Flexible Coupling Part for Sealing Angled Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compensators for sealing conduits through walls provide limited movability and inadequate sealing, especially at temperature fluctuations and when conduits are angled, and existing fire collars do not maintain a fluid-tight seal during normal conditions or provide sufficient flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A method using a coupling part made of sheet material with a flexible and constructive force-providing material, such as silicone rubber and woven polymer fibers, wrapped around the conduit and connected to both the conduit and a fixed pipe in the wall, ensuring a fluid-tight seal and flexibility, with an intumescent material for flame retardancy in case of fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible material is positioned between conduit and wall to provide sealing, then fluid tight seal is achieved, but freedom of movement of conduit is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part is divided into multiple overlapping sheet material portions that can independently deform and move. Each portion contributes to the seal while the overall structure allows conduit movement through the coordinated deformation of segments
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part uses composite construction with flexible material layers combined with constructive force-providing material layers, creating a structure that simultaneously provides sealing flexibility and structural integrity for movement accommodation
2Reliability
If compensator is installed to provide sealing, then fluid tight seal is achieved, but installation complexity increases especially in situ
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part is pre-formed as a complete assembly with all sealing and structural features integrated before installation, eliminating the need for complex in-situ assembly operations and enabling straightforward installation over the conduit
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part utilizes flexible sheet material that can be easily positioned and adapted to the conduit and wall geometry, simplifying the installation process while maintaining effective sealing
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fire collar with intumescent material is used, then flame retardancy is provided, but fluid tight seal is not maintained during normal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part integrates intumescent material specifically in regions where fire protection is needed, while other portions maintain continuous flexible sealing. The constructive force-providing material layers ensure seal integrity during normal conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part combines flexible sealing material with intumescent and constructive force-providing materials in a composite structure that simultaneously provides continuous sealing during normal operation and flame retardancy when exposed to fire
4Adaptability or versatility
If conduit is fed through wall at angle, then installation flexibility is improved, but sealing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling part is designed as a dynamic structure with overlapping flexible portions that can deform and redistribute sealing material in response to angular installation conditions, maintaining even sealing pressure distribution across the wall-conduit interface
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet material construction of the coupling part allows it to conform to angular conduit positions while maintaining continuous contact and sealing against the wall, with the flexibility accommodating various installation angles without compromising seal integrity
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 method achieves a high degree of conduit movement with excellent sealing, even at angles, and maintains a fluid-tight seal during normal and fire conditions, ensuring safety and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible material is positioned between the conduit and the circumference of the opening. The flexibility of such material provides for a limited movability of the conduit with respect to the wall
Implementation Method 2
These fire collars are comprised of an intumescent material that expands when exposed to high temperature
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a compensator for sealingly and with freedom of movement coupling a wall of a tank pit and a conduit to be fed through said wall, comprising a coupling part that is connected to the wall on the one hand and to the conduit on the other, said coupling part being partially comprised of a flexible material. The compensator is characterized in that said coupling part is positioned sealingly around at least said conduit. The invention also relates to a method for sealingly and with freedom of movement coupling a wall of a tank pit with a conduit to be fed trough said wall by means of a coupling part according to the invention. The method comprises the steps of measuring a diameter of an opening in said wall and of said conduit, measuring the angle of intersection of said conduit with respect to said opening, measuring the mutual position of said conduit and said opening in said wall and, based on the measured values, manufacturing a coupling part to be connected to said wall and to said conduit, and sealingly connecting said coupling part to said opening and to said conduit.