Segmented Pipeline Plug for Pig Passage Through Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipeline fittings often hinder the passage of pipeline pigs due to apertures, leading to potential damage, clogging, and significant time and profit losses, especially when dealing with threaded completion plugs or pipes with diametrically opposed holes.
Innovation Solution
A plug system with two coaxial cylindrical portions and a retaining mechanism that allows pigs to pass freely through pipeline apertures, featuring a larger cylindrical portion for stability and a smaller portion for alignment, along with arch-shaped undercuts and slots for secure positioning and product flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fittings with apertures are used to stop pipeline flow, then flow isolation is achieved, but pigs become lodged and cannot pass through the fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into two distinct cylindrical portions: a first cylindrical portion with diameter greater than the aperture to engage the aperture and block flow, and a second cylindrical portion with diameter less than the aperture to allow free passage of pigs. This segmentation enables the single plug structure to simultaneously achieve both flow isolation and pig passage capabilities.
2Reliability
If the first cylindrical portion diameter is increased to block the aperture, then flow isolation is improved, but the plug becomes harder to insert and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-cylinder design allows the larger first cylindrical portion to provide effective aperture blocking while the smaller second cylindrical portion serves as a convenient handle for insertion and removal operations, reducing installation difficulty despite the larger sealing portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The second cylindrical portion acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the insertion and removal of the plug. Its smaller diameter allows it to pass through the aperture first, followed by the larger first cylindrical portion, making the overall installation process easier.
3Reliability
If pigs are removed and reinserted to avoid fittings, then pig damage is prevented, but significant time and profit are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The plug's segmented design with two cylindrical portions of different diameters creates a pathway that allows pigs to pass through the fitting without damage, eliminating the need to remove and reinsert pigs, thereby preventing pipeline downtime and profit loss.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a plug system having a plug for insertion into a pipeline, wherein the plug system is insertable via a fitting attached to the pipeline. A pre-drilled aperture of the pipeline positioned normal to the cylindrically-shaped pipeline may interfere with a pig traveling through the pipeline. In one embodiment, the plug includes two coaxial cylindrical portions. A first cylindrical portion has a diameter greater than the aperture diameter, while the second cylindrical portion has a diameter less than the aperture diameter. Additionally the plug defines a hole that is oriented perpendicular to an axis of the cylindrical portions, wherein the diameter of the hole is approximately the size of inside diameter of the pipe. The plug has a retaining member to stabilize the plug system. When the plug is installed in the pipe it permit a pig to flow freely, thereby eliminating pigging hazards.