Incremental Pig Pushing via Segmented Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual diameter pipeline pigs are difficult to maneuver and require significant force to push through conical reducers due to their large size and weight, posing safety hazards from petroleum fumes when internal combustion vehicles are used for insertion.
Innovation Solution
A frame-based apparatus with an extendable actuator and adjustable legs allows for incremental pushing of the pig through a conical reducer, using a shorter actuator to manage the pig's length, and a hydraulic power supply is positioned safely away from petroleum fumes to reduce hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual diameter pig is launched into a smaller pipe at the pig trap, then the pig can be pushed through the pipeline to clean both smaller and larger diameter sections, but the pig requires considerable force to push through the conical reducer due to its large size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing operation is segmented into multiple incremental steps using a multi-position actuator system. The actuator pushes the pig a limited distance, retracts, moves forward to the next position, and repeats the process until the pig is fully inserted into the pipeline, breaking down the large force requirement into manageable increments.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is made dynamically repositionable along the frame through the locking mechanism that can engage at multiple predetermined positions. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the actuator to maintain optimal pushing position while accommodating the incremental nature of the operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If internal combustion vehicles are used to push the pig into the trap, then the operation can be performed with available equipment, but petroleum fumes are released creating fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The internal combustion vehicle pushing mechanism is replaced with a hydraulic actuator system that uses hydraulic pressure instead of combustion engines. This substitution eliminates the fire hazard associated with combustion engines operating near petroleum fumes while maintaining the capability to generate sufficient pushing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic actuator serves as an intermediary between the hydraulic power supply and the pig, transferring force without requiring direct contact between combustion engines and the hazardous fume environment. The hydraulic fluid acts as a safe intermediary that can transmit force in the hazardous atmosphere.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a hydraulic cylinder with very long stroke of 10-12 feet is used to push the pig into the trap, then the pig can be inserted without fire hazards, but the cylinders are costly and awkward to position and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The long stroke requirement is segmented into multiple shorter strokes by positioning the actuator at different locations along the frame. Instead of one long 10-12 foot stroke, the actuator performs multiple shorter pushes from predetermined positions, reducing the actual actuator stroke length and simplifying its design and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-dimension approach (one long linear stroke) to a multi-position approach where the actuator moves along the frame in one dimension while pushing the pig in another dimension. This dimensional transformation allows shorter actuators to achieve the same overall pushing distance.
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 apparatus simplifies the insertion process by allowing incremental movement of the pig through the reducer, reducing the need for long actuators and minimizing safety risks from petroleum fumes, making the operation safer and more manageable.
Implementation Method 1
an extendable actuator is supported on the frame such that the actuator is rearward of, and substantially aligned with, a pig supported on the frame, and an actuator control is operative to extend the actuator such that a front end thereof moves forward with respect to the frame and into contact with a central portion of a rear end of a pig
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for pushing a dual diameter pig through a conical reducer attached to a pig trap and into a pipeline includes a frame configured such that the pig rests and moves forward on the frame, which has a front end adapted for attachment to the trap. The vertical position of the frame can be adjusted to align the pig with the conical reducer. An actuator is supported on the frame rearward of, and aligned with, the pig and an actuator control extends the actuator into contact with the rear end of a pig, and also retracts the actuator. The actuator locks to the frame at lock locations spaced along the frame, and the lock locations are separated by a distance that is less than a stroke of the actuator. The pig is pushed into the trap in steps by repeatedly extending, retracting, and moving the actuator forward.