Surface-Operated Trenchless Plug Assembly for Buried Mainline Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing temporary fluid release systems from buried pipes require excavation, wasting time and labor, as existing technologies are insufficient for sealing the hole from the surface.
Innovation Solution
A trenchless plug assembly comprising a main body, gasket, plug, and fluid release element, allowing the plug to be accessed and closed from the surface using a 'key', enabling the riser to be removed without excavation, utilizing a threaded system with rods and retaining rings for secure fluid flow and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a temporary riser pipe is installed to release fluid from a buried mainline, then fluid can be discharged to the surface, but the riser cannot be removed without re-excavation
Solution Approach 1:
The plug assembly is divided into separate components: a body portion that remains in the mainline, a riser portion that connects to the body, and a plug portion that can be independently operated. This segmentation allows the riser to be removed without the plug, enabling removal without excavation while maintaining sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug assembly acts as an intermediary device between the buried mainline and the removable riser. The body portion with integrated plug mechanism serves as the mediator that remains embedded in the mainline, allowing the riser to be detached and reattached without excavation while maintaining the sealing function.
2Productivity
If current temporary riser technology is used, then fluid release is achieved, but removal requires re-excavation wasting one or two hours of labor
Solution Approach 1:
The plug mechanism is pre-installed and integrated into the body portion before the riser is attached. The plug can be preliminarily positioned in the open position during installation, allowing the riser to be removed and reattached without excavation. This preliminary configuration enables rapid removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug assembly is designed to be self-contained with the plug mechanism integrated into the body portion that remains in the mainline. The system serves itself by maintaining the sealing capability without requiring external excavation equipment or additional labor for removal, as the plug can be operated from the surface through the riser.
3Ease of operation
If the plug is accessible through the riser pipe, then the riser can be removed without excavation, but the plug mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plug mechanism is merged with the body portion of the assembly, combining the sealing function and the operational interface into a single integrated unit. The plug, body, and operating mechanism are combined such that the plug can be accessed through the riser while remaining structurally integrated with the body portion that embeds in the mainline.
Solution Approach 2:
The body portion serves multiple functions: it provides the structural housing, contains the plug mechanism, provides the sealing interface with the mainline, and offers the operational interface for the plug. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A trench-less plug assembly having a fluid release element, further including: a top retaining ring, a bottom retaining ring, a plurality of rods vertically connecting the top retaining ring to the bottom retaining ring. A retaining plug is adapted to traverse vertically along the plurality of rods, and a main fitting adapted for receiving the bottom retaining ring. A gasket is disposed between the main fitting and the retaining plug. The plurality of rods engage the retaining plug with threads, whereby the retaining plug is positioned vertically between the top retaining ring and the bottom retaining ring by rotational movement of the retaining plug. The main fitting is adapted to attach to a main pipeline, and the main fitting is adapted to receive a riser enclosing the fluid release element. In one example, the main fitting attaches to a main pipeline using a saddle.