Pipe Connection Splash Guard with Stopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard pipe unions in the food processing industry, particularly during CIP operations, face issues with liquid splashing due to hydrostatic pressure when the connection is undone, posing safety risks to operators as caustic solutions can splash and cause damage.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection assembly with elongated spray guard elements and stopper elements that enclose portions of the pipes, forming chambers with openings at the free ends, which slow down liquid exit and direct it parallel to the pipe axis, minimizing splashing and reducing the risk of liquid jets reaching operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard pipe union is used for quick connection and disconnection, then the ease of operation is improved, but liquid splashing occurs due to hydrostatic pressure posing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
A spray guard element is introduced as an intermediary component between the pipe and the external environment. This element includes a guard portion that extends along the pipe and defines a chamber with an opening, intercepting liquid before it can splash radially outward and protecting the operator while allowing controlled liquid discharge
Solution Approach 2:
The spray guard element redirects liquid flow from radial direction (harmful) to axial direction (controlled). By changing the dimension of liquid discharge from horizontal/radial to vertical/axial, the liquid is directed away from the operator's face and body, converting a dangerous radial spray into a controlled axial flow
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a valve is installed inside the pipes to control liquid flow, then liquid splashing is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The spray guard element is a simple, inexpensive component made from basic materials that can be easily manufactured and installed. Rather than using a complex, expensive valve system, this disposable-like simple component achieves the same safety function at a fraction of the cost, making it economically viable for widespread adoption
Solution Approach 2:
The spray guard element functions as a simple protective shell or barrier that redirects liquid flow. This thin-walled structural approach provides effective liquid control without the complexity of mechanical valves, maintaining simplicity while achieving the desired liquid flow management
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A pipe connection assembly (1) comprises a first pipe (2a), a second pipe (2b) connectable to the first pipe (2a), further comprising a connection element (3a, 3b, 4) having a nut (4) for engaging the outer thread of the first pipe (2a), a first spray guard element (3a) connected to the nut (4) on the side of the first pipe (2a) and a second spray guard element (3b) connected to the nut (4) on the side of the second pipe (2b). The spray guard elements (3a, 3b) enclose at least a portion of the respective pipe (2a, 2b) and define a chamber (C) with said portion. The chambers (C) have each an opening (11) at a free end of the respective spray guard element (3a, 3b), wherein at least one of the spray guard elements (3a, 3b) comprises a first stopper element (6) arranged in such a way that it reduces a cross-section of the opening (11) of the chamber (C).