Expanding Ring Pipe Closure for High-Pressure Large-Diameter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large diameter pipe closing devices face challenges in sealing pipes with diameters greater than 0.5 meters and pressures above 1.5 bar, as they tend to deform and leak due to inadequate support for elastic sealing means, and previous solutions fail to achieve the desired expansion ratio and pressure resistance simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A large diameter pipe closing device with a three-layer expanding ring mechanism and pressure blades that support the elastic sealing means across the entire sealing diameter, maintaining the expansion ratio below 0.5 and capable of withstanding pressures up to 2 bar, utilizing a spindle or hydraulic expansion driving mechanism and venting system for effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic sealing means is used to seal the pipe, then sealing is achieved at low pressure, but the elastic sealing means deforms and leaks under high pressure greater than 1.5 bar
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure blades are introduced as intermediary elements between the elastic sealing means and the pipe wall. These rigid blades support the elastic sealing means across the entire sealing diameter, distributing the high fluid pressure (up to 2 bar) uniformly and preventing excessive deformation of the elastic material, thereby maintaining sealing reliability under high pressure conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the expanding ring mechanism is designed with large expansion ratio to pass through small entry diameter, then the device can be inserted through tight spaces, but the device becomes too large to maintain desired expansion ratio below 0.5
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding ring mechanism is divided into multiple discrete ring segments that can be individually positioned and stacked. This segmentation allows the mechanism to achieve a compact collapsed state for easy insertion through small entry diameters, while maintaining the ability to expand to the required sealing diameter with an optimized expansion ratio close to 0.46
Solution Approach 2:
The ring segments are designed to nest within each other in the collapsed state, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement minimizes the entry diameter requirement while preserving the full expansion capability needed for sealing large diameter pipes, thereby achieving both adaptability and shape control
3Area of stationary object
If the device is designed for large diameter pipes up to 0.9 m, then the sealing capacity is increased, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding ring mechanism with adjustable number of ring segments and pressure blades is designed to be universally applicable across a range of pipe diameters (up to 0.9 m). The same basic structure can be configured for different sealing diameters by adjusting the number and arrangement of ring segments, avoiding the need for completely different device designs for each pipe size
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure blades are strategically positioned at specific locations around the sealing circumference rather than uniformly distributed. This local quality approach provides targeted support where it is most needed to prevent elastic sealing means deformation, reducing the overall number of components and structural complexity while maintaining effective sealing across large diameters
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 device ensures reliable sealing and prevents deformation of the elastic sealing means under high pressure, achieving a better expansion ratio and pressure resistance compared to prior art, allowing for safe operation in critical systems like nuclear power plants and oil rigs.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic sealing means tends to deform if not supported well, which leads to leakage and cracking under the exerted fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
the expansion is performed radially, i.e. by radial expansion of the sealing body
Implementation Method 3
a specially designed set of pressure blades that support the elastic sealing means, i.e. rubber, across the whole sealing diameter, thus preventing any excessive elastic sealing means deformations
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
A large diameter pipe closing device with an expanding ring mechanism (30) formed between the upper (10) and the lower (60) assembly plate is disclosed. The expanding ring mechanism (30) is formed from multiple ring segments that are engaged by hinge arms (21, 22) attached to the upper assembly plate and by hinge arms extending from the lower assembly part, which support the pressure blades (51, 52). In the preferred embodiment, an elastic sealing means in the form of a rubber cover is extended from the lower assembly part (60) over the expanding ring mechanism (30) to the fastening means (91). The closing device is capable of closing pipes of up to 0.9 m in diameter, and with a counterpressure of 2 bar exerted on an elastic sealing means supported by pressure blades. The expansion ratio, i.e. the min/max expanding ring mechanism diameter, is close to 0.46.