Cable Feedthrough Sealing for District Heating Pipe Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe connection systems for local or district heating networks are structurally complex and expensive, particularly when sealing is required for both medium pipes and cables, and existing solutions do not efficiently address the need for a simple and cost-effective method to insert cables with medium pipes without compromising the seal between the medium and empty pipes.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection system comprising a sleeve-like pipe connector and a compressible cable entry element that can be placed between the pipe connector and medium pipe, using clamping devices to create a radially directed seal, allowing cables to be inserted while maintaining a tight seal between the medium and empty pipes, with the option to use the cable entry element separately or integrated with the pipe connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing systems are used for both medium pipes and cables, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable feedthrough element integrates multiple sealing functions into a single component that simultaneously seals around both the medium pipe and cables. The element combines sealing contact surfaces for the medium pipe with cable accommodation features, eliminating the need for separate sealing systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable feedthrough element serves multiple functions: it seals the annular space between the medium pipe and conduit, provides sealed pathways for cables to pass through, and maintains the integrity of the pipe connection system. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable sealing for both medium and cable entries.
2Reliability
If conventional sealing systems are used for both medium pipes and cables, then sealing reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple sealing functions into a single cable feedthrough element, the invention reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the sealing reliability required for both medium pipe and cable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable feedthrough element is designed with specific geometric parameters and material properties that enable it to perform multiple sealing functions simultaneously. By optimizing parameters such as the compression force distribution, contact surface geometry, and material elasticity, the element achieves reliable sealing at a lower cost compared to multiple separate sealing components.
3Ease of operation
If cables are inserted with medium pipes using conventional methods, then cable entry is achieved, but the seal between medium and empty pipes is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cable feedthrough element is designed with distinct functional zones: a first contact surface that seals against the medium pipe, cable accommodation openings for cable passage, and a second contact surface that seals against the conduit. This segmentation allows cables to pass through while maintaining sealing integrity at both the medium pipe and conduit interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable feedthrough element acts as an intermediary component between the medium pipe and the conduit. It provides a sealed transition zone that allows cables to pass from the medium pipe side to the conduit side while maintaining the seal between the medium pipe outer surface and the conduit inner surface, preventing compromise of either sealing interface.
4Device complexity
If a simple connection system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing capability for both medium and cables is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cable feedthrough element is designed as a universal component that can seal around different combinations of medium pipes and cables. Its multi-functional design includes surfaces that adapt to the medium pipe outer surface and openings that accommodate cables, providing versatile sealing capability in a single integrated component without increasing overall system complexity.
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 provides a simple, cost-effective method to ensure a sand-tight and potentially watertight seal, allowing cables to be inserted with medium pipes without enlarging the pipe diameter, and can be used with or without the cable entry element, ensuring reliable cable entry and maintaining the mechanical integrity of the medium pipe.
Implementation Method 1
The cable lead-through element consists of a compressible, preferably elastic material. The cable lead-through element is placed between the pipe connector and the carrier pipe, sealing the pipe connection, in such a way that it bears simultaneously against an outer wall of the carrier pipe and against an inner wall of the pipe connector
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe connection system with a cable feedthrough and a method for sealing a pipe connection.In order to provide a particularly simple and inexpensive technical solution for inserting cables together with a medium pipe (3) of a district heating or cooling line into a conduit (4), without having to forgo sealing the connection between the medium pipe (3) and the conduit (4), a pipe connection system (1) is proposed, comprising a pipe connector (2) for connecting the medium pipe (3) to the conduit (4) into which a section of the medium pipe (3) is inserted, wherein the pipe connector (2) can be applied to the medium pipe (3) on one side and to the conduit (4) on the other side in the manner of a sleeve, and comprising a cable entry element (5) which has a number of cable entry openings (6), wherein the cable entry element (5) can be placed between the pipe connector (2) and the medium pipe (3), sealing the pipe connection, such that it simultaneously rests against an outer wall (7) of the medium pipe (3) and against an inner wall (8) of the pipe connector (2).