Segmented Flexible Pipeline Weighting Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipeline weighting systems face issues with excessive bulging when filled with ballast material, cumbersome cables or cords, and vulnerability to damage, which can lead to uneven filling and potential pipeline displacement, especially in subterranean emplacements.

Innovation Solution

A flexible, compartmentalized weighting device made from breathable woven material with inner panels to prevent bulging, filling loops, and hoisting straps for easy handling and positioning, allowing for efficient distribution of ballast material and resistance to hydraulic flows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flexible bag-type weight is filled with ballast material, then the weighting device can counter buoyant forces, but the leg sections may experience excessive bulging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweighting effectivenessVSAvoidleg section shape

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The weighting device is divided into multiple compartments: a top loading main body and multiple leg sections, each capable of independently containing ballast material. This segmentation prevents excessive bulging in individual leg sections while maintaining overall weighting effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each leg section is designed with specific structural characteristics (floor panel, opposing end walls, inner and outer sidewalls) to locally control the distribution and containment of ballast material, preventing bulging in critical areas while maintaining flexibility where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If traditional concrete weights are used, then pipeline anchoring is secure, but fabrication and installation costs are high and installation is labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline anchoring securityVSAvoidweight fabrication ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The weighting device uses flexible fabric or textile material to form the main body and leg sections, replacing traditional rigid concrete weights. This provides comparable anchoring security while dramatically simplifying fabrication, reducing costs, and enabling easier transportation and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the weighting device is made from flexible material, then transportation and installation are easier, but the device may be vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransportation easeVSAvoiddevice durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple reinforced compartments with structural elements (floor panels, end walls, sidewalls) that distribute loads and prevent propagation of damage. This maintains flexibility for easy transportation while enhancing overall durability through localized structural reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If ballast material is filled into the weighting device, then buoyant forces are countered, but uneven filling may occur causing displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipeline positioning stabilityVSAvoidballast distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The weighting device is divided into multiple compartments (main body and leg sections) that can be filled independently or simultaneously. This segmentation ensures more uniform ballast distribution and prevents displacement caused by uneven filling, while still providing the flexibility needed for easy installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 excessive bulging, ensures even filling, and provides a secure, durable, and cost-effective means to counter buoyant forces, reducing the risk of pipeline displacement and environmental damage.

Implementation Method 1

counter buoyant forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

filled with ballast material, such as gravel and coarse sand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9217516B2Pipeline ballast device

Publication Date: 2015.12.22 1552818 ONTARIO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure describes a weighting device for a longitudinally extending conduit. The weighting device is made from a flexible material, preferably woven, and has a top loading main body for receiving ballast material. The main body has a pair of legs forming a conduit accepting space between them. The legs are adapted to be positioned in straddling relation over a conduit with said conduit being embraced in said conduit accepting space between the legs. The main body has at least one inner panel extending between the inner and outer sidewalls of each of the leg sections to prevent excessive bulging of the leg section when filled with ballast material. The panel divides the legs into compartments. Ballast introduced into the main body will flow into the compartments of the legs. The weighting device may also include filling and hoisting loops.