Pipeline Length Compensator With Axial TPE Expansion Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing length compensators for pipelines are inefficient in accommodating significant changes in length due to temperature fluctuations and external influences, as they require large space, have limited compensation distance, and cannot withstand the same internal pressure as the pipeline.
Innovation Solution
A length compensator design featuring a cylindrical compensating element made from thermoplastic elastomer, surrounded by a circular cross-sectional supporting pipe that allows exclusive axial expansion and contraction, with a friction-reducing layer and stop element to maintain internal pressure and prevent over-expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If bellows or rubber sleeves are used for length compensation, then the pipeline can accommodate length changes, but the device requires large space and has limited compensation distance
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating element is nested inside the supporting pipe, with the outer lateral surface of the compensating element encompassed by the inner lateral surface of the supporting pipe around its entire circumference. This nested configuration allows the compensating element to expand and contract exclusively in the axial direction within a compact space, achieving long compensation distance without requiring large external space.
2Stress or pressure
If traditional expansion compensators are used, then length changes can be accommodated, but they cannot withstand the same internal pressure as the pipeline
Solution Approach 1:
The length compensator is segmented into two functional parts: the compensating element made from elastic material (TPE) that accommodates length changes, and the supporting pipe made from pressure-resistant plastic that withstands internal pressure. The supporting pipe encompasses the compensating element, allowing the compensating element to expand and contract exclusively in the axial direction while the supporting pipe bears the internal pressure load.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material construction with the compensating element made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) providing elasticity for length compensation, and the supporting pipe made from pressure-resistant plastic providing structural strength for pressure containment. This composite approach allows the device to simultaneously achieve long compensation distance and high internal pressure resistance.
3Device complexity
If the compensating element is not surrounded by a supporting pipe, then the structure is simpler, but the compensating element is overstressed by internal pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting pipe acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the internal pressure and the compensating element. It encompasses the compensating element around its entire circumference, allowing the compensating element to expand and contract exclusively in the axial direction while the supporting pipe bears the internal pressure load, preventing the compensating element from being overstressed.
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 solution enables a long compensation distance while maintaining internal pressure, reducing frictional resistance, and ensuring leak-tightness, allowing for efficient and stable length adjustment without bending or shifting of the pipeline.
Implementation Method 1
The length of a pipeline changes depending on the temperature, be this as a result of the external temperature or the medium temperature of the medium transported in the pipeline
Implementation Method 2
a compensating element made from an elastic material, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), wherein the compensating element can be formed by a simple elastic tube or a pipe
Implementation Method 3
the outer lateral surface of the compensating element is intended to have a low frictional resistance so that the length of the length compensator is able to change easily
Data Source
AI summary
A length compensator for pipelines, preferably plastic pipelines, containing two connecting components, preferably made from plastic, a compensating element made from an elastic material, preferably a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and a supporting pipe, wherein the compensating element is arranged between the two connecting components and the compensating element ends are connected to the connecting components, wherein the outer lateral surface of the compensating element is suitably encompassed by the inner lateral surface of the supporting pipe around its entire circumference, wherein the supporting pipe has a circular cross-sectional area and the compensating element expands and contracts exclusively in the axial direction.