Pipe Clamp Device With Settable Fluid Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe repair technologies fail to effectively address a wide range of defects such as corrosion, gouges, dents, cracks, and metallurgical anomalies in pipelines, which can lead to pipe failure and leakage, and lack versatility in sealing and structural reinforcement.
Innovation Solution
A pipe clamp device with pivotally connected portions and a sealing mechanism featuring high and low-pressure seal devices that create a low-volume chamber for injecting settable fluid to support seals and transfer radial loads, allowing for both leaky and non-leaky defect repair and pipeline connection without mechanical deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pipe repair technologies are used, then simple defects can be addressed, but they fail to effectively address a wide range of defects including corrosion, gouges, dents, cracks, and metallurgical anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe clamp device is designed with a universal sealing mechanism that can address multiple defect types (corrosion, gouges, dents, cracks, metallurgical anomalies) through a single integrated system. The clamp portions can encircle and seal various defect configurations, while the injection system can deliver settable fluid for both leaky and non-leaky defects, making the device versatile across different repair scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into first and second clamp portions that can be separately positioned and secured around the pipe. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different pipe diameters and defect locations, while each portion independently contributes to the overall sealing and reinforcement function
2Reliability
If high-pressure sealing is used to prevent leakage, then sealing effectiveness improves, but the complexity of the sealing mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses hydraulic injection of settable fluid under pressure into the sealed chamber to achieve effective sealing. The injection system delivers fluid through conduits in the clamp portions, using fluid pressure to force the seal devices against the pipe surface and fill defect cavities, providing reliable sealing without complex mechanical seal structures
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism utilizes changes in the physical state of the injected fluid (from liquid to settable solid) to achieve sealing. The settable fluid transitions from a pumpable liquid state during injection to a solidified state that provides structural support and permanent sealing, eliminating the need for continuously active high-pressure systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If settable fluid is injected into a large volume chamber, then more defects can be filled, but the volume of fluid required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates localized sealed chambers between the clamp portions and the pipe surface, concentrating the injected settable fluid precisely where defects exist. The seal devices are positioned to confine fluid only in the necessary regions (between clamp and pipe, and within defect cavities), avoiding waste of material while providing targeted repair of corrosion, gouges, dents, and cracks
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 device provides a permanent solution for defect repair by preventing further defect growth, restoring pipeline integrity, and allowing for connection of damaged pipe sections, while accommodating various defect types and pipeline irregularities with enhanced sealing and structural reinforcement.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp device is adapted for a settable fluid to be injected between the first and second seal devices and the pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe clamp device (1) comprising first (2) and second portions (3) connected together at a hinge (5). At least one portion is adapted to move pivotally around the hinge (5) relative to the other portion, the first (2) and second portions (3) being adapted to co-operate with one another to close around and at least partially encircle a pipe (p) to be clamped. The pipe clamp device (1) has securing members (6) to secure the first (2) and second portions (3) in a clamped arrangement around the pipe (p). The pipe clamp device (1) has a sealing mechanism configured to seal between one of the first (2) and second portions (3) and the pipe (p), wherein the sealing mechanism comprises first and second seal devices housed in respective recesses (7), (8), (9) and defining a sealed chamber between the recessed first and second seal devices. A settable fluid is injected into the sealed chamber between the first and second seal devices. A method of using the clamp device (1) is also disclosed.