Telescoping Double Block and Bleed Plug for Rough Pipe Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double block and bleed pipe plug technologies are expensive, require large and heavy components, and struggle to seal against cut and rough pipe ends, necessitating precise welding and additional fittings for bypasses.
Innovation Solution
A plugging device with telescoping cylinders and elastomeric sealing elements that can extend to engage cut ends of pipes, allowing for independent operation and sealing against both interior and exterior surfaces, including fish-mouth or square-shaped ends, using a fluid power source for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal-to-metal plugging seal is used, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the sealing element from metal to elastomeric material. This material change allows the sealing surface to deform and conform to the pipe end geometry, eliminating the need for precise machining of sealing surfaces while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses elastomeric sealing elements that can deform flexibly to match the contour of the pipe end. This flexibility compensates for manufacturing tolerances and surface irregularities, achieving reliable sealing without requiring high manufacturing precision.
2Reliability
If precise welding and additional fittings are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing elements can conform to various pipe end configurations (square, fish-mouth, beveled) without requiring additional fittings or complex preparation. The material's ability to deform allows direct sealing against the pipe end as-is, reducing installation complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping cylinders are used, then adaptability to different pipe configurations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping cylinders provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the sealing elements to extend and retract as needed. This dynamic mechanism enables the device to adapt to different pipe configurations and sealing requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
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 and cost-effective double blocking of pipeline sections without the need for precise sealing surfaces or additional fittings, effectively sealing against various pipe end configurations while allowing for independent operation of each cylinder.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing element is an elastomeric sealing element
Implementation Method 2
At least one cylinder that is extendable between a retracted first position and an extended second position is in communication with the rearward surface of the sealing element
Data Source
AI summary
A plugging device for double blocking a section of pipeline or piping and method for its use includes a first and second sealing element and at least one cylinder that is extendable along an axial direction of the pipe between a retracted first position and an extended second position. A means for actuating the cylinder, such as a fluid power source, is provided. When the cylinder is in the extended second position, the sealing element sealably engages an opposing cut end of the pipe. The sealing element is an elastomeric sealing element and may be cup-shaped, convex-shaped, or cork-shaped.