Insulated Pipe Coupling Using Differential Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for insulated piping, such as vacuum-insulated piping, face issues with thermal ingress and deformation, particularly in bayonet couplings which are heavy, expensive, and unsuitable for bends or junctions, while flanged couplings are prone to thermal ingress and deformation.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring first and second parts with inner and outer conduit portions, where the inner conduit portions have a lower thermal expansion region and a projection-receiving portion with a higher thermal expansion coefficient, enhancing engagement at low temperatures and reducing thermal conduction, and incorporating seal-forming members to prevent fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flanged couplings are used for insulated piping, then the coupling strength is improved, but thermal ingress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into a first part and a second part, each with separate inner and outer conduit portions. This segmentation allows the inner conduit portions to be thermally isolated from the outer conduit portions, reducing thermal ingress while maintaining coupling strength through the flange connection between the two parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating material positioned between the inner conduit portions and outer conduit portions acts as a thermal intermediary, blocking heat transfer from the outer conduit to the inner conduit while allowing the coupling to maintain its structural integrity and strength.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bayonet couplings are used for insulated piping, then thermal ingress is reduced, but the coupling becomes heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is segmented into separate inner and outer conduit portions with insulating material between them, achieving thermal isolation similar to bayonet couplings but with a lighter, more simplified structure that does not require the complex interlocking geometry of traditional bayonet designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional couplings are used for insulated piping, then manufacturing is simplified, but deformation resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into a first part and a second part that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity while the interlocking design of the parts, including the projection and recess features, provides enhanced deformation resistance when the parts are joined.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part and second part are merged through their flange connection and interlocking features, combining the manufacturing advantages of separate components with the structural advantages of an integrated design that resists deformation.
4Reliability
If bayonet couplings are used for insulated piping, then engagement is improved, but they cannot be used for bends or junctions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design with separate inner and outer conduit portions and flange connections provides a universal connection method that can be adapted to various piping configurations including straight runs, bends, and junctions, unlike traditional bayonet couplings that are limited to specific applications.
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 coupling provides enhanced engagement and reduced risk of decoupling when handling cold liquids like liquid hydrogen, improving thermal insulation and structural integrity while being suitable for various piping configurations, including bends and junctions.
Implementation Method 1
the projection-receiving portion engages the projection when cooled to temperatures associated with the passage of cold liquid through the inner conduit portions
Implementation Method 2
the projection comprising a lower thermal expansion region having a first co-efficient of thermal expansion; and the second part comprising a projection-receiving portion for receiving the projection of the first part, the projection-receiving portion having a second co-efficient of thermal expansion, the second co-efficient of thermal expansion being greater than the first coefficient of thermal expansion
Implementation Method 3
the inner conduit portion of the first part comprising a projection comprising a lower thermal expansion region having a first co-efficient of thermal expansion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A coupling for insulated piping is provided. The coupling comprises first and second parts (1, 51) for forming the coupling. The first and second parts comprising an inner conduit portion for fluid communication with an inner tube of an insulated pipe and an outer conduit portion, the inner conduit portion and outer conduit portion forming therebetween a space for fluid communication with the insulating part of an insulated pipe. In use, cold liquid is transported in the inner conduit portions. The first and second parts comprise flanges (5, 55). The inner conduit portion of the first part has a projection (42) comprising a lower thermal expansion region. The second part has a projection-receiving portion (92) for receiving the projection (42) of the first part, the projection-receiving portion having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than the lower thermal expansion region of the projection.