Modular Flange Clamp Assembly for Leak-Free Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing bolted pipe flange connections during maintenance or bolt replacement often result in fluid leakage due to the breaking of pressure seals, requiring costly and disruptive processes like draining or interrupting fluid flow, and existing solutions are bulky, expensive, and difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
A compact, inexpensive clamp assembly that compresses opposing flange members together using a ring-shaped structure with interchangeable cuff members, allowing for secure fluid-tight sealing without interrupting fluid flow, even when bolts are removed, and can be easily installed and operated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clamp assemblies are used to secure flange connections during maintenance, then fluid-tight sealing is maintained, but the devices are bulky, expensive, and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is divided into multiple modular components including clamp bodies, linkage members, and cuff members that can be independently assembled and installed. This segmentation allows for easier handling and installation while maintaining the overall sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff members are designed to be nested within or attached to the clamp bodies, with intermediate linkage members connecting various components. This nested structure reduces the overall bulk of the assembly while maintaining functionality.
2Ease of repair
If bolts are removed from flange connection assemblies, then bolt replacement and maintenance can be performed, but fluid pressure seals are broken causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly is installed on the flange connection assembly before bolts are removed. This preliminary action establishes an alternative sealing mechanism that maintains fluid-tight sealing during the bolt removal and replacement process, preventing leakage without requiring the bolts to remain in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly acts as an intermediary device between the flange faces, providing a alternative sealing mechanism. When bolts are removed, the clamp assembly with its cuff members and linkage structure maintains compression on the gasket, preventing fluid leakage while allowing bolt maintenance operations to proceed.
3Reliability
If pipes are drained or fluid flow is interrupted to prevent leakage during bolt removal, then fluid-tight sealing is maintained, but the process becomes time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly enables continuous fluid flow through the pipe while maintaining sealing during bolt removal operations. The device allows the useful action of fluid transport to continue uninterrupted, eliminating the need for draining or flow interruption that would otherwise be required to prevent leakage.
4Reliability
If conventional clamp assemblies are used, then fluid-tight sealing is maintained, but the devices are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the clamp assembly into separate modular components (clamp bodies, linkage members, cuff members), each part can be manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective processes. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing a single integrated expensive device.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed as a temporary maintenance device that can be quickly installed and removed. The modular components are designed for cost-effective manufacture as single-use or limited-use devices, reducing overall system cost compared to permanent expensive sealing solutions.
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
Enables the secure maintenance of a fluid-tight pressure seal during bolt removal and replacement without interrupting fluid flow, facilitating efficient and cost-effective operations, especially in tight spaces and complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp assembly that can be installed on flange connection assemblies. Said clamp assembly can compress opposing plate-like flange members together, and/or secure said members in place, in order to maintain a fluid pressure seal
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp assembly for temporarily applying compressive force to a flange connection assembly, such as a bolted pipe flange. Frame members are pivotally attached to interconnecting linkage members to form an elongate assembly having joinable ends. When installed around the circumference of a flange connection assembly, interchangeable cuff members removably attached to the frame members apply compressive forces to a flange connection assembly in order to facilitate a fluid-pressure seal.