Flexible Pipe Coupling Seal Using Semi-Crystalline Thermoplastics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flexible pipes for high pressure and high temperature applications face challenges in maintaining a reliable seal due to the inherent permeability of elastomeric materials, leading to potential catastrophic failures from explosive decompression, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for improved sealing performance and simplified construction methods.
Innovation Solution
A flexible pipe design featuring a semi-crystalline thermoplastic or thermoset sealing material, either as an injectable fluid or solid meltable seal, is used in conjunction with a reinforcement material within the inner liner, which is bonded to a metal or metal alloy coupling, creating a homogeneous polymer structure that enhances sealing and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If elastomeric sealing material is used in flexible pipes, then flexibility and ease of manufacture are improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to inherent permeability leading to explosive decompression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from elastomeric to semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer, which fundamentally alters the sealing mechanism from elastic deformation to crystalline structure integrity. This parameter change eliminates gas permeation while maintaining seal functionality under high pressure and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer with reinforcement means (such as braided or woven fabric layers) to create a sealing material that integrates both sealing functionality and mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between seal reliability and structural integrity
2Strength
If reinforcement means is incorporated into inner liner, then structural integrity and resistance to explosive decompression are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcement means directly into the inner liner structure, creating an integrated composite component. This combining approach strengthens the liner against explosive decompression while avoiding the complexity of separate reinforcement layers, as the reinforcement is incorporated during the extrusion process itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the construction parameter from separate layers to integrated composite structure, where the reinforcement means is embedded within the semi-crystalline thermoplastic matrix during manufacturing, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining high structural integrity
3Reliability
If semi-crystalline thermoplastic sealing material is used, then sealing reliability and resistance to explosive decompression are improved, but manufacturing precision and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The semi-crystalline thermoplastic material exhibits self-sealing properties through its crystalline structure, which automatically resists gas permeation and maintains seal integrity without requiring additional sealing mechanisms or precise manual adjustment, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter to semi-crystalline thermoplastic, which inherently provides gas-tight sealing through its crystalline structure, eliminating the need for complex sealing geometries or precision-critical features that would otherwise be required with elastomeric materials
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
This design provides a more reliable and durable seal, resistant to high pressures and temperatures, while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the risk of explosive decompression, thereby improving the overall performance and longevity of flexible pipes in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
bonded to a metal or metal alloy coupling, creating a homogeneous polymer structure
Implementation Method 2
either as an injectable fluid or solid meltable seal
Data Source
AI summary
Construction of a sealed connection between an elastomeric or synthetic polymer flexible pipe or hose and a metallic coupling member. The coupling member surrounds an armor layer at a free end of the flexible pipe or hose. A sealing area is defined by a recessed portion of the pipe coupling into which a sealing material is introduced. An inner liner layer of the flexible pipe or hose may extend into the sealing area where it is bonded to the sealing material. The sealing material and the inner liner layer may each be comprised of a semi-crystalline thermoplastic material. Furthermore, a reinforcement material may be provided in the inner liner layer.