Two-Piece Pipe Quick Connect With Labyrinth Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pipeline connection methods are time-consuming and costly due to the need for repeated torqueing of bolts or threaded studs, especially in high-pressure applications, and pose safety risks with hydrogen permeation leading to leaks.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect system with torque suppression plates, labyrinth seals, and a locking arrangement to provide a leak-free connection that can be made in minutes without retorqueing, using parallel clam shell surfaces and pressure alerts to ensure safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional flange connections with bolts or threaded studs are used to join pipe equipment in high-pressure applications, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the time required to make and retorque connections increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into modular components: a quick connect coupling with internal threading, separate pipe ends with external threading, and optional torque suppression plates. This segmentation allows rapid assembly by simply screwing components together without requiring multiple bolts or studs, dramatically reducing connection time while maintaining reliability through the threaded engagement design
Solution Approach 2:
Torque suppression plates are pre-installed on the pipe ends before connection. These plates prevent rotation of the pipe during the tightening process, eliminating the need for repeated retorque operations. The preliminary placement of these restraining elements ensures that the connection achieves proper torque in a single operation, reducing overall connection time
2Reliability
If multiple bolts or threaded studs are used to ensure leak-free connection in high-pressure applications, then the connection reliability is improved, but the complexity of the connection process and equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-bolt flange connection system is replaced by extracting the essential function of creating a sealed connection and achieving it through a simpler threaded coupling mechanism. The quick connect coupling consolidates the sealing and fastening functions into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for multiple separate bolts, studs, and washers, thereby reducing equipment complexity while maintaining leak-free performance
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connect coupling utilizes composite sealing solutions combining labyrinthine seal geometries with elastomeric sealing elements. This composite approach creates multiple sealing mechanisms working together to prevent leakage, achieving reliable leak-free connections in high-pressure applications without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional connection methods are used in hydrogen service applications, then the connection can be made with standard materials, but hydrogen permeation through seals causes leaks and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connect coupling incorporates elastomeric sealing elements and labyrinthine seal geometries that create tortuous paths for hydrogen gas. These flexible sealing components prevent hydrogen permeation by blocking the molecular passage through the seal interface, addressing the hydrogen embrittlement and permeation issues while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of standard elastomeric materials known to resist hydrogen diffusion
4Reliability
If torque crews are used to properly tighten flange connections, then the connection reliability is improved, but the cost of downtime for personnel and equipment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded quick connect coupling is designed to be self-aligning and self-tightening. The internal and external threading automatically guide the components into proper alignment during assembly, and the threaded engagement naturally progresses to full torque as the components are screwed together. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for specialized torque crews and expensive torque equipment, allowing field personnel to complete connections quickly and reliably without incurring significant downtime costs
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 quick connect system enables rapid, leak-free connections that withstand hydraulic stresses, reducing downtime and hydrogen permeation, ensuring safety and environmental integrity.
Implementation Method 1
labyrinth seals to eliminate leakage rate for small molecular weight gasses (e.g., testing with helium, as a surrogate for hydrogen, has demonstrated leak rates of less than 1 SCF per day (∼0.028 Sm3) under high pressure conditions (e.g. 1600 psi or ∼110 bar))
Data Source
AI summary
A connector of this disclosure is adapted connection to a slide gate valve of a hot tapping, plugging, and completion operation. In embodiments, a lower half of the connector includes, at an upper end, a horizontal first face surface having at least one secondary seal groove, a first guide surface extending in a vertical direction and having a primary seal groove, and a first periphery including a first part of a locking arrangement. The second half of the connector includes a housing and, at a lower end, a horizontal second face surface, a second guide surface shaped complementary to the first guide surface, and a second periphery including a second part of the locking arrangement. When the first and second parts of the locking arrangement are engaged with one another, relative rotation is prevented. The lower half of the connector may form a weldment with the slide gate valve.