Remotely Openable Containment System for Grounding Cement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional grounding cement installation methods result in hazardous dust emissions and incomplete grounding due to manual handling and water accumulation in augured holes, compromising safety and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A remotely openable containment system featuring a bag with a closure member and bale mechanism that allows controlled discharge of grounding cement at the bottom of an augured hole, minimizing dust exposure and ensuring complete cement placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If grounding cement is handled manually at ground level, then ease of operation is improved, but hazardous dust emissions increase
Solution Approach 1:
A water-soluble barrier film is applied to the inner surface of the bag containing grounding cement. This barrier film acts as an intermediary layer that prevents direct contact between the cement and air, thereby eliminating dust emissions when the bag is handled or opened. The barrier film dissolves in water to allow cement discharge while maintaining safety during handling.
2Ease of operation
If grounding cement is poured from ground level, then ease of operation is improved, but grounding effectiveness deteriorates due to water accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The bag with grounding cement is lowered to the bottom of the augured hole before the pole installation is completed. This preliminary positioning ensures that the cement reaches the intended location below the water accumulation zone, guaranteeing optimal grounding contact with the soil regardless of water presence in the upper hole sections.
3Reliability
If the bag is opened remotely at the bottom of the hole, then grounding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bag incorporates a self-opening mechanism where the end seals are designed to automatically break or open when the bag is inverted or subjected to specific mechanical stress at the bottom of the hole. This self-service feature eliminates the need for complex remote opening devices while ensuring the cement is discharged at the correct location for effective grounding.
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely openable containment system employs a bag which receives contents such as grounding cement and employs a closure member which is secured by a bale. The closure member is attached to one end of the bag adjacent an opening. End portions of the bag are wound around the closure member and secured by the bale. The bale may include a pair of laterally spaced pins which are received in spaced bores of the closure member. At the installation site, the bag is lowered by a line into a hole. At the bottom of the hole, a line on the bale is pulled to release the bale and to permit the contents to discharge through the opening in the bag. Both the bag and the bale are removable from the hole by the attached lines.