Hydrostatic Testing Apparatus for Flanged Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydrostatic testing of flanged items is laborious and time-consuming due to the need for multiple bolts and complex torque sequences, which increases costs and safety risks while requiring significant human resources and time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a rear plate, middle section, and front circular plate forming an annular cavity, equipped with an elongated shaft and blind flange, allows for quick sealing and actuation using an actuator, eliminating the need for multiple bolts and simplifying the sealing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional blind flanges with multiple bolts and torque sequences are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but operation time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the bolting system from the conventional blind flange design. Instead of using multiple bolts and torque sequences, the patent employs a simple clamp that mechanically holds the blind flange against the pipeline flange, removing the time-consuming bolting operation while maintaining sealing reliability through the clamp's mechanical retention force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the blind flange assembly into separate functional components: a blind flange for sealing, a clamp for mechanical retention, and optional positioning elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, eliminating the need for complex bolting operations while maintaining overall sealing reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple bolts and complex torque sequences are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex bolting system from the conventional blind flange design. Instead of using multiple bolts and torque sequences, the patent employs a simple clamp that mechanically holds the blind flange against the pipeline flange, removing the time-consuming bolting operation while maintaining sealing reliability through the clamp's mechanical retention force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sealing and retention functions into an integrated clamp assembly. The clamp simultaneously provides mechanical retention force and positions the blind flange against the pipeline flange, eliminating the need for separate bolts, nuts, and torque sequences, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
3Reliability
If conventional bolting methods are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex bolting system from the conventional blind flange design. Instead of using multiple bolts and torque sequences, the patent employs a simple clamp that mechanically holds the blind flange against the pipeline flange, removing the time-consuming bolting operation while maintaining sealing reliability through the clamp's mechanical retention force.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed to be self-positioning and self-retaining. The clamp mechanically holds the blind flange in place without requiring external torque application or complex assembly sequences, allowing workers to simply attach the clamp and achieve reliable sealing, thereby dramatically improving ease of operation.
4Reliability
If conventional hydrostatic testing preparation is used, then testing reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the time-consuming bolting preparation step from the hydrostatic testing process. By replacing multiple bolts and torque sequences with a simple clamp mechanism, the preparation time for each test connection is dramatically reduced, allowing faster setup and higher testing productivity while maintaining the reliability needed for code-compliant hydrostatic testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed to provide immediate mechanical retention and positioning upon attachment, eliminating the need for progressive torque application. This preliminary action of securing the blind flange in place allows testing to begin much faster, improving productivity while maintaining the sealing reliability required for reliable hydrostatic testing.
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 apparatus significantly reduces the time and cost of hydrostatic testing, enhances safety by minimizing exposure to risks, and allows for faster testing of multiple flanged items, while being adaptable to various flange designs and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The first face contains a sealing material in the form of a ring embedded into its face but extending away from said face an effective distance to be capable of being compressed to form a fluid-tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for hydrostatic testing of openings in items surrounded by a flange, such as flanged pipe sections, flanged pipelines, flanged hose assemblies, as well as other flanged equipment requiring initial and/or periodic pressure testing.