Self-Propelled Pipe Lining for Consistent Liner Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Spray-In-Place-Pipe (SIPP) devices for pipe rehabilitation suffer from inconsistent liner thickness due to the 'stick-slip' phenomenon and capstan effect, leading to structural and hydraulic integrity issues, as they rely on static, non-self-propelled systems with umbilical members that experience sagging and excessive friction, resulting in unpredictable liner application.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled pipe lining system with multiple propulsion devices along the umbilical member, allowing the sprayer apparatus to move consistently and independently, reducing frictional forces and enabling longer umbilical member lengths, and featuring modular, self-powered propulsion units with sensors for autonomous control and wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If static, non-self-propelled SIPP devices are used, then the system is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the liner thickness becomes inconsistent due to stick-slip phenomenon and capstan effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, non-self-propelled SIPP devices to dynamic, self-propelled devices with propulsion devices that actively move through the pipe. This allows the system to maintain controlled velocity and overcome frictional forces, eliminating the stick-slip phenomenon and capstan effect that cause liner thickness inconsistencies in static systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by equipping the sprayer apparatus with self-propelled propulsion devices that enable it to move independently through the pipe without requiring external retraction forces. The system propels itself using traction members that engage with the pipe wall, allowing autonomous movement and consistent liner application.
2Length of stationary object
If longer umbilical members are used to reach further pipes, then the coverage area increases, but frictional forces and sagging increase causing loss of control
Solution Approach 1:
The self-propelled sprayer apparatus with propulsion devices can independently overcome frictional forces and maintain controlled velocity throughout the entire pipe length, eliminating the reliance on external retraction forces. This allows the use of longer umbilical members to reach further pipes while maintaining full control and reliability throughout the operation.
3Speed
If external retraction forces are used to pull the sprayer through the pipe, then the system can operate without self-propulsion, but the velocity control becomes unpredictable due to varying frictional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using self-propelled propulsion devices with traction members that actively engage with the pipe wall to propel the sprayer apparatus. This dynamic system provides precise velocity control by directly controlling the propulsion force, eliminating the unpredictability caused by varying frictional forces in externally pulled systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sprayer apparatus performs its own propulsion function through integrated propulsion devices, eliminating the need for external retraction forces. The system independently controls its own movement through the pipe, achieving both velocity control and operational simplicity.
4Ease of operation
If accumulator reel torque is transmitted through the umbilical member, then the sprayer can be pulled through the pipe, but the tensile load causes stick-slip phenomenon and ringing effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the sprayer apparatus propel itself forward through the pipe using propulsion devices, rather than being pulled backward by the accumulator reel. This reversal eliminates the tensile load transmission through the umbilical member that causes stick-slip phenomenon and ringing effect, while still achieving effective sprayer propulsion.
Data Source
AI summary
Self-propelled, self-powered, propulsion devices as part of pipe lining system adapted to create an internal liner member on a pipe or other tubular structure, the system being the combination of a sprayer apparatus, an umbilical member connected to the sprayer apparatus, wherein the umbilical member supplies no power or communications to the propulsion devices, and a plurality of propulsion devices mounted externally onto the umbilical member in a removable manner. The spraying apparatus and propulsion devices are independently powered and controlled such that each may be accelerated or decelerated as required to maintain the sprayer apparatus at a constant speed during the application process.