Interleaved Bearings for Misaligned Pipe Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard bolted-flange connections for pipelines often fail to form a seal when pipe sections are axially or angularly misaligned, leading to potential leaks, especially in subsea environments where alignment is difficult to maintain due to environmental forces or repairs.
Innovation Solution
A misalignment coupling system using two sets of interleaved and spaced bearings between a collar and coupling members ensures even pressure distribution across sealing surfaces, allowing for secure connection of misaligned pipe sections by transferring contact pressure through the bearings from the collar to the coupling members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard bolted-flange connections are used to connect pipe sections, then the connection structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connection cannot form a seal or cannot be made at all when pipe sections are axially or angularly misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a misalignment coupling device as an intermediary component between two misaligned pipe sections. This coupling includes a collar member and a coupling member with interleaved bearings that mediate the connection, allowing the pipe sections to be connected even when they are not perfectly aligned. The intermediary device absorbs the misalignment while maintaining seal integrity through its specialized bearing arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and arrangement of the bearings from a single set to two interleaved sets. This parameter change in the bearing configuration allows the system to accommodate angular and axial misalignment while maintaining even pressure distribution on the sealing surfaces. The variable spacing between bearings in each set and the interleaved arrangement enable the coupling to adapt to misaligned conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If misalignment accommodation is designed into the connection, then alignment tolerance is improved, but the distribution of load on sealing surfaces becomes uneven causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The two sets of interleaved bearings act as intermediaries that transfer and distribute the load from the collar member to the coupling member. Each bearing in one set is positioned between and in contact with two adjacent bearings of the other set, creating a load-distributing mechanism that ensures even pressure distribution on the sealing surfaces even when misalignment is present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane bearing arrangement to a three-dimensional interleaved bearing configuration. The two sets of bearings are arranged in different angular positions around the circumference, creating a multi-dimensional load distribution system. This dimensional change allows the load to be distributed evenly across multiple contact points, preventing localized stress concentrations that would cause leaks.
3Reliability
If two sets of interleaved bearings are used to ensure even pressure distribution, then seal integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing system is segmented into two distinct sets, with each set serving a specific function in the load distribution mechanism. The first set of bearings and the second set of bearings are arranged in an interleaved pattern, dividing the complex task of accommodating misalignment and distributing load into manageable segments. This segmentation makes the complex function achievable through modular, repeatable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two bearing sets into a single integrated coupling mechanism. Rather than using two separate coupling devices, the interleaved bearing sets are combined within one coupling assembly, sharing common structural elements like the collar member and coupling member. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the benefits of even pressure distribution.
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 system effectively maintains seal integrity and prevents leaks by ensuring even pressure distribution across misaligned pipe sections, enhancing the reliability of pipeline connections in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
The bearings include a first set and a second set, where the bearings of the first and second sets are interleaved and spaced such that each bearing of one set is angularly positioned between and in contact with two adjacent bearings of the other set. When the collar and first coupling member flanges are secured to each other, contact pressure is transferred from the forward-facing rear portion of the collar to the first set of bearings, from the first set of bearings to the second set of bearings, and from the second set of bearings to the shoulder of the second coupling member.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for connecting misaligned pipe sections, where two sets of variably spaced bearings enable the transfer of evenly distributed pressure from a collar member to a coupling member. One embodiment comprises a misalignment coupling that includes first and second coupling members, a collar, and two sets of bearings. The collar is positioned around the second coupling member and has a flange for coupling to a flange of the first coupling member. The bearings are positioned in an annular space between the second coupling member and the collar. The two sets of bearings have variable spacing and are interleaved, with one set contacting the collar and one set contacting the second coupling member. When the flanges are secured to each other, contact pressure is transferred from the collar through the bearings to the second coupling member, thereby applying contact pressure between the first and second coupling members.