Segmented Pipe Stabilizer Ring for Radial Gap Vibration Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
In nuclear power plants, the radial gap between pipes in core flow measuring systems leads to undesirable vibration wear (fretting) during reactor operation, causing potential damage over time, especially in measurement tubes, due to the insertion of pipes with an introductory funnel.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizer element with a clamping ring and ring-shaped attachment, composed of connected segments, is used to align and tense the pipes against each other, providing a retrofittable solution that eliminates radial gaps and prevents vibration wear by using self-centering mechanisms and spring-loaded locking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pipes are inserted with a radial gap to facilitate installation, then ease of assembly is improved, but vibration wear occurs during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer element is divided into multiple ring segments that can be assembled separately and then form a complete stabilizing structure. This segmentation allows for easier installation while providing comprehensive stabilization to eliminate the harmful vibration wear caused by radial gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer element acts as an intermediary component between the two pipes, filling the radial gap and preventing direct contact that causes vibration wear. The stabilizer absorbs the harmful vibrations while maintaining the beneficial installation clearance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a clamping solution is applied to stabilize pipes, then vibration wear is prevented, but cold strength issues arise under current security standards
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer element utilizes a flexible ring structure that can deform elastically to provide stabilization without creating excessive clamping forces. This flexible design prevents vibration wear while avoiding the cold strength issues associated with rigid clamping solutions, complying with nuclear security standards.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing pipe connections are retrofitted, then applicability is improved, but disassembly requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the stabilizer into multiple ring segments, the invention enables retrofitting of existing pipe connections without requiring complete disassembly. The segments can be installed individually through the existing pipe structure and then assembled to form the complete stabilizing element.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring segments are designed with preliminary positioning features that guide their assembly into the correct configuration. This preliminary design of the assembly process allows for straightforward installation on existing connections without complex disassembly procedures.
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 stabilizer element effectively prevents vibration wear in pipe connections, ensuring permanent stabilization of flowing pipeline compounds without requiring disassembly, and is applicable to various pipe connections beyond nuclear power plants.
Implementation Method 1
The locking of the clamping ring by means of feather -loaded locking pencils is intended
Implementation Method 2
neighboring ring segments of the clamping ring on their connecting surfaces have complementary pre-and/or decrees that enable self-centering merging
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
For the purposes of stabilizing a pipe connection in which a first pipe (10) is plugged into a second pipe (12) which has an insertion funnel (20), there is provision according to invention of a stabilizer element (22) which has a clamping ring (24) with a plurality of clamping bodies (48) which are distributed over its circumference and which, in the assembly end position, engage in an interspace between the first pipe (10) and the insertion funnel (20) and brace the first pipe (10) and the second pipe (12) against one another, and wherein the clamping ring (24) is composed of a plurality of ring segments which can be connected to one another, in particular of two half-shells (34).