Obround Chimney Joint Sealing With V-Band Flange Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chimney systems with non-circular, obround cross-sectional shapes lack effective flanged connection systems for achieving an air-tight seal, as prior art primarily focuses on circular or angular shapes.
Innovation Solution
A chimney system with obround sections featuring flanges perpendicular to the section body, utilizing a V-band with adjustable tension and a sealant to create a hermetic seal, and an insulated variant with spacer clips and outer bands for enhanced sealing and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flanged connection systems are used for circular or angular chimney sections, then air-tight sealing is achieved, but no effective sealing solution exists for obround (rounded but non-circular) cross-sectional shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a flange configuration specifically adapted to the obround cross-sectional shape rather than using symmetric circular or angular designs. The flanges are formed on the obround-shaped duct sections to match their non-circular geometry, enabling effective sealing for this specific asymmetric shape that prior art did not address.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by creating a flanged connection system that can be applied to various duct shapes including circular, angular, and obround configurations. The sealing mechanism using annular rings and gaskets provides a multi-functional solution that adapts to different cross-sectional geometries, making the system versatile across multiple application types.
2Reliability
If standard flanged connections are used, then assembly is simplified, but hermetic sealing under various pressures and temperatures cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing annular rings and gaskets as mediating elements between the flanged duct sections. These intermediary components fill the gap between the mating flange surfaces, providing the hermetic seal necessary for withstanding various pressures and temperatures while maintaining the simplicity of the flanged connection assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements in the form of gaskets and annular rings that can deform and conform to the flange surfaces. These flexible components create a hermetic seal that adapts to manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, ensuring reliable sealing under varying operating conditions without requiring overly complex rigid sealing mechanisms.
3Reliability
If chimney sections are joined without proper sealing, then assembly is quick and simple, but leakage and condensate issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming flanges on the duct sections during manufacturing and providing standardized annular ring and gasket components that can be easily installed. This preparation in advance allows for quick assembly while ensuring proper sealing, as the sealing elements are designed to fit the flange configurations without requiring complex field fabrication or adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint seal system and method may include a seal and a band. The seal may be positioned between abutting flanges of two adjacent duct sections. A band may be positioned over the two flanges and the flange interface. The joint seal system and method may be configured to mitigate and/or eliminate leakage of pressure, flue gases, condensate, and/or any other fluid, gas, and/or vapor between abutting flanges of duct sections at a flange interface.