Resin Seal for Branch Pipe Junction Curing
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in sealing the transition between a branch pipe and a main pipe during pipeline renovation is that existing methods compromise the fluid-tight properties of the liner, leading to a risk of leakage, especially when accessing and re-establishing the branch pipe connection after lining the main pipe.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a resin-impregnated seal with a tubular part and a brim portion, utilizing an elongated housing with an inflatable ring structure and radiant energy sources to cure the seal without affecting the main liner, ensuring a secure and leak-free transition between the branch and main pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hole is cut in the liner at the position of the branch pipe junction to re-establish access to the branch pipe, then access to the branch pipe is restored, but the fluid-tight properties of the liner are compromised creating a risk of leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sealing function into two distinct components: a brim portion that seals against the main pipe liner and a tubular part that seals within the branch pipe. This segmentation allows the seal to maintain fluid-tight properties while providing access to the branch pipe, eliminating the need to compromise the liner's integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hat-shaped seal acts as an intermediary component between the main pipe liner and the branch pipe. It provides the necessary access to the branch pipe while maintaining the fluid-tight barrier, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of accessibility and leak prevention.
2Reliability
If a separate hat-shaped seal is installed at the transition between main pipe and branch pipe to prevent leakage, then fluid-tight properties are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single hat-shaped seal component: sealing against the main pipe liner, sealing within the branch pipe, and providing access to the branch pipe. This consolidation simplifies the overall sealing system while maintaining reliability, avoiding the need for multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hat-shaped seal is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the transition zone between main pipe and branch pipe, provides access to the branch pipe, and maintains fluid-tight properties. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
3Productivity
If UV light or other radiant energy is used to cure the liner, then curing efficiency is improved, but the radiant energy may affect already cured portions of the liner causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing apparatus concentrates radiant energy locally at the brim portion of the seal where it is most needed for curing, while shielding or avoiding irradiation of already cured portions of the liner. This localized application of curing energy improves efficiency without causing damage to cured areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing apparatus acts as an intermediary that controls and directs radiant energy to the specific area requiring curing (the brim portion), preventing harmful exposure of already cured liner while ensuring efficient curing of the seal material.
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 effectively prevents leakage by ensuring a fluid-tight seal between the branch and main pipes, maintaining the integrity of the liner and allowing for efficient pipeline renovation without compromising the fluid-tight properties.
Implementation Method 1
fixating the brim portion to the main pipe at the junction by pressurizing the inflatable ring structure
Implementation Method 2
irradiating radiant energy from the integrated radiant energy source for curing the brim portion and irradiating radiant energy from the mobile radiant energy source for curing the tubular part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and system for applying a resin impregnated seal onto a junction between a branch pipe and a main pipe. The seal comprises a tubular part defining a first opening and a second opening opposite the first opening, and a brim portion attached to the tubular part at the first opening and extending radially outwardly from the tubular part. The method and system comprises providing a sealing apparatus including an elongated housing, an inflatable ring structure having an integral radiant energy source, a flexible guiding tube and a mobile radiant energy source, positioning the flexible guiding tube such that the closed end is located outside the housing, positioning the brim portion of the seal juxtaposed the inflatable ring structure, positioning the housing inside the main pipe, fixating the brim portion to the main pipe, inverting the seal, positioning the mobile radiant energy source inside the tubular part, irradiating radiant energy from the integral radiant energy source for curing the brim portion and irradiating radiant energy from the mobile radiant energy source for curing the tubular part.