Angled Terminal Edge Seals for Insulated Pipe Jackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable jackets for insulated conduits fail to effectively prevent the entry of liquid and environmental factors through capillary action, especially at angled fittings, due to unfavorable interfacial forces and wicking effects, leading to potential damage to insulation and equipment.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable jacket design featuring inner and outer surfaces with angled terminal edges forming perpendicular seals, which minimize surface area and adhesive forces, preventing capillary action and ensuring a tighter seal, along with a method of applying these seals using overlapping flanges and fastening elements to secure the jacket around insulated conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional overlapping flange seals are used in adjustable jackets, then the jacket can be easily installed around pipe bends and fittings, but water or environmental factors can breach the seals through capillary action and wicking
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple distinct sealing surfaces (first sealing surface on the inner jacket piece, second sealing surface on the outer jacket piece) rather than relying on a single overlapping interface. This segmentation prevents continuous capillary pathways while maintaining installation simplicity through the modular flange design.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the outer jacket piece overlap the inner piece (traditional design), the invention inverts the relationship by having the inner jacket piece's sealing surface contact the outer piece's sealing surface in a reversed configuration. This inversion disrupts the capillary action pathway that would otherwise draw water inward through the overlap.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flat overlapping orientation of jacket pieces is used, then the jacket can accommodate various pipe sizes and insulation thicknesses, but adhesive forces between jacket and liquid increase promoting wetting and capillary action
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing surfaces are given specific local geometric qualities (angled orientations rather than flat overlapping) at the critical sealing locations, while the rest of the jacket maintains its adaptable overlapping structure. This local modification at the seal interfaces reduces adhesive forces and prevents wetting without compromising overall versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the sealing surfaces are changed from flat overlapping to angled configurations. By modifying the orientation and shape parameters of the sealing interfaces, the capillary pressure and adhesive forces are reduced, preventing water intrusion while maintaining the jacket's adaptability to different pipe dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable jackets with inter-engageable ribs and grooves are used, then the jacket can be tightened or loosened to fit different conduit sizes, but the seal design creates unfavorable interfacial forces that promote water entry
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism is segmented into distinct angled sealing surfaces rather than a continuous overlapping interface. This segmentation breaks the capillary pathway that would otherwise allow wicking, while the adjustable flange connection maintains the ability to tighten or loosen the jacket for different conduit sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing approach is inverted from traditional overlapping designs where the outer piece covers the inner piece. Instead, the invention uses a reversed configuration where angled sealing surfaces contact in a manner that prevents capillary action, combining adjustability with protection against wicking effects.
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 solution significantly reduces water intrusion into the jacket, maintaining insulation integrity and preventing damage, as demonstrated by comparative testing showing reduced water entry compared to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
water or other environmental factors are able to breach the seals provided by the outer tab and the inside ridge... facilitate the entry of liquid into the seam through a capillary effect... capillary pressure and subsequent capillary action, known as wicking
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable jacket for an insulated conduit is provided, the adjustable includes inner and outer surface, first and second axial ends, and first and second longitudinal ends that each extends between the first and second axial ends. The first and second longitudinal ends form a longitudinal seal, which includes an outer seal formed by a terminal edge of one of the first and second longitudinal ends in contact with the outer surface of the adjustable jacket, and an inner seal formed by a terminal edge of another one of the first and second longitudinal ends in contact with the inner surface of the adjustable jacket.