Trenchless Pipeline Installation System with Venturi Vacuum
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trenchless pipeline installation methods are not efficient for small-diameter installations and do not facilitate a quick, one-step process for underground pipe or cable line installation under obstacles like rivers, hills, and roads.
Innovation Solution
A trenchless pipeline installation system combining a venturi pipe system, mud motor, and drill bit in a single, compressed system with a small diameter, utilizing a pipe pushing device and pressure-balanced hydro-vacuum system to pull a preliminarily welded pipe or cable line underground in a continuous one-step process without preliminary pilot holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional trenchless pipeline installation methods are used, then installation can be performed underground, but the process requires multiple steps and preliminary pilot holes, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drill bit, venturi system, and pipe pushing device into a single integrated tool assembly. This merging of functions allows the system to drill, create vacuum, and push pipe simultaneously in one continuous operation, eliminating the need for separate pilot hole drilling and pipe installation steps, thereby improving productivity while managing device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The venturi system creates a vacuum condition beforehand to prepare for pipe retrieval. The vacuum is established during the drilling operation itself, before the pipe needs to be pulled through the borehole. This preliminary vacuum creation enables continuous one-step installation without requiring separate preparation operations
2Volume of moving object
If a single compressed system with small diameter is used, then the system can install smaller-diameter pipe or cable line, but the system must integrate multiple components (venturi, mud motor, drill bit)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the venturi system is positioned behind the drill bit, the mud motor is integrated within the assembly, and the pipe pushing device is contained within the compressed system. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to be housed within a small overall diameter, enabling the installation of smaller-diameter pipes while managing the complexity of integrating multiple components through compact spatial arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components (drill bit for cutting, venturi system for vacuum creation, mud motor for power transmission, pipe pushing device for installation) are merged into a single integrated tool assembly. This combination allows the system to perform drilling, slurry removal, and pipe pushing functions simultaneously through a compact design, reducing the overall system diameter while managing component integration complexity
3Loss of time
If continuous one-step process is implemented, then installation time is reduced, but the system requires coordinated operation of multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous operation where the drill bit drills the borehole while the venturi system simultaneously creates vacuum to prepare for pipe retrieval, and the pipe pushing device continuously pushes the pipe through the borehole. This continuous coordinated action eliminates idle time between operations, significantly reducing installation time while managing coordination complexity through synchronized functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum condition is created during the drilling operation itself, before the pipe needs to be pulled through. This preliminary vacuum creation during the drilling phase enables immediate pipe retrieval without stopping the operation, reducing installation time while managing the complexity of coordinating vacuum creation with the drilling and pipe pushing operations
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 controlled directional installation of small-diameter pipes or cables underground with efficient slurry removal, reducing the need for internal power packs and allowing smaller diameter drilling, thus facilitating quicker and more efficient installation.
Implementation Method 1
The system may utilize a venturi pipe system located behind a drill bit and a pipe pushing device to help pull a pipe/cable underground
Implementation Method 2
pressure-balanced hydro-vacuum system to pull a preliminarily welded pipe or cable line underground
Data Source
AI summary
A trenchless pipeline installation system and method are provided. The system and method may utilize a venturi pipe system located behind a drill bit and a pipe pushing device to help pull a pipe/cable underground in a continuous one-step process. The system combines a pipe casing, venturi system, mud motor and drill bit in a single, compressed system with a small diameter. The system is especially suitable for allowing a one-step installation of smaller-diameter pipe or cable line under, for example, rivers, hills, ravines, roads, railroads, streets, agricultural and residential areas.