Fiberglass Pipe Jointing Using Injected Composite Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current jointing systems for reinforced thermosetting resin (RTR) pipes face limitations in withstanding high pressures and diameters required for oil field applications, primarily due to inadequate joint performance, which restricts the pressure rating and diameter capabilities of fiberglass pipe systems compared to steel pipes.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical-injected joint system for fiberglass pipes is developed, where a spigot and socket design with an injectable joining compound is used to create a secure mechanical joint, allowing for higher pressure and diameter capabilities without the need for heavy machinery or complex assembly processes, utilizing a push-fit method and curing the compound for a strong seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional jointing systems are used for RTR pipes, then the pipes can be joined together, but the joint performance is inadequate for withstanding high pressures and large diameters required in oil field applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite joining compound consisting of resin and reinforcing fibers (such as glass fibers) to create a joint that combines the adhesive properties of the resin with the structural strength of the fibers. This composite material enables the joint to withstand high pressures and large diameters in oil field applications, resolving the contradiction between joint performance and pressure rating.
2Stress or pressure
If mechanical jointing systems are developed for higher pressure capabilities, then the pressure rating increases, but the assembly process becomes more complex and requires heavy machinery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the joining compound into two separate components: a resin component and a hardener component (with reinforcing fibers). These components are mixed together in a mixing chamber during the assembly process, allowing the joint to be formed in-situ without requiring heavy machinery or complex pre-assembly procedures. This segmentation enables high pressure ratings while keeping the assembly process simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining compound is designed to be self-mixing and self-curing within the joint cavity. The resin and hardener components are introduced separately and then automatically mix and cure without requiring external equipment or complex operations, enabling workers to install high-pressure capable joints using simple tools and procedures.
3Reliability
If complex assembly processes are used to achieve secure seals, then the seal reliability improves, but the installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing fibers are pre-incorporated into the hardener component of the joining compound during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the resin and hardener are mixed during assembly, the reinforcing fibers are already positioned to provide immediate structural support and seal security, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site fiber placement or complex assembly procedures.
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 greater pressure, diameter, and temperature parameters, reducing installation time and costs while maintaining a secure seal, outperforming traditional steel pipe jointing methods in terms of efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
injecting a joining compound into the cavity; and curing the joining compound
Data Source
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.