Wedge Type Plug for Pipeline Lateral Line Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline rehabilitation methods face challenges in effectively plugging lateral lines during the lining process, particularly in preventing resin migration and water ingress, which can cause liner deformation and affect flow quality in municipal and chemical pipeline systems.
Innovation Solution
A plug system comprising a fitting tube with a deformable portion and a wedge mechanism that threads into the tube, allowing axial movement to securely seal lateral openings, combined with a ratchet assembly for installation and a cutting and brushing assembly for removal, enabling temporary plugging and subsequent reinstatement of connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional plug method is used to seal lateral lines, then installation is simple, but resin migration and water ingress occur causing liner deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into multiple functional segments: a fitting tube for insertion into the lateral line, a wedge mechanism for expansion, and a deformation mechanism for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug transitions from a compact inserted state to an expanded sealed state through the wedge mechanism. The deformation portion of the fitting tube dynamically changes shape under compression from the wedge head, enabling the plug to adapt to variations in lateral line geometry and ensure reliable sealing.
2Reliability
If the plug expands to seal the lateral opening, then sealing effectiveness improves, but the deformable portion requires precise dimensional control
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting tube includes a deformation portion with controlled wall thickness that changes its physical parameters under compression. When the wedge mechanism applies axial force, the deformation portion transitions from a rigid cylindrical shape to an expanded configuration, with its expansion characteristics controlled by the wall thickness parameter to achieve reliable sealing.
3Ease of operation
If the wedge is threaded into the fitting tube from the distal end, then installation is simplified, but the thread engagement requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting tube is pre-formed with internal threads during manufacturing, and the wedge is pre-formed with external threads. This preliminary preparation of threading features ensures that when the wedge is inserted from the distal end, the threads are already aligned and ready for engagement, simplifying the installation process while maintaining precise alignment through factory-prepared threaded interfaces.
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 plug system effectively isolates lateral lines from the main pipeline during lining, preventing resin migration and water ingress, ensuring a stable liner installation and maintaining flow integrity post-rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge has an external thread corresponding to the thread on the inner surface of the through hole of the fitting tube for threadably engaging the fitting tube
Implementation Method 2
The wedge includes a head constructed for deforming the deformable portion of the fitting tube outward to plug the lateral opening
Implementation Method 3
rotation of the wedge causes axial movement of the wedge with respect to the fitting tube toward the flow path of the main pipeline and causes the head of the wedge to deform the deformable portion of the fitting tube outward
Data Source
AI summary
A plug for temporarily plugging a lateral line from lateral opening in a main pipeline. A distal end of the plug is inserted in the lateral line from the main pipeline. The plug includes a fitting tube and a wedge constructed for deforming a deformable portion of the fitting tube outward to plug the lateral opening. Axial movement of the wedge with respect to the fitting tube toward a flow area of the main pipeline causes deformation of the deformable portion. A gripping member may be positioned on an outer surface of the fitting tube. The plug may include a fitting on the fitting tube to facilitate gripping of the plug by a tool. A cutting and brushing assembly may be used to remove the plug from the lateral line. Methods of installing and removing lateral plugs are also disclosed.