Pipe Insulation Mold Venting and Partial Opening During Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional molding systems are inadequate for applying moldable materials to long metal pipes, such as those used in subsea oil and gas pipelines, as they fail to ensure uniform insulation and withstand high temperatures, and do not effectively manage the stresses caused by the expansion of moldable materials during curing.
Innovation Solution
A molding system with a movable mold that includes a dynamic support mechanism and an elongate vent for uniform material application, allowing the mold to be filled horizontally and partially opened during curing to relieve expansion stresses, featuring a three-part mold design with pivotable top and bottom members and fluid-driven positioners to minimize stress on the pipe during demolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the mold is kept completely closed during curing, then the mold structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but high expansion forces are generated that can damage the mold or pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is designed with movable mold members that can dynamically adjust their position during the curing process. The mold members are configured to move from a closed position during injection to a partially opened position during curing, allowing the mold structure to adapt to expansion forces while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold is divided into multiple movable mold members (first mold member, second mold member, third mold member) that can move independently or in coordination. This segmentation allows different parts of the mold to respond differently to expansion forces, distributing stress and preventing damage while maintaining overall mold function.
2Device complexity
If conventional molding systems are used on long pipes, then the system is simple, but uniform insulation cannot be achieved and high temperatures cannot be withstood
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is segmented into multiple independent mold members that can be precisely positioned along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows for controlled filling of the mold cavity from bottom to top, ensuring uniform material distribution and consistent insulation thickness along the entire pipe length.
Solution Approach 2:
The mold design incorporates vertical stacking of mold members along the longitudinal axis, creating a multi-level structure. This dimensional arrangement enables sequential filling and curing from bottom to top, ensuring uniform insulation application on long pipes that cannot be achieved with conventional single-plane molds.
3Stress or pressure
If the mold is fully opened during curing, then expansion stresses are relieved, but the mold cannot maintain proper positioning and support for the pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The mold members are designed to move to a partially opened position rather than fully opening, dynamically adjusting the clearance to accommodate expansion while maintaining sufficient contact to support the pipe. This dynamic positioning allows the mold to transition from a constrained closed state to a relieved partially opened state while preserving structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
Different mold members are configured with different movement characteristics and positioning capabilities. The support structure remains engaged with the pipe at critical locations even when the mold is partially opened, ensuring local stability and proper positioning while allowing overall stress relief through controlled movement of other mold members.
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 system enables uniform insulation of long pipes and reduces stress on the mold and pipe during curing and demolding, ensuring effective application and removal of moldable materials, even under high-temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The moldable material expands during curing
Data Source
AI summary
A molding system for applying moldable material to a pipe. An elongate mold has at least one elongate mold member movable relative another elongate mold member between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the mold may define an elongate vent between the mold members that extends along the longitudinal axis of the mold. Air in the mold cavity displaced by moldable material received into the mold cavity vents through the elongate vent along the longitudinal axis of the mold. The mold can include a positioner that positions the mold members in the closed position while the mold is filled with the moldable material. The positioner also allows movement of the first mold member toward the open position to partially open the mold as the moldable material cures to reduce forces imparted upon the mold due to expansion of the moldable material during curing.