Line Stop Disc with Aramid Reinforcement for Hot Tapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line stop discs made of flexible elastomers or fabric degrade quickly under high temperatures and pressures in hot tapping operations, while all-metal discs are expensive and ineffective in sealing pipelines.
Innovation Solution
A line stop disc comprising a flexible estoppel cup with a reinforcing disc made of aramid synthetic fiber fabric, such as KEVLAR®, bonded with high-temperature resistant elastomer, which provides enhanced tensile strength and sealing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible elastomer or fabric line stop disc is used, then sealing capability is improved, but durability under high temperature and pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fabric or elastomer with metal reinforcement layers. The fabric/elastomer provides sealing capability while the metal reinforcement layers provide durability and resistance to high temperature and pressure. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both material types into a single line stop disc.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If an all metal disc is used, then durability under high temperature and pressure is improved, but sealing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where fabric or elastomer layers provide the necessary sealing capability while metal reinforcement layers provide structural durability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties rather than using单一的 metal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using metal reinforcement specifically in areas where structural strength and temperature resistance are needed, while maintaining fabric or elastomer in areas where sealing flexibility is most important. This localized material distribution optimizes both sealing capability and durability.
3Strength
If an all metal disc is used, then strength is improved, but cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials where relatively inexpensive fabric or elastomer is combined with strategic metal reinforcement. This approach achieves the necessary strength and durability while reducing overall material cost compared to using solid metal, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and cost.
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 solution effectively seals off pipeline flowbore during hot tapping, resisting high temperatures and pressures, and outperforms more expensive metal discs in durability and sealing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The estoppel cup is secured to the reinforcing disc by a suitable adhesive
Implementation Method 2
The estoppel cup includes a circular base with an outwardly angled outer circumferential side surface which seals against the interior surface of a pipeline flowbore
Implementation Method 3
The reinforcing disc is preferably formed of an aramid synthetic fiber fabric with high tensile strength and which is bonded with high-temperature resistant elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
A line stop disc for use in sealing off the flowbore of a pipeline being repaired. The line stop disc includes an estoppel cup, which forms a seal, and a reinforcing disc which is formed of a material having a greater tensile strength than that forming the estoppel cup.