Double Shell Pipe Displacement Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid double-envelope piping systems connected to independent structures, such as buildings, face instability and increased fluid losses due to relative displacements and contractions, which existing systems like the 'crank type' architecture fail to adequately address, leading to potential rupture and inefficient fluid transfer.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a system with flexible and resilient areas, including universal joints with distinct axes of articulation, to allow for limited deformation and absorption of displacements, maintaining stability and preventing rupture while minimizing fluid losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a crank-type piping system with multiple direction changes is used to compensate for relative displacements, then the system can absorb displacements between structures, but the fluid transfer efficiency deteriorates due to additional load losses
Solution Approach 1:
The piping system is divided into distinct segments: rigid sections for structural stability, flexible sections (bellows) for displacement absorption, and resilient sections for thermal contraction compensation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without the fluid path needing to follow complex crank-type trajectories, thereby reducing load losses while maintaining displacement compensation capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a crank-type piping system is used to accommodate displacements, then the system can handle relative movements, but the installation volume increases substantially requiring more ground surface area
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of accommodating displacements through horizontal direction changes (crank-type architecture occupying ground surface area), the invention uses flexible bellows and resilient sections that absorb displacements axially along the piping direction. This dimensional shift from horizontal to axial displacement absorption reduces the ground surface area requirement while maintaining the ability to handle relative movements between structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a crank-type piping system is used for displacement compensation, then the system can absorb relative movements, but vertical stability deteriorates requiring additional vertical stops
Solution Approach 1:
The piping system incorporates localized flexible and resilient sections at specific positions where displacement compensation is needed, while the majority of the piping remains rigid to maintain overall vertical stability. The flexible bellows and resilient sections are strategically placed to absorb relative movements without compromising the structural integrity and vertical stability of the entire piping system, eliminating the need for additional vertical stops.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid piping is used to connect independent structures, then the connection is stable, but the system is prone to rupture due to relative displacements and thermal contractions
Solution Approach 1:
The piping system transitions from a fully rigid configuration to a hybrid dynamic structure combining rigid sections (for connection stability) with flexible bellows and resilient sections (for displacement and contraction accommodation). This dynamic design allows the system to maintain stable connections while adapting to relative movements and thermal changes, preventing rupture without sacrificing connection stability.
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 stable and efficient fluid transfer system that absorbs relative displacements and expansions, maintaining a straight piping configuration and reducing the risk of rupture and fluid loss, while avoiding the voluminous and unstable 'crank type' architecture.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient area, said at least one resilient area being resilient according to the longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 2
the system for compensation for displacements comprises at least one flexible area
Implementation Method 3
a mechanism of universal joints, containing two universal joints and mechanically connecting the two ends of the flexible area; the two universal joints each have two distinct axes of articulation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A device for transferring fluid between two separate structures includes a rigid pipe with a double shell extending along a longitudinal axis. The pipe includes an outer-shell housing (in the inner vacuum space thereof), at least one inner duct for fluid transfer, and at first and second ends thereof, includes respective first and second rigid connections of the outer shell to the first structure and second structures, respectively. The first and second ends of the outer shell are rigidly connected to the at least one inner duct. The pipe comprises a system to compensate for movements in the longitudinal direction.