Pipe Coupling Repair Clamp for Pressurized Bolt Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for repairing pipe couplings in fluid systems require de-pressurization, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially in systems like water-based fire sprinkler systems, due to issues like rusted bolts and nuts caused by environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A clamp system that allows for the replacement of bolts and nuts while the system is pressurized, using a combination of clamp units with flange holes and body portions that apply a force to counteract fluid pressure, enabling secure tightening around the pipe coupling without de-pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bolt and nut replacement method is used, then the couplings can be secured, but the system must be de-pressurized which causes downtime and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into multiple segments including first and second clamp units with body portions, flanges, and windows that can be positioned around the coupling. This segmentation allows the clamp to be installed and secured around the coupling while the system remains pressurized, eliminating the need for complete system shutdown and de-pressurization.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is pre-assembled with coupling members (bolts and nuts) that can be independently replaced. The windows in the body portions provide access to the coupling members, allowing preliminary replacement actions to be performed while the clamp maintains the coupling security, thus avoiding system downtime.
2Ease of manufacture
If the system is de-pressurized for repair, then bolt and nut replacement can be performed, but building occupancy must be halted due to fire safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp acts as an intermediary device that provides mechanical support and security to the coupling. By installing the clamp around the coupling, the system can maintain pressure and remain operational for fire safety purposes, while the clamp itself provides the secure environment needed for bolt and nut replacement, thus allowing building occupancy to continue.
3Productivity
If bolts and nuts are replaced while system is pressurized, then system continuity is maintained, but additional clamping mechanism is required to counteract fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the body portions provide clamping force around the coupling, the flanges with coupling members provide the additional securing mechanism needed to counteract fluid pressure, and the windows provide access for bolt and nut replacement. This merging of functions allows pressurized system repair without requiring multiple separate complex devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for repair of a pipe coupling, includes a clamp unit including a side wall with an inner surface, the inner surface having a curvature dimensioned to match an outer curvature of a pipe coupling to be repaired. A coupling on the clamp unit is constructed and arranged to couple a first portion of the clamp unit with a second portion of the clamp unit. The coupling, when secured, operates to induce a radially inward force on the inner surface of the clamp unit. A window is formed as an opening in the side wall of the clamp unit. The window is dimensioned to expose a flange of a pipe coupling to be repaired.