Stepped Load Pull Back Using Hydraulic Rams
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In pipe bursting operations, existing hydraulically actuated systems face challenges in consistently applying high tensile and thrust loads due to variations in job size, host pipe material, and soil conditions, which affect the efficiency of rod string assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically actuated apparatus comprising a stationary frame, a thrust frame with a gripper, multiple hydraulic cylinders, and adjustable rams that provide additional pulling force when needed, allowing for extension and retraction of the rod string through fluid communication, enhancing the thrusting and pulling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple hydraulic cylinders are used to produce high tensile loads, then the pulling force capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into multiple independent cylinders, each capable of contributing to the total tensile load. This allows the force capability to be increased by adding more units while maintaining relative simplicity of each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinders serve multiple functions: they provide tensile load during pullback, and can be reconfigured to provide thrust during push-out operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for different operational phases.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hydraulic cylinders are attached to the stationary frame for stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic cylinders are designed with dynamic attachment capabilities, allowing them to be connected to and disconnected from the stationary frame as needed. During operations requiring maximum stability, the cylinders are firmly attached; during reconfiguration phases, they can be quickly detached and repositioned, balancing structural stability with operational flexibility.
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 effectively manages varying loads by combining the forces of hydraulic cylinders and rams, ensuring efficient assembly and disassembly of rod strings during pipe bursting, even under high pullback conditions, thereby improving operational efficiency and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic cylinder provides extension force between the thrust frame and the stationary frame
Implementation Method 2
The ram is in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder... The extendable ram rod provides extension force between the thrust frame and the stationary frame
Data Source
AI summary
A thrust apparatus for a rod string. The apparatus has a stationary frame, a thrust frame with a rod gripper, two hydraulic cylinders and two rams in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinders. During low-load operations, the hydraulic cylinders act alone, providing the load to the grippers to pull or push the rod string. When higher loads are required, a check valve is activated, allowing fluid from the hydraulic cylinders to activate the rams. The rams provide additional force to the grippers, and may be activated without mechanical or significant hydraulic changes to the apparatus.