Composite Elastomeric Seal Structure for Reusable Pipeline Flange Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metal seals used in pipeline connections are difficult to work with, wasteful, and prone to damage during installation and removal, leading to potential leakage and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A composite elastomeric ring seal made from bonded layers of woven, matted, or mesh fabric impregnated with elastomeric material, designed to fit into standard API grooves and provide a reliable, reusable seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal seal is used to seal the joint between pipeline elements, then the seal can be formed by compression and deformation of the softer metal against the groove, but the seal becomes difficult to remove and may damage the groove or surrounding area during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple layers: an inner elastomeric layer that provides the sealing function and an outer fabric layer that provides structural integrity and ease of removal. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between seal reliability and ease of removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining elastomeric material (for sealing) with fabric material (for durability and ease of handling). This composite approach allows the seal to be reliable during installation while being easily removable, as the fabric layer does not deform permanently like metal seals.
2Reliability
If a metal seal is compressed and deformed during installation to form a reliable seal, then the seal becomes permanent and cannot be reused, leading to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric inner layer is designed to be replaceable and reusable. After removal from the groove, it can be recovered and reinstalled on the same or different pipeline elements, reducing material waste. The fabric outer layer provides durability that extends the overall seal assembly's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure with its durable fabric outer layer protects the elastomeric inner layer during removal and reuse, enabling multiple service cycles. This reduces material waste compared to single-use metal seals while maintaining reliable sealing performance.
3Reliability
If bolts are tightened sufficiently to compress and deform a metal seal, then the seal forms reliably, but considerable labor is required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The seal material properties are changed from metal to elastomeric fabric composite, which requires less compression force to form a reliable seal. This reduces the tightening torque needed on bolts, thereby reducing installation labor while maintaining seal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric inner layer compresses more easily than metal to form the sealing contact, reducing the force required during installation. The fabric outer layer maintains structural integrity during this process, enabling reliable seal formation with less labor.
4Reliability
If the seal groove is damaged during removal of a metal seal, then the entire pipeline element may have to be replaced, increasing maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the seal into an inner elastomeric layer and outer fabric layer allows the seal to be removed without damaging the groove. The fabric layer does not deform permanently and can be pulled out cleanly, protecting the groove integrity and reducing maintenance costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The durable fabric outer layer protects the groove during removal operations, allowing the seal to be discarded or recovered without compromising the pipeline element. This reduces the need to replace entire pipeline elements, lowering maintenance costs.
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 composite elastomeric ring seal improves ease of installation and service, reduces the risk of damaging the seal gland, and maintains seal integrity even on damaged glands, offering a more robust and reliable sealing solution.
Implementation Method 1
the mounting surfaces of two pipeline elements are joined and compressed against each other, thereby compressing a seal disposed in the grooves therein, forming a seal
Implementation Method 2
The elastomeric material is compressed under the joint to deform and press against the groove elements
Data Source
AI summary
A reusable flexible seal is made from a plurality of bonded layers of a fiber base impregnated with an elastomeric material. The flexible seal is sized and shaped to be compressed in a shaped groove created between two pipeline elements to be connected together. At least one layer of fabric may be disposed in a preferred embodiment on the surface of the flexible seal to help prevent extrusion of the elastomer of the flexible seal the joint between the connected pipeline elements during connection. A plastic or steel band may be disposed in the outward radial direction of the groove to improve the prevention of seepage or leakage.