Gasket Insertion Cradle for Underwater Pipeline Flanges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gasket insertion methods for underwater pipeline flanges, especially API and compact flange assemblies without a gap between flange faces, require separate alignment pins or bolts, posing safety risks and inefficiencies for divers or ROVs during gasket placement.
Innovation Solution
A gasket insertion apparatus with a cradle and top portion attached at a hinge, featuring curved surfaces and arms that align and secure gaskets between flange connector bolts, allowing for rotation and removal without separate alignment tools, and a method involving partial flange connection, gasket placement, and cradle rotation for secure gasket alignment and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate alignment pins or bolts are used for gasket alignment, then gasket placement precision is improved, but device complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment function and gasket holding function into a single integrated apparatus. The U-shaped cradle structure incorporates alignment features directly into its geometry, eliminating the need for separate alignment pins or bolts. The cradle's curved inner surface naturally aligns with the flange geometry while simultaneously securing the gasket, thus merging multiple functions into one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket insertion apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds the gasket, aligns it with the flange, and facilitates its insertion. The apparatus can be used with different flange types (ANSI and API) by adjusting the cradle orientation, making it a universal tool that replaces multiple specialized tools including alignment pins, holding devices, and insertion tools.
2Ease of operation
If divers manually hold flanges stationary for gasket insertion, then gasket placement is achieved, but safety risks and operation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket insertion apparatus serves as an intermediary tool between the diver and the gasket/flange assembly. Instead of the diver directly manipulating the gasket and holding flanges stationary, the apparatus performs these functions. The diver simply attaches the pre-loaded gasket to the apparatus and guides the insertion process, eliminating the need for manual flange holding and reducing exposure to pinching hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is pre-attached to the apparatus on the surface or in a controlled environment before the underwater operation. This preliminary preparation ensures proper gasket positioning and eliminates the need for the diver to manually position and hold the gasket during the critical insertion phase, reducing operation time and safety risks.
3Manufacturing precision
If gasket insertion devices remain in flange assembly, then alignment is maintained, but adaptability to compact flanges is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with movable and adjustable components that allow it to adapt to different flange configurations. The cradle can be rotated and repositioned, and the apparatus can be detached after gasket insertion, unlike fixed alignment devices that remain embedded in the flange assembly. This dynamic design enables compatibility with both traditional flanges having gaps and compact flanges without gaps.
Data Source
AI summary
A gasket insertion cradle with a bottom frame portion configured to align a gasket between opposing flanges of a flange assembly and capable of being removed from the flange assembly by simply rotating the frame portion free once the gasket is within ring grooves of the opposing flanges. Gasket insertion devices may have a top portion hinged to the cradle and configured to secure a gasket between the top portion and the cradle during installation.