Capillary Wall Connection With Outer Sleeve Heat Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In nuclear power environments, existing remote seal connections for process field devices face challenges in maintaining containment integrity and preventing damage to capillary connectors during welding or compression fitting processes, which can affect the accuracy of pressure transmission from a remote seal to a pressure transmitter across a thick steel containment shell.

Innovation Solution

A capillary connector design featuring an outer sleeve and inner capillary with a surrounding space, allowing for secure installation through welding or compression fitting, which prevents heat transfer or pressure-induced damage to the capillary, ensuring accurate pressure transmission and maintaining containment integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the capillary connection is securely attached to the containment shell through welding or compression fitting, then the containment integrity is maintained, but the capillary may be damaged by heat transfer from welding or pressure-induced deformation from compression fitting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainment integrityVSAvoiddamage to capillary from welding or compression fitting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into an outer sleeve that interfaces with the containment shell and an inner capillary that carries the fill fluid. This segmentation allows the outer sleeve to bear the mechanical stress of welding or compression fitting while the inner capillary remains protected from direct exposure to harmful forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The capillary is nested within the outer sleeve, creating a protective configuration where the outer sleeve acts as a shield against welding heat and compression fitting pressure. The inner capillary is positioned concentrically within the outer sleeve, ensuring it is not directly exposed to harmful external forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the capillary is positioned close to the outer surface of the containment shell for easy installation, then the installation process is simplified, but the capillary is more susceptible to damage from welding heat or compression pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidexposure to welding heat or compression pressure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The capillary is nested within the outer sleeve, allowing the outer sleeve to be positioned close to the containment shell surface for easy installation while the inner capillary remains protected at a safe distance from harmful external forces through the protective barrier of the outer sleeve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The outer sleeve acts as an intermediary between the containment shell and the capillary, enabling easy installation by interfacing with the containment shell while simultaneously protecting the capillary from welding heat and compression pressure through its protective enclosure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the capillary is directly connected to the remote seal without protective shielding, then the pressure transmission is direct and simple, but the capillary is vulnerable to damage during the welding or compression fitting process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidcapillary protection during installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into an outer protective sleeve and an inner capillary, maintaining direct pressure transmission through the capillary while adding protective functionality through the outer sleeve that shields during welding or compression fitting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer sleeve serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for secure attachment to the containment shell, protects the capillary from welding heat and compression pressure, and maintains the simplicity of direct pressure transmission. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between simplicity and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 capillary connector effectively communicates pressure from a remote seal to a pressure transmitter while preventing damage from welding or compression fitting, ensuring reliable operation and containment integrity in nuclear power environments.

Implementation Method 1

The fill fluid which is carried by a capillary tube to the process transmitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure transmission: Pascal's Law

Implementation Method 2

A space is provided about the capillary and is positioned between the capillary and the outer sleeve... prevents heat transfer or pressure-induced damage to the capillary

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

A space is provided about the capillary and is positioned between the capillary and the outer sleeve... prevents heat transfer or pressure-induced damage to the capillary

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentEP3278075B1Capillary connection through a wall
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 ROSEMOUNT INC
  • EP3278075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3278075B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3278075B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A remote seal connection includes an outer sleeve, configured to be inserted through a penetration in a wall and having an outer surface. A capillary is within the outer sleeve and carries a fluid configured to communicate a pressure from a remote seal to a pressure transmitter. A space is provided about the capillary and is positioned between the capillary and the outer sleeve.