Cryogenic Pipe Connector Sleeve for Weld Heat Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe systems used for cryogenic liquids like liquid hydrogen face issues with residual heat protection elements left behind after welding, leading to contamination and potential system malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector with a concentrically arranged sleeve having enlarged diameter sections that provides thermal protection by creating a gap between the sleeve and cables, using orbital inert gas welding and inert gas filling to ensure controlled welding and high-quality welds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If heat protection elements are used during welding to shield cables from heat, then cable protection is improved, but particle contamination and system pollution occur when elements remain in the closed pipe system
Solution Approach 1:
The heat protection function is merged into the pipe connector sleeve itself rather than using separate removable heat protection elements. The sleeve provides thermal insulation during welding through its material properties and geometry, eliminating the need for additional protective layers that would need to be removed and potentially left as contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe connector sleeve serves dual functions: it provides structural connection between pipe sections and simultaneously provides heat protection for cables during welding. The sleeve's own material and structure provide the thermal protection, making the system self-sufficient without requiring separate removable protective elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sleeve diameter is enlarged to provide thermal protection space, then heat protection capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enlarged-diameter sleeve serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the structural pipe connector, provides thermal insulation during welding, creates protective space for cables, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components despite the increased diameter.
3Manufacturing precision
If orbital inert gas welding is used to ensure precise and uniform welds, then welding quality is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is filled with inert gas during welding to create a protected atmosphere that prevents oxidation and ensures high-quality welds. This inert environment allows for precise orbital welding while maintaining structural integrity and preventing contamination of the weld zone.
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
Ensures effective thermal protection during welding, preventing contamination and enhancing the structural integrity and durability of the pipe connections while eliminating the need for additional protective layers.
Implementation Method 1
filling the sleeve with inert gas during welding helps to create a controlled welding environment, reducing the risk of oxidation and ensuring high-quality welds
Implementation Method 2
the gas is also creating a positive cooling effect, hence supporting and further improving heat protection
Implementation Method 3
the sleeve sections can be welded by orbital inert gas welding. This has the advantage that that orbital inert gas welding provides precise and uniform welds, enhancing the overall structural integrity
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention provides a pipe connector (100), wherein the pipe connector (100) has a sleeve (101) which can be arranged concentrically to pipe sections (103, 104, 108) with a first diameter (D1) and has a first sleeve section (110) and a second sleeve section (120) which can be welded to the first sleeve section (110) to form the sleeve (101) with the sleeve (101) having a second diameter (D2) which is larger than that of the pipe sections (103, 104, 108) of a pipe system (205) and a method for connecting pipe ends in a pipe system (205) using the pipe connector (101).