Blind Flange Clamp Assembly for Fast Airtight HDPE Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing blind flanges on HDPE piping systems are time-consuming due to the need to remove numerous bolts for maintenance and can compromise the air-tight seal due to expansion and contraction from temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A clamp assembly providing continuous circumferential restraint around the blind flange and pipe flange using semi-circular clamp portions and connector fasteners, allowing for secure sealing without a metal backing ring and requiring only two bolts to be loosened for installation or removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous circumferentially spaced bolts are used to secure the blind flange, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the time required for installation and removal increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into two semi-circular clamp portions that can be independently positioned and secured with only two bolts, allowing rapid installation and removal while maintaining continuous circumferential sealing pressure around the blind flange and pipe flange interface
Solution Approach 2:
The two semi-circular clamp portions are combined to form a complete circular clamp that distributes sealing pressure continuously around the entire circumference of the blind flange and pipe flange interface, replacing the need for numerous discrete bolts
2Strength
If numerous bolts are used to secure the blind flange, then the mechanical strength of the connection is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two main components (semi-circular clamp portions) that together provide complete circumferential restraint, reducing the number of fastening elements from numerous bolts to just two bolts per clamp portion
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp portions serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical restraint to hold the blind flange secure, distribute sealing pressure continuously around the circumference, and enable rapid installation and removal with minimal fastening elements
3Reliability
If traditional bolted connection is used, then the initial sealing is achieved, but the air-tight seal can be compromised due to expansion and contraction from temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly maintains constant sealing pressure by accommodating dimensional changes in the blind flange and pipe flange due to thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring the air-tight seal remains intact across varying temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp portions are designed to adapt dynamically to the expanding and contracting dimensions of the blind flange and pipe flange, maintaining continuous circumferential contact and sealing pressure without compromising the air-tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to a novel clamping assembly. More specifically, present embodiments relate to a clamping assembly for blind flange installation which provides an air tight seal for piping applications including, but not limited to, low pressure high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping applications.