Segmented Flexible Bag Pipeline Weight for Narrow Trench Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bag-type pipeline weights are not suitable for large-diameter pipelines due to the increased mass of ballast required, making them difficult to fill, handle, and install, especially in narrow trenches, and they lack adaptability to accommodate the higher buoyancy forces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible bag-type pipeline weight with internal tie means to prevent bulging, built-in loading loops for easy filling, and hoisting slings for lifting, allowing it to straddle the pipeline and remain stable during transport and installation, facilitating installation in narrow trenches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If prior art bag-type weights are scaled up to accommodate large-diameter pipelines, then the ballast capacity increases, but the weights become difficult to fill, handle, and install
Solution Approach 1:
The weight bag is divided into multiple compartments separated by internal bulkheads. This segmentation allows the large ballast capacity to be achieved while each compartment remains manageable in size, making filling and handling feasible for large-diameter pipelines
Solution Approach 2:
The weight bag incorporates a three-dimensional structure with vertical and lateral extensions that utilize space more efficiently. This dimensional approach increases ballast capacity without proportionally increasing the difficulty of filling and installation
2Weight of stationary object
If prior art bag-type weights are scaled up for large-diameter pipelines, then the ballast mass increases, but the weights become difficult to handle and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The weight bag is divided into multiple compartments separated by internal bulkheads. This segmentation allows the large ballast capacity to be achieved while each compartment remains manageable in size, making filling and handling feasible for large-diameter pipelines
Solution Approach 2:
The weight bag utilizes flexible fabric material that can be collapsed when empty for easy transport, then expanded and filled on-site. This flexible shell approach allows large ballast mass to be handled conveniently by filling the deflated bag at the installation location
3Quantity of substance
If prior art bag-type weights are scaled up, then the ballast capacity increases, but the weights become difficult to install in narrow trenches
Solution Approach 1:
The weight bag is divided into multiple compartments separated by internal bulkheads. This segmentation allows the large ballast capacity to be achieved while each compartment remains manageable in size, making filling and handling feasible for large-diameter pipelines
Solution Approach 2:
The weight bag is designed with flexible walls that can be compressed and manipulated during installation. The bag can be temporarily compressed to reduce its profile for installation in narrow trenches, then expanded once in position, allowing large ballast capacity with minimal installation space requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible bag-type pipeline weight, configured to straddle a pipeline, has internal tie means to prevent excessive bulging of the weight after being filled with ballasting material, thus facilitating installation in narrow trenches. Built-in loading loops facilitate filling the weight with ballasting material without need for special loading equipment. The bag-type pipeline weight is formed with a pair of leg sections on either side of a central, pipeline-receiving recess. Once filled with ballast, the legs remain separated, thus facilitating installation on a pipeline. The filled pipeline weight is also freestanding and stable for purposes of transport and storage prior to installation. Hoisting slings facilitate lifting and manipulation of loaded pipeline weights without the need for spreader bars.