Lined Pipe Welded Joint Compression Ring Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reconnecting rehabilitated pipelines with high density polyethylene liners often require complex components and struggle to achieve a sealed joint, especially in systems where flange ends are not feasible, due to scarring and fluid ingress issues.
Innovation Solution
A welded pipeline joint design featuring a main pipe, an extension piece with an annular weld, and a compression ring that radially compresses the liner against the extension piece's inner wall, using a flange and tapered portion to prevent fluid ingress, with an annular weld sealing the compression ring to the extension piece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the liner is compressed tightly against the inner wall of the pipe to prevent fluid ingress, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but scarring on the liner outer surface worsens due to sliding engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two distinct components: the compression ring that applies radial force to compress the liner, and the sealed flange that provides a smooth bearing surface. This segmentation allows the compression function to be separated from the sliding engagement function, preventing scarring while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ring acts as an intermediary component between the liner and the pipe wall. It transfers the compressive force to the liner without requiring direct sliding engagement between the liner and the rough pipe inner wall, thereby preventing scarring while achieving the necessary compression for sealing.
2Reliability
If numerous components are used to ensure proper sealing of the liner terminal end, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression ring and sealed flange are merged into a single integrated component. The compression ring provides the radial compression function while the integrated sealed flange provides the bearing surface and fluid barrier. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining both compression and sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ring is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it compresses the liner radially outwardly, provides a sealed interface with the pipe inner wall, and prevents fluid ingress. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
3Device complexity
If a monolithic pipeline with welded joints is required, then system simplicity is improved, but achieving a sealed joint with lined pipe becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compression ring with integrated sealed flange acts as an intermediary component that enables welded joint construction while maintaining the integrity of the lined pipe system. It provides a smooth bearing surface for the liner end and a sealed interface with the pipe, allowing the liner to be properly sealed even in a monolithic welded pipeline configuration.
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 provides a reliable, monolithic seal that prevents fluid ingress between the liner and the pipe, maintaining the integrity of the pipeline while allowing for efficient reconnection of lined sections without scarring the liner, suitable for both flange and welded systems.
Implementation Method 1
The compression portion engages the liner internally and compresses the liner radially outwardly against the extension piece so that the liner is sealed with the compression portion
Implementation Method 2
an annular weld connecting the extension piece to the main pipe
Implementation Method 3
The flange of the compression ring is sealed with the inner wall of the extension piece thereby to prevent ingress of fluid between the flange and the inner wall
Data Source
AI summary
A welded joint of a lined pipeline has a main pipe and an extension piece having a generally tubular shape, an inner wall and an annular weld connecting the extension piece to the main pipe. A liner extends through the main pipe and partially into the extension piece. A compression ring includes a flange and a compression portion. The compression portion engages the liner internally and compresses the liner radially outwardly against the extension piece so that the liner is sealed with the compression ring.