Double-Containment Pipe Joint With Movable Shroud Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double containment pipes used in long pipe systems face difficulties in installation, access, and repair due to the complexity of inner pipe joints, making it challenging to maintain and disassemble the system effectively.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint design that includes a movable shroud and a releasable outer securing mechanism, allowing the shroud to be withdrawn axially to create a gap between the outer pipe portions, providing access to the inner pipe joint for disassembly and assembly, while maintaining a fluid flow path and optional vacuum or insulation in the interspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double containment pipe system is used for long pipe systems, then fail-safe containment is improved, but installation and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe system is divided into modular sections with separable joints. The inner pipe joint can be independently accessed and maintained by releasing the outer securing mechanism and moving the shroud, allowing repair workers to service the inner pipe without replacing the entire double containment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud is designed with movable mounting on the first outer pipe portion, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned between a secured state (for normal operation) and an opened state (for maintenance access). The outer securing mechanism enables reversible transition between these states.
2Strength
If the inner pipe joint is enclosed within the outer pipe assembly, then structural integrity is improved, but access for repair becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud acts as an intermediary component between the outer pipe assembly and the inner pipe joint. It provides a controlled access path that allows repair personnel to reach the inner pipe joint while maintaining the overall structural enclosure during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The access mechanism is segmented into the outer securing mechanism and the shroud, allowing independent operation of the access pathway without compromising the integrity of the main pipe structure. The inner pipe joint remains structurally enclosed but accessible through this segmented approach.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the shroud is fixed to secure the outer pipe joint, then outer pipe joint stability is improved, but access to inner pipe joint is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud mounting is designed to be movable rather than fixed, enabling dynamic reconfiguration. During normal operation, the shroud is secured to maintain outer pipe joint stability. During maintenance, the outer securing mechanism is released and the shroud is moved axially to provide access to the inner pipe joint.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer securing mechanism is designed to be releasable in advance, allowing the shroud to be moved when needed. This preliminary design capability ensures that access can be obtained without permanent structural changes or complex disassembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe joint including an outer pipe assembly having a first outer pipe portion, a second outer pipe portion, and a shroud coupling the first and second outer pipe portions. The outer pipe joint includes an outer securing mechanism securing the shroud to the second outer pipe portion. The inner pipe assembly, within the outer pipe assembly, includes a first inner pipe portion coupled to a second inner pipe portion via an inner pipe joint. The inner pipe assembly provides an inner fluid flow path extending axially and across the inner pipe joint. The shroud is movably mounted to the first outer pipe portion, and the outer securing mechanism is releasable so the shroud can move along the first outer pipe portion and withdrawn from the second outer pipe portion to open a gap between the shroud and the second outer pipe portion for the inner pipe joint.