Fire-Resistant Fluid Coupling Sleeve for High-Temperature Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid couplings are not fireproof and cannot withstand high temperatures, leading to potential leaks and failure in high-pressure and high-temperature applications, such as those required by AS1055 standards.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling design featuring a sleeve with multiple flame-retardant layers and reinforcement using non-rubber, rigid materials, including a mesh or corrugated configuration with embedded strands, to provide thermal insulation and structural support, preventing material degradation and facilitating expansion to maintain a fluid seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional fluid coupling materials are used, then the coupling is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot withstand high temperatures and is not fireproof
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into multiple functional layers including an inner coupling member, an intumescent fireproof layer, and an outer protective layer. Each layer performs a specific function: the inner coupling member provides structural connection, the intumescent layer expands when exposed to fire to insulate heat, and the outer layer provides additional fire and mechanical protection. This segmentation allows the coupling to achieve fireproof capabilities while maintaining manufacturability through specialized coating processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling employs composite material construction by combining metal base materials with intumescent fireproof coatings and protective outer layers. The intumescent coating contains multiple components including binder, filler, and fire-retardant agents that work together to provide thermal insulation. This composite approach enables the coupling to withstand high temperatures and fire exposure while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If fireproof materials and multiple layers are added to the coupling, then temperature resistance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fireproof intumescent coating is applied to the coupling members during the manufacturing process before the coupling is assembled and installed. This preliminary application ensures that the fireproof protection is integrated into the coupling structure from the outset, eliminating the need for separate field application steps and ensuring consistent protective properties. The coating is applied to precise thickness specifications to ensure reliable fire protection while optimizing material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention specifies precise parameters for the intumescent coating including thickness ranges (e.g., 0.5mm to 5mm), composition ratios of binder and filler, and curing conditions. By controlling these parameters, the manufacturing process achieves consistent fireproof performance across production batches. The coating thickness and composition are optimized to provide adequate fire protection while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If the coupling is designed to expand and maintain seal at high temperatures, then fluid seal integrity is maintained, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design incorporates controlled thermal expansion characteristics where the intumescent coating expands when exposed to fire temperatures, increasing in volume to fill gaps and maintain the seal between coupling members. The expansion ratio and timing are carefully designed to ensure that the seal remains intact during fire exposure. This thermal expansion mechanism provides automatic seal maintenance without requiring complex active sealing systems.
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 solution effectively prevents fluid leaks and maintains the integrity of the fluid coupling at high temperatures, ensuring compliance with AS1055 standards and preventing spalling or breakage during exposure to fire.
Implementation Method 1
the sleeve may include an inner coupling member, an intumescent fireproof coating disposed around the inner coupling member, and an outer protective layer
Implementation Method 2
the sleeve may include a first flame-retardant layer, a second flame-retardant layer, a third flame-retardant layer
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupling includes a first coupling member, a second coupling member configured for connection with the first coupling member, and a sleeve disposed at least partially around the first coupling member and/or the second coupling member. In embodiments, the sleeve may include a first flame-retardant layer, a second flame-retardant layer, a third flame-retardant layer, and at least one reinforcement of a non-rubber, rigid material.