Pipe Coupling Protective Ring Corrosion Inhibition
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular coupling systems face challenges in preventing corrosion when connecting lined or clad pipes, as the interior of the coupling is exposed to corrosive materials, leading to potential damage and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A protective ring with energizing members is positioned between the coupling body and tubulars, compressing against the coupling's interior wall to prevent corrosive materials from contacting the interior, and is held in place by tapered ends and concave areas, ensuring the ring remains effective even when compressed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coupling member is used to connect two tubulars, then the tubulars are joined together, but the interior wall of the coupling is exposed to corrosive materials causing corrosion damage
Solution Approach 1:
A protective ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the corrosive fluid and the coupling member's interior wall. The ring acts as a barrier that prevents direct contact between the corrosive material and the coupling surface, thereby protecting the coupling from corrosion while allowing the coupling to perform its joining function
Solution Approach 2:
The protective ring is designed with a flexible or resilient structure that allows it to conform to the interior wall of the coupling member. This flexible barrier effectively seals the interior surface from corrosive materials while maintaining the structural integrity of the coupling assembly
2Reliability
If a protective ring is added to protect the coupling interior, then corrosion protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective ring utilizes a flexible shell design that can be easily installed within the coupling member. The ring's flexibility allows it to adapt to the coupling's interior geometry without requiring complex mounting mechanisms, thereby adding protection with minimal increase in structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective ring is designed to be self-retaining through its interaction with the coupling member's geometry. The ring's resilient nature allows it to be compressed during installation and then expand to engage with the coupling's interior features, eliminating the need for additional fastening components or complex installation procedures
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 effectively inhibits the flow of corrosive materials into and out of the coupling's interior, protecting the coupling from corrosion and maintaining the integrity of the tubular connections.
Implementation Method 1
at least one energizing member within the ring... upon compression, forces the body of the coupling member against the interior wall of the coupling
Implementation Method 2
is held in place by tapered ends and concave areas, ensuring the ring remains effective even when compressed
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular coupling system and method; the system and method in at least certain aspects, using a coupling member with an interior protective ring that has at least one inner energizing member which, upon compression, forces the body of the coupling member against an interior wall of the coupling thereby inhibiting corrosive material from contacting the coupling's interior wall or, in the event some corrosive material does enter this area, holding the interior protective ring against the coupling's interior wall so that the corrosive material remains in and does not exit this area, thus inhibiting or preventing a continuous flow of corrosive material.