Application of Digital Twin in the Industry of Axial Hollow-Wall Pipes

Abstract

With the increasing demand for automation in agriculture, more and more researchers are exploring the application of digital twin in agricultural production. However, existing studies have predominantly focused on enhancing resource utilization efficiency and improving irrigation control systems in agricultural production through the implementation of digital twins. Unfortunately, there is a noticeable research gap when it comes to applying digital twins specifically to buried water conveyance pipelines within an agricultural irrigation infrastructure. Focusing on the long-term performance requirements of buried pipelines in agricultural irrigation and drainage, this study established a digital twin system for the industry of axial hollow-wall pipes with an outer diameter of 200 mm, specifically designed for this field of operation. The system was used to optimize the end-forming process of axial hollow-wall pipes, resulting in improved leak tightness under internal pressure and angular deflection of the pipes. The study suggests that the most effective method for the end-forming process of axial hollow-wall pipes is to heat the pipe for 60 s at the ambient temperature of 15 °C, with heating temperatures of 225 °C on both the inner and outer sides. Additionally, preheating the stamping equipment to 70 °C and controlling the cooling temperature, during pipe detachment, to between 35 °C and 45 °C is recommended. In terms of the leak tightness under internal pressure and angular deviation, the study found that increasing the thickness of the protruding end of the sealing ring to 16 mm, and shortening the chamfer length to 20 mm, while maintaining the same slope, can enhance the sealing effectiveness of the pipeline interface. The implementation of the digital twin system improves the production efficiency of the hollow pipe production line during the end-forming process, resulting in a yield rate of the pipe of up to 95% for qualified products. Moreover, the system provides intelligent closed-loop feedback which ensures the long-term operation and maintenance of the pipelines, making it easier to identify problems and implement design improvements. By doing so, it contributes to ensuring the long-term stability of related agricultural production.