Pipe Trenching Apparatus Ridge Busting Nozzle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe burying apparatuses face challenges in efficiently burying large diameter pipelines on the seafloor, particularly in removing material from the center of the trench, leading to the formation of trench ridges that are difficult to clear with conventional rotating cutters.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a Ridge busting pipe with a swivel joint and rotating capability to position nozzles beneath the pipe, allowing for effective removal of material from the center of the trench, combined with a system of rotating cutters and eductors to create a trench for the pipe burial, and buoyancy tanks for weight balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional rotating cutters are used to remove material from the trench center, then the trench can be formed, but trench ridges are formed and material removal becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting system is segmented into multiple functional zones: rotating cutters for peripheral material removal and a separate ridge-busting mechanism (water jet nozzles or mechanical breakers) for center trench material removal. This segmentation allows each component to address its specific function effectively, preventing ridge formation while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Water jet nozzles or pneumatic intermediaries are introduced between the rotating cutters and the trench center material. These intermediaries deliver focused energy to break up and remove the difficult-to-reach center material, enabling efficient material removal without forming ridges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is designed for large diameter pipes (36 inches or larger), then it can handle bigger pipelines, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs multi-functional components that can handle various pipe sizes. The rotating cutter assembly, ridge-busting mechanism, and eductor system are designed to be adaptable across different pipe diameters up to 36 inches or larger, reducing the need for multiple specialized tools and managing complexity through versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates adjustable and movable components, including adjustable rotating cutter positions, movable ridge-busting nozzles, and variable eductor configurations. These dynamic elements allow the same apparatus to adapt to different pipe diameters, maintaining effectiveness while managing structural complexity through adjustability.
3Productivity
If multiple cutting tools are used to clear trench ridges, then material removal improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cutting functions are merged into an integrated system where rotating cutters and ridge-busting mechanisms work together as a coordinated unit. The water jet nozzles, mechanical breakers, and eductors are combined in a single apparatus design, allowing efficient trench clearing while managing complexity through integration rather than separate systems.
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 burial of pipes with diameters up to 36 inches or larger by effectively clearing trench ridges and maintaining proper weight balance, ensuring successful pipe burial operations in challenging seafloor conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Forward eductor 223 provides suction by way of Eductor air supply 216 to remove material from below Front eductor hood 136
Implementation Method 2
Forward buoyancy tank mounting plates 130, Rear buoyancy tank mounting plates 133 and other buoyancy tank support structures may be used to mount Buoyancy tanks 230 such that Pipe burying apparatus 100 is maintained with proper weight balance and buoyancy
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe burial apparatus are disclosed that include sets of rotary nozzle cutters configured to straddle a pipe that is to be buried and a nozzle array connected to a nozzle supply pipe in a manner that places the nozzle supply pipe in a cutting path of a rotary nozzle cutter. The nozzle supply pipe may be actuated to alternatingly move the nozzle array between a position straddling the pipe being buried and a cutting position that is below the pipe being buried.