Double-Wall Pipe Spacer for Noise Reduction and Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying lines with existing designs face challenges in minimizing noise levels and detecting leaks effectively, as structure-borne sound is transmitted through the annular space between inner and exterior pipes, and leaks can be difficult to detect due to the double-wall configuration.
Innovation Solution
The exterior pipe is supported by 2-point or multi-point projections on a spacer seated on the inner pipe, creating an open annular space for minimal noise transmission and allowing for air volume noise reduction, while the annular spaces are closed off at both ends with measuring devices to detect pressure or flow changes indicating leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the annular space is filled with plastic material to separate the inner pipe acoustically, then noise reduction is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the filling material from the annular space, leaving it empty instead of filled with plastic or other materials. This eliminates the need for complex filling operations while maintaining noise reduction through the air gap alone, and enables simple push-on assembly of the exterior pipe.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the annular space from filled (solid plastic) to empty (air gap). This parameter change maintains acoustic separation while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process, allowing the exterior pipe to be simply pushed onto the inner pipe with spacers.
2Temperature
If the annular space is filled with insulating material to minimize heat loss, then thermal insulation is improved, but noise transmission increases due to material contact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes insulating material from the annular space, eliminating the source of noise transmission through material contact. Thermal insulation is maintained through the air gap, which provides both thermal resistance and acoustic separation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap in the annular space serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal insulation to minimize heat loss, acoustic separation to reduce noise transmission, and structural simplicity for easy manufacturing. This multi-functional solution eliminates the need for separate insulating materials.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spacer closes off the annular space to provide structural support, then mechanical stability is improved, but noise reduction capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed with discrete projections instead of a continuous closing structure. These segmented projections provide localized mechanical support and centering while leaving the annular space open for acoustic separation. The projections are distributed around the circumference to provide adequate support without closing off the noise-reducing air gap.
4Strength
If the exterior pipe is supported continuously on the inner pipe, then mechanical support is maximized, but structure-borne sound transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into discrete projections on the spacer instead of continuous contact. This segmentation provides adequate mechanical support through multiple localized points while preventing structure-borne sound transmission by eliminating continuous material bridges between the inner and exterior pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer acts as an intermediary element between the inner and exterior pipes. It provides mechanical support and centering through its projections while maintaining the air gap that prevents direct sound transmission. The spacer mediates the interaction between the two pipes, providing support without creating sound bridges.
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
This configuration significantly reduces noise levels and allows for simple and reliable leakage monitoring, enabling early detection and localization of leaks in the inner pipe.
Implementation Method 1
the air volume that is provided in the annular space contributes also to noise reduction
Implementation Method 2
each are closed off at both ends and each are monitored by at least one measuring device
Implementation Method 3
each are closed off at both ends and each are monitored by at least one measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe for a conveying line for conveying bulk material has an inner pipe and an exterior pipe surrounding at a spacing the inner pipe, wherein an annular space is formed between the inner pipe and the exterior pipe. A spacer is seated on the inner pipe and arranged in the annular space between the inner pipe and the exterior pipe. The spacer centers the inner pipe and the exterior pipe relative to each other. The spacer supports the exterior pipe by an at least 2-point support.