Fluoropolymer Pipe Joint Molding for Thick-Wall Deformation Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joints made from tetrafluoroethylene/perfluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) copolymers face challenges in producing large wall thickness and length without forming defects, burrs, and difficulty in extracting core materials, leading to compromised appearance and deformation resistance under high-temperature, high-pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint design with a wall thickness of 2 to 7 mm and L/D ratio of 5 or less, using a copolymer containing tetrafluoroethylene and fluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) units, with specific melt flow rate and functional group limits, allowing for smooth core extraction and improved deformation resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the wall thickness and length of the pipe joint are increased to improve deformation resistance, then the deformation resistance to high-temperature high-pressure fluid is improved, but forming defects such as sink marks and voids occur and the core material becomes difficult to extract
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the copolymer composition (fluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) unit content at 2.8-6.0% by mass), melt flow rate (4.0-11.0 g/10 min at 372°C), and functional group content (50 or less per 1×10^6 carbon atoms). These parameter optimizations enable the production of pipe joints with large wall thickness (2-7 mm) and length while maintaining ease of core material extraction and preventing forming defects
2Manufacturing precision
If the holding pressure is increased to suppress sink marks and voids in thick-walled pipe joints, then the forming precision is improved, but burrs are caused and the hollow surface is scratched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes in the copolymer properties, specifically controlling the melt flow rate (4.0-11.0 g/10 min at 372°C) and fluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) unit content (2.8-6.0% by mass). These parameter optimizations allow the material to be molded at appropriate holding pressures that prevent sink marks and voids without causing burrs or surface scratches on the hollow
3Productivity
If the length of the hollow is increased to improve the pipe joint functionality, then the productivity is improved, but the core material extraction becomes more difficult and forming defects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the copolymer's melt flow rate (4.0-11.0 g/10 min at 372°C) and functional group content (50 or less per 1×10^6 carbon atoms). These parameter controls enable the production of pipe joints with longer hollow lengths while maintaining smooth core material extraction and preventing forming defects, thereby improving productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a pipe joint including a cylindrical hollow, wherein the wall thickness of a part having the largest wall thickness of the pipe joint is 2 to 7 mm, the ratio of the length of the hollow in the axial direction (L) to the diameter of the hollow (D), (L/D), is 5 or less, the pipe joint contains a copolymer containing tetrafluoroethylene unit and a fluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) unit, the content of the fluoro(alkyl vinyl ether) unit of the copolymer is 2.8 to 6.0% by mass with respect to the whole of the monomer units, the melt flow rate at 372° C. of the copolymer is 4.0 g/10 min or higher and lower than 11.0 g/10 min, and the number of functional groups of the copolymer is 50 or less.