Gas Leak Containment Device for Pipe Diameter Transitions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for containing gas leaks in high-voltage circuit breakers and substations, particularly at zones of diameter change, are difficult to implement, limited by pressure resistance, and not suitable for varying conduit diameters, and do not effectively protect against weather or allow for gas recovery.

Innovation Solution

A containment device using diameter transition rings and cowling means to seal leaks at the junction of pipes with different diameters, allowing for easy assembly and gas storage, with optional features like a drain valve and sensors for monitoring gas quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If resin is poured into a mold on the surface of a pipe or flange to seal leaks, then the leak sealing is achieved, but the technique is difficult to implement on pressurized conduits and the resin only resists low pressures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak sealing effectivenessVSAvoidimplementation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The containment device is divided into multiple segments: a first containment section for the first conduit diameter, a second containment section for the second conduit diameter, and a transition section connecting them. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function and facilitates easier installation on pressurized conduits without requiring complete dismantling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transition section acts as an intermediary element that connects the first and second containment sections, enabling the device to bridge different conduit diameters. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing a gradual transition that maintains sealing effectiveness while simplifying the overall implementation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If rigid enclosure techniques are used to contain leaks, then leak containment is achieved, but these techniques can only be implemented on conduits whose outside diameter does not vary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak containment effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability to varying diameters

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each section of the containment device has locally optimized properties: the first containment section is designed for the first conduit diameter, the second containment section for the second diameter, and the transition section provides gradual adaptation. This local quality approach enables the device to maintain high reliability for leak containment while being adaptable to conduits with varying diameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a containment device with multiple sections and transition zones is implemented, then adaptability to varying conduit diameters is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to varying diametersVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first containment section, second containment section, and transition section are merged into a single integrated containment device that can be installed as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation while maintaining the adaptability to varying conduit diameters through the integrated transition section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The containment device is designed with universal applicability through its multi-functional structure: it can contain leaks at different conduit diameters, provide transition between sections, and maintain sealing effectiveness. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated solution rather than requiring separate devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3371818B1Device for containing a gas leak in a region of a pipe with a change in diameter

Publication Date: 2021.09.01 IRCAMEX

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device for containing a gas leak in a region with a change in diameter in a circular cross-section pipe of a gas insulation switchgear or a gas insulation high voltage circuit-breaker. According to the invention, such a device comprises : a first diameter-transition ring; a second diameter-transition ring having an outer diameter substantially identical to that of the first ring; cowling means for at least partially surrounding said region with a change in outer diameter, configured to be sealingly mounted on the outer annular profile of the first transition ring and on the outer annular profile of the second transition ring; and means for sealing the mounting regions.