A Fitting Connector for HDPE Piping for High-Pressure Fluid Transportation that Allows Visual Confirmation of the Fusion State, and a Method of Connecting HDPE Piping for High-Pressure Fluid Transportation Using the Same

Abstract

A fitting connector for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid according to the present invention, which allows visual confirmation of the fusion condition, comprises a fitting body having a coupling space formed with both sides open inside, into which a first HDPE pipe is fitted on one side of the coupling space and a second HDPE pipe connected to the first HDPE pipe is fitted on the other side of the coupling space, and a fusion wire wound around the inner circumference of the fitting body, which generates heat by resistance when current is supplied to fuse the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner circumference of the fitting body, wherein the fitting body has a fusion confirmation projection formed therein that protrudes above a reference position by being pushed by the molten material generated during the process of fusing the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner circumference of the fitting body.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fitting connector for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid and a method for connecting an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid using the same. More specifically, the invention relates to a fitting connector for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid and a method for connecting an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid using the same, which allows visual confirmation of whether fusion has occurred during the process of connecting different HDPE pipes for transporting high-pressure fluid by a fusion method. Background Technology

[0002] Although Korea is a country that imports most of its energy from overseas, it is classified as an 'energy-intensive country' with energy consumption accounting for 2.1% of global energy consumption.

[0003] It is known that the domestic industrial sector accounts for about 42% of energy consumption and about 36% of total greenhouse gas emissions as of 2017.

[0004] Accordingly, the Korean government declared the '2050 Carbon Neutrality' policy in 2020 and is currently pursuing policies to achieve carbon neutrality in the manufacturing sector to fulfill this goal.

[0005] Meanwhile, conventional oil transport systems use carbon steel-based piping, which has the problem of requiring continuous maintenance because corrosion occurs after 5 years, reducing strength and causing fluid leakage.

[0006] Therefore, based on the 2050 Carbon Neutrality policy, there is a recent trend of applying HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) piping to oil pipeline systems to replace carbon steel-based pipelines. Such HDPE piping enables lightweighting and offers eco-friendly advantages.

[0007] However, in Korea, the development of technology related to HDPE pipeline-based oil transfer systems lags significantly behind that of developed countries.

[0008] In particular, to connect multiple HDPE pipes to each other, fusion welding is performed using fitting connectors, but due to a shortage of skilled personnel and technical expertise, process errors and defects frequently occur during the welding process.

[0009] Therefore, a method to resolve these problems is required. Prior art literature

[0010] Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0257493 The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention is an invention devised to solve the problems of the aforementioned prior art, and aims to provide a fitting connector for HDPE pipes for transporting high-pressure fluids and a method for connecting HDPE pipes for transporting high-pressure fluids using the same, which can significantly reduce process defects by allowing visual confirmation of whether fusion has been achieved during the process of connecting different HDPE pipes for transporting high-pressure fluids by a fusion method.

[0012] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] The fitting connector for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid according to the present invention, which enables visual confirmation of the fusion status for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, comprises a fitting body having a coupling space formed with both sides open inside, into which a first HDPE pipe is fitted on one side of the coupling space and a second HDPE pipe connected to the first HDPE pipe is fitted on the other side of the coupling space, and a fusion wire wound around the inner circumference of the fitting body, which generates heat by resistance when current is supplied to fuse the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner circumference of the fitting body, and the fitting body has a fusion confirmation projection formed therein that protrudes above a reference position by being pushed by the molten material generated during the process of fusing the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner circumference of the fitting body.

[0014] At this time, an insertion groove may be formed in the fitting body into which at least a portion of the fusion confirmation projection is inserted.

[0015] And the fusion confirmation projection has a reference state in which it is inserted into the insertion groove and does not protrude beyond the outer surface of the fitting body before the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are fused to the inner surface of the fitting body, but after the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are fused to the inner surface of the fitting body, it may protrude beyond the outer surface of the fitting body.

[0016] In addition, the above-mentioned fusion confirmation protrusions may be provided on each side based on a virtual centerline that divides the fitting body in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] In addition, the fitting body includes a pair of branch tubes connected to each side based on a virtual centerline that divides the fitting body in the longitudinal direction, and an electrode insertion space communicating with the coupling space may be formed on the inner side of the branch tubes.

[0018] Meanwhile, the present invention may further include a pair of electrodes that are inserted into each electrode insertion space formed inside the pair of branch tubes, with at least a portion being electrically connected to the fusion conductor, wherein one forms a positive electrode and the other forms a negative electrode.

[0019] And a method for connecting an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid using a fitting connector for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid as described above comprises: (a) forming a fitting body in which a coupling space is formed with both sides open inside and branch pipes are formed on both sides based on a virtual centerline; (b) winding a welding wire on the inner circumference of the fitting body; (c) inserting a pair of electrodes into each electrode insertion space formed inside each branch pipe formed on both sides of the fitting body so that at least a portion of each electrode is electrically connected to the welding conductor; (d) inserting a first HDPE pipe into one side of the coupling space and inserting the first HDPE pipe into the other side of the coupling space; and forming one of the pair of electrodes as an anode and the other as a cathode so that current is supplied to the welding wire. The method includes step (e) of generating heat by the resistance of the welding wire to weld the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner surface of the fitting body, wherein step (e) is performed until the point in time when the welding confirmation protrusion formed on the fitting body is pushed by the molten material generated during the process of welding the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner surface of the fitting body and protrudes above a reference position. Effects of the invention

[0020] The fitting connector for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid and the method for connecting an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid using the same, which allows visual confirmation of the fusion status according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem, are formed such that a fusion confirmation protrusion is pushed out by the molten material generated during the process in which different HDPE pipes are fused to the inner surface of the fitting body, thereby allowing a worker to visually confirm the fusion status.

[0021] Therefore, the present invention has the advantage of minimizing process errors and defects during the process of performing a fusion process to connect HDPE pipes to each other, and preventing material waste and reduced productivity resulting therefrom.

[0022] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a fitting connector for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 to 6 are drawings sequentially illustrating the process of connecting an HDPE pipe through a fitting connector of an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0024] In this specification, where a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is described as being "on," "connected," or "combined" with another component, it means that it may be directly placed / connected / combined with the other component, or that a third component may be placed between them.

[0025] Identical reference numerals denote identical components. Additionally, in the drawings, the thicknesses, proportions, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for the effective illustration of the technical content.

[0026] "And / or" includes all one or more combinations that the associated configurations can define.

[0027] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0028] Additionally, terms such as "below," "lower side," "above," and "upper side" are used to describe the relationships between the components depicted in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and are explicitly defined herein unless interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.

[0030] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a fitting connector (100) of an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a fitting connector (100) for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a fitting body (110), a welding wire (200), and an electrode (300).

[0034] A coupling space (111) with both sides open is formed inside the fitting body (110). Accordingly, a first HDPE pipe is fitted into one side of the coupling space (111), and a second HDPE pipe for connecting to the first HDPE pipe can be fitted into the other side of the coupling space (111).

[0035] And the welding wire (200) can be wound around the inner surface of such a fitting body (110).

[0036] The welding wire (200) generates heat through resistance when current is supplied, and performs the function of welding the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner surface of the fitting body (110).

[0037] To this end, the material of the fitting body (110) may be formed from the same HDPE material as the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe, but is not limited thereto, and any material that is capable of fusing with the HDPE material can be applied to the fitting body (110).

[0038] In addition, in this embodiment, the welding wire (200) is wound in a spiral shape on the inner circumference of the fitting body (110), but the winding shape of the welding wire (200) is not necessarily limited to a spiral shape.

[0039] And in this embodiment, the fitting body (110) includes a pair of branch pipes (120) each connected to both sides based on a virtual centerline that divides the fitting body (110) in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] An electrode insertion space (121) is formed on the inner side of such a branch pipe (120) and is connected to a coupling space (111).

[0041] In this embodiment, the present embodiment may further include a pair of electrodes (300) that are inserted into each electrode insertion space (121) formed inside a pair of branch tubes (120) and at least a portion of which is electrically connected to a fusion conductor (200), with one forming a positive electrode and the other forming a negative electrode.

[0042] In this embodiment, the electrode (300) has a shape comprising an extension portion (310) formed to have a predetermined length, and a head portion (320) provided at the end of the extension portion (310) and protruding toward the coupling space (111) when the extension portion (310) is inserted into the electrode insertion space (121).

[0043] That is, when the extension part (310) is fully inserted into the electrode insertion space (121), the head part (320) is exposed to the coupling space (111) and can be electrically connected by coming into contact with the welding wire (200).

[0044] Additionally, one or more fixing protrusions may be formed around the extension part (310), and a groove corresponding to the protrusions of such extension part (310) may be formed on the inner surface of the electrode insertion space (121) so that the extension part (310) can be stably fixed.

[0045] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a fusion confirmation projection (112) may be formed on the fitting body (101).

[0046] The fusion confirmation projection (112) is configured to be pushed outward by the molten material generated during the process of fusing the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner surface of the fitting body (110), so as to protrude above the reference position.

[0047] That is, in the present invention, when the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are completely fused to the inner surface of the fitting body (110), the fusion confirmation projection (112) is protruded further outward, so the operator can visually check whether the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are fused.

[0048] In particular, in this embodiment, an insertion groove (113) may be formed in the fitting body (110) into which at least a portion of the fusion confirmation projection (112) is inserted. That is, the area where the insertion groove (113) is formed in the fitting body (110) is formed to be thinner than other locations.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment, the fusion confirmation projection (112) may be inserted into the insertion groove (113) before the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are fused to the inner surface of the fitting body (110), and may have a state in which it does not protrude more than the outer surface of the fitting body (110).

[0050] However, after the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are fused to the inner surface of the fitting body (110), they are pushed out by the molten material generated inside the coupling space (111) and have a state of protruding above the outer surface of the fitting body (110).

[0051] This is because the continuously occurring molten material pushes out the relatively thin insertion groove (113) portion of the entire area of ​​the fitting body (110) and enters into the insertion groove (113).

[0052] Although not shown, in order to allow the molten material generated during the fusion process to push the insertion groove (113) more easily, the bottom side of the insertion groove (113) may be formed to have a thinner thickness than other areas of the insertion groove (113), and a cutting groove for breaking that wraps around the perimeter of the insertion groove (113) in a dotted line shape may be additionally formed.

[0053] In addition, in this embodiment, the fusion confirmation protrusions (112) are provided on each side based on a virtual centerline that divides the fitting body (110) in the longitudinal direction, so that the fusion status of the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe can be checked separately.

[0054] The structure of the fitting connector (100) for the high-pressure fluid transport HDPE pipe of the present invention has been described above, and the process of connecting the HDPE pipe using this will be described below.

[0055] FIGS. 2 to 6 are drawings sequentially illustrating the process of connecting an HDPE pipe through a fitting connector of an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] First, as shown in FIG. 2, a step (a) is performed to form a fitting body (110) in which a coupling space (111) is formed with both sides open inside and branch pipes (120) are formed on each side based on a virtual centerline.

[0057] In this process, a suitable molding method may be applied considering the material of the fitting body (110), and the fitting body (110), branch pipe (120), and fusion confirmation projection (112) may all be molded as a single unit.

[0058] Next, step (b) of winding a welding wire (200) onto the inner circumference of the fitting body (110) as shown in FIG. 3 is performed.

[0059] In the case of this embodiment, in step (b), the welding wire (200) can be wound in a spiral shape on the inner circumference of the fitting body (110).

[0060] Next, step (c) is performed in which a pair of electrodes (300) are inserted into each electrode insertion space (121) formed inside each branch tube (120) formed on both sides of the fitting body (110) as shown in FIG. 4.

[0061] In this process, the extension portion (310) of each electrode (300) is fully inserted into the electrode insertion space (121), and the head portion (320) is exposed to the coupling space (111) and can be electrically connected to the welding wire (200).

[0062] Next, step (d) is performed, in which a first HDPE pipe (10) is inserted into one side of the coupling space (111) as shown in FIG. 5, and a second HDPE pipe (20) is inserted into the other side of the coupling space (111).

[0063] Next, step (e) of supplying current to the fusion wire (200) is performed.

[0064] In this process, one of the pair of electrodes (300) is formed as a positive electrode and the other as a negative electrode, and by applying voltage, current can be supplied to the welding wire (200).

[0065] Accordingly, heat is generated by the resistance of the welding wire (200), and the outer surface of the first HDPE pipe (10) and the second HDPE pipe (20) and the inner surface of the fitting body (110) are melted, and the interfaces between them can be welded.

[0066] At this time, in step (e), as shown in FIG. 6, the welding confirmation projection (112) formed on the fitting body (110) can be pushed by the molten material generated during the process of welding the first HDPE pipe (10) and the second HDPE pipe (20) to the inner circumference of the fitting body and protrude above the reference position.

[0067] That is, during the process of performing step (e), the operator can check whether the fusion confirmation projection (112) placed in the area where the first HDPE pipe (10) is inserted and the fusion confirmation projection (112) placed in the area where the second HDPE pipe (20) is inserted protrude to the outside of the insertion groove (113), and when the fusion confirmation projection (112) protrudes sufficiently, the operator can confirm that complete melting has been achieved and end the fusion process.

[0068] However, if the fusion confirmation projection (112) does not protrude from the insertion groove (113) even during the process, it is recognized that melting has not occurred, the process can be stopped, the cause can be found and removed, and then the work can be resumed.

[0069] As described above, preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been examined. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that, in addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or scope. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the description above but may be modified within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Explanation of the symbols

[0070] 10: 1st HDPE Piping 20: 2nd HDPE Piping 100: Fitting connectors for HDPE piping for high-pressure fluid transport 110: Fitting Body 111: Coupling space 112: Fusion confirmation protrusion 113: Insertion slot 120: Branch pipe 121: Electrode insertion space 200: Fusion wire 300: Electrode 310: Extension part 320: Head section

Claims

Claim 1 A fitting body having a coupling space formed inside with both sides open, wherein a first HDPE pipe is fitted into one side of the coupling space and a second HDPE pipe connected to the first HDPE pipe is fitted into the other side of the coupling space; and a welding wire wound around the inner circumference of the fitting body, which generates heat by resistance when current is supplied to weld the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner circumference of the fitting body; wherein the fitting body includes a welding confirmation projection that protrudes above a reference position by being pushed by molten material generated during the process of welding the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner circumference of the fitting body. A fitting connector for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid, capable of visually confirming the fusion status, wherein an insertion groove into which at least a portion of the fusion confirmation projection is inserted is formed, and the area where the insertion groove is formed is formed to be thinner than other locations, so that the fusion confirmation projection is inserted into the insertion groove and does not protrude beyond the outer surface of the fitting body before the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are fused to the inner surface of the fitting body, and after the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are fused to the inner surface of the fitting body, it is pushed out by molten material that originates inside the coupling space and enters into the insertion groove while pushing out the portion of the insertion groove that is relatively thin among the entire area of ​​the fitting body, and protrudes beyond the outer surface of the fitting body, and the bottom side of the insertion groove is formed to have a thinner thickness than other areas of the insertion groove, and a cutting line for breaking that encircles the perimeter of the insertion groove in the form of a dotted line is formed. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A fitting connector for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid, wherein, in claim 1, the fusion confirmation projection has a reference state in which it is inserted into the insertion groove and does not protrude beyond the outer surface of the fitting body before the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are fused to the inner surface of the fitting body, and protrudes beyond the outer surface of the fitting body after the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are fused to the inner surface of the fitting body, allowing visual confirmation of the fusion status. Claim 4 In claim 1, the fusion confirmation projection is provided on each side based on a virtual centerline dividing the fitting body in the longitudinal direction, thereby enabling visual confirmation of the fusion status of the fitting connector for HDPE pipes for transporting high-pressure fluids. Claim 5 A fitting connector for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluids, wherein, in claim 1, the fitting body comprises a pair of branch pipes each connected to both sides based on a virtual centerline dividing the fitting body in the longitudinal direction, and an electrode insertion space communicating with the coupling space is formed on the inner side of the branch pipes, allowing for visual confirmation of the fusion status. Claim 6 A fitting connector for an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluids, capable of visual confirmation of the fusion status, wherein, in claim 5, a pair of electrodes are further included, inserted into each electrode insertion space formed inside the pair of branch pipes, and at least a portion of which is electrically connected to the fusion conductor, with one forming a positive electrode and the other forming a negative electrode. Claim 7 (a) forming a fitting body having a coupling space with both sides open inside and branch pipes formed on both sides based on a virtual centerline; (b) winding a welding wire on the inner circumference of the fitting body; (c) inserting a pair of electrodes into each electrode insertion space formed inside each branch pipe formed on both sides of the fitting body so that at least a portion of each electrode is electrically connected to the welding conductor; (d) inserting a first HDPE pipe into one side of the coupling space and inserting a second HDPE pipe into the other side of the coupling space; and forming one of the pair of electrodes as an anode and the other as a cathode so that current is supplied to the welding wire.(e) a step of generating heat by the resistance of the welding wire to weld the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner surface of the fitting body; wherein the fitting body includes a welding confirmation projection that protrudes above a reference position by being pushed by the molten material generated during the process of welding the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe to the inner surface of the fitting body; A method for connecting an HDPE pipe for transporting high-pressure fluid, wherein an insertion groove into which at least a portion of the fusion confirmation projection is inserted is formed, and the area where the insertion groove is formed is formed to be thinner than other locations, so that the fusion confirmation projection is inserted into the insertion groove and does not protrude beyond the outer surface of the fitting body prior to step (e) in which the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are fused to the inner surface of the fitting body, and after the first HDPE pipe and the second HDPE pipe are fused to the inner surface of the fitting body in step (e), the projection is pushed out by a molten material that occurs inside the coupling space and enters into the insertion groove while pushing out the portion of the insertion groove that is relatively thin among the entire area of ​​the fitting body, and thus protrudes beyond the outer surface of the fitting body, and the bottom side of the insertion groove is formed to have a thinner thickness than other areas of the insertion groove, and a cutting line for breaking is formed that encircles the perimeter of the insertion groove in the form of a dotted line.

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