Bolt-on Transition Coupling for Dual Containment Piping
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transition couplings in dual containment piping systems are difficult to install and often fail to provide sufficient sealing characteristics, compromising the integrity of the primary, secondary pipes, and the interstitial space in fuel or environmentally sensitive fluid handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A bolt-on transition coupling system with an inner body engaging the primary pipe and an outer body engaging the secondary pipe, featuring separable clamp portions that radially attach to form a sealed gap in communication with the interstitial space, utilizing annular ribbed surfaces and seals for a tight mechanical and fluid-tight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing transition couplings are used in dual containment piping systems, then the interstitial pressure can be maintained or communicated, but the installation becomes difficult and sealing characteristics are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The transition coupling is divided into multiple separable components: a first coupling portion that attaches to the primary pipe and a second coupling portion that attaches to the secondary pipe. These portions can be assembled separately and then connected together, making installation easier while maintaining reliable sealing through the sealed interface between the coupling portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition coupling acts as an intermediary component between the primary and secondary pipes. It includes a sealed gap that communicates with the interstitial space, allowing pressure transmission while maintaining the integrity of both pipe systems. The coupling portions provide mechanical connection while the sealed gap provides fluid communication.
2Reliability
If existing transition couplings are installed in dual containment systems, then some sealing is achieved, but the integrity of the primary pipe, secondary pipe, and interstitial space is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is segmented into distinct functional portions: one portion interfaces with the primary pipe, another with the secondary pipe, and these are connected through a sealed interface. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integrity through the sealed connection between portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition coupling structure nests the sealed gap within the coupling assembly, where the sealed gap is contained within the coupling portions. This nesting allows the coupling to maintain the interstitial space integrity while providing a compact design that doesn't excessively increase device complexity.
3Reliability
If a sealed gap is created in the transition coupling to communicate with the interstitial space, then pressure communication is achieved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into separable portions that can be installed independently on the primary and secondary pipes, then connected together. The sealed gap is formed as part of the interface between these portions, allowing pressure communication to be achieved through the assembled structure without requiring complex pre-configuration that would hinder installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A transition coupling system for use with a dual containment pipe which includes an inner primary pipe and an outer secondary pipe with an interstitial space therebetween, the transition coupling comprising. The transition coupling includes an inner body configured to engage an inner surface of the primary pipe and an outer body configured to engage an outer surface of the secondary pipe. The outer body includes at least two releasably attachable portions, at least one of which is movable relative to the other in a radial direction thereof. The inner body and the outer body are configured to define a gap therebetween when coupled to the piping system such that the gap is generally sealed and in communication with the interstitial space.