Insulated Transition Component for Cryogenic Dissimilar-Metal Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transition components in chemical and process engineering apparatuses, such as cryogenic plants, face challenges in connecting materials like aluminum and steel due to thermal stress-induced cracks and leaks, especially when using intermediate metal layers subjected to explosive cladding, which can become brittle and fragile.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an insulation layer, either as a sheath or refractory lining, that covers the transition component and piping, reduces temperature differences between the inner and outer sides, thereby minimizing stress on the intermediate material layer and enhancing the connection's durability and fluid-tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If intermediate metal layers are used to connect dissimilar materials (aluminum and steel), then fluid-tight connection is achieved, but the intermediate layers become brittle and fragile due to explosive cladding stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulation layer as a mediator between the dissimilar materials (aluminum and steel) that are connected by intermediate metal layers. This insulation layer reduces thermal stress on the intermediate layers, preventing them from becoming brittle while maintaining fluid-tightness. The insulation layer acts as a buffer that protects the intermediate connection layers from thermal shock and stress concentration.
2Reliability
If explosive cladding is used to apply intermediate material layers, then connection between dissimilar materials is achieved, but the production process becomes complex and the intermediate layers are physically highly stressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies insulation layers beforehand to the components before they are assembled and connected. This pre-application of insulation cushioning protects the intermediate material layers from excessive physical stress during and after the explosive cladding process, reducing the risk of brittleness while maintaining connection integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transition components connect pipes of different materials, then compatibility with different pipe materials is achieved, but thermal stress causes cracks and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining dissimilar materials (aluminum and steel) with intermediate material layers and insulation layers. This composite construction allows connection between incompatible materials while the insulation layer mitigates thermal stress, preventing cracks and leaks and ensuring long-term durability.
4Reliability
If intermediate material layers are used to connect aluminum and steel sections, then fluid-tight connection is achieved, but the connection becomes susceptible to thermal stress and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation layer serves as an intermediary element between the aluminum and steel sections that are connected by intermediate material layers. It mediates the thermal stress by providing thermal insulation, thereby protecting the intermediate layers from thermal shock and reducing the likelihood of cracking while maintaining fluid-tightness.
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 insulation layer reduces thermal stresses, increases the service life of the transition component, and prevents leaks by maintaining a consistent temperature across the materials, ensuring a reliable and long-lasting fluid-tight connection between dissimilar materials like steel and aluminum.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of an insulation layer, either as a sheath or refractory lining, that covers the transition component and piping, reduces temperature differences between the inner and outer sides
Implementation Method 2
The insulation layer reduces thermal stresses, increases the service life of the transition component, and prevents leaks by maintaining a consistent temperature across the materials
Data Source
AI summary
A transition component for connecting components of a chemical or process engineering plant, wherein the transition component has a first material piece made from a first material and second material piece made from a second material, wherein the first material and the second material cannot be connected to each other by fusion welding, the first material piece and the second material piece forming a hollow body, the transition component having a radially interior inner side and a radially exterior outer side, the first material piece being connected to the second material piece by at least one intermediate material layer and the transition component having at least one insulation layer, wherein the insulation layer extends at least in part over the inner side and/or the outer side of the transition component, and a core-in-shell heat exchanger and a cold box having the transition component.