Segmented Drainage Shaft for Pipeline Liquid Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing unwanted liquids from gas pipelines, such as blowdowns and pipeline pigs, are inefficient and environmentally unacceptable, while prior insertion devices cannot reach remote liquid accumulations under high pressure and in pressurized vessels without depressurizing the pipeline.
Innovation Solution
A removable automatic insertion device with a sealed lubricator and extendable segmented drainage shaft, capable of inserting and locking into a pipeline under full pressure, featuring a normally closed drainage valve assembly that can be opened by pressurized fluid to allow liquid removal without depressurizing the pipeline, and options for full, partial, or complete withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If prior insertion devices are used to remove liquids from pipelines, then liquid removal is achieved, but the devices cannot reach remote liquid accumulations more than one pipe diameter into the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage shaft is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can extend sequentially to reach remote liquid accumulations. Each segment contains a drainage valve assembly that can be independently actuated, allowing the shaft to extend beyond one pipe diameter into the pipeline while maintaining structural integrity and functional reliability.
2Productivity
If the drainage valve assembly is kept closed to maintain pipeline pressure, then pipeline operation continues without depressurization, but unwanted liquids cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage valve assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism that allows selective liquid removal while maintaining pipeline pressure. The valve can be opened to drain liquids and then closed to restore pressure, enabling both continuous operation and liquid removal capability without requiring full pipeline depressurization.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage valve assembly changes its state between open and closed positions, allowing the system to transition between liquid removal mode and pressure maintenance mode. This parameter change enables the pipeline to operate continuously while removing unwanted liquids as needed.
3Ease of operation
If a single insertion shaft is used, then device structure is simple, but it is impossible to reach unwanted liquids 50 feet or more away from the surface access location
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion shaft is segmented into multiple telescoping sections that can extend to reach distances of 50 feet or more. Each segment is equipped with a drainage valve assembly, allowing the complex extended structure to maintain functional simplicity at each station while achieving the required reach distance.
4Productivity
If blowdowns are used to clear unwanted liquids, then liquid removal is achieved, but large volumes of gas are wasted and environmental damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage shaft and valve assembly extract unwanted liquids directly from the pipeline at the dip location, separating the liquid removal function from the gas flow. This allows efficient liquid removal without the need to blow down the entire pipeline, preventing gas waste and environmental damage while maintaining high productivity.
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 and safe removal of unwanted liquids from remote locations in gas pipelines and pressurized vessels without shutting down the pipeline, reducing operational costs and environmental impact, and allowing for future drainage operations without extensive labor or equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The drainage valve assembly is held in the normally closed position by spring pressure
Implementation Method 2
pressurized fluid must be introduced through the surface mounted discharge assembly through a segmented hollow actuation tube located inside the hollow extendable segmented drainage shaft to the subsurface drainage valve assembly to overcome the spring pressure and open the valve
Implementation Method 3
Friction between the insertion rod and the drainage shaft segment locks the drainage shaft in place
Data Source
AI summary
A removable automatic insertion device with segmented drainage shaft may be used to remove unwanted liquids from pipelines, tanks and other pressurized vessels. The insertion device inserts and withdraws the drainage shaft, one segment at a time into the pipeline or other pressurized vessel. A termination assembly is connected to the subsurface end of the drainage shaft and includes a normally closed drainage valve assembly. After insertion of the drainage shaft, the automatic insertion device is removed and a surface mounted discharge assembly is connected to the drainage shaft. To open the drainage valve assembly and commence drainage of unwanted liquids, pressurized fluid is injected through the discharge assembly, and a segmented hollow actuation tube to open the subsurface drainage valve assembly. Unwanted fluids then pass through the open drainage valve assembly, the drainage shaft to the surface mounted discharge assembly.