Compression Penetration Fitting for Adhesive-Free Sump Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional penetration fittings for underground storage tank fueling sites have components with low chemical resistance that degrade quickly, requiring frequent replacement and the use of adhesives, which complicates the sealing process and can lead to leaks due to environmental factors like temperature and humidity.
Innovation Solution
A penetration fitting assembly with a base assembly, gasket assembly, and cap assembly that uses compression seals to form a liquid-tight seal around a pipe or conduit passing through a containment sump wall, eliminating the need for adhesives and incorporating semi-annular portions and reinforcement flanges for secure fastening, and a method for retrofitting existing boots using disposable spacers and high-torque band clamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional penetration fittings with low chemical resistance materials are used, then initial sealing is achieved, but the components degrade quickly requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration fitting employs composite construction with chemically resistant materials (such as PVC, CPVC, or HDPE) for components exposed to hydrocarbons, while using structurally strong materials for load-bearing elements. This multi-material approach ensures both chemical resistance and mechanical strength, preventing premature degradation and extending service life in harsh sump environments.
2Ease of manufacture
If adhesives are used for sealing, then sealing process is simplified, but the seal quality becomes unreliable due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely eliminates adhesives from the sealing process by using a pure mechanical compression sealing system. The cap assembly compresses the pipe gasket against the pipe and the wall gasket against the sump wall through threaded fasteners, creating a reliable seal that is independent of environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, thereby ensuring consistent seal quality.
3Ease of repair
If conventional penetration fittings are replaced, then worn components are renewed, but excavation of backfill is required increasing installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The penetration fitting is designed as a segmented, modular assembly with the base portion remaining installed in the sump wall and the cap portion being removable. This allows the cap and its components (pipe gasket, wall gasket, fasteners) to be replaced independently without excavating backfill, significantly reducing maintenance time and effort while enabling easy renewal of worn components.
4Ease of manufacture
If adhesives are used for sealing, then sealing process can be applied, but it becomes messy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes adhesives entirely from the sealing process, replacing them with a clean mechanical compression system. The cap assembly uses threaded fasteners to compress elastomeric gaskets against mating surfaces, creating a seal through pure mechanical force. This eliminates the messiness and complexity of adhesive application, making the sealing process cleaner and easier to execute.
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 durable, adhesive-free liquid-tight seal that reduces maintenance frequency and installation time, while protecting gasket components from hydrocarbons, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of the seal.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second base halves compress the first wall gasket half and the second wall gasket half against the wall of the sump, and when the first and second cap halves are coupled together around the first and second base halves, the first and second cap halves compress the pipe gasket against the pipe or conduit and compress the second wall gasket half between the semi-cylindrical sidewall and the reinforcement flange
Data Source
AI summary
A penetration fitting assembly includes a base assembly including first and second gasket halves and first and second base halves, a pipe gasket, and a cap assembly including first and second cap halves. The gasket halves each include first and second semi-annular portions, and the base halves each include a semi-annular face plate defining openings, a semi-annular groove in a front surface of the face plate, a reinforcement flange extending along an outer peripheral edge of the face plate, and a second semi-annular groove in an outer surface of the reinforcement flange. The pipe gasket includes an annular portion defining a central opening, and stem portions extending in opposite directions from the annular portion. The cap halves each include a semi-cylindrical sidewall defining a semi-annular groove, a semi-circular cap plate connected to the semi-cylindrical sidewall, and a channel defined by the semi-circular cap plate.