Modular Pipe Rupture Sealing Clamps with Labyrinth Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline repair methods, such as pipe rupture sealing clamps, face challenges in effectively sealing longer axial sections of damaged pipelines, especially those over 50 mm in diameter, due to weight and length issues, making axial displacement difficult or impossible.
Innovation Solution
A sealing arrangement comprising at least two pipe rupture sealing clamps with a radially circumferential extension and recess design that overlap to form a labyrinth seal, allowing for sequential arrangement and axial movement, reducing weight and enabling effective sealing of longer damages without requiring excessively long clamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single pipe rupture sealing clamp is made longer to cover extensive damage, then the sealing coverage is improved, but the weight and difficulty of axial displacement increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing clamp is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected together. Each segment has a manageable length and weight, but multiple segments can be assembled to cover extensive damage areas. The segments are coupled through connection elements that allow axial displacement during installation while maintaining sealing integrity.
2Length of stationary object
If a single pipe rupture sealing clamp is made longer to cover extensive damage, then the sealing coverage is improved, but the difficulty of axial displacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is segmented into multiple units that can be independently manipulated. Each segment can be axially displaced separately during installation, avoiding the handling difficulties of a single long clamp. The segments are connected after positioning to form the complete sealing arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple clamp segments are pre-assembled in a compact configuration before installation. This preliminary assembly allows them to be handled and positioned more easily, and then they are expanded or connected in situ to cover the required sealing length.
3Weight of moving object
If multiple pipe rupture sealing clamps are used to cover longer sections, then the weight is reduced, but the complexity of the sealing arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system uses identical or standardized clamp segments that can be repeatedly assembled. This modular approach reduces overall weight while maintaining simplicity through standardization. The connection elements are designed to be straightforward, minimizing assembly complexity despite using multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp segments are designed as universal modules that can be used in various configurations to cover different damage lengths. The same basic segment design serves multiple purposes, reducing the need for specialized components and simplifying the overall arrangement.
4Length of stationary object
If the sealing clamp is made longer to cover extensive damage, then the sealing coverage is improved, but the weight increases making handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is manufactured as separate modular segments of manageable size and weight. These segments are easier to handle during installation and positioning. The segments are then connected through standardized interfaces to achieve the required total sealing length, combining ease of handling with adequate coverage.
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
This solution allows for efficient and simple sealing of damaged pipelines by enabling the use of multiple shorter clamps to cover longer axial sections, reducing weight and facilitating easier installation and sealing, even in challenging conditions like underwater repairs.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sealing body arranged inside. According to the invention, the sealing arrangement is characterized in that one sealing body has on the front side a radially circumferential extension that protrudes in the axial direction beyond the solid body, the other sealing body on the front side having a radially circumferential recess that is set back compared to a front side of the other solid body, the extension fitting in a form-fitting and fluid-tight manner into the recess
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connection and a sealing arrangement (1) between two pipe rupture sealing clamps (2, 3; 21, 22), wherein the sealing bodies (9, 25) elastically arranged in the pipe rupture sealing clamps (2, 3; 21, 22) overlap at least section by section in the axial direction (A).