Fiberglass Pipe Jointing via Injected Curing Compound
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR) pipe jointing systems face limitations in withstanding high pressures required for oil field applications, particularly in terms of pressure rating and diameter, due to inadequate joint performance.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical-injected joint system for fiberglass pipes, involving a push-fit design with a spigot and socket configuration, where a joining compound is injected into a cavity between the two pipes to form a secure bond, allowing for increased pressure and diameter capabilities without the need for heavy machinery or complex assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If traditional RTR pipe jointing systems are used, then installation is simple, but pressure rating and diameter capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The jointing system is divided into distinct functional components: a spigot portion with an outer surface, a socket portion with an inner surface, and a separate joining compound. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the spigot and socket provide structural alignment while the injected compound provides pressure-bearing bonding, enabling high pressure ratings without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A joining compound is introduced as an intermediary material between the spigot and socket portions. This compound is injected into the cavity formed by the push-fit connection and cures to create a strong bond. The intermediary compound enables the joint to withstand high pressures and larger diameters by distributing stress uniformly across the bonding interface, rather than relying solely on mechanical friction or compression
2Strength
If complex assembly processes or heavy machinery are used, then pressure and diameter capabilities increase, but installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spigot and socket portions are designed with predetermined geometric features (tapered surfaces, sealing ridges, alignment guides) that enable self-alignment and automatic cavity formation during insertion. This preliminary design of the joint geometry eliminates the need for on-site machining, alignment equipment, or complex assembly procedures, allowing workers to simply push-fit the components together before injecting the joining compound
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical jointing methods (welding, threading, flanging) that require heavy machinery and skilled operators are replaced with a chemical-bonding system. The joining compound provides the bonding function through chemical adhesion and curing, substituting complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler injection-and-cure process that can be performed with basic injection equipment
3Productivity
If simple push-fit design is used, then installation is fast, but pressure rating is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The joining compound undergoes a parameter change from liquid to solid state through curing. It is injected in liquid form to fill the cavity completely and ensure all surfaces are coated, then cures to a solid state to provide high-strength bonding. This parameter change allows the joint to maintain the simplicity and speed of push-fit installation while achieving the reliability and pressure rating of a fully bonded connection
Solution Approach 2:
The joint system combines multiple materials with complementary properties: the spigot and socket portions provide structural integrity and geometric precision, the joining compound provides adhesive bonding and stress distribution, and the cured compound creates a rigid bond. This composite approach integrates the advantages of mechanical fit (alignment and initial strength) with chemical bonding (uniform stress distribution and high pressure resistance), achieving both installation speed and joint reliability
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 system enables fiberglass pipes to achieve higher pressure ratings and larger diameters, reducing installation time and costs while maintaining a secure and leak-tight seal, thus overcoming the limitations of existing RTR pipe jointing systems.
Implementation Method 1
injecting a joining compound into the cavity
Implementation Method 2
the joining compound is injected into the cavity and allowed to cure
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system of jointing reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR) pipe, including: a first RTR pipe with a spigot portion, the spigot portion having a first joining surface; a second RTR pipe with a socket portion shaped to receive the spigot portion, the socket portion having a second joining surface; and a cavity between the first joining surface and the second joining surface, the cavity formed when the spigot portion is push-fit into the socket portion; and an injectable/curable material located in the cavity. Additionally, a method of jointing RTR pipe, including the steps of: push-fitting a spigot portion of a first pipe into a socket portion of a second pipe, forming a cavity between the spigot portion and the socket portion; injecting a joining compound into the cavity; and curing the joining compound.