Compression Seal 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 that degrade quickly due to harsh environments and require excavation and adhesives, leading to messy and time-consuming installations with uncertain seal quality.

Innovation Solution

A penetration fitting assembly with a pipe gasket, ring gasket assembly, and outer ring assembly that compresses gaskets to form a liquid-tight seal without adhesives, using a clamp to secure the pipe and conduit, and shielding components from hydrocarbons to extend service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional penetration fittings with gaskets and boots are used, then the seal between sump wall and pipe is formed, but the components degrade quickly due to low chemical resistance in harsh sump environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The penetration fitting uses a composite structure combining a chemically resistant outer shell (made from high-density polyethylene or similar chemically resistant material) with internal sealing components. This composite approach provides both chemical resistance for longevity and effective sealing functionality, resolving the contradiction between reliability and service life in harsh sump environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional penetration fittings are replaced, then worn components are replaced, but excavation of backfill area is required which is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The penetration fitting is designed as a segmented, modular assembly with separable components including an outer shell, internal seals, and clamping mechanisms. This segmentation allows the fitting to be installed in sections through the sump wall without requiring extensive excavation, enabling replacement while minimizing disruption to the backfill area and reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting incorporates flexible sealing elements and thin-film gaskets that can be compressed and molded to fit around the pipe and sump wall interface. These flexible components create reliable seals without requiring rigid, excavation-intensive installation methods, thus maintaining seal integrity while reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If adhesives are used for installation, then components are bonded together, but the process is messy, cumbersome, and time-consuming with uncertain seal quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond strengthVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The penetration fitting replaces adhesive-based bonding with a purely mechanical assembly system featuring interlocking components, clamps, and compression seals. This mechanical substitution eliminates the mess and uncertainty of adhesive application while providing consistent, reliable bonding strength through precise mechanical engagement and compression forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fitting components are pre-configured with integrated sealing surfaces and alignment features that ensure proper positioning before final assembly. This preliminary preparation of components allows for quick, clean installation without the need for messy adhesive application, while still achieving strong, reliable bonds through pre-engineered mechanical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reliable, long-lasting liquid-tight seals around pipes and conduits in containment sumps without the need for adhesives, reducing installation time and ensuring consistent seal quality.

Implementation Method 1

the outer ring assembly compresses the wall gasket against the sump wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the clamp compresses the ring gasket assembly between the inner ring assembly and the outer ring assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

the clamp compresses the pipe gasket against the pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11680662B2Penetration fitting having compression seals and methods of installing and using the same

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 S BRAVO SYST

AI summary

A penetration fitting assembly includes a pipe gasket having an annular portion defining a central opening and first and second stem portions extending in opposite directions from the annular portion, an inner ring assembly configured to surround the pipe gasket and including first and second inner ring halves, a ring gasket assembly configured to surround the inner ring assembly and including first and second ring gasket halves, a wall gasket, an outer ring assembly configured to surround the ring gasket assembly and including first and second outer ring halves, and a clamp configured to surround the outer ring assembly. When the penetration fitting assembly is installed, the outer ring assembly compresses the wall gasket against the wall of the sump, the clamp compresses the ring gasket assembly between the inner ring assembly and the outer ring assembly, and the clamp compresses the pipe gasket against the pipe or conduit.