Resilient Plug for High-Pressure Pipeline Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for temporarily blocking media flow in pipelines, such as inflatable stopping bags and deformable plugs, are inadequate for high-pressure applications as they may be pushed along the pipe, burst, or cause damage, and are difficult to remove due to increased pressure.
Innovation Solution
A plug assembly with a resilient plug, upper and lower plates, and a rotating shaft is inserted through apertures in the pipe wall, expanding to engage scalloped sections and create a seal, allowing for effective blocking of media flow without damaging the pipe and facilitating easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deformable plug with mechanical component is used to engage the pipe wall for compression and sealing, then the plug can effectively block media flow, but the significant deformation force may deform or crack the pipe, especially plastic pipelines
Solution Approach 1:
A resilient cup-shaped plug serves as an intermediary element between the mechanical actuation system and the pipe wall. The plug engages the scalloped sections (intermediary engagement points) rather than directly engaging the pipe wall, distributing forces through the plug structure itself and preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug transitions from a flexible state during insertion to a rigid engaged state when compressed between the plates. This parameter change allows the plug to effectively block flow while containing deformation forces within the plug structure rather than transmitting them to the pipe wall.
2Reliability
If a resilient cup-shaped plug with diameter larger than pipe inside diameter is used, then the plug can effectively seal the pipe, but with increasing pressure the plug becomes difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement interface is segmented into discrete scalloped sections rather than continuous contact. The plug engages these segmented points, creating localized engagement zones that provide secure sealing while maintaining defined separation points that facilitate controlled removal by reversing the engagement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug engagement is designed to be dynamically reversible. During installation, the plug is compressed to engage the scalloped sections; during removal, the compression force is reversed, allowing the plug to disengage cleanly without becoming permanently stuck, thus maintaining ease of operation throughout the device lifecycle.
3Reliability
If additional mechanical supports are provided for the stopping bag to prevent it from being pushed along the pipe, then the bag can remain in position under high pressure, but further holes must be drilled into the pipe wall which impacts pipeline integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The scalloped sections serve multiple functions: they provide engagement points for the plug to prevent axial movement under pressure, and they are formed as integral features of the pipe fitting rather than requiring separate support components. This multi-functionality achieves positioning stability without compromising pipeline integrity through additional drilling.
4Reliability
If a cylindrical deformable plug is inserted through an access hole and deformed to seal the pipe, then media flow can be blocked, but the force required to deform the plug can be significant causing potential pipe deformation or cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient plug acts as an intermediary that absorbs and contains deformation forces within its own structure. The plug deforms to engage the scalloped sections, but this deformation occurs in the plug material itself rather than being transmitted to the pipe wall, significantly reducing the force impact on the pipeline.
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
The solution provides a reliable and damage-free method for temporarily blocking media flow in high-pressure pipelines by expanding the resilient plug to conform to the pipe's interior, ensuring a secure seal without applying vertical forces that could damage the pipe, and allows for easy restoration of flow capacity.
Implementation Method 1
inserting a plug assembly into the pipe through one of the apertures, wherein the plug assembly includes a resilient plug... and expanding the resilient plug to engage the scalloped sections
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods of use of a plug assembly are disclosed herein. The plug assembly includes an expandable plug for use with a pipe having an annular wall defining an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface.