Blind Flange Clamp for Faster Hydrostatic Testing Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrostatic testing of flanged equipment is laborious and time-consuming due to the need for multiple bolts and complex torque sequences, which increases costs and safety risks while requiring extensive human resources and time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a U-shaped slot for receiving a flange, a blind flange with longitudinal movement, and an actuator for quick sealing and unsealing, eliminating the need for multiple bolts and simplifying the sealing process by using an annular sealing material and a C-shaped middle section for accommodating the flange and blind flange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blind flanges with multiple bolts and torque sequences are used for hydrostatic testing, then sealing reliability is improved, but operation time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential sealing function from the complex multi-bolt flange system and concentrates it into a single blind flange with a centralized actuating mechanism. This removes the unnecessary complexity of multiple bolts and torque sequences while maintaining the sealing reliability through a focused, single-point actuation system that applies force directly to the gasket.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical bolt-torque system with a direct actuating mechanism (such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder) that applies sealing force directly to the blind flange. This substitution eliminates the need for manual bolt tightening and torque sequencing, dramatically reducing operation time while maintaining sealing integrity through controlled, centralized force application.
2Reliability
If multiple bolts and complex torque sequences are used to secure flanged connections, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the complex multi-bolt assembly and consolidates it into a single blind flange with an integrated actuating mechanism. This removal of unnecessary bolts and torque sequences simplifies the device structure while preserving sealing reliability through direct, centralized force application to the gasket.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple bolts, gasket compression, and flange alignment into a single integrated blind flange assembly with a centralized actuator. This consolidation combines multiple discrete components into one unified device, reducing overall complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness through coordinated force application.
3Reliability
If extensive bolting and torqueing procedures are used for hydrostatic testing preparation, then sealing reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the labor-intensive mechanical bolting and torqueing process with an automated or semi-automated actuating mechanism that secures the blind flange in a single operation. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple workers to manually tighten multiple bolts in specific sequences, dramatically increasing testing throughput while maintaining sealing reliability through controlled force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates preliminary alignment features and self-centering mechanisms in the blind flange design that automatically position the sealing surfaces correctly before actuation. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for manual alignment and adjustment during the bolting process, allowing for faster operation while ensuring proper sealing contact and maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If multiple bolts and complex securing mechanisms are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but the number of components and materials required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the array of multiple bolts and concentrates it into a single blind flange with a centralized actuating mechanism. This removal of numerous individual bolts and their associated nuts and washers reduces the total quantity of components and materials required while maintaining sealing reliability through focused, centralized force application to the gasket.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple discrete fastening components (bolts, nuts, washers) into a single integrated blind flange assembly with an built-in actuating mechanism. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts and materials needed while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the unified structure that applies force directly to the sealing interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for hydrostatic testing of items containing flanged openings and which items require periodic pressure testing, such as flanged pipe sections, flanged pipelines, flanged hose assemblies, as well as other flanged equipment requiring periodic pressure testing. The apparatus is clamp-like and is comprised of multiple circular plates that are designed and arranged to hold a blind flange against the flange of the item to be tested. One of the circular plates contains a circular cavity into which the blind flange can be stored when the apparatus is not in use.