Electrofusion Pipe Coupling for Secondary Containment Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for joining plastic pipes in secondary containment systems require multiple components and complex fittings, leading to increased costs, complexity, and difficulties in testing primary pipes before secondary containment is sealed, while also risking leakage due to single-walled joints.
Innovation Solution
A coupling component with a unique design featuring a sliding fit and angled mating regions allows for the formation of fluid-tight connections between primary and secondary pipes, enabling the use of fewer components and allowing for primary pipe testing before secondary containment is sealed, using electrofusion heating elements and associated terminal connections for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrofusion couplings are used to join plastic pipes in secondary containment systems, then fluid-tight connections can be achieved, but the effective external diameter of the pipework is significantly increased due to the thickness of the coupling body and projecting electrical connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connectors are recessed into the coupling body rather than projecting from it, effectively moving them from an external dimension to an internal dimension. This reduces the external diameter of the assembly while maintaining the necessary electrical connection functionality for electrofusion welding.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectors are nested within recesses in the coupling body, with the connectors being contained within the overall envelope of the coupling. This nesting arrangement reduces the external dimensions while preserving the functional elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional electrofusion couplings with thick walls are used to prevent distortion during electrofusion, then coupling stability is improved, but the number of components and complexity of the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the structural stability needed for electrofusion, contains recesses for electrical connectors, and forms the fluid-tight barrier. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional single-walled joints are used to join pipes, then the joining process is simplified, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling wall is segmented into multiple layers or zones: an outer wall, an intermediate barrier layer, and an inner wall. This segmentation creates multiple containment barriers while maintaining a unified coupling structure that can be joined using standard electrofusion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling employs composite construction with different material layers serving different functions: structural layers for strength and stability, and barrier layers for leakage prevention. This composite approach maintains ease of manufacture while significantly improving reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fittings with multiple components are used for secondary containment joints, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but material costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different pipe configurations and sizes while maintaining secondary containment functionality. The standardized design with integrated features reduces the need for multiple specialized fittings, thereby reducing material quantity.
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 solution simplifies the joining process, reduces component count, and ensures continuous secondary containment without the need for expansion/reduction fittings, while allowing for primary pipe testing before secondary containment is completed, thereby enhancing safety and reducing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
passing electric current through the heating windings in order to fuse the internal surfaces of the electrofusion coupling and the adjacent external surfaces of the inserted pipe ends, thereby welding the pipe ends to the electrofusion coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling component having a first end and a second end, the fitting having a longitudinal axis between the first end and the second end, the first end of the component including a first tubular portion having a first internal diameter adapted to form a sliding fit with a first pipe section, and a first sealer adapted such that the first end can be sealed in use to the first pipe section; the second end having a second diameter or cross-sectional area which is larger than the first diameter and wherein the second end incorporates a flange, wherein at least part of the face of said flange is in a plane substantially non-perpendicular to, or offset from, the longitudinal axis of the component.