Expandable Metal Joint Sealing for Corrosion-Resistant Anchored Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for joining and sealing two different parts, such as geometric mechanical joining and special sealing threads, are limited by geometry and often require high heat, which can damage materials and violate standards like NACE, especially in high H2S or CO2 applications.

Innovation Solution

The use of expandable metal that transforms into a hard, fluid-impermeable material upon activation, providing a self-healing and self-repairing joint capable of anchoring and sealing with 360-degree contact, suitable for various geometries and materials, including non-round shapes, without the need for extreme heat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional geometric mechanical joining methods or special sealing threads are used, then anchoring and sealing can be achieved simultaneously, but the methods are limited by geometry (e.g., threads only work on round tubular sections) and may require high heat that damages materials and violates corrosion resistance standards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidgeometric flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a shape memory alloy that changes its physical state (from austenite to martensite phase) in response to temperature changes, enabling the material to transform from a constrained state to an expanded state. This phase transformation allows the joint to adapt to different geometries and provide both anchoring and sealing without requiring high heat that would damage corrosion-resistant materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical joining methods (threads, bolts, rivets) with a shape memory alloy-based system that uses controlled thermal expansion and phase transformation. This substitution eliminates the need for high-heat welding or mechanical fastening that could compromise corrosion resistance, while providing versatile adaptation to various geometries including non-round shapes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If high heat is applied for joining and sealing, then anchoring and sealing can be achieved, but materials are damaged and corrosion resistance standards are violated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidmaterial damage from heat

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs shape memory alloy that undergoes a reversible phase transition between austenite (high-temperature phase) and martensite (low-temperature phase). By controlling the thermal cycling, the material transforms phases to achieve expansion and locking without requiring sustained high heat that would damage the base materials or violate NACE standards for corrosion-resistant applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory alloy acts as an intermediary material between the components being joined. It absorbs and transforms thermal energy through phase transitions, providing the necessary expansion force for anchoring and sealing while protecting the base materials from direct exposure to damaging high temperatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional sealing elements or inserts are used, then sealing can be achieved, but the joining process becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidjoining system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anchoring and sealing functions into a single integrated shape memory alloy component. The SMA joint simultaneously provides mechanical anchoring through expansion and sealing through the conformal contact of the transformed material, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements, gaskets, or inserts that would increase system complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 expandable metal joints offer cost-effective, quick, and reliable solutions for joining and sealing, maintaining performance and meeting corrosion resistance standards, even in challenging environments, while avoiding the limitations of traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

a pre-expansion joint comprising a metal configured to expand in response to hydrolysis; subjecting the pre-expansion joint to an activation fluid to expand the metal in the overlapping space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS20220205470A1Expanding metal sealed and anchored joints and applications therefor

Publication Date: 2022.06.30 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Provided is a junction. In one aspect, the junction includes a first member, the first member formed of a first material, and a second member overlapping with the first member, the second member formed of a second material, the first and second members defining an overlapping space. In accordance with this aspect, the junction additionally includes an expanded metal joint located in at least a portion of the overlapping space, the expanded metal joint comprising a metal that has expanded in response to hydrolysis.