Double-Walled Fiberglass Pipe Interstice Seal for Leak Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-walled pipes used in underground storage tanks face challenges in sealing the interstitial space, making it difficult to monitor for leaks effectively, as the interstice is often left open after initial testing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of first and second sealing pieces with attachment portions to form a sealer, disposed in the annular space between the inner and outer pipes, which can be connected using adhesives, screws, clamps, or O-rings, ensuring a secure and removable seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the interstitial space is left open after initial testing, then the pipe system is easier to manufacture and install, but the ability to continuously monitor for leaks is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple segments: a first sealing piece with an inner circumference that contacts the outer surface of the inner pipe, and a second sealing piece with an outer circumference that contacts the inner surface of the outer pipe. These segmented sealing pieces can be separately installed and attached to the interstice, providing a manageable solution to sealing the interstitial space while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing pieces act as intermediary components between the inner pipe and outer pipe, filling the interstice and providing a barrier that allows for leak monitoring. The sealing pieces with their specific geometric configurations (inner circumference, outer circumference, thickness) serve as mediators that bridge the gap between the two pipes while enabling detection of leaks through the sealed interstitial space.
2Reliability
If a permanent seal is applied to the interstice, then leak monitoring is enabled, but the sealing system becomes difficult to remove or replace
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system incorporates dynamic characteristics through attachable and removable sealing pieces. The first and second sealing pieces can be attached to seal the interstice and removed or replaced when needed for maintenance or repair. This dynamic design allows the seal to transition between installed and removed states, providing both integrity during operation and ease of repair when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing pieces are designed with preliminary attachment features that allow for easy installation and removal. The geometric configuration including the inner circumference, outer circumference, and thickness is predetermined to facilitate attachment to the interstice and subsequent removal if needed, enabling preliminary consideration of both seal integrity and future maintenance requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing pieces are used to cover the circumference, then complete sealing is achieved, but the installation process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential sealing is achieved through segmentation into a first sealing piece and a second sealing piece, where the first sealing piece has an inner circumference that contacts the outer surface of the inner pipe and the second sealing piece has an outer circumference that contacts the inner surface of the outer pipe. This segmentation allows for modular installation, where each piece can be independently positioned and attached, ensuring complete circumferential coverage while maintaining reasonable installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing pieces are designed with flexible geometric characteristics including specific thickness and circumference dimensions that allow them to conform to the interstice space between the inner and outer pipes. This flexibility enables the sealing pieces to be installed efficiently while maintaining complete circumferential contact, balancing sealing completeness with installation speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of sealing the interstice in double-walled pipe includes the steps of applying a first sealing piece to an inner pipe of the double-walled pipe, wherein the first sealing piece covers a portion of the circumference of the inner pipe; and applying a second sealing piece to the inner pipe of the double-walled pipe, wherein the second sealing piece covers the remainder of the circumference of the inner pipe. The method further includes the step of attaching the first sealing piece to the second sealing piece forming a sealer; wherein the sealer is disposed in an annular space located between the inner pipe and an outer pipe. A sealer configured to seal an opening between pipes in a double-walled pipe includes a first sealing piece having a rounded cross-section with an attachment portion configured to engage a corresponding attachment portion disposed on a second sealing piece.