Supplemental Pipe Fitting Wall Assembly for Multi-Wall Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pipeline systems with single containment walls at pipe fittings limit the ability to provide multi-wall containment, which can compromise fluid isolation and integrity.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental containment wall assembly is deployed at pipe fittings, comprising a containment wall shell and shell grab tabs that interlock with fitting grab notches, along with fasteners and seals to create a sealed fitting annulus, enhancing the containment structure to multi-wall levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pipe fitting with single containment wall is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fluid isolation capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental containment wall assembly is nested around the existing pipe fitting, creating a multi-wall containment structure where the new assembly contains the original fitting. This nesting approach provides enhanced fluid isolation without requiring complete redesign of the existing fitting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system is segmented into multiple independent walls: the original pipe fitting containment wall and the supplemental containment wall assembly. This segmentation allows each wall to function independently, improving overall fluid isolation capability while maintaining modular simplicity.
2Reliability
If a supplemental containment wall assembly is added to pipe fitting, then the fluid isolation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shell grab tabs are pre-formed on the containment wall shell during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex field assembly operations. The notches and interlocking features are prepared in advance, simplifying the installation process despite adding containment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell grab tabs automatically interlock with the fitting grab notches through gravitational alignment and mechanical engagement, reducing the need for complex fastening mechanisms or specialized installation tools. The structure self-secures once positioned.
3Reliability
If shell grab tabs with interlocking notches are used, then the securing reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The containment wall shell is formed as a thin-walled structure that can be easily molded or formed using standard manufacturing processes. The shell grab tabs are integrated as thin-walled extensions from the main shell body, requiring minimal additional manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment wall shell and grab tabs are formed as an integrated composite structure, where the tab features are molded as part of the shell in a single manufacturing operation. This integration reduces assembly steps and manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a pipeline system includes a pipe fitting to be secured to a pipe segment including tubing that defines a pipe bore and a fluid conduit implemented in a tubing annulus of the tubing, in which the pipe fitting includes a fitting grab notch implemented on an outer surface of the pipe fitting, and a supplemental containment wall assembly to be deployed at the pipe fitting. The supplemental containment wall assembly includes a containment wall shell to be secured circumferentially around the pipe fitting to define a fitting annulus that is sealed at least between the outer surface of the pipe fitting and an inner surface of the containment wall shell to facilitate providing multi-wall containment in the pipeline system and a shell grab tab implemented on the inner surface of the containment wall shell, in which the shell grab tab matingly interlocks with the fitting grab notch on the outer surface of the pipe fitting to facilitate securing the containment wall shell to the pipe fitting.