Self-Driven Impact Device Segmentation for Pipe Salvage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting a new pipe into an old pipe using a self-driven impact device often result in the guide head becoming stuck, making it difficult or impossible to salvage, especially when the new pipe has a smaller diameter, leading to costly and time-consuming retrieval processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-driven impact device equipped with adjustable blocking elements that prevent movement in the opposite direction of advance, allowing for the device and its components to be released and salvaged through the new pipe by using an advancement adapter with sections that can be flexibly expanded and detached, ensuring they can pass through the new pipe even if it has a smaller diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a guide head is used to advance the impact device through the pipeline, then the impact device can be moved through the pipeline, but the guide head may become stuck and clog the pipe system, making it difficult or impossible to salvage
Solution Approach 1:
The guide head is divided into multiple separable components including a front section, a middle section, and a rear section. These segments can be detached from each other and from the impact device in a controlled manner, allowing each segment to be retrieved separately through the new pipe without causing blockage. The segmentation enables the guide head components to pass through the smaller diameter new pipe individually rather than as a single large assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide head incorporates expandable and collapsible elements that allow it to change its dimensions dynamically. During advancement through the old pipe, the guide head can expand to engage with the old pipe wall for propulsion. When retrieval is needed, the guide head can collapse to a compact configuration that fits through the new pipe, enabling successful salvage without requiring expensive duct robots or pipe opening operations.
2Reliability
If the guide head is designed to be floatable for active retrieval, then retrieval may be possible, but the process is very time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the guide head into detachable components, the invention enables passive retrieval through the new pipe without requiring complex active retrieval systems. The segmented components can be pulled back through the new pipe using simple towing mechanisms, dramatically reducing retrieval time and cost compared to using expensive duct robots while maintaining reliable salvageability.
3Productivity
If the new pipe has a smaller diameter than the old pipe, then the insertion is successful, but the guide head cannot be flushed out or forced out through the existing pipe system
Solution Approach 1:
The guide head incorporates collapsible elements that allow it to reduce its cross-sectional dimensions. After successful insertion through the smaller diameter new pipe, the guide head can be collapsed to a compact configuration that fits through the new pipe, enabling retrieval without requiring expensive pipe opening operations or active retrieval equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide head is divided into separable segments that can be detached and retrieved individually through the new pipe. This segmentation allows each component to pass through the smaller diameter new pipe without requiring the entire guide head assembly to be flushed out, solving the problem of inability to salvage when the new pipe has a smaller diameter.
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 insertion and subsequent salvage of the self-driven impact device and its components without getting stuck, reducing the need for expensive retrieval methods and minimizing storage space, while allowing for adaptation to different pipe diameters and friction values.
Implementation Method 1
blocking elements, which are in contact with the inside wall of the line or of the duct when disposed on the self-driven impact device
Implementation Method 2
the impact device can move by means of friction elements, e.g., rollers, through the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for inserting a new pipe into an old pipe by means of a self-driven impact device, which simplifies the insertion of a new pipe into an old pipe, and wherein blocking elements of an apparatus according to the invention engage with the inside wall of an old pipe in order to prevent any movement of the self-driven impact device in a direction opposite the direction of advance, as well as a method for using the device. The apparatus according to the invention has blocking elements, which are disposed on at least one base body, but preferably four base bodies, which are in turn releasably mounted on the self-driven impact device. This method is characterized in that the base bodies together with the blocking elements and the self-driven impact device are salvaged by the new pipe.