and increased payload capacity, maintaining sealing engagement across varying pipe diameters and preventing stalling, even at branch connections.
Implementation Method 1
a seal element (16) mounted to the core (14). The seal element (16) comprises oppositely directed seal portions (16a, 16b), a first seal portion (16a) located adjacent to a first side (18) of the tool (10) and a second seal portion (16b) located adjacent to a second side (20). The tool (10) is adapted for location within a pipe (12) for containing a flowing fluid. On insertion into the pipe (12), the tool (10) obstructs fluid flow through the pipe (12) such that a fluid pressure differential may be created across the tool (10) between fluid upstream of the tool (10) and fluid downstream of the tool (10). The tool (10) shall therefore be motivated through the pipe (12) by the pressure differential.
Implementation Method 2
The seal element (16) is generally compliant and, on insertion into the pipe (12), a central portion (16c) of the seal element (16) flexes on engagement with the pipe to provide an initial seal between the tool (10) and the pipe (12).
Implementation Method 3
The valve (28) comprises a valve body (30) formed in the core (14), a first port (32) open to the first side (18) of the tool (10), a second port (34) open to the second side (20) of the tool (10) and a third port (36) for providing access to a chamber (38) defined between the seal element (16) and the core (14).
Implementation Method 4
The seal element (16) is generally compliant and, on insertion into the pipe (12), a central portion (16c) of the seal element (16) flexes on engagement with the pipe to provide an initial seal between the tool (10) and the pipe (12).
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A bi-directional pipeline tool has a body (14) or location in a pipe (12). A seal element (16) is mounted on the body (14), the seal element (16) having oppositely directed seal portions (16a, 16b) with a first seal portion (16a) directed towards a first side (18) of the body (14) and a second seal portion (16b) directed towards a second side (20) of the body (14). A valve (28) is provided in the body (14), the valve (28) having a first port (32) for communicating with fluid on the first side (18), a second port (34) for communicating with fluid on the second side (20) and a third port (36) for providing access to a chamber between the seal element (16) and the body (14). In use, a pressure differential (22) is developed across the tool (10) between fluid (24) upstream of the tool (10) and fluid (26) downstream of the tool (10). The valve (28) permitting activation of the downstream seal portion, whichever of the portions (16a, 16b) is the downstream seal portion, by the upstream fluid pressure.