Pipe Repair Clamp with Integrated Sealing and Crack Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art clamp devices for repairing damaged pipe sections require complex bolt-tightening operations, especially in subsea environments, and often necessitate a separate structural clamp to apply compressive forces, complicating the installation process and increasing the risk of crack propagation.
Innovation Solution
A clamp device with a clamping arrangement featuring a first and second engagement member, where the first mechanism engages and compresses the patch member at the damaged part to prevent leakage, and the second mechanism pushes the pipe sections together to prevent crack propagation, using a displacement member and setting arrangement to facilitate quick and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a prior art patch clamp is used to repair a damaged pipe section, then leakage is prevented by compressing the patch member, but the operation involves many steps of tightening bolts which complicates installation especially by ROV
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the patch clamp function and structural clamp function into a single integrated device. The clamp body simultaneously provides patch member compression for leakage prevention and applies axial compressive forces to prevent crack propagation, eliminating the need for separate clamps and reducing installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp device is designed to perform multiple functions: sealing the damaged area through patch member compression, preventing crack propagation through axial compression, and providing structural support. This multi-functional design simplifies the repair operation by replacing multiple separate operations with a single device.
2Reliability
If a separate structural clamp is installed to provide compressive forces in the axial direction, then crack propagation is prevented, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the structural support function into the patch clamp device itself. The clamp body is designed with engagement members that apply axial compressive forces to the pipe section, combining the sealing function and structural reinforcement function into one device rather than requiring separate clamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp device simultaneously performs sealing and structural reinforcement functions. The engagement members with teeth or gripping surfaces provide axial compression to prevent crack propagation while the patch member provides sealing, making the device universal for both leakage prevention and crack propagation prevention.
3Reliability
If multiple bolts are tightened to secure the clamp, then the clamp is fixed, but the operation time increases especially in subsea environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixation mechanism into a single integrated system where one bolt connects both the patch clamp and structural clamp functions. This eliminates the need for multiple separate tightening operations and reduces installation time while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single bolt serves multiple functions: securing the patch member for sealing, fixing the engagement members for structural support, and maintaining axial compression. This multi-functional fixation approach reduces the number of tightening operations from multiple bolts to a single bolt operation.
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 clamp device effectively seals the damaged area, prevents medium leakage, and restores structural strength while simplifying the installation process, enabling efficient subsea repairs with reduced risk of crack propagation.
Implementation Method 1
the first mechanism, configured in a first step of operation of the clamp device, to engage the first engagement member with the first part of the pipe section and compress the patch member at said damaged part
Implementation Method 2
the second mechanism, configured in a second step of operation of the clamp device, to engage the second engagement member with the second part of the pipe section and induce a compressive force between the first engagement member and the second engagement member
Implementation Method 3
the patch member, for example made of an elastomer, such as rubber
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~4d
AI summary
A clamp device (1) for repairing a damaged part (2) of a pipe section (3). The clamp de-vice comprises a patch member (12) and a support structure (5) comprising a clamp body (10) supporting the patch member. The clamp device comprises a first engagement member (20) configured to engage with a first part (30) of the pipe section and a second engagement member (22) configured to engage with a second part (32) of the pipe section. The clamping device comprises a first mechanism (40) configured to engage the first engagement member with the first part (30) and compress the patch member at the dam-aged part, and a second mechanism (41) configured to engage the second engagement member with the second part and induce a compressive force between the first engagement member and the second engagement member.