Pipe Coupling Capsulation Assembly for High-Pressure Joint Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe coupling seals fail to provide external sealing over existing bell-shaped joints without interrupting fluid flow and are prone to failure under high pressure due to lack of internal space and seal lip displacement.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling capsulation assembly featuring a band with annular seal elements and retaining elements that can be wrapped around a pipe, allowing for sealing without interrupting flow, with retaining elements preventing axial movement of the seal under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art seals are used externally over existing couplings or bell joints, then sealing can be applied to repair leaking joints, but the seals lack internal space and fail under high pressure due to seal lip displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple segments or jaws that can independently move and adjust. This segmentation allows the seal to accommodate pressure forces without requiring large internal space, as each segment can flexibly respond to pressure rather than relying on a rigid structure with large internal volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the seal lips and jaws can move axially in response to pressure. This dynamic capability allows the seal to maintain integrity under high pressure by adjusting its configuration, preventing seal lip displacement while minimizing the internal space required.
2Reliability
If replacement of faulty pipe joint is carried out, then leaking joints can be repaired, but fluid flow in the pipeline must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The repair seal is designed as an external capsulation that envelops the existing leaking joint and coupling, nesting the repair mechanism around the existing structure rather than requiring removal. This allows the existing pipeline to remain in place and continue flowing fluid while the external seal performs the repair function.
Solution Approach 2:
The external capsulation seal acts as an intermediary element that interfaces with the existing leaking joint without requiring disruption to the pipeline. It mediates between the existing joint structure and the sealing function, enabling repair while maintaining fluid flow continuity through the pipeline.
3Stress or pressure
If high pressure fluid is transported through the pipeline, then the pipeline can operate at high capacity, but the seal lips are gradually pushed outwards leading to complete seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The seal design incorporates preliminary counter-actions to pressure forces through its structural configuration. The segmented jaws and internal geometry are designed to preemptively resist outward displacement of seal lips under pressure, applying counter-forces before failure can occur, thereby maintaining seal durability under high pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal employs composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties - typically a rigid outer structure for structural support and a flexible sealing material for the lips and contact surfaces. This composite approach allows the seal to withstand high pressure while maintaining sealing effectiveness, preventing the progressive failure that occurs with single-material seals.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A pipe coupling capsulation assembly (10) includes a band (12) having an inner annular seal element (14) wrappable around a pipe, opposing clamp members (18) that extend from the band (12), at least one tightening element (20) for clamping together the clamp members (18), and a plurality of retaining elements (30) extending from the band (12). Each retaining element (30) overlies a portion (35) of an adjacent one of the retaining elements (30).