Pipeline Encapsulation Collar for Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipeline repair methods require removal and replacement of damaged sections, disrupt fluid supply, and are ineffective in containing leaks due to dimension changes and clamping issues, especially with flammable fluids.
Innovation Solution
An encapsulation collar apparatus with first and second parts forming an interior cavity, featuring independently placed sealing members with reduced cross-sectional areas and a gap that closes under clamping force, allowing for adjustable fitting and effective sealing around pipelines with varying dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipeline repair methods are used to remove and replace damaged sections, then the pipeline can be repaired, but fluid supply is disrupted and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation collar is divided into a first part and a second part that can be independently positioned and assembled around the pipeline. This segmentation allows the collar to be installed in sections without requiring complete pipeline shutdown, enabling continuous fluid supply through the unrepaired sections while working on the damaged portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation collar is designed to enclose the damaged pipeline section within its interior cavity, creating a nested structure where the collar contains the pipeline. This allows the pipeline to remain in service while the collar provides the repair function, eliminating the need to remove the pipeline from service.
2Reliability
If known collars are used to contain leaks, then fluid containment is attempted, but they require precise positioning and are ineffective with dimension changes
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing members are designed with flexibility to dynamically adapt to the pipeline's dimensions. The sealing members can deform and conform to the actual pipeline shape and size, allowing the encapsulation collar to accommodate dimension changes and installation variations while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members are designed with variable cross-sectional areas, including reduced cross-sectional portions that allow the sealing member to be compressed between the first and second parts. This parameter change enables the sealing member to adapt to different pipeline dimensions and maintain effective sealing under varying conditions.
3Reliability
If clamping force is applied to repair collars, then sealing is improved, but leakage occurs at interfaces and the force is only effective in certain directions
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing members are designed with non-uniform cross-sections, including reduced cross-sectional portions at specific locations. This local quality variation allows the sealing member to be compressed more effectively at critical sealing interfaces while maintaining overall structural integrity, preventing leakage at key locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members extend around the circumference of the pipeline in addition to providing axial sealing. This multi-dimensional sealing approach creates sealing effectiveness in multiple directions (radial and axial), overcoming the limitation of unidirectional clamping force and preventing leakage at interfaces.
4Force
If end rings are clamped onto the pipeline externally, then clamping force is applied, but installation time increases and correctness cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping function is merged with the sealing function by integrating the clamping mechanism into the encapsulation collar structure itself. The first and second parts of the collar are directly engaged with the pipeline through their respective receiving locations, eliminating the need for separate end ring components and reducing installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second parts of the encapsulation collar serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural containment, apply clamping force through their engagement with the pipeline, and position the sealing members. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning and clamping operations, reducing installation time.
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
Enables in-situ pipeline repair without disrupting fluid supply, effectively containing leaks and accommodating dimension changes, ensuring a secure seal even with flammable fluids.
Implementation Method 1
first and second sealing members are provided to be independently placed substantially around the circumference of the pipeline... each said sealing member provided with respective ends which define a gap in the sealing member which is at least substantially closed once the apparatus is installed
Implementation Method 2
each said sealing member is provided with at least two portions in which the cross sectional area is reduced with respect to the cross sectional area of the remainder of the sealing member
Data Source
Figure 1~3n
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
An apparatus and method for the containment of a portion of a pipeline is provided. The apparatus includes first and second parts, which when brought together form an interior cavity in which the said portion of the pipeline is located. The first and second parts have respective connection flanges that are held together under force to form a seal. First and second sealing members are also provided to be placed substantially around a circumference of the pipeline, the first and second sealing members being spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the said pipeline portion.