Composite Pipe End Reinforcement With Pressure-Responsive Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite pipe connections struggle with plastic deformation, delamination, and reduced tensile load capacity due to fixed compression forces and differential shear forces, especially under high pressure and temperature conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection system with a mandrel and slip mechanism that applies variable compression force proportional to fluid pressure, allowing the composite pipe to move longitudinally and include strain relief elements or springs to maintain hoop compression and prevent delamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed compression force is applied to the composite pipe end, then the pipe connection can be established, but the pipe suffers from plastic deformation and reduced tensile load capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic compression force that varies with internal fluid pressure rather than a fixed compression force. As pressure increases, the compression force on the pipe end increases proportionally, maintaining optimal stress distribution and preventing plastic deformation while allowing the connection to withstand high tensile loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the compression parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that depends on internal pressure. This parameter change allows the compression force to adapt to operating conditions, preventing both excessive compression that causes plastic deformation and insufficient compression that reduces tensile load capacity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the composite pipe is restrained from radial swelling, then the connection stability is improved, but the hoop to axial load ratio changes causing delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows dynamic radial movement of the pipe end through the use of a flexible diaphragm and bellows structure. This dynamic restraint maintains connection stability while permitting the pipe to swell radially under pressure, thereby maintaining the proper hoop to axial load ratio and preventing delamination of composite layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible diaphragms and bellows structures that can deform radially to accommodate pipe swelling. These flexible elements provide a controlled restraint that maintains connection stability while allowing the necessary radial expansion to preserve the hoop to axial load ratio and prevent delamination.
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
Enhances tensile load carrying capacity, prevents plastic deformation, and reduces delamination by adapting to varying loads and pressures, improving the longevity and reliability of composite pipe connections.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to compress the composite pipe with a compression force proportional to a longitudinal distance between a first end and a second end of the spring
Implementation Method 2
The second cam surface of the sleeve can be configured to engage the first coupling surface of the housing to secure the sleeve to the housing, and the first cam surface of the sleeve can be configured to engage the first tapered surface of the slip to compress the slip into engagement with the composite pipe when the sleeve is secured to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connection for connecting or terminating a composite pipe can include a housing, a slip including a first tapered surface, a sleeve including a first cam surface, the second coupling surface configured to engage the housing to secure the sleeve to the housing, and the first cam surface configured to engage the first tapered surface of the slip to compress the slip to into engagement with the composite pipe when the sleeve is secured to the housing. The pipe connection can further include a mandrel including a head portion configured to compress the slip to engage the composite pipe with a compression force proportional to a fluid pressure within the composite pipe.